Tennessee: Licensing basics — Renewals, Military Licenses and Duplicates Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “When do permits normally expire?” · “Who is NOT eligible for the military personnel provision that lets a license carry a code showing it does not expire?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual" (March 2025 printing), Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
All 16 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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When do permits normally expire?
- One year from the date of issuance
- Six months from the date of issuance
- Two years from the date of issuance
- On your next birthday
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Correct answer: One year from the date of issuance
Permits normally expire one year from the date they are issued.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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A driver was issued a Tennessee license after January 1, 2001 and is renewing it for the first time. How must that driver renew?
- By mail with a certified document
- Online through the Department's website
- In person at a Driver Service Center
- By telephone with the license number
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Correct answer: In person at a Driver Service Center
At the first renewal the driver must show citizenship or lawful permanent residency, so mail and internet renewal are not allowed and a Driver Service Center visit is required.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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When does the Department mail a courtesy renewal notice?
- Two to four weeks before the license expires
- Eight to ten weeks before the license expires
- Thirty days before the license expires
- Six months before the license expires
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Correct answer: Eight to ten weeks before the license expires
The Department mails every driver a courtesy renewal notice eight to ten weeks before the license expires.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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You did not receive a renewal notice. What may you do?
- Wait until the notice is mailed again before renewing
- Renew only at the center nearest the address on file
- Ask the post office to resend the notice first
- Take your current license to any driver license service center
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Correct answer: Take your current license to any driver license service center
The renewal notice itself is not necessary. You may take your current license to any driver license service center to renew.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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If you renewed by mail or internet on your last renewal, what will your renewal notice direct you to do?
- Go to a Driver Service Center to have a new photograph made
- Renew by mail again and enclose a recent photograph of yourself
- Renew online again and upload a new photograph taken at home
- Wait five years before renewing again
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Correct answer: Go to a Driver Service Center to have a new photograph made
A driver who renewed by mail or internet last time is directed to a Driver Service Center for a new photograph.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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How long can a Tennessee license go unrenewed before the driver must again pass the vision screening, knowledge and skills tests?
- One year
- Five years
- Two years
- Six months
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Correct answer: Five years
A driver who goes five years without renewing must pass the vision screening, knowledge and skills tests.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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What happens to your driving privilege when your license expires?
- You may keep driving for 30 days with no penalty
- You may drive as long as you carry your renewal notice
- You may drive during daylight hours only until renewed
- You may no longer drive and face unlicensed-driver penalties
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Correct answer: You may no longer drive and face unlicensed-driver penalties
The manual says there are no grace periods. Once the license expires you are no longer entitled to drive and face the same penalties as someone never licensed.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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While on active duty and stationed outside Tennessee, what may military personnel have placed on the license?
- A "Code 60" showing the license is valid in all states
- A "Code 10" showing the license renews by mail
- A "Code 18" showing the license is restricted
- A "Code 30" showing the license does not expire
Show answer
Correct answer: A "Code 30" showing the license does not expire
Military personnel stationed outside Tennessee may have a Code 30 placed on the license to show it does not expire.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Who is NOT eligible for the military personnel provision that lets a license carry a code showing it does not expire?
- Family members of military personnel
- Active-duty personnel stationed outside Tennessee
- Personnel who bring a copy of their military orders
- Personnel who hold a Class D license
Show answer
Correct answer: Family members of military personnel
Members of the National Guard and family members of military personnel are not eligible for this provision.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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After being discharged or separated from the service, or reassigned to a duty station in Tennessee, within how many days must military personnel renew their license?
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
The license must be renewed within sixty days after the date of separation on the DD214 form or the reassignment to Tennessee.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Assignment to which Army base is considered reassignment back to Tennessee?
- Fort Knox
- Fort Campbell
- Fort Bragg
- Fort Stewart
Show answer
Correct answer: Fort Campbell
Assignment to Fort Campbell Army Base counts as reassignment to Tennessee, because the base lies in both Tennessee and Kentucky.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Which of these licenses cannot be replaced online?
- A Class D driver license
- A learner permit
- An identification license
- A Temporary Driver License
Show answer
Correct answer: A Temporary Driver License
Temporary Driver Licenses and Temporary Identification Licenses cannot be replaced online.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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You must apply in person for a duplicate license. What will be done at the center?
- A new photo will be taken
- Your fingerprints will be taken
- You will retake the knowledge test
- You will retake the road test
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Correct answer: A new photo will be taken
For an in-person duplicate you present proper identification, have a new photo taken and pay the fee.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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As of January 1, 2016, how often do Tennessee licenses for persons over the age of 21 expire?
- Every four years from the date of issuance
- Every five years from the date of issuance
- Every ten years from the date of issuance
- Every eight years from the date of issuance
Show answer
Correct answer: Every eight years from the date of issuance
Licenses for people over 21 now expire eight years after they are issued.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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For what period is a Temporary Driver License (TDL) or Temporary Identification License (TID) issued?
- A fixed period of eight years
- Until the applicant's next birthday
- The period of authorized stay in the U.S.
- Two years for every applicant
Show answer
Correct answer: The period of authorized stay in the U.S.
These temporary licenses last for the time the applicant is authorized to stay in the United States.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Under what conditions does a valid Tennessee license of a person in the United States Armed Forces remain valid regardless of the displayed expiration date?
- On active duty and based in Tennessee, with the license renewed by mail each year
- On active duty, based outside Tennessee, with the license not surrendered, canceled or suspended
- Over age 21 and based anywhere, with the license renewed before it expires
- Retired from service and living outside Tennessee, with the license not canceled
Show answer
Correct answer: On active duty, based outside Tennessee, with the license not surrendered, canceled or suspended
The license stays valid while the person is on active duty and based outside Tennessee, as long as it is not surrendered, canceled or suspended.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)