International Students and Driver’s License in Tennessee

1. What are the regulations for international students obtaining a driver’s license in Tennessee?


International students in Tennessee must obtain a valid driver’s license from the Tennessee Department of Safety. To do so, they must first prove that they are legally present in the United States with a valid visa or other immigration document. Then, they must pass the required knowledge and driving tests, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the application fee. Once they have their driver’s license, international students are subject to the same laws and regulations as all other drivers in Tennessee.

2. Are there special requirements for international students in Tennessee to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes, there are special requirements for international students in Tennessee to obtain a driver’s license. All applicants must provide proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a valid foreign passport, valid visa or I-94. Applicants must complete a written and vision test, and they must also present proof of Tennessee residency. If the applicant is from a country that does not use the metric system for measuring distances, they will be required to take an additional test to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. measurement system. In addition, all applicants must provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility.

3. How long do international students have to wait to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?


International students may obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee after completing the necessary steps. They must first obtain a Social Security number, then apply for a Tennessee learner’s permit. After studying the state driving laws and passing the permit knowledge test, they may then take the behind-the-wheel driving test. Once they have passed this test, they will be issued a valid Tennessee driver’s license. The entire process can take up to two months.

4. Does Tennessee accept foreign driver’s licenses from international students?


No, Tennessee does not accept foreign driver’s licenses from international students. International students must obtain a Tennessee driver’s license in order to drive in the state.

5. Are international students eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Tennessee if they have valid student visas?


Yes, international students with valid student visas are eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Tennessee.

6. What documents do international students need to bring when applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee?


International students applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee will need to bring the following documents:

-Valid passport
-Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
-Social Security Number (if applicable)
-Proof of Tennessee address (such as lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within 30 days)
-Proof of legal presence in the United States (such as alien registration card or permanent resident card)
-Proof of name change (if applicable)
-Proof of car insurance
-Driver’s license or ID card from former state
-Completed application for Tennessee driver’s license or ID card (Form DL1)
-Payment for applicable fees

7. Are there any restrictions on what type of vehicles international students can drive with a driver’s license in Tennessee?


Yes, international students are subject to the same licensing and vehicle restrictions as all other drivers in Tennessee. A valid driver’s license is required to drive a motor vehicle in Tennessee. The license must be from the state in which the student resides and must be valid for the type of vehicle they are driving. Additionally, all vehicles must meet the state’s safety and emissions requirements.

8. What is the minimum age requirement for international students to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?


The minimum age requirement for international students to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee is 18 years old.

9. Is a written test an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?


No, a written test is not an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee. To obtain a driver’s license, international students must provide valid documentation from their home country and proof of identification, such as a passport or an immigration document. They must also pass a vision and road skills test.

10. How long does it take for an international student to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee?


It typically takes an international student 6-7 weeks to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee. The process involves passing a written exam, a vision test, and a road test in order to obtain a learner’s permit. After completing the driver education course, a driver’s license exam can then be scheduled.

11. Is there a grace period for an international student to renew their driver’s license in Tennessee?


No, there is not a grace period for an international student to renew their driver’s license in Tennessee. All driver’s licenses must be renewed before they expire.

12. Are there any special benefits or discounts for international student drivers with a license in Tennessee?


No, there are no special benefits or discounts for international student drivers with a license in Tennessee.

13. Can an international student use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee?


Yes, an international student can use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in Tennessee. However, applicants must present documents that prove their driving experience, such as a valid foreign driver’s license, and they must pass a written test and road test administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety.

14. Does Tennessee require international students to take additional tests if they want to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes, international students in Tennessee must take a vision screening test, a knowledge test, and a road skills test in order to obtain a driver’s license.

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of cars that an international student can drive with a driver’s license in Tennessee?


Yes, international students who are legally allowed to drive in Tennessee must follow the same restrictions as US citizens. That means all drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license from their home country. Additionally, drivers must carry appropriate vehicle insurance, and all vehicles must pass Tennessee’s vehicle safety requirements.

16. What is the process of obtaining a driver’s license for an international student residing in Tennessee?


An international student residing in Tennessee is eligible to get a Tennessee driver’s license if:

1. They are at least 16 years old.
2. They have proof of identity (such as a valid passport, visa/I-94, or certificate of naturalization).
3. They have proof of Tennessee residency (such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements).
4. They have proof of Social Security Number (such as a Social Security card).
5. They have passed a written and vision test.
6. They have the appropriate fees.
7. They have completed a driver’s education course, if under 18 years old.

To apply for a driver’s license, the student must visit an authorized Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security office and complete all required paperwork. In addition, they must also present the required documents and pay the fees associated with obtaining a license.

17. Can an international student transfer their foreign driver’s license to Tennessee?


No, an international student cannot transfer their foreign driver’s license to Tennessee. International students must obtain a Tennessee driver’s license from the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

18. Is there any specialized training or courses available for international student drivers in Tennessee?


Yes, there are a variety of specialized training and courses available for international student drivers in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security offers the International Driver’s License Information System (IDLIS) program in order to assist foreign drivers who wish to obtain driver licenses in Tennessee. Additionally, the Tennessee Driver Services Division offers driver education courses in multiple languages, as well as driver improvement courses designed specifically for international drivers.

19. Can an international student exchange their foreign driver’s license for one from Tennessee?


No, international students are not eligible to exchange their foreign driver’s license for a Tennessee license. They must pass the Tennessee written and driving tests in order to receive a Tennessee driver’s license.

20. Do the laws concerning obtaining a driver’s license differ for international students compared with other residents of Tennessee?


Yes, the laws concerning obtaining a driver’s license for international students differ from those of other residents of Tennessee. International students must provide proof of their legal presence in the United States, such as a valid visa or an I-94 form, in order to obtain a driver’s license in Tennessee.