Tennessee's Graduated Driver Licensing Law

June 2010

Author: Nneka Norman-Gordon

Legislative Brief

Public Chapter 700 (2000) made significant changes to Tennessee’s driver license laws relative to teen drivers. The reforms created a graduated driver licensing system for drivers under the age of 18. The restrictions are intended to allow teen drivers to develop their driving skills before obtaining full, unrestricted driving privileges. This publication reviews the concept of graduated driver license systems, outlines the specifics of Tennessee’s graduated driver licensing system, and reviews policy options highway safety organizations have suggested for strengthening such laws.