Review our International Student Guide "How to Get A Driver's License" to get an idea of what steps you'll need to take.

If you already know how to drive in the United States, you will need to apply for a driver’s license with the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles (TNDMV). 

REQUIREMENTS

• Vision test (while using your glasses/contacts)

• Written test

• Driving exam.
  
  You will need a friend to drive you to the testing center and then you will take your driving test using their car.  Here is a practice test for the written exam.  

Where to get more information or take your tests?

Alcoa Driver Services Center

Directions

WHERE DO I BUY A CAR?

First it is important to know that you generally need a license to buy a car.  This is because you quickly need to take steps to put the title in your name and register your car. 

You may:

1. buy from an individual or 

2. buy from a dealer. 

There are pros and cons to both. 

TITLE 

When you purchase a car, you need to get a document called a title. This proves that you own the car . The purchase of a car puts the car legally in your name; you will receive the car's title (ownership document) from the seller once you pay for the vehicle in full. 

REGISTRATION

You also need to register your car. This involves paying a tax and receiving a license plate and registration card. You can get your title and registration at your county clerk’s office.

NOTE:

For a new car, the dealership usually will apply for your title and registration for you. If you buy a car from a private seller, they must give you the title with their name on it. You will need this to get a new title in your name. You cannot legally sell your car to someone else without a title and registration in your name.

Keep the title in a safe place at home. Carry your registration card in your car, and put the license plate on your car right away. You must renew your registration every year. When you renew your registration, you’ll get a new year sticker to put on the license plate.

For a used car, always get an inspection from your own mechanic (not one suggested by the dealership or seller). Ask friends and teachers to recommend honest mechanics. You’ll pay a fee for this service, but you don’t want to buy a “lemon” (a car that doesn’t work well).

Ask about the history of a used car: Has it been in any accidents? What mechanical problems has it had, and how were those problems fixed? CARFAX is a paid service that can give you vehicle history reports on any used car.

To check the reliability of a car model, check the magazine Consumer Reports. It gives detailed reviews of most cars from the last several years. You can find their car buying guides at public libraries or pay for a subscription to their website.

Many Americans take out a loan to buy a car. However, since international students don’t have credit history in the U.S., they have to pay cash. Most dealers and private sellers prefer ask for a cashier’s check. You can purchase this at your bank, and the bank guarantees the money to the dealer or seller. 

TIP: Check out resources online for international students about buying a car - like this one about getting a loan to buy a car.

Obtaining and maintaining auto insurance is a legal requirement to driving in the States. 

It is illegal to drive without car insurance. You could face a large fine and lose your license, and you will have a criminal record. 

There are two types of car insurance: 

1. Liability insurance: Liability insurance is required by law. It pays for damages or medical bills for the other person if you cause an accident. 

2. Collision insurance. Collision (or comprehensive) insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended.  Most Americans have both types. It pays for your expenses and the expenses of the other car in an accident that is your fault. If you do not have collision insurance, a car accident can be very expensive.

There are many insurance companies that will give you quotes on their websites. Check with your friends who drive and ask them about their insurance. 

• DMV Factsheet (SEVP)

• How to Get a Driver's License in Tennessee (F-1)

• Police, Accidents & DUI's - What international student drivers need to know