Alcohol, Drugs & Graduated Licensing
Tennessee sets firm limits on impaired driving and phases in driving privileges through its Graduated Driver License program.
Impaired driving limits
A driver age 21 or older is legally impaired (DUI) at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Tennessee has a zero-tolerance law, so a driver under 21 can lose driving privileges at a BAC as low as 0.02.
Implied consent and drugs
By driving in Tennessee you consent to a chemical test if lawfully arrested for impaired driving, and refusing can result in license suspension. Illegal drugs, marijuana, and even some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair you and lead to a DUI.
Graduated Driver License
Tennessee's GDL begins with a learner permit at age 15 that requires a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat and prohibits driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. After holding the permit and logging supervised practice, drivers earn an intermediate license at 16 that still carries night and passenger limits before a full license at 18.