Most teenagers in Tennessee have to wait until they are 16 to get their license. However, in rare and extreme cases, the state offers a lifeline: the Class H Hardship License.
This special license allows minors as young as 14 years old to drive legally.
Stop! Are you an Adult (18+)? If you are an adult trying to drive to work after a DUI or suspension, this is the wrong guide for you. You need a “Restricted License,” not a Hardship License. Please see our guide on how to reinstate a suspended license in TN.
For everyone else—parents and teens dealing with a genuine family crisis—this guide explains the strict eligibility rules, the “1% Approval Rate,” and how to apply for a Class H license in 2026.
What Is a Class H Hardship License in Tennessee? (Rules for Minors vs. Adults)
A Class H license is a restricted driver’s license for Tennessee residents between the ages of 14 and 16.
It is not for convenience. You cannot get one just because you want to drive to band practice or because your parents work late. The Department of Safety grants these only when there is an “extreme privation or suffering” that can only be solved by the minor driving.
The “1% Rule”: Approvals are incredibly rare. Less than 1% of applicants are granted this license. The state reviews every application individually, and if you have any other option (school bus, Uber, neighbor, family friend), you will likely be denied.
Tennessee Hardship License Eligibility: Medical, Financial, and School-Based Qualifications
Before you fill out the paperwork, check if you meet the rigid standards.
The Basics:
- Age: Must be at least 14 years old (but under 16).
- Residency: Must be a Tennessee resident.
- Driving Record: You must have a clean record. If you have prior violations, check your status using our check points on driver license in TN guide first.
The 3 Valid “Hardship” Reasons:
- Medical Necessity: A family member has a serious illness that prevents them from driving, and the minor is the only person available to drive them to treatment. (Requires a doctor’s letter).
- Financial Necessity: The minor must work to support the family financially. (Requires proof of family income and employer verification).
- Educational Necessity: There is no school bus and no other transport to get to school. (Requires a letter from the School Principal).
How to Apply for a Class H Hardship License in Tennessee
You cannot walk into a DMV and ask for this. It is a mail-in legal process.
Step 1: Download the Application Get the Hardship Driver License Application (Form SF-0263) from the TN.gov website.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence You must prove your case. Depending on your reason, attach:
- Medical: Letter from the attending physician on letterhead.
- School: Rejection letter from the school bus transport system and a letter from the Principal.
- Work: Proof of family income (tax returns) and a letter from your employer.
Step 3: Mail It In Do not take this to a Driver Service Center. Mail the completed packet to the Hardship License Unitin Nashville (the address is on the form).
Step 4: The Review The Department will review your case. This takes 2–4 weeks.
- If Denied: You will receive a letter explaining why.
- If Approved: You will receive an Authorization Letter.
Step 5: Take the Test Once you have the Authorization Letter, you must visit a Driver Services Center to take the Knowledge Test and Vision Screening.
- Tip: Don’t wait in line. Schedule your visit using our DMV Tennessee appointment guide.
Tennessee Hardship License Restrictions: 5 AM–7 PM Rule and 25-Mile Driving Limit
If you are lucky enough to get a Class H license, you are on a very short leash.
The “Daylight Only” Rule:
- You are permitted to drive ONLY between 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
- There are NO exceptions. If you are caught driving at 7:15 PM, your license will be revoked.
The “25-Mile” Limit:
- You are typically restricted to a 25-mile radius from your home.
- You must take the most direct route to your approved destination (School/Work/Doctor). No detours for food or friends.
Passenger Limits:
- You can only transport immediate family members. You cannot drive friends.
Class H Hardship License Renewal and Expiration: What Happens When You Turn 16 in Tennessee
The “16th Birthday” Deadline: A Hardship License automatically expires on your 16th birthday.
- Action: On your birthday, you must visit the DMV to upgrade to a standard Class PD (Intermediate Restricted)license.
- If you move houses during this time, you must update the state immediately. See our Tennessee DMV address change guide to keep your records current.
Revocation Risk: If you get a ticket, a seatbelt violation, or are caught driving outside your approved hours, the state will cancel your Hardship License immediately. You will then be ineligible for any license until you turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. The state rarely considers extracurricular activities a “hardship” unless they are required for a school grade and no bus is available.
If you are 14, you do not need a permit first; the Hardship License acts as your permit. If you are 15, the Hardship License can serve as your permit for the standard GDL track.
There is no fee to apply. If approved, you will pay the standard license printing fee (approx. $9.00) when you pass your test.
You can appeal, but unless your situation changes (e.g., a sudden medical worsening), the decision is usually final. You will have to wait until you turn 15 or 16 to get a regular permit.
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