A hardship license (Class H) may be issued to a minor who is 14 or 15 years old to operate passenger vehicles or motorcycles. These licenses are issued only in cases of family hardship and are limited to specific needs. Proof of hardship must be submitted with a Hardship License Application (SF-0263). Each applicant is reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis. Less than one percent of all licenses issued to minors are hardship licenses.
Applicants who qualify to apply for a hardship license must pass a vision test, knowledge test, and road test. The Class H license is valid only for daylight hours and for travel to authorized locations as specified.
Those with a hardship license who are at least 15 years old are extend the same privileges as those holding a Class PD license, when they are accompanied by any of the responsible adults listed for the Class PD.
Regardless of age at time of approval, a Hardship License will expire on the applicant's 16th birthday.
Please note: If you are approved for a hardship license and it is less than 6 months until your 16th birthday, you will be required to renew a Class PD upon expiration of your hardship license. You will need to hold the learner permit until you have attained a total of 180 days driving experience between the two license types and meet the Graduated Driver License Requirements as outlined in the Driver License Handbook.
If the holder of the hardship license/certificate is at least 15 years of age, the Class H license/certificate may be used as an instructional permit for Class D vehicles, as long as all other requirements pertaining to appropriate Learner Permit license/certificate are met
Applicant must be a Tennessee resident and be between 14 and 16 years of age.
For a first-time license, an applicant must be in compliance with the Compulsory School Attendance Law.
Applicants for a Hardship License/Certificate must meet the same eligibility standards for Class D License/Certificate.
Applicants who are 14 years of age, or those who have not held a Learner Permit for at least 3 months must show proof of successful completion of a State approved Driver Education/Training Course
Persons holding a valid hardship license/certificate may operate Class D (passenger vehicle) or Class M (motor-driven cycle) vehicles only. However, to drive a Class M vehicle, the applicant will be required to take the Class M driving test in addition to the Class D test.
Hardship licenses are valid only for daylight hours (No earlier than 5:00 a.m. and no later than 7:00 p.m. No exceptions!).
Hardship licenses are valid only for travel to pre-authorized locations that are specified on the approval letter.
Passengers are limited to immediate family members only.
Hardship license/certificates will be approved for the most direct route only with a mileage limitation of 25 miles, one way.
Persons holding a valid hardship license/certificate are not allowed to tow other vehicles or trailers.
Destinations that will be considered for approval with the appropriate justification include:
School - only if no bus transportation is provided.
Extracurricular school activities - only if no bus transportation is provided and these activities are school sponsored, or accredited courses and extreme privation exists.
Work - only if income is required to help financially support the family.
Medical - only for serious illnesses of immediate family members. Family members may include parents, grandparents, stepparents or legal guardians if living in the same household as applicant.
Please note: If a driver is found to be driving before or after hours, on an unapproved route, or with non-approved passengers, their license can be suspended.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit, driver license, identification only license, or certificate for driving. No photocopies will be accepted!
For a Class H (Hardship) Driver License you will need:
Proof of any Name Changes if Different than name on Primary ID
Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current = dated within last 4 months)
Proof of Social Security number or sworn affidavit if no Social Security number has been issued. (Acceptable document is Social Security Card, W-2 Form)
Hardship approval letter noting authorized driving routes and times. This must be the original letter from Tennessee Department of Safety.
