Driver Improvement
Adult Points System
The Driver Improvement Section of the Tennessee Department of Safety was established to monitor the driving records of Tennessee drivers. Drivers that accumulate twelve (12) or more points on their driving record within any 12-month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension and given an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing. If they fail to request a hearing, their driving privileges are suspended for a period of six to 12 months. In most cases, when a driver requests a hearing, they are given the opportunity to attend a defensive driving class in lieu of suspension or a
reduction of suspension time. Locate a Tennessee Department of Safety approved Defensive Driving School.
Juvenile Points System
Drivers less than eighteen (18) years of age that accumulate six (6) or more points on their driving record within any twelve (12) month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety and are placed in the Driver Improvement Program. The driver will be required to attend an administrative hearing, with their parent or guardian present, to discuss the points assigned to their driving record. Certain actions could be imposed based on the outcome of the hearing and the number of points accumulated on the driver's record.
Medical/Physical Disabilities
In order to report an unsafe driver to Driver Improvement, you must submit a written request with the name and birthdate of the driver, along with a brief description of the problem and your name and phone number. We cannot accept anonymous referrals. You may use the “Special/Medical Examination Request Form” listed below. Submit the referral to us by fax; 615-253-3104 or email to driver.improvement@tn.gov. When the department receives a signed, written referral or complaint that a driver has a medical/physical disability, the driver will be given the opportunity to have their medical professional complete and submit a medical form (see below) for review
Forms:
Action taken against these drivers, if any, is based on the completed medical form or other information submitted by their medical professional. In some cases, their driving privileges may be suspended or restrictions may be added. The driver may also in some cases be required to retake all, or any part, of the driver license examination.
Frequent Traffic Violation Suspension (T.C.A. 55-50-505)
- Obtain a Driver Improvement Restricted Application Form from the Hearing Officer on date of hearing, or download an application request form (valid for Frequent Traffic [Points] Suspensions only). All information on form must be completed.
- Submit completed form to Driver Improvement Section, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243 for approval. Driver Improvement will return the application either approved or denied.
- Obtain SR-22 from liability insurance company.
- Present approved application form, SR-22 form, and driver license fee to Driver License Examiner.
Tennessee Driver Improvement Program Rules
- Schedule of Point Values
(Assigned to Moving Traffic Violations or Contributing to the Occurrence of Accidents)