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Section B-8 DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES
Problem Driver Pointer System
The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) is used by the
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to
search the National Driver Register before issuance of a driver
license. The National Driver Register is a repository of
information on problem drivers provided by all 51 U.S.
jurisdictions.
Based on information received as a result of the National Driver
Register search, PDPS will “point” the Department of Safety
Driver License Examiner to the State of Record(s), where an
individual's driver status and history information is stored.
If you apply for a Tennessee license — whether it is your first
license here, or some other transaction such as a renewal —
and you have a problem in another state, we cannot issue you
a license until the matter is resolved.
The National Driver Register contains names and limited other
identifying information about individuals whose licenses have
been canceled, denied, revoked, suspended, or who have been
convicted of certain serious traffic violations. If records
indicate you have a problem in another state, the examiners
will provide you the name of the state reporting the problem
and a telephone number you can use to contact that state to
clear your record there.
Please Note: To get specific information about what the other
state has reported to the PDPS system, you will need to
contact the other state. Tennessee does not have this
information. We are only provided with the fact that the other
state has reported a problem.
In Tennessee, a driver license may be revoked or suspended
for the following situations:
1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
including the failure to submit to a test to determine the
blood/alcohol level. (Implied Consent)
2. Allowing unlawful use of a driver license, including
fraudulently altering a driver license or allowing another
individual to use your license or identification.
3. Mental or physical difficulties that interfere with a
driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle (e.g.,
Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and loss of consciousness).
4. Leaving the scene of a personal injury or fatal crash;
failure to stop and render aid in a vehicle crash.
5. Perjury, or giving false information on the use or
ownership of a vehicle, or for the issuance of a driver
license.
6. A felony that involves the use of a vehicle.
7. Evading arrest while operating a motor vehicle.
8. Manslaughter/vehicular homicide involving the operation
of a vehicle.
9. Two reckless driving violations within 12 months.
10. Drag racing.
11. Habitual recipients of moving traffic violations.
12. Not complying with the terms of a judgment found
against the driver for damages resulting from a motor
vehicle crash.
13. Purchasing or possessing any alcoholic beverage, if
under 21 years old.
14. Failure to comply with child support requirements.
15. Driving a motor vehicle away from a gas station without
paying for dispensed gas or diesel fuel.
16. Failure to show evidence of vehicle insurance/financial
responsibility to an officer when involved in a crash or
charged with a moving violation.
17. Possession by a driver of five or more grams of
methamphetamine in a vehicle.
In addition, persons under the age of 18 may lose their driving
privileges for:
• Convictions of any drug or alcohol offense, whether or
not the offense occurred while driving;
• Dropping out of school (which is defined as having 10
consecutive or 15 total days in a semester of unexcused
absences);
• Failure to make satisfactory progress in school (which, in
general, means passing three subjects per grading
period); or
• Possession or carrying weapons on school property.
Whenever a driver license is suspended or revoked, it must
be turned in to the Department of Safety within 20 days of
the suspension or revocation. Any Tennessee Highway
Patrol Office or Driver License Service Center can take
your license and see that you are given credit for returning
it. The license may be mailed to:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
PO BOX 945
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
Failure to surrender your license means that you will be fined
$75 in addition to any other fines and costs you may owe.
Hearings
Before any license is suspended, revoked or canceled, the
department will notify the licensee in writing of the proposed
suspension, revocation or cancellation. If your license is about
to be suspended, revoked or cancelled, the department will
give you an opportunity for a hearing prior to action, except in
cases of final judgments and convictions.
LOSING YOUR PRIVILEGE TO DRIVE