Driver's License Examiner

Role overview

The State of Tennessee is hiring a full-time Driver’s License Examiner for its Department of Safety and Homeland Security in Blount County, with the work location in Alcoa, TN. This role is centered on evaluating driver’s license applicants, confirming eligibility for services, conducting tests, handling fees and records, and supporting public service operations at the driver services center.

Compensation

Monthly pay for this position ranges from $2,896 to $4,331, which is equivalent to an annual salary range of $34,752 to $51,972.

Application timeline

The opening date is 06/15/2026 at 12:00 AM Central Time, and the posting closes on 06/21/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time.

Location

This role is based in Blount County, Tennessee, with the listed city location as Alcoa, TN.

Education and verification

Applicants must have education equivalent to graduating from a standard high school. Proof of education, such as a diploma or transcripts, is required.

Background and licensing conditions

This job requires a criminal background check. Candidates may need to disclose criminal history to be considered. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required, or the applicant must be able to obtain one before appointment.

• Applicants must complete a background clearance application that includes releasing criminal history records and completing both fingerprint-based and name-based checks.
• Applicants must never have been convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of any permanent disqualifying offense under 49 CFR 1572.103(a).
• Applicants must not have had any interim disqualifying offense under 49 CFR 1572.103(b) within the 7 years before applying.
• Applicants must not have been released from incarceration within the 5 years before applying for an interim disqualifying offense under 49 CFR 1572.103(b).
• Applicants must not be under warrant for a felony listed in 49 CFR 1572.103(a) or 1572.103(b).

Role summary

This position involves determining whether applicants qualify for services such as license renewal, replacement, testing, and handgun permits. The examiner administers vision, written, and road skills tests, processes application information and fees, and helps maintain accurate licensing records.

Responsibilities

• Explain licensing laws, departmental procedures, and public-facing requirements, including office hours, locations, fee amounts, and how to apply.
• Review fees and identification documents such as a Social Security card, proof of residence, current driver’s license, and USDOT medical card, then verify their authenticity.
• Access applicant test files and determine whether the applicant is eligible for the correct testing process.
• Count register cash at the start and end of shifts, print daily receipt reports, identify variances, calculate office revenue, reconcile reports, and prepare bank deposits.
• Guide applicants through forms and testing steps, administer vision, written, and road tests, take applicant photographs, explain test results, and document retest requirements.
• Inspect vehicles for safe operation, including lights, brakes, and turn signals, and assess driving performance against traffic laws and road-safety standards.
• Update licensing and operational records, enter biographical information into the License Information System for Tennessee, and verify application data for accuracy.
• Support special cases, customer issues, audits, reports, equipment ordering, supplies, immigration-related processing, and accommodation needs when assigned.

Competencies, knowledge, and tools

Success in this role depends on strong customer service, resilience, trustworthiness, and interpersonal skill. The position also requires knowledge of clerical work, customer service, English language usage, public safety, and transportation. Common tools include a computerized cashier system, standard office equipment, a digital camera, motor vehicles, and a computer-based testing system.

Driver standards

Because the role may involve driving duties, candidates must have a valid driver’s license. Over the past five years, the applicant’s record must not include DUI, reckless driving, a suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations. Driver’s license information should be included in the Licenses and Certifications section of the application, and agencies may grant exceptions depending on other factors.

Additional information

The job note indicates that this classification differs from a Driver Services Branch Manager, who supervises employees in this role at a Driver Services Center. The notice also states that the position may involve handling complex projects and public-facing service work.