Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-202: Establishment of rules and regulations

(a) The commissioner is authorized to establish administrative rules and regulations concerning the licensing of persons to operate motor vehicles, in this state, for the purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of the traveling public. The commissioner is also authorized to adopt rules and regulations, exemptions and policies promulgated by the secretary. The commissioner is authorized to adopt the rules and regulations, exemptions and policies promulgated by the United States secretary of homeland security. The department is also authorized to utilize any verification process to comply with any rules and regulations, exemptions and policies promulgated by the United States secretary of homeland security.

(b) The commissioner is also authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of chapter 819 of the Public Acts of 1990. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.