Driving without a valid license or permit and without insurance are serious offenses in most states, including Tennessee. According to the TN Department of Safety a conviction for failure to provide proof of financial responsibilty (insurance) is a Class C misdemeanor. This is punishable by a fine and a driver's license suspension.

Driving without being licensed (or having a permit or certificate for driving) is a class B misdemeanor. The penalty is a fine up to $500 and/or 6 months in jail.

If an individual is involved in an accident without insurance or a license the penalties are likely to be these and others, such as requiring an SR-22 to be filed with the state.

If the uninsured driver is 17, thus a minor, not only will he or she be held responsible for damages they caused while driving without insurance but likely the parents can also be held liable. As to what extent the parents can be held responsible, you would have to check with someone with information of the Tennessee legal system, such as a lawyer or the TN Department of Commerce and Insurance.