Freshman can definitely take the exam, but if you are not a junior or a senior, it is recommended that you don't have to rush to register for the exam. Due to the limitation of effective time, the results obtained now will be invalid when you apply, and you need to take the exam again when you apply.

You can start studying IELTS and TOEFL in your freshman or sophomore year. The difficulty coefficients of IELTS and TOEFL are both relatively high. The earlier you start, the more fully prepared you are. The validity of the IELTS test is 2 years, so you should not take the test too early, but within two years when you need the results. If you don't want to go abroad, there is no need to take the exam. After all, IELTS and TOEFL are only a language standard ability certified by foreign countries.