Tennessee permit practice test
The Tennessee Department of Safety knowledge test (online version for ages 15 to 17) has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass. This free practice test uses the same numbers, with 50 questions written from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.
Tennessee practice test
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What must you do when you come to this sign?
A stop sign means you must bring your car to a complete stop without going beyond the crosswalk. Go on only when you can do so safely.
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You reach this sign and are sure no other vehicles are coming. What must you do?
At a yield sign, stop and wait when other vehicles are approaching. If you are sure none are coming, you need not stop fully, but you must slow down and enter with caution.
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What does this round sign always mean?
A round sign always means you are approaching a railroad grade crossing. Slow down and be ready to stop if you see a train coming.
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Where along the road is this pennant-shaped sign posted?
The triangular No Passing Zone sign is yellow or orange and is placed on the left side of the roadway. It marks an area where passing is not permitted.
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What should you do when you see this sign?
This sign warns that a stop sign you cannot yet see is just ahead. Start slowing down as soon as you see the warning.
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Tennessee law requires a yellow traffic light to be shown for at least how long before the red light?
Tennessee law only requires the yellow light to show for a minimum of three seconds before the red. When it comes on, prepare to stop if it is safe to do so.
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A traffic signal is not working at all. How does Tennessee law say to treat the intersection?
When a signal is not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop as you would for stop signs in every direction and go only when it is safe.
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What does a flashing yellow X over a traffic lane mean?
A flashing yellow X means the lane is only for turning. A red X means you cannot drive in the lane, and a green arrow means you can.
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While driving, you notice a yellow line on your right and a white line on your left. What does this mean?
The yellow line belongs on your left and the white line on your right. Yellow on the right and white on the left means you are going the wrong way.
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Two solid yellow lines divide the road. When may you cross them?
You may not cross two solid yellow lines to pass, even if no traffic is coming. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway or side road if it is safe.
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In Tennessee, what is the farthest you may travel in a shared center left-turn lane?
A shared center turn lane is only for left turns. It cannot be used for passing and cannot be used for travel farther than 300 feet.
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Two vehicles reach an all-way stop at the same time. Which driver must yield?
At an all-way stop the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
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You are in the middle of an intersection when an ambulance comes up behind you with its siren on. What should you do?
You must pull to the right edge of the road and stop for an emergency vehicle. If you are in an intersection, drive through it first so you do not block the vehicle's path.
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A pedestrian with a white cane is crossing the road ahead of you. How far away must you stop?
For a blind or visually impaired pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog, stop at least 10 feet away until the person is off the roadway. Do not use your horn.
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You catch up to a funeral procession on a two-lane road in Tennessee. What does the law say?
On a two-lane road, vehicles following a funeral procession may not try to pass it. You also may not drive between its vehicles unless a traffic officer directs you to.
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Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit on Tennessee's primary and secondary state and federal highways?
Unless otherwise posted, the limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways is 55 mph. Slow down further when conditions are poor.
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What is the maximum speed that Tennessee law sets for interstate highways?
The maximum interstate speed set by Tennessee law is 70 mph. Some urban sections are posted as low as 55 mph, so watch the signs.
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Under normal conditions, what is the minimum speed in the right lanes of a Tennessee interstate?
On interstates the minimum speed in the right lanes is 45 mph under normal driving conditions. If that is too fast for you, use another road.
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You are driving slowly and traffic is backing up behind you. What is the fewest vehicles lined up that means you should pull off?
You are a slow-moving vehicle if you travel 10 mph or more below the lawful maximum speed. If five or more vehicles line up behind you, turn or pull off as soon as it is safe.
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How far before a turn must you turn on your turn signal in Tennessee?
Turn on your signal at least 50 feet before a turn or lane change, so other drivers have time to react.
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When does Tennessee allow a left turn at a red light?
After a complete stop, you may turn left on red from a one-way street onto a one-way street, unless a sign prohibits turns on red. Yield to traffic and pedestrians first.
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You may not make a U-turn where you cannot see traffic from both directions for at least how far?
A U-turn is not allowed anywhere you cannot see traffic coming from both directions for at least 500 feet each way, such as near a curve or the crest of a hill.
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In Tennessee, it is illegal to park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is illegal. Firefighters need clear access to it.
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Tennessee does not allow parking within how many feet of a stop sign or traffic signal?
It is illegal to park within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or any other traffic control device.
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After you parallel park, your vehicle should be no farther than how many inches from the curb?
When you finish parallel parking, the vehicle should be no farther than 18 inches from the curb.
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What is the lowest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at which driving is always illegal in Tennessee?
Driving with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher is illegal. You can still be convicted of DUI below .08 if alcohol or drugs impair your driving.
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What is the lowest BAC at which a Tennessee driver aged 16 to 20 can be convicted of underage driving while impaired?
A driver who is at least 16 but not yet 21 and is found driving with a BAC of .02 percent will be convicted of underage driving while impaired.
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Your doctor prescribes a sedative that impairs your driving. Under Tennessee law, is the prescription a defense to a DUI charge?
A prescription is no defense for driving under the influence of a drug. Ask your doctor how a tranquilizer or sedative will affect your ability to drive safely.
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What is the only thing that can sober up a person who has been drinking?
The liver can oxidize only about one drink per hour. Coffee, exercise or a cold shower cannot speed this up; only time can sober a person.
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As a condition of probation, a DUI conviction in Tennessee requires how much litter pick-up?
A DUI conviction requires litter pick-up for three eight-hour shifts as a condition of probation. The offender must wear a vest or other clothing that reads “I am a DRUNK DRIVER.”
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How long must a Tennessee driver under 18 hold a learner permit before moving up to an Intermediate Restricted License?
A driver under 18 must hold the learner permit for 180 days, be 16 years old and pass the road test to get an Intermediate Restricted License.
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A Tennessee learner permit holder may drive only with a licensed driver in the front seat who is at least what age?
With a learner permit you may drive only when a licensed driver 21 years or older is riding in the front seat of the vehicle.
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At what time each night must a Tennessee learner permit holder under 18 stop driving?
A learner permit holder under 18 may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The later 11 p.m. limit applies to drivers with an Intermediate Restricted License.
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How much driving experience must be certified before a Tennessee teen can get an Intermediate Restricted License?
A parent, legal guardian or licensed driving instructor must certify on the official form that you have completed fifty hours of driving experience, ten of them at night.
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When no exception applies, how many passengers may a driver with a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License carry?
A driver with an Intermediate Restricted License can have only one other passenger. Exceptions cover a passenger 21 or older with a valid unrestricted license and siblings riding to and from school with a parent's letter.
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When does Tennessee require your headlights to be on at night?
Headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. They are also required when you cannot see clearly 200 feet ahead or when rain requires constant wiper use.
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You are using high beams at night. Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you dim them?
Dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, about one city block, and when you are following another vehicle within 500 feet.
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Which of these does Tennessee's hands-free law make illegal for a driver?
It is illegal for a driver to hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of the body, to write, send or read a text, or to watch or record video.
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In Tennessee, a child aged four through eight must ride in a booster seat if the child is shorter than what height?
Children four through eight years old who are under four feet, nine inches tall must ride in a belt-positioning booster seat and wear a seat belt.
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A train is coming as you approach a railroad crossing. Where must you stop?
When a train is coming, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad tracks. Never stop on the tracks, and wait until the train has passed and it is safe to cross.
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A school bus stops with red lights flashing on a four-lane highway with a center turn lane. You are coming toward it. What must you do?
A center turn lane is not a barrier, so traffic in both directions must stop for the bus. You need not stop only when a median or barrier separates the two roadways.
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When you pass a bicyclist going your direction in Tennessee, how much space must you leave?
Pass a bicyclist slowly and leave a distance of not less than 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle. Keep that clearance until you are safely past.
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On a four-lane highway, you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. What does Tennessee's Move Over Law require?
When you approach a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, change into a lane that is not next to it. If changing lanes is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution.
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Your vehicle starts to hydroplane on a wet road. What should you do?
If you start to hydroplane, slow down gradually by easing off the gas. Do not slam on the brakes, because the tires have lost the traction needed to steer and brake safely.
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Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. After everyone gets out, which way should you run?
Get everyone out and away from the tracks. If a train is coming, run toward it at a 45-degree angle so you are behind the point of impact and away from flying debris.
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After an interstate crash in Tennessee, the vehicles can be driven and no one is seriously hurt. What does the law allow?
After an interstate crash with no serious injuries or deaths, Tennessee law lets you move a drivable vehicle to the emergency lane so traffic is not blocked. Wait there for an officer and never leave the scene.
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What is the fewest points within 12 months that brings a notice of proposed suspension for a Tennessee driver under 18?
A driver under 18 who collects 6 or more points within 12 months gets a notice of proposed suspension. For drivers 18 or older the number is 12 or more.
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In Tennessee, exceeding the school zone speed limit is by law considered which offense?
Exceeding the school zone speed limit is by law reckless driving. It automatically adds six points to your driving record.
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What is the maximum fine for breaking the posted speed limit in an active Tennessee work zone?
Tennessee law sets a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum fine of $500 for breaking the speed limit posted in an active work zone.
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What are the penalties for a conviction of underage driving while impaired in Tennessee?
The penalties are losing your license for one year and a $250 fine, and sometimes public service work as well.
Questions to review
The real Tennessee test at a glance
- Questions
- 30
- Correct answers to pass
- 2480% or better
- Minimum permit age
- 15 years
- Handbook
- March 2025 printing (content current as of July 1, 2022)Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual
Sources: tn.gov · tn.gov · tn.gov · Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. Checked November 15, 2026.
What these 50 questions cover
Every question is tied to a page of the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. After each answer you see the rule and the page.
The real test. Online test for ages 15 to 17, proctored by a parent or legal guardian: 30 questions, 60 minutes, in English or Spanish; the knowledge test is also given on computers at Driver Service Centers.
If you fail. Wait one day (24 hours) after a failed knowledge test before trying again; the online test may be taken a maximum of two times.
- Road signs5
- Alcohol and drugs5
- Permit and license rules5
- Safe driving5
- Right-of-way4
- Speed limits4
- Penalties4
- Traffic signals3
- Pavement markings3
- Turning and passing3
- Parking3
- Sharing the road3
- Emergencies3
Tennessee permit test questions
How many questions are on the Tennessee permit test?
How many questions can you miss on the Tennessee permit test?
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Tennessee?
What happens if you fail the Tennessee permit test?
Are these the real Tennessee test questions?
- What it is
- Practice questions for the Tennessee Department of Safety knowledge test, with the same length and pass mark.
- What it is not
- Not the official test and not the real test questions. Not affiliated with the Tennessee Department of Safety.
- Source
- Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, March 2025 printing (content current as of July 1, 2022)
- Source checked
- November 15, 2026
- Made by
- The Appcellent team
- Updated
- November 2026