Free Tennessee DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed Tennessee DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Tennessee knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Tennessee DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 9 topics.

Speed limits

The manual notes residential roads or city streets may post limits as low as 25 or 35 mph, so drivers must watch for and follow the signs.
Tennessee law allows interstate speed limits up to 70 mph, though variable and urban sections may be posted lower, such as 55 mph.
The manual explains variable speed limits may reduce the posted maximum, such as down to 55 mph, in congested urban interstate sections.
Unless otherwise posted, primary and secondary state and federal highways have a speed limit of 55 mph; residential/city streets may be posted as low as 25-35 mph.

Right of way

At uncontrolled intersections with simultaneous arrival, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
The driver who arrives first at the intersection generally goes first, though caution is still required from everyone.
A green light does not eliminate right-of-way duties; a left-turning driver must still yield to oncoming traffic before turning.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in or entering a crosswalk or street, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.
The manual teaches drivers to look left, then right, then left/right again, and to never assume another driver will yield even when you have the right-of-way.
When signals are out, intersections are effectively treated like uncontrolled intersections, so the standard yield-to-the-right rule and caution apply.
Tennessee law formally recognizes funeral processions, and it is a codified, accepted practice for oncoming traffic to pull to the side of the roadway as a sign of respect.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

For drivers 21 and older, a BAC of 0.08% or more is illegal per se under Tennessee DUI law.
Tennessee allows a DUI conviction even below 0.08% BAC, including near 0.00%, if impairment is otherwise demonstrated.
Tennessee's zero-tolerance law convicts drivers age 16 to under 21 of underage impaired driving at a BAC of 0.02% or higher, below the adult 0.08% threshold.
Underage impaired driving convictions carry penalties including a period of license loss and a monetary fine, sometimes with public service work.
Implied consent means driving in Tennessee automatically implies agreement to chemical testing when an officer reasonably suspects impairment.
Under implied consent, refusing testing carries its own suspension penalty independent of whether a DUI charge is proven.
A 1st DUI conviction carries 48 hours to 7 days jail (7 days mandatory if BAC is 0.20% or higher), a $350-$1,500 fine, and a 1-year license revocation.
A 2nd DUI conviction carries 45 days to 11 months 29 days jail, a $600-$3,500 fine, a 2-year license revocation, and the vehicle becomes subject to seizure and forfeiture.
A 3rd DUI conviction carries 120 days to 11 months 29 days jail, a $1,100-$10,000 fine, and 3 to 10 years license revocation.
A 4th or subsequent DUI conviction is a Class E felony with 150 days minimum jail, a $3,000-$15,000 fine, and 5 years to indefinite license revocation.
A vehicle can be seized if a driver has two DUI convictions within five years, both after January 1997, or if caught driving on a license already revoked due to a DUI conviction.
The restriction period requiring a functioning ignition interlock device runs 6 months to 1 year for a first offense, up to 3 years for a second, and up to 10 years for a third or subsequent offense.
A first offense results in loss of driving privileges for one year or until age 17 (whichever is longer), regardless of whether they were driving at the time.

Signals and markings

A green arrow gives the protected right-of-way to proceed in that direction, though the driver must still yield to anyone already in the intersection.
A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive signal allowing a left turn, but only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians/cyclists in the crosswalk.
A steady red light requires a full stop; cross traffic has the right of way until the light changes.
A dashed yellow center line indicates passing is generally permitted when it can be done safely, unlike a solid yellow line.
A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
A law enforcement officer's directions override traffic signals, so drivers must obey the officer even if it means stopping on a green light.
A solid yellow line on your side of a centerline pair generally means passing is prohibited in that direction, while a broken line permits passing when safe.
The truck apron is a raised, paved area only meant for large truck wheels; ordinary vehicles should never drive on it.
A flashing yellow signal means drivers may proceed but should slow down and use extra caution.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to stop completely and then proceed only when it is safe.
A yellow light signals that the light is about to change to red, and drivers should stop if they can do so safely rather than accelerate through it.
The manual instructs drivers not to change lanes once inside a roundabout.
On a plain green light, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
Headlights are legally required not just at night but any time weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to proceed through the intersection with caution rather than requiring a full stop.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn but the driver must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
A flashing red signal requires a full stop, after which the driver may proceed when it's safe, just as at a stop sign.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

Tennessee law ties headlight use directly to wiper use, not to a driver's subjective visibility judgment.
Endangering a highway worker with no injury results in a fine of $500 to $1,000, rising to as much as $5,000 if great bodily injury results.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
The manual requires yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and others still clearing the intersection even if you'd otherwise have priority.
Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
Because safety corridors have higher serious-crash rates, drivers are encouraged to use headlights on to improve visibility and safety.
A several-second following distance, often cited as at least 3 seconds under normal conditions, provides reaction time to avoid rear-end collisions.
Advisory speed plates on curve warning signs indicate a safe reduced speed that drivers should slow to before entering the curve.
Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment similarly to impairment, and can lead to microsleeps that cause the driver to lose control.
Easing off the gas and holding a straight steering direction allows the tires to regain contact with the road surface safely.
The manual requires headlights to be on whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet.
Wet roads increase stopping distance, so drivers should slow down and add extra space to compensate for reduced traction.
General right-of-way practice, reflected in the manual, is that the first vehicle to arrive and stop proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the right.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
General safe-driving principles hold that adverse weather reduces traction and visibility, requiring lower speeds than posted limits allow in good conditions.
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with active lights and siren by safely moving aside, not stopping in the travel lane.
Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
An owner cited by a stop-arm camera faces monetary penalties instead of points: $250 for a first violation, rising to $300 for a third within 18 months.
Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates faster than tire treads can disperse it, causing loss of contact with the road.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
A driver overtaking a bicyclist may not turn right unless it can be completed at a safe distance from the cyclist and at a reasonable, proper speed.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

School zones and signs

School zone limits are enforced during times when children are going to or from school or during recess/school hours, often signaled by flashing lights.

Road signs

STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so drivers can recognize it even if the sign face is obscured.
The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are the standard shape/color combination used for general warning signs about upcoming hazards or conditions.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are warning signs, alerting drivers to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
A downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give right of way to conflicting traffic.
A YIELD sign requires slowing down and stopping only if needed to give way to traffic or pedestrians on the intersecting road.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
The handbook's statutory speeds apply only when no other limit is posted, meaning posted signage takes precedence.
At a yield sign, drivers must slow or stop as needed to let crossing or oncoming traffic clear before proceeding safely.
The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
Yellow diamond signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
The downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is the standard YIELD sign, requiring drivers to slow and yield to conflicting traffic.
The octagonal red stop sign universally requires a full stop before the driver may proceed when safe.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

Tennessee law requires headlights to be on any time the wipers are running, not just as a suggestion.
Permit holders under 18 may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under Tennessee's graduated licensing rules.
The Tennessee knowledge test consists of 30 questions covering rules of the road, signs, and safe driving practices.
Applicants must correctly answer about 80% of the questions, meaning only a small number of missed questions is allowed before failing.
The hands-free law prohibits holding a phone to read text messages while driving, a restriction the manual frames broadly around distracted phone use behind the wheel.
Tennessee bans all cell phone use, including hands-free, for permit and intermediate license holders under 18.
Tennessee's hands-free law bars drivers from holding a phone, texting, reaching for a phone out of a normal driving position, or watching/recording video while driving.
A Tennessee learner permit (Class PD) may be issued at age 15 after passing the standard written exam and vision screening.
Learner permit holders must hold the permit for 180 days before becoming eligible for the Intermediate Restricted License at age 16.
Applicants must pass the road test and have 50 hours of driving experience, including 10 hours at night, certified on form SF-1256.
Intermediate Restricted license holders may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat.
New residents under 18 must hold a TN learner permit for a total of 180 days (counting prior-state time, verified by a certified driving record within 30 days) and turn 16.
Road tests are not given during extreme weather such as heavy rain or heavy snow, and during winter months they are not given after dark.

Emergencies

The Move Over Law applies regardless of whether the stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle is on the left or right side of the road.
The Move Over Law requires merging away from a stopped emergency, maintenance, or recovery vehicle into a non-adjacent lane, applying regardless of which shoulder it's on; if unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution.
The lane-change requirement applies on interstates and any multi-lane highway with four or more lanes that has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction.
If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
Per N.J.S.A. 39:4-81, a malfunctioning or dark traffic signal must be treated as an all-way stop.
Moving vehicles safely out of the flow of traffic prevents further collisions before drivers exchange license and insurance information.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Standard right-of-way and safe-driving practice requires yielding to emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping until they pass.
The priority is to stop safely away from traffic, shut off the engine, and move away from the vehicle before dealing with the fire.
Standard emergency procedure is to move fully onto the shoulder, activate hazard lights, and, if safe, move away from the travel lanes rather than stopping in traffic or continuing to drive on damaged equipment.
Safe driving practice, sometimes called a move-over rule, is to give stopped vehicles extra space by changing lanes or slowing down.
The manual notes you only have right of way if the other vehicle isn't already in the intersection, meaning a vehicle already there should be allowed to clear first.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right side of the road, clear of intersections, and stopping until the vehicle passes.
Sudden hard braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while holding a straight line is safer.
Steering gently in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator helps regain control during a skid.
Authorized emergency vehicles may exceed posted limits during emergency duty with signals operating, as long as they do not endanger others.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
On divided highways of 4+ lanes, drivers should move over a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when it can be done safely.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Drivers may not park their vehicle within the block where an emergency vehicle has stopped to respond to an incident.
Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
Regardless of whether a crossing has gates or signals, drivers must never attempt to beat a visible train and must stop and wait for it to clear.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
With a median under 20 feet wide, all lanes in both directions are required to stop for the school bus.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Tennessee DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Tennessee DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Tennessee DMV cheat sheet