TN Permit Practice Test

How to use this TN practice test

1. Take the 30 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 80 percent or better, book the real test.

TN practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable TN practice test with answer key

All 30 questions, TN exam length

Every question below comes from the Tennessee question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. Two vehicles reach an intersection without signs or signals at the same time. Which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the right
   2. The vehicle traveling faster
   3. The driver on the left
   4. The vehicle that is turning right
   Show answer

   The driver on the left. When two vehicles arrive together at an intersection with no stop signs or signals, Tennessee assigns the yield duty to the driver on the le Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. When may you enter an intersection while waiting to turn?

   1. Only when you can clear it without stopping
   2. Whenever the traffic signal is green
   3. Whenever the vehicle ahead has entered it
   4. When you can stop within the crosswalk
   Show answer

   Only when you can clear it without stopping. A driver should not enter an intersection unless there is enough room to get through without stopping. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. Under Tennessee's under-21 impaired driving rule, what BAC figure can trigger a conviction for a driver at least 16 but not yet 21?

   1. 0.08 percent
   2. 0.10 percent
   3. 0.00 percent only
   4. 0.02 percent
   Show answer

   0.02 percent. The manual states that a person at least 16 but not yet 21 can be convicted of underage driving while impaired when found driving with a BAC Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. Under normal conditions, what minimum speed does Tennessee identify for the right interstate lanes?

   1. 35 mph
   2. 55 mph
   3. 45 mph
   4. 70 mph
   Show answer

   45 mph. The manual identifies 45 mph as the minimum speed limit in the right interstate lane or lanes under normal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What phone rule applies to a Tennessee driver with a learner permit or intermediate license?

   1. The driver may not use a cell phone while driving
   2. The driver may use any phone after dark
   3. The driver may make hands-free calls without restriction
   4. The driver may text when traffic is stopped
   Show answer

   The driver may not use a cell phone while driving. Tennessee prohibits a learner permit or intermediate license holder from using a cell phone while driving on any Tennessee roadway. Full explanation in Test 2

6. 6. A Tennessee teen holding an Intermediate Restricted License has accumulated more than 6 points. What happens to the move to the unrestricted license?

   1. Nothing changes as long as the teen is 17
   2. The license is revoked until age 18
   3. The teen must retake the knowledge test only
   4. The restricted license must be held for an additional 90 days
   Show answer

   The restricted license must be held for an additional 90 days. Points are the brake on Tennessee's graduated licensing. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. How does Tennessee classify a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction?

   1. Class A misdemeanor
   2. Class C felony
   3. Civil violation only
   4. Class E felony
   Show answer

   Class E felony. The penalty table identifies a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction as a Class E felony. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. When may a Tennessee road test not be administered?

   1. Only on Saturdays and Sundays
   2. During extreme weather or after dark in winter months
   3. Only when the applicant is under 18
   4. Whenever the applicant uses a family vehicle
   Show answer

   During extreme weather or after dark in winter months. Road tests are not administered during extreme weather, including heavy rain or snow, and they are not given after dark during winter months Full explanation in Test 3

9. 9. What roadway direction does the ONE WAY sign shown here communicate?

   1. Traffic may travel either way after yielding
   2. Traffic on the street moves only in the arrow’s direction
   3. Only buses may travel in the arrow’s direction
   4. The arrow marks a required U-turn
   Show answer

   Traffic on the street moves only in the arrow’s direction. A ONE WAY sign communicates that the street’s traffic flow runs in the direction shown by its arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

10. 10. Where does the X-shaped crossbuck sign identify the railroad tracks?

    1. Only at a hospital entrance
    2. At the railroad grade crossing itself
    3. At the beginning of a school zone
    4. On the far side of a construction detour
    Show answer

    At the railroad grade crossing itself. The crossbuck is placed at the railroad grade crossing and shows where the tracks are located. Full explanation in Test 3

11. 11. What hazard does the merge warning sign identify?

    1. Traffic may blend into your lane ahead
    2. Your lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. All merging traffic must stop before entering
    4. The roadway becomes a no-passing zone immediately
    Show answer

    Traffic may blend into your lane ahead. A merge warning means traffic may blend into the main stream ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

12. 12. What does the sharp right-angle arrow warn you to prepare for?

    1. A T-intersection controlled by a stop sign
    2. A one-way street beginning at the next block
    3. A rather sharp turn with a recommended speed of 30 mph or less
    4. A lane reserved for turning trucks
    Show answer

    A rather sharp turn with a recommended speed of 30 mph or less. The turn sign is used for a sharper change in direction than an ordinary curve and carries a recommended speed of 30 mph or less. Full explanation in Test 4

13. 13. When must a Tennessee driver stop at a railroad crossing?

    1. Only when a police officer is present at the crossing
    2. When a train is approaching, stopping 15 to 50 feet from the tracks
    3. After entering the crossing, if the train horn sounds
    4. Within 5 feet of the nearest rail before looking
    Show answer

    When a train is approaching, stopping 15 to 50 feet from the tracks. When a train is coming, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad tracks and wait until it has passed and the crossing is safe. Full explanation in Test 4

14. 14. What kind of information is generally conveyed by a rectangular regulatory sign?

    1. A warning that a railroad crossing is immediately ahead
    2. A recommendation for a scenic recreation area
    3. A notice that a road surface is slippery
    4. Laws, regulations, or instructions such as speed and lane use
    Show answer

    Laws, regulations, or instructions such as speed and lane use. A rectangular regulatory sign communicates a rule or instruction that governs road use. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. What does a yellow diamond sign warning of a sharp curve tell a driver to expect?

    1. A mandatory stop at the sign
    2. A curve that may require reduced speed
    3. A lane reserved for buses
    4. A railroad crossing with no road change
    Show answer

    A curve that may require reduced speed. The sharp curve warning tells the driver to prepare for a turn and reduce speed as needed before entering it. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. What do two solid yellow lines between opposing lanes mean?

    1. Cross them whenever no oncoming vehicle is visible
    2. Use them as a center lane for left turns
    3. Cross them to pass only during daylight
    4. Do not cross them to pass from either direction
    Show answer

    Do not cross them to pass from either direction. Two solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic and prohibit crossing from either direction to pass, even when no oncoming vehicle is visib Full explanation in Test 5

17. 17. What do traffic signals control at some intersections and crosswalks?

    1. Only emergency vehicles
    2. Only vehicles traveling on interstates
    3. Vehicle drivers and pedestrians
    4. Only pedestrians at railroad crossings
    Show answer

    Vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Traffic signals assign right of way and control both vehicle drivers and pedestrians at some intersections and crosswalks. Full explanation in Test 5

18. 18. What is prohibited in a multi-lane roundabout?

    1. Driving at a slower speed
    2. Using a right turn signal to exit
    3. Overtaking or passing another vehicle
    4. Yielding to a vehicle already circulating
    Show answer

    Overtaking or passing another vehicle. Tennessee treats a multi-lane roundabout as a low speed traffic control device, so drivers must not overtake or pass vehicles within it. Full explanation in Test 6

19. 19. What background color do Tennessee regulatory and guide signs normally use?

    1. White, except the red STOP sign
    2. Yellow
    3. Orange
    4. Brown
    Show answer

    White, except the red STOP sign. White is the workhorse background in Tennessee. Full explanation in Test 6

20. 20. In Tennessee, is using headlights while the wipers are on a legal requirement or only a recommendation?

    1. It is Tennessee law
    2. Only a recommendation in the manual
    3. Required only on interstates
    4. Required only for commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    It is Tennessee law. Many drivers assume wipers and lights is friendly advice. Full explanation in Test 6

21. 21. When a school bus is stopped to load or unload children at an intersection, what must drivers do?

    1. Drivers from all directions must stop until the bus resumes motion
    2. Only traffic behind the bus must stop
    3. Drivers may pass if no child is visible
    4. Drivers may continue after slowing to 10 miles per hour
    Show answer

    Drivers from all directions must stop until the bus resumes motion. The school bus stop law requires drivers from all directions to stop when a bus is stopped at an intersection to load or unload children. Full explanation in Test 7

22. 22. In a Tennessee work zone where the reduced speed is posted and workers are present, what maximum fine can apply to a speeding violation?

    1. $100
    2. $500
    3. $250
    4. $1,000
    Show answer

    $500. Tennessee permits a fine of up to $500 for a speed violation in a work zone when the speed has been reduced and Department of Transportation Full explanation in Test 7

23. 23. On a Tennessee interstate, how far behind the vehicle ahead should you stay, and how does that change in bad weather or at night?

    1. At least one second, doubled in rain
    2. Exactly one car length per 10 mph
    3. At least ten seconds at all times
    4. At least two seconds, increased to a minimum of four seconds
    Show answer

    At least two seconds, increased to a minimum of four seconds. Tennessee measures following distance in time, not car lengths. Full explanation in Test 7

24. 24. What is the smaller speed plate mounted beneath a Tennessee warning sign?

    1. A regulatory speed limit enforceable by ticket
    2. An advisory speed plate that supplements the warning sign
    3. A minimum speed for the curve
    4. A truck only speed restriction
    Show answer

    An advisory speed plate that supplements the warning sign. The little sign under a curve or turn warning is an advisory speed plate. Full explanation in Test 7

25. 25. At a yield sign, what must the driver do when other vehicles are approaching?

    1. Accelerate through before the other vehicles arrive
    2. Stop only after entering the intersection
    3. Assume the other vehicles must yield instead
    4. Slow down or stop to avoid a crash with oncoming traffic
    Show answer

    Slow down or stop to avoid a crash with oncoming traffic. A yield sign requires the approaching driver to slow down or stop when necessary to avoid a collision with oncoming traffic. Full explanation in Test 8

26. 26. The Tennessee reverse turn warning sign marks two turns in opposite directions that are how far apart?

    1. More than one mile
    2. Less than 600 feet
    3. Exactly 1,000 feet
    4. Any distance, as long as both turns are sharp
    Show answer

    Less than 600 feet. The reverse turn sign shows an arrow bending one way and then back the other. Full explanation in Test 8

27. 27. An angry driver is honking and making hostile gestures. Which action best reduces the danger?

    1. Give the angry driver plenty of space and avoid joining in
    2. Join the confrontation by gesturing back
    3. Tailgate the vehicle so it cannot move ahead
    4. Race the driver to the next intersection
    Show answer

    Give the angry driver plenty of space and avoid joining in. Road rage can turn a minor traffic problem into a dangerous encounter. Full explanation in Test 8

28. 28. What do yellow backgrounds generally communicate on Tennessee highway signs?

    1. A warning about a condition or hazard
    2. A route marker for an interstate
    3. A motorist service location
    4. A construction instruction only
    Show answer

    A warning about a condition or hazard. Yellow is the background color used for warning signs, except where orange is specified, and it is also used for school signs. Full explanation in Test 9

29. 29. At a T intersection where one road dead-ends into another, who must yield?

    1. Vehicles on the main road that continues
    2. The vehicle that arrives second, regardless of road
    3. Vehicles on the road that ends
    4. The vehicle traveling at the lower speed only
    Show answer

    Vehicles on the road that ends. At a T intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic traveling on the main crossing roadway. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. What background color does Tennessee use for warning signs and school signs?

    1. White
    2. Green
    3. Yellow, except where orange is specified
    4. Blue
    Show answer

    Yellow, except where orange is specified. Yellow is the warning color. Curve, intersection, pedestrian and animal crossing signs sit on a yellow field, and school signs use yellow or Full explanation in Test 9