TN Permit Practice Test 23

All 20 questions in test 23

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. Before driving in winter weather, what must be cleared from the vehicle?

   1. Only the windshield center strip
   2. Only windows on the driver's side
   3. Snow from the roof only
   4. Snow, ice or frost from ALL windows before driving
   Show answer

   Snow, ice or frost from ALL windows before driving. Clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows before driving. Carry a good ice scraper with a brush to clear the windows, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and outside mirrors. Keep the heater-defroster and windshield wipers in good condition. A peephole leaves most vision compromised. Right and rear views matter too. The stated rule targets the glass. The manual passage behind this item states: "Clear snow, ice or frost from ALL windows before driving."

2. 2. What litter related condition does a Tennessee DUI conviction add to probation?

   1. One four-hour highway cleanup shift
   2. Thirty days of recycling center work
   3. Litter pick-up for three eight-hour shifts while wearing a vest or clothing displaying the message I am a DRUNK DRIVER
   4. A litter fine paid to the home county
   Show answer

   Litter pick-up for three eight-hour shifts while wearing a vest or clothing displaying the message I am a DRUNK DRIVER. A DUI conviction requires, as a condition of probation, litter pickup for three eight-hour shifts while wearing a vest or other clothing displaying “I am a DRUNK DRIVER.” For Tennessee residents, the work is done in the offender’s home county. That shrinks a three shift obligation. The DUI probation condition is three eight-hour litter-pickup shifts, not 30 days of recycling-center work. A fine misses the labor and vest.

   Study this in the handbook: How alcohol and drugs affect driving

3. 3. A Tennessee rider wants to operate a motorcycle over 125 cubic centimeters. Which license is needed?

   1. A Class M limited license
   2. A Class M license
   3. Only a regular Class D license
   4. A Class H hardship license in all cases
   Show answer

   A Class M license. Engine size decides which motorcycle credential Tennessee requires. A vehicle over 125 cubic centimeters needs a full Class M license, while the limited version of Class M covers vehicles under that size. Picking the limited license for a larger bike therefore understates the requirement. A regular Class D license alone does not authorize motorcycle operation either, since motorcycle privileges carry their own class. The hardship license is a narrow minor credential and is not the general answer for adult riders. Checking engine size before applying avoids testing for the wrong license class.

   Study this in the handbook: Getting a license and taking the tests

4. 4. How must a Tennessee child under one year old, or weighing less than 20 pounds, ride?

   1. In a rear facing child restraint in the car
   2. In a forward facing car seat in the front seat
   3. In a booster seat with the vehicle belt
   4. On an adult passenger's lap if the adult is belted
   Show answer

   In a rear facing child restraint in the car. A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must ride in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. The manual says these seats should be in the rear seat of the car if possible and must be used consistently with the manufacturer’s and vehicle’s instructions. A booster or an adult’s lap does not satisfy this rear-facing restraint requirement.

   Study this in the handbook: Safety belts, child seats and air bags

5. 5. How much of a lane may a motorcycle use in Tennessee guidance?

   1. The full lane; drivers must never try to share the lane
   2. Only the left third near the center line
   3. Half the lane, shared with a car when traffic is heavy
   4. Any part, but cars may pass within the same lane
   Show answer

   The full lane; drivers must never try to share the lane. Motorcycles have the right to use the full lane. Riders need its full width to handle hazards such as potholes, shifting traffic, strong winds, and air blasts from passing vehicles. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Pass as you would pass a car, without passing too close or too fast. The full lane is available, not only the left third.

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and slow vehicles

6. 6. How far does a train traveling at 55 mph need to stop in Tennessee guidance?

   1. About 500 feet, like a truck
   2. About 240 feet, like a car
   3. A full mile
   4. About two car lengths per mile per hour
   Show answer

   A full mile. A train traveling at 55 mph takes a full mile to stop. The manual compares an average car weighing 3,000 pounds with an average loaded train weighing 12 million pounds. Drivers must always yield to trains. If you are on a collision course with a train, the train cannot stop in time or swerve to avoid you. Five hundred feet is a fraction of the mile a train needs.

   Study this in the handbook: Trucks, school buses, work zones and trains

7. 7. Your wheels drop off the paved roadway onto the shoulder. What is the first recovery step in Tennessee guidance?

   1. Lift your foot off the gas, but do not suddenly apply the brake
   2. Brake hard at once to stop quickly
   3. Jerk the steering wheel back onto the pavement
   4. Speed up to climb back onto the pavement
   Show answer

   Lift your foot off the gas, but do not suddenly apply the brake. First lift your foot off the gas without suddenly applying the brake. Maintain a firm grip and do not jerk the wheel toward the pavement. Brake lightly and briefly to slow gradually, keeping the vehicle straight. Do not steer back until there are no cars in your immediate vicinity; return when oncoming traffic is clear and you have slowed. The manual says not to apply the brake suddenly; later in the recovery sequence, brake lightly and briefly to slow gradually.

   Study this in the handbook: Headlights, night driving and bad weather

8. 8. As you leave a work zone, what lane and speed discipline applies?

   1. Change lanes immediately to clear the barrels
   2. Stay in your lane and maintain your speed; do not change lanes until completely clear of the work zone
   3. Accelerate to the pre-construction limit at the last cone
   4. Stop briefly to check for workers behind you
   Show answer

   Stay in your lane and maintain your speed; do not change lanes until completely clear of the work zone. As you leave a work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed. Do not change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone. Near channeling devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit. The manual says to maintain your speed as you leave the work zone and obey the posted speed limit.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, railroad, work zone and guide signs

9. 9. Which ordinary non-prescription products does Tennessee warn may contain compounds dangerous for drivers?

   1. Cold tablets, cough syrups, and allergy remedies
   2. Vitamins and herbal teas only
   3. Energy drinks and chewing gum
   4. Antacids and lip balm
   Show answer

   Cold tablets, cough syrups, and allergy remedies. Cold tablets, cough syrups, and allergy remedies may contain antihistamines, alcohol, codeine, or other compounds dangerous for drivers. Read labels and heed warnings about drowsiness, machinery, or activities requiring alertness. These are not the examples listed in the manual; cold tablets, cough syrups, and allergy remedies are. Energy products and gum are not listed. Antacids and lip balm are not the examples listed in this passage.

   Study this in the handbook: How alcohol and drugs affect driving

10. 10. While waiting to turn left across oncoming traffic, how should the front wheels be held, and why?

    1. Turned left so the turn can start instantly
    2. Kept straight until you begin the turn, to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind
    3. Turned right to angle away from traffic
    4. Turned alternately to signal intent
    Show answer

    Kept straight until you begin the turn, to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind. Keep the wheels straight while waiting to turn left. If the wheels are turned and you are hit from behind, the impact can push you into oncoming traffic. Wait until you are sure you can complete the turn before turning the wheels. Pre turned wheels aim into oncoming lanes. The manual says to keep the wheels straight until you begin the turn.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, turns and emergency vehicles

11. 11. What scan order does the Left-Right-Left Rule require before entering an intersection?

    1. Look right, then left, then straight ahead only
    2. Check mirrors only, then proceed without turning your head
    3. Look left first, then right; if stopped look both left and right just before moving
    4. Look left once and enter if the lane looks empty
    Show answer

    Look left first, then right; if stopped look both left and right just before moving. Look left first to make sure cross traffic is yielding, then look for traffic from the right. If stopped, look both left and right just before starting to move. Also look across the intersection to make sure the path through it is clear. The stated order begins with a look left, then right, with both directions checked again just before moving if stopped.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, turns and emergency vehicles

12. 12. What minimum advance distance does the manual require for switching on turn signal lights before a turn?

    1. At least 25 feet before the turn
    2. At least 50 feet before the turn
    3. At least 100 feet before the turn
    4. Only after beginning the turn itself
    Show answer

    At least 50 feet before the turn. Turn on your turn signal lights at least 50 feet before a turn. If you intend to turn beyond an intersection, the manual says not to signal until you are in that intersection, because an earlier signal could be misunderstood. Check pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic while turning, and stay in the proper lane. Twenty-five feet is less than the stated 50-foot minimum.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, turns and emergency vehicles

13. 13. An applicant has never been issued a Social Security number. How is that handled at application?

    1. The application is denied permanently
    2. A parent may sign by phone on the applicant's behalf
    3. The number is waived with no paperwork
    4. The applicant signs a sworn affidavit in person, under penalty of perjury, before an examiner or notary
    Show answer

    The applicant signs a sworn affidavit in person, under penalty of perjury, before an examiner or notary. Applicants never issued a Social Security number must appear in person and sign a sworn affidavit before a Driver License Examiner or Notary Public, attesting under penalty of perjury that no number has ever been issued. A new affidavit is required at each later application unless a number can be provided. The affidavit path exists precisely to avoid denial. The oath must be signed in person.

14. 14. How many white headlights must a Tennessee road test vehicle have, at minimum and maximum?

    1. At least two headlights but no more than four white headlights
    2. At least one and no more than two
    3. Exactly two, with no exceptions
    4. Up to six white headlights
    Show answer

    At least two headlights but no more than four white headlights. A road-test vehicle must have at least two but no more than four white headlights, with high- and low-beam operation checked. One lamp fails the minimum equipment standard. The manual permits up to four white headlights, not exactly two. Six forward lamps exceed the stated ceiling. The manual passage behind this item states: "equipped with at least two headlights but no more than four white headlights."

15. 15. What minimum fine does the manual state for not having your driver license with you while driving in Tennessee?

    1. Not less than fifty dollars
    2. Not less than two hundred dollars
    3. Not less than five hundred dollars
    4. Not less than two dollars
    Show answer

    Not less than two dollars. While driving in Tennessee, you must have your driver license or Temporary Driver License with you to show an officer on request. The manual states a fine of not less than $2 and not more than $50 if you do not have it with you. Fifty dollars inflates the stated floor considerably. Two hundred dollars far exceeds the minimum given. Five hundred dollars is not the floor in this provision.

16. 16. Why should a driver give a motorcycle extra following room in Tennessee traffic?

    1. Motorcycles always travel faster than cars
    2. Motorcycles never use brake lights
    3. Motorcycles can stop and maneuver differently and are harder to see
    4. Motorcycles are allowed to ignore red lights
    Show answer

    Motorcycles can stop and maneuver differently and are harder to see. Motorcycles have a narrow profile and can be harder to see and judge for distance and speed. Leave enough following distance for the rider to maneuver or stop and for you to see and react. The following-distance section recommends at least four seconds when following a motorcycle. Speed generalizations do not justify the extra room. The manual bases following room on having time to maneuver, stop, see, and react; it does not say motorcycles never use brake lights.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and slow vehicles

17. 17. The Department learns a Tennessee driver's ability may be affected by a physical or mental disorder. Within how long must the driver submit a medical report?

    1. Within 10 days of notification
    2. Within 90 days of notification
    3. Only at the next renewal date
    4. Within thirty days of notification
    Show answer

    Within thirty days of notification. When information suggests a disorder affects safe driving, Tennessee requires a medical report from a medical doctor within thirty days of notification. The report describes how the illness or disability affects the ability to operate a vehicle safely. Ten days matches the address change deadline, a different duty. Ninety days and the next renewal both leave the question open far too long. An unfavorable report can suspend the privilege until the condition improves, and ignoring the request also leads to suspension, so the thirty day clock deserves prompt attention.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, suspensions and keeping your license

18. 18. An adult Tennessee driver accumulates 8 points in 12 months. What does the Department of Safety send?

    1. A notice of proposed suspension
    2. An advisory letter warning of the possibility of losing driving privileges
    3. An order to surrender the license within 20 days
    4. Nothing, because adult records are not reviewed
    Show answer

    An advisory letter warning of the possibility of losing driving privileges. Tennessee tracks points for every driver and warns adults before suspension territory arrives. An advisory letter goes to any adult licensee holding 6 to 11 points within 12 months, so 8 points earns the warning rather than a suspension proposal. The proposed suspension notice for adults starts at 12 or more points. Surrender duties arise after an actual suspension or revocation, not at the advisory stage. Records plainly are reviewed, since the letter depends on the count. Treat the warning as a prompt to slow the accumulation through cleaner driving.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, suspensions and keeping your license

19. 19. What braking action must you avoid while hydroplaning?

    1. Letting up on the gas pedal
    2. Holding the steering wheel steady
    3. Slamming on the brakes
    4. Waiting for traction to return
    Show answer

    Slamming on the brakes. Do not slam on the brakes while hydroplaning. Slow down gradually by letting up on the gas. Hydroplaning reduces steering and braking traction, and stopping distances may triple. Easing off the gas starts recovery. Holding the wheel steady is not the prohibited braking action; the manual says not to slam on the brakes. The prohibited braking action is slamming on the brakes.

    Study this in the handbook: Headlights, night driving and bad weather

20. 20. Parking downhill with a curb present, how should the wheels and brake be set?

    1. Wheels toward the curb (right) and the parking brake set
    2. Wheels away from the curb, brake released
    3. Wheels straight, brake set only on steep hills
    4. Wheels toward traffic so the curb can catch the rear tire
    Show answer

    Wheels toward the curb (right) and the parking brake set. When parking downhill with a curb, turn the front wheels toward the curb, to the right, and set the parking brake. The manual says that if the car rolls, it will roll into the curb rather than the roadway. The manual requires wheels toward the curb and the parking brake set for downhill parking with a curb. For downhill parking with a curb, turn the wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake.

    Study this in the handbook: Lane use, passing and parking