Tennessee 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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

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. Besides YIELD, which other message may Tennessee display on a triangular sign?

   1. Railroad crossing ahead
   2. School zone
   3. No Passing Zone
   4. Stop
   Show answer

   No Passing Zone. The downward pointing triangle is the yield sign, but Tennessee also says a triangular No Passing Zone sign can be used. Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs

2. 2. What does the lane-ending warning require a driver to anticipate?

   
   1. A new lane will open on the right
   2. The lane will end and traffic should merge left
   3. The right lane is reserved for slow vehicles
   4. Passing is required before the lane narrows
   Show answer

   The lane will end and traffic should merge left. The lane-ending sign warns that the marked lane will disappear and directs drivers to merge left. Full explanation in Test 2

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

3. 3. What is an accepted Tennessee practice for oncoming traffic meeting a funeral procession?

   1. Pass the procession on the shoulder
   2. Pull to the side of the roadway as a sign of respect
   3. Drive between vehicles in the procession
   4. Stop in the travel lane and leave the vehicle
   Show answer

   Pull to the side of the roadway as a sign of respect. Tennessee describes oncoming traffic pulling to the side of the roadway as a common and accepted sign of respect when meeting a funeral proc Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the Basic Speed Rule

4. 4. If you are already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, when should you pull over?

   1. Drive through the intersection first, then pull over when clear
   2. Stop immediately in the intersection
   3. Back up before the emergency vehicle arrives
   4. Turn left across its path
   Show answer

   Drive through the intersection first, then pull over when clear. A vehicle already in an intersection should continue through before pulling over, because stopping there can block the emergency vehicle's r Full explanation in Test 4

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

5. 5. Who has the right-of-way when a driver approaches railroad tracks?

   1. The vehicle that reaches the crossing first
   2. The vehicle traveling faster
   3. The train
   4. The driver closest to the center line
   Show answer

   The train. Tennessee requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to trains because a train cannot stop or swerve like a passenger vehicle. Full explanation in Test 5

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

6. 6. What kind of traffic message does this yellow diamond sign provide?

   
   1. A regulatory order that applies only to trucks
   2. A warning about a roadway condition ahead
   3. A motorist-services sign for a rest area
   4. A guide sign for a recreational destination
   Show answer

   A warning about a roadway condition ahead. The yellow diamond is a warning sign, so it alerts drivers to a roadway condition that may require caution or a slower speed. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs

7. 7. What maximum speed may Tennessee law set for interstate highways?

   1. 65 mph
   2. 55 mph
   3. 70 mph
   4. 80 mph
   Show answer

   70 mph. Tennessee law permits a maximum interstate speed of 70 mph. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the Basic Speed Rule

8. 8. How far from a crosswalk must you stay when parking in Tennessee?

   1. 5 feet
   2. 10 feet
   3. 15 feet
   4. 20 feet
   Show answer

   20 feet. Tennessee bars parking in a marked crosswalk area and within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Full explanation in Test 8

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

9. 9. What penalty applies when someone drives under the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs?

   1. A lesser penalty than for alcohol
   2. Only a warning for a first occurrence
   3. No penalty if the drug was prescribed
   4. The same penalties as for alcohol
   Show answer

   The same penalties as for alcohol. Tennessee treats driving under the influence of drugs, even prescription drugs, as carrying the same penalties as driving under the influenc Full explanation in Test 9

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

10. 10. When does a Tennessee driver have a duty to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

    1. Only when the crosswalk has painted stripes
    2. Only when a crossing guard is present
    3. Only after the pedestrian reaches the center line
    4. When the pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
    Show answer

    When the pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Tennessee's pedestrian rule applies when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, whether that crossing is marked or unmarked. Full explanation in Test 10

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

11. 11. On a cold wet day, which road surfaces should a Tennessee driver expect to freeze first?

    1. Bridges and overpasses, which freeze before the rest of the road
    2. Sunny straight stretches in midday sun
    3. Sunny straight stretches of highway
    4. Gravel shoulders beside the pavement
    Show answer

    Bridges and overpasses, which freeze before the rest of the road. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road and can hide spots of ice. Full explanation in Test 11

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

12. 12. A driver under arrest refuses a lawful request to take a blood alcohol or drug test. What likely follows?

    1. Suspension by the court of driving privileges for twelve (12) months
    2. No consequence if the later case is dismissed
    3. A $50 fine with no suspension
    4. Only a verbal warning for a first refusal
    Show answer

    Suspension by the court of driving privileges for twelve (12) months. Under the manual’s implied-consent rule, refusing an officer-requested alcohol or drug test after arrest will likely result in a court suspe Full explanation in Test 12

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

13. 13. A person moves to Tennessee with a valid license from another state or country. Living in Tennessee longer than what period is one of the manual’s conditions requiring an application for a Tennessee license?

    1. Longer than 7 days
    2. Longer than 30 days
    3. Longer than 6 months
    4. Longer than 1 year
    Show answer

    Longer than 30 days. The stated period is longer than 30 days. For a person moving to Tennessee with a valid license from another state or country, the manual al Full explanation in Test 13

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

14. 14. Fluorescent pink signage on a Tennessee roadway indicates what kind of situation?

    1. Incident management traffic control for events such as crashes, wildland fires, floods, or hazardous material spills
    2. A school zone ahead
    3. A bicycle route detour
    4. A hospital quiet zone
    Show answer

    Incident management traffic control for events such as crashes, wildland fires, floods, or hazardous material spills. Fluorescent pink, sometimes called coral, is used for incident management traffic control signs for incidents such as traffic accidents, wil Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs

15. 15. A Tennessee applicant fails a test in the morning. Which statement correctly describes whether that test may be repeated that day?

    1. Later that same afternoon
    2. After a one hour study break
    3. Only on the same day next week
    4. No test may be repeated on the same day
    Show answer

    No test may be repeated on the same day. No test may be repeated on the same day. Failing the knowledge test requires a one-day wait. Full explanation in Test 15

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

16. 16. How should a driver enter a Tennessee roundabout safely?

    1. Yield to traffic already circulating, then enter when a safe gap appears
    2. Enter without yielding if moving faster than traffic inside
    3. Stop in the circle to let others enter
    4. Drive clockwise around the center island
    Show answer

    Yield to traffic already circulating, then enter when a safe gap appears. Yield to vehicles already circulating and enter when there is a gap in traffic. Travel counterclockwise. Full explanation in Test 16

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

17. 17. How should a Tennessee driver pass a person riding a bicycle on the roadway?

    1. Leave at least 3 feet and pass slowly, waiting when the lane is too narrow
    2. Squeeze past within the same lane without slowing
    3. Honk continuously until the rider moves onto the sidewalk
    4. Force the rider onto the shoulder
    Show answer

    Leave at least 3 feet and pass slowly, waiting when the lane is too narrow. Pass a bicyclist slowly, leaving at least 3 feet of clearance until safely past. Full explanation in Test 17

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

18. 18. When adjusting driving position, where should the top of the steering wheel sit in Tennessee guidance?

    1. No higher than the top of the shoulders
    2. At chin level for a clearer view
    3. Above the shoulders so arms reach upward
    4. Steering wheel height is never adjusted
    Show answer

    No higher than the top of the shoulders. The manual says the top of the steering wheel should be no higher than the top of the shoulders. Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Seat, mirrors, steering and the hands free law

19. 19. Why does the manual emphasize keeping a proper following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

    1. It allows tailgating at highway speed
    2. It removes the need to scan ahead
    3. It gives time and space to react and stop safely
    4. It lets drivers brake later and harder
    Show answer

    It gives time and space to react and stop safely. A safe following distance provides time and space to see, react, and stop. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Braking, following distance and required stops

20. 20. How may the HOV lane be used on weekends and during non-peak weekday times?

    1. It closes to all traffic
    2. It serves as a general purpose lane
    3. It becomes a truck only lane
    4. It remains restricted to two or more occupants
    Show answer

    It serves as a general purpose lane. The HOV lane serves as a general purpose lane on weekends and during non-peak traffic times on weekdays. The lane stays open to traffic. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Interstate driving

21. 21. How does Tennessee law phrase the duty when following another vehicle?

    1. Do not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent for speed, traffic, and highway condition
    2. Stay one car length back for every 10 mph
    3. Maintain exactly two seconds at all times by statute
    4. Keep 100 feet behind every vehicle on highways
    Show answer

    Do not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent for speed, traffic, and highway condition. Tennessee law says not to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering vehicle speed, traffic, and highwa Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Braking, following distance and required stops

22. 22. When a Tennessee light turns green, what must you do about vehicles and pedestrians still in the intersection?

    1. Assume cross traffic has stopped and accelerate
    2. Close the gap quickly behind the car ahead
    3. Yield to them before proceeding
    4. Ignore pedestrians once the light turns green
    Show answer

    Yield to them before proceeding. A green light means go only if the intersection is clear. Full explanation in Test 22

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

23. 23. 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. Full explanation in Test 23

24. 24. At 20 mph on a low traction surface, how far can stopping distance grow?

    1. To about 50 feet
    2. To 200 feet or more
    3. To exactly 100 feet
    4. It stays the same as dry pavement
    Show answer

    To 200 feet or more. At 20 m.p.h., low traction can increase stopping distance to 200 feet or more. Full explanation in Test 24

25. 25. Assuming the driver’s home license remains valid, how long is an International Driving Permit (IDP) valid from its issue date?

    1. Six months only
    2. Three years only
    3. One year only
    4. Five years only
    Show answer

    One year only. An IDP is a translation used with a valid home-state or home-country driver license. Full explanation in Test 25

26. 26. When turning left on a green circular signal, whom must you yield to?

    
    1. Only vehicles approaching from the left
    2. Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when they have the right-of-way
    3. No one, because a green signal makes every turn protected
    4. Only a vehicle that is larger than yours
    Show answer

    Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians when they have the right-of-way. A green circular signal permits movement when the intersection is clear, but it does not create a protected left turn. Full explanation in Test 1

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

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

    
    1. Only at a hospital entrance
    2. At the beginning of a school zone
    3. At the railroad grade crossing itself
    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 2

    Study this in the handbook: Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs

28. 28. What action is required when a driver faces a DO NOT ENTER sign?

    
    1. Use the lane only for a U-turn
    2. Enter after slowing if no vehicles are visible
    3. Park beside the sign until traffic clears
    4. Do not enter that roadway or ramp
    Show answer

    Do not enter that roadway or ramp. The DO NOT ENTER sign tells you that you are approaching a one-way street and that you must not enter from the direction you are traveling. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs

29. 29. What should a driver do if a vehicle without anti-lock brakes starts to skid?

    1. Pump the brake rapidly while turning away from the skid
    2. Accelerate hard to force the tires straight
    3. Lock the steering wheel and keep the brake fully pressed
    4. Release the brake and steer in the direction of the skid when it can be done safely
    Show answer

    Release the brake and steer in the direction of the skid when it can be done safely. For a vehicle without anti-lock brakes, the manual recommends taking your foot off the brake and steering in the direction of the skid, prov Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding collisions and keeping your vehicle safe

30. 30. Which phone activity does Tennessee specifically prohibit while driving?

    1. Hearing an incoming call through a vehicle speaker
    2. Following directions that were entered before the trip
    3. Recording or broadcasting video on a cellphone or mobile device
    4. Keeping a cellphone stored in a closed bag
    Show answer

    Recording or broadcasting video on a cellphone or mobile device. Tennessee's listed hands-free prohibitions include recording or broadcasting video on a cellphone or mobile device while driving. Full explanation in Test 5