Tennessee DMV practice test
56 practice questions written from the official handbook, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, PDF built February 2019. The mock test asks 30 questions and needs 24 correct.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 30 questions and needs 24 correct to pass.
The real Tennessee test
The Tennessee online knowledge test has 30 questions and needs a minimum score of 80 percent, so 24 correct. The department does not print a question count for the in-person test.
Rule source: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver License Knowledge Permit Test Online.
Official handbook
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual
Read the handbook (PDF, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05 from an Internet Archive copy, because the agency site refused the download. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Speed limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways unless posted | 55 m.p.h. | 47 |
| Highest interstate speed limit set by Tennessee law | 70 m.p.h. | 47 |
| Lowest limit you may see on residential roads or city streets | 25 m.p.h. | 47 |
| Points added for speeding in a school zone | Automatic six points and an advisory letter | 47 |
| BAC level Tennessee calls legal intoxication | .08 percent and above | 80 |
| BAC at which a driver under 21 faces stiff penalties | As low as .02 | 80 |
| How many times the normal crash rate a BAC of .10 to .12 carries | 7 times | 80 |
| Following gap the manual teaches | No closer than two seconds | 49 |
| Total stopping distance at 60 MPH in the manual's table | 418 feet | 49 |
| Fine for a driver whose passenger under 16 is not restrained | $50.00 | 31 |
| Share of the knowledge test that must be about alcohol and drugs | At least 25 percent | 79 |
| How far from a blind pedestrian you must stop | At least 10 feet | 53 |
| How long you may live in Tennessee before needing a licence | 30 days | 2 |
| Number of points that ends eligibility for an intermediate licence | Six points | 14 |
Questions about the Tennessee test
How many questions are on the Tennessee DMV written test?
The real Tennessee knowledge test asks 30 questions. The Tennessee online knowledge test has 30 questions and needs a minimum score of 80 percent, so 24 correct. The department does not print a question count for the in-person test.
How many questions do I need to pass the Tennessee written test?
You need 80% to pass. The agency does not publish the number of questions, so our mock test needs 24 of 30.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 56 practice questions from the official handbook, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, PDF built February 2019. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the Tennessee DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, PDF built February 2019, published by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 56 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.What is the speed limit on Tennessee's primary and secondary state and federal highways unless posted?
Speed
- 55 m.p.h.
Unless otherwise posted the limit on those highways is 55 m.p.h. Handbook: Tennessee Speed Laws, page 47.
- 2.What is the maximum interstate speed set by Tennessee law?
Speed
- 70 m.p.h.
The maximum interstate limit is 70 m.p.h., though some urban sections are posted at 55. Handbook: Interstate Speed Limits, page 47.
- 3.How low can an interstate speed limit be posted in a large urban area?
Speed
- 55 m.p.h.
Some larger urban interstate sections are posted as low as 55 m.p.h. Handbook: Interstate Speed Limits, page 47.
- 4.As low as what speed limit may residential roads and city streets be posted?
Speed
- 25 m.p.h.
Residential roads and city streets may carry limits as low as 25 m.p.h. Handbook: Tennessee Speed Laws, page 47.
- 5.What happens if you speed in a Tennessee school zone?
Speed
- It is reckless driving, with an automatic six points and an advisory letter
Exceeding the school zone limit is reckless driving and adds six points automatically. Handbook: Speeding in School Zones, page 47.
- 6.When are school zone speed limits in Tennessee regulated?
Speed
- When children are going to or from school or during a school recess hour
School zone limits apply when children are going to or coming from school or during a recess hour. Handbook: Speeding in School Zones, page 47.
- 7.Which is NOT a listed Tennessee speed law?
Speed
- A 40 m.p.h. residential limit
The manual lists 55 for state highways, 70 for interstates and 25 or 35 for residential streets. Handbook: Tennessee Speed Laws, page 47.
- 8.You are in a line of downtown traffic, the car ahead stops suddenly and you cannot avoid hitting it. What is that?
Speed
- Breaking the basic speed rule, even if you were under the limit
If you cannot stop in time you are breaking the BSR, even within the posted limit, or following too closely. Handbook: Tennessee Speed Laws, page 47.
- 9.Between which speeds are you least likely to have an accident in dense traffic, according to the manual?
Speed
- 50 to 55 m.p.h.
The manual says staying between 50 and 55 m.p.h. with most traffic is least likely to cause a crash. Handbook: Tennessee Speed Laws, page 47.
- 10.How do you recognise a Tennessee highway work zone?
Speed
- By orange or yellow-green signs and devices, flashing lights and workers in high-visibility clothing
Work zones are marked with orange or yellow-green signs and devices, flashing lights and high-visibility clothing. Handbook: Speeding in Highway Work Zones, page 47.
- 11.How much following distance does the Tennessee manual teach?
Following Distance
- No closer than two seconds
The exercise ends when you are following no closer than two seconds. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 12.How do you check your two-second following distance?
Following Distance
- Count to one-thousand-and-two after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point
Count to yourself one-thousand and two after the other vehicle passes a point. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 13.What is the total stopping distance in the manual's table at 60 MPH?
Following Distance
- 418 feet
The table's total stopping distance at 60 MPH is 418 feet. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 14.What should you do if the exercise shows you are following too closely?
Following Distance
- Slow down slightly to increase the space and check again
Slow slightly to increase the gap, find another spot to check and repeat. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 15.Why must the gap grow in poor weather on an interstate?
Following Distance
- Because the two-second principle needs more time at higher speeds and in bad weather
The manual says the two-second principle holds on moderate-speed highways but needs more room in inclement weather at higher speeds. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 16.Stopping distance is made up of:
Following Distance
- Thinking time and braking distance
Stopping distance adds how long it takes you to react to how long the vehicle takes to stop. Handbook: Following Distance, page 49.
- 17.At what BAC is a Tennessee driver legally intoxicated?
Alcohol
- .08 percent and above
The table marks .08 percent and above as legal intoxication. Handbook: Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability, page 80.
- 18.At what BAC do drivers under 21 face stiff penalties in Tennessee?
Alcohol
- As low as .02
The table notes stiff penalties for a driver under 21 at a BAC as low as .02. Handbook: Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability, page 80.
- 19.How many times the normal crash rate does a BAC of .10 to .12 carry?
Alcohol
- 7 times
The table shows a seven-fold increase at .10 to .12 percent. Handbook: Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability, page 80.
- 20.What share of the Tennessee knowledge test must be about alcohol and drugs?
Alcohol
- At least 25 percent
By law at least 25 percent of knowledge test questions deal with alcohol and drugs. Handbook: Impaired Driving, page 79.
- 21.Why is drinking three drinks in an hour worse than three drinks in three hours?
Alcohol
- Alcohol is absorbed faster, so you become intoxicated sooner
Spacing drinks slows the rate at which you become intoxicated. Handbook: Rate of Alcoholic Consumption, page 79.
- 22.Why does body fat matter?
Alcohol
- Alcohol is absorbed in water, not fat, so people with less body fat get drunk faster
Alcohol is absorbed in water rather than fat, so drink for drink a person with more body fat shows intoxication first. Handbook: Body Weight and Fat, page 79.
- 23.How soon after a drink does alcohol start entering the bloodstream?
Alcohol
- Within one to two minutes
Alcohol begins to be absorbed within one to two minutes. Handbook: How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?, page 79.
- 24.What share of drivers arrested for DUI in Tennessee are social to moderate drinkers?
Alcohol
- Nearly 50 percent
Nearly 50 percent of drivers arrested for DUI are social to moderate drinkers. Handbook: Impaired Driving, page 79.
- 25.Between what hours does the manual say 1 of every 10 drivers is intoxicated?
Alcohol
- 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Researchers estimate one in ten drivers is intoxicated between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Handbook: Impaired Driving, page 79.
- 26.Who must wear a safety belt in Tennessee?
Seat Belts and Children
- All drivers and all front-seat passengers any time the vehicle is in motion
Belts are required for all drivers and all front-seat passengers while the vehicle is in motion. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 27.Back seat passengers must wear a belt when they are:
Seat Belts and Children
- Under 17 years old
Back seat belts are required for passengers under 17; the rule no longer applies at 18 or older. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 28.What fine can a driver get if a child under 16 is not properly restrained?
Seat Belts and Children
- $50.00
The driver may be charged and fined $50.00 when a child under 16 is not restrained. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 29.What is the penalty for not using a car seat or booster for a child under nine or under four feet nine?
Seat Belts and Children
- A Class D misdemeanor, a class on transporting children, and possible fees and fines
That violation is a Class D misdemeanor and requires a class on transporting children. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 30.Who is responsible if a child's parent is in the car but not driving?
Seat Belts and Children
- The parent or legal guardian
A parent or guardian who is present but not driving is responsible for proper transport. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 31.What is the penalty for improperly transporting children under 16, in general?
Seat Belts and Children
- A charge and a $50.00 fine
Improper restraint of children under 16 can mean a charge and a $50.00 fine. Handbook: It's the Law, page 31.
- 32.What must you do if another driver ignores the right-of-way rules?
Right of Way
- Give him the right-of-way
The manual says that if another driver does not follow the rules, give him the right-of-way. Handbook: Right-of-Way Procedures, page 53.
- 33.How far must you stop from a blind pedestrian crossing the roadway?
Right of Way
- At least 10 feet
Stop at least 10 feet away until the person is off the roadway. Handbook: Pedestrian Safety, page 53.
- 34.What must you not do around a blind pedestrian with a cane or guide dog?
Right of Way
- Sound your horn
Do not use your horn, as it could startle a blind pedestrian. Handbook: Pedestrian Safety, page 53.
- 35.Who must you yield to where children are playing in the street?
Right of Way
- Children playing in the streets
You must yield to children playing in the streets and drive with extreme caution around them. Handbook: Pedestrian Safety, page 53.
- 36.Why is it illegal to block an intersection after the light has changed?
Right of Way
- It is common sense and also illegal, marked or not
Blocking an intersection is common sense and illegal whether or not a sign says so. Handbook: Do Not Block, page 53.
- 37.When must you stop for a school bus's red flashing lights?
Right of Way
- Until the bus has started moving, the driver motions you on, or the signals stop
Stop until the bus moves, the driver motions you to proceed, or the red lights stop and the arm retracts. Handbook: The School Bus Stop Law, page 51.
- 38.What do yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean?
Right of Way
- The bus is preparing to stop to load or unload, so slow down and prepare to stop
Yellow flashing means the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Handbook: The School Bus Stop Law, page 51.
- 39.Which vehicles must stop at every railroad grade crossing in Tennessee, signs or no signs?
Right of Way
- Church or school buses, common carriers and trucks carrying hazardous materials
Church or school buses, common carriers such as taxis, and certain trucks must always stop. Handbook: Railroad Crossings, page 51.
- 40.Why should you never try to beat a train?
Right of Way
- Trains move very quickly and you can badly misjudge them
Trains move very quickly and trying to beat one is extremely dangerous. Handbook: Railroad Crossings, page 51.
- 41.What does a white painted curb mean in Tennessee?
Rules and Signs
- Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers
A white curb allows only passenger pick-up and drop-off. Handbook: Parking, page 66.
- 42.What does a red painted curb mean?
Rules and Signs
- Do not stop, stand or park there under any condition
A red curb means no stopping, standing or parking under any condition. Handbook: Parking, page 66.
- 43.Where does Tennessee's Move Over law apply?
Rules and Signs
- When passing vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder or road
The Move Over law applies when you pass stopped vehicles with flashing lights. Handbook: MOVE OVER LAW, page 72.
- 44.What is step 1 of parallel parking?
Rules and Signs
- Check traffic behind and signal
Begin parallel parking by checking traffic behind and signalling. Handbook: Parallel Parking, page 66.
- 45.What should you do before opening the driver's door after parking?
Rules and Signs
- Check traffic, wait for it to pass, get out quickly and shut the door
Check traffic, get out quickly and shut the door as soon as you can. Handbook: Parking, page 66.
- 46.You arrive first at a crash scene and are not trained in first aid. What should you do?
Crashes and Emergencies
- Call 911 and move on so you do not interfere with emergency services
Call 911, then continue on so you are not a victim of a secondary collision. Handbook: Crashes, page 90.
- 47.Why do drivers crash near a crash scene?
Crashes and Emergencies
- Because of accident gazing to satisfy curiosity
Secondary accidents are caused by drivers who slow down to satisfy their curiosity. Handbook: Crashes, page 90.
- 48.When should you move an injured person out of a wrecked vehicle?
Crashes and Emergencies
- Only if you are trained or there is immediate danger such as fire
Move them only if you are trained or if there is immediate danger such as fire. Handbook: Crashes, page 90.
- 49.What should you do if you witness a crash?
Crashes and Emergencies
- Pull safely off the road, turn on your flashers and tell the officer
Pull over safely, turn on your emergency flashers and notify the officer you witnessed it. Handbook: Crashes, page 90.
- 50.How should you warn other motorists if you must leave a disabled vehicle on a highway?
Crashes and Emergencies
- By raising the hood or tying a handkerchief to the door handle or antenna, and using your flashers
Raise the hood or tie a handkerchief to the door handle or antenna, then use your flashers. Handbook: Emergency Parking (Disabled Vehicles), page 66.
- 51.How far off the travelled portion of a highway should a disabled vehicle be parked?
Crashes and Emergencies
- With all four wheels off it if possible
Park with all four wheels off the travelled portion if possible, or as far onto the shoulder as you can. Handbook: Emergency Parking (Disabled Vehicles), page 66.
- 52.How long may a new resident live in Tennessee before needing a licence?
Licenses
- 30 days
A person who will live in Tennessee longer than 30 days must apply for a licence. Handbook: Who Needs a Tennessee Driver License?, page 2.
- 53.What licence class do ordinary passenger vehicles need in Tennessee?
Licenses
- Class D
Regular passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks and vans need a Class D licence. Handbook: Class D License, page 2.
- 54.Who needs a For-Hire endorsement in Tennessee?
Licenses
- People whose main job is to transport persons or property in a Class D vehicle
The For-Hire endorsement goes on drivers whose main job is transporting persons or property. Handbook: Class D with F (For-Hire Endorsement), page 2.
- 55.How many points on your record end eligibility for an intermediate licence?
Licenses
- Six
The GDL steps require a record with less than six points. Handbook: Graduated Driver License Program, page 14.
- 56.What fee does Tennessee charge to add a For-Hire endorsement?
Licenses
- $4.50
Adding a For-Hire endorsement costs a fee of $4.50. Handbook: Class D with F (For-Hire Endorsement), page 2.