Tennessee Written Test Practice – 2026 | 500 Questions
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#1. When you want to pass a motorcycle from behind, you must:
Pass as you would pass a car, and don’t pass too close or too fast as the blast of air can blow a motorcycle out of control. Motorcycles have the right to the use of the full lane. You must never try to share a lane with a motorcycle
#2. If you are on the main road when you see this sign:
Merging Traffic sign. This sign alerts you to the possibility of traffic blending into the main stream of travel. After checking to your rear, you should move into the other lane, if possible, to allow the merging motorist a clear path.
#3. A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must be:
A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system (car seat) that is facing the rear of the car.
#4. A pavement marking with the letter R on each side of a large X means:
A white crossbuck (X) and the letters RR are painted on the pavement as a warning marker for many railroad crossings.
#5. If your vehicle starts to skid or hydroplane, you should:
If your vehicle begins to skid:
- Ease your foot off the gas pedal and slow down gradually.
- Stay off the brake. Until the vehicle slows, your brakes will not work and could cause you to skid more.
- Steer. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, turn the steering wheel back the other way. If you do not do so, your vehicle may swing around in the other direction and you could start a new skid.
- Continue to steer. Continue to correct your steering, left and right, until the vehicle is again moving down the road under your control.
#6. When are you allowed to pass a school bus?
You may pass a school bus if the driver motions for you to proceed.
#7. Signaling before turning is:
Giving an appropriate turn signal is required by law.
#8. A driver who has been drinking alcohol will usually:
The two abilities most important to the driving task are judgment and vision, both of which are affected by small amounts of alcohol. Your ability to judge speed, time and distance are altered after only one drink. Each extra drink greatly affects your driving ability.
#9. If your driver's license has expired, you may still drive:
There are no grace periods. When your license expires, you are no longer entitled to drive a vehicle or motorcycle and will be subject to the same penalties as someone who has never been licensed.
#10. A traffic signal with a flashing yellow arrow means:
If you see a flashing yellow arrow, you are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to any bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk. You must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before turning in the direction of the arrow.
Flashing yellow arrows are known as permissive arrows and they permit unprotected turns.
#11. Driving while under the influence of prescription drugs carries:
Remember, driving while under the influence of drugs, even prescription drugs, carries the same penalties as for alcohol.
#12. Which car or cars are driving in the truck's no-zone?
All three cars. It is important to remember that there are several no-zones (blind spots) in which a truck driver cannot see other vehicles. These areas include both sides, rear, and front of the truck.
#13. This white sign means you must not pass:
Do Not Pass. These signs tell you where passing is not permitted. Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. They consider unseen hazards such as hills and curves, intersections, driveways, and other places a vehicle may enter the roadway.
#14. What color is a curb where you cannot stop, stand, or park?
A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking.
#15. If an intersection is blocked and you cannot drive through without having to stop in the intersection:
Even if you have a green light, do not start across an intersection if vehicles are blocking your way. If you are caught in the intersection when the light changes to red, you will block traffic.
Remember, it is not only common sense, but it is also illegal to block an intersection.
#16. Which freeze first when wet?
Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road does.
#17. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 and are found to have consumed alcohol, your driving privilege will be suspended:
If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 and are found to have possessed, consumed, or sold either alcohol or drugs, your driving privilege will be suspended for one year or until age 17, whichever is longer.
#18. If you are smaller than your friends and try to drink as alcohol much as they do, your judgment and inhibitions will most likely be affected:
Be aware of your size when drinking with others. If you are smaller than your friends and try to drink as much as they do, your judgment and inhibitions will probably be affected sooner. The heavier the person, the more alcohol it takes to raise the BAC.
#19. On average, the human body can dispose of the alcohol in one standard drink in about:
Once in the bloodstream, the alcohol is distributed to all parts of the body, including the brain and liver. Upon reaching the liver, the alcohol immediately begins to be oxidized. However, the liver can only oxidize about one drink per hour.
#20. A sign with this shape means:
This triangle shape always means yield.
The Tennessee Written Knowledge Test
Key numbers for the official permit and driver’s license test in Tennessee:
| Test Questions: | 30 |
| Correct answers needed: | 24 |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Time limit: | No |
| Earliest retest if you fail: | Next day |
How to Pass the Tennessee DMV Permit Test
You can take a few simple steps to ensure you will pass the Tennessee Permit or Driver’s License exam the first time. This way, you will avoid additional and unnecessary trips to the Driver Services office.
Start by getting a copy of the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver Manual. This manual is available at every Driver Services Center across the state. You can also download the PDF-version online .
Read the manual to get an understanding of what is required for your permit examination. Pay special attention to specific state rules and laws. You should also remember that a large part of the knowledge exam focuses on alcohol, drugs, and the consequences of impaired driving.
Take a handful of practice tests to check your current knowledge and progress. Practice tests are your best learning tool.
Discuss difficult questions with friends, family, teachers, or driver instructors. Be careful not to rely solely on online practice tests. Work actively to ensure better understanding. Remember, active learning and proper knowledge of the rules of the road are your keys to success.
Recheck facts in the Tennessee Driver Manual whenever you are uncertain about answers on this practice test. Everything on this test is designed to help you with the Tennessee written test, not to check everything there is to know about safe driving and traffic rules.
Practice with the online tests until you reach a score well above 80 percent, which is the passing score in Tennessee. The higher you score on the practice test, the better your margin on the actual examination.
Remember, the best way to learn is to alternate between checking the handbook and practicing with a DMV written practice test.
Is the Tennessee DMV Permit Test Hard?
Yes, the permit test in Tennessee is hard. Driver Services (DMV) estimates that about 50% of all first-time test takers fail and are forced to retake the test.
You can easily avoid taking the test a second time with enough practice.
The Official DMV Test
The Tennessee DMV test aims to verify that you have learned everything you need to know to drive safely on Tennessee roadways.
Tests are administered on a computer that pulls random tests for each user. You’ll never know which question you will get on your test.
Oral tests can be available at your Driver Services Center for applicants who have a learning disability or cannot read. Check before you make your appointment.
The test is available in four languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
If you are hard of hearing, you can get a certified sign language interpreter to help you with the exam.
You can retake the test the next business day if you fail it.
You cannot use books, notes, or digital devices (including your phone) on the test. Any cheating on the test will result in an automatic failure. You must also wait at least 30 days before you can try again.
