Tennessee Driver License Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black exclamation point (!) symbol mean?
- Caution, unspecified hazard ahead (Correct answer)
- School zone
- Pedestrian crossing
- Slippery when wet
Correct answer: Caution, unspecified hazard ahead
A yellow, diamond-shaped sign is a warning sign, and a black exclamation point (!) symbol within it indicates a general warning of an unspecified hazard ahead. This sign is used when a specific warning sign is not available or appropriate, alerting drivers to exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected conditions. It serves as a general alert for potential dangers that require increased awareness.
Question 2: What is the main danger of driving when fatigued?
- Increased engine temperature
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Slowed reaction time and risk of falling asleep at the wheel (Correct answer)
- Overuse of brakes
Correct answer: Slowed reaction time and risk of falling asleep at the wheel
Fatigue slows reaction time and can cause microsleeps at the wheel, making it as dangerous as drunk driving.
Question 3: How many DUI convictions in Tennessee result in the charge becoming a felony?
- 3rd
- 2nd
- 5th or more
- 4th or more (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 4th or more
In Tennessee, a fourth or subsequent DUI offense is charged as a Class E felony.
Question 4: A vehicle entering a highway from a private driveway must:
- Flash headlights to warn other drivers
- Honk before entering
- Yield to all vehicles on the highway (Correct answer)
- Proceed slowly into traffic
Correct answer: Yield to all vehicles on the highway
Vehicles entering a road from a private driveway or alley must yield to all traffic already on the roadway.
Question 5: What does a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black "T" symbol indicate?
- Dead-end street
- T-intersection ahead (Correct answer)
- No U-turns allowed
- Road ends in a cul-de-sac
Correct answer: T-intersection ahead
A yellow, diamond-shaped sign is a warning sign, and a black 'T' symbol within it specifically indicates a T-intersection ahead. This warns drivers that the road they are on will end at a perpendicular intersection, requiring them to turn left or right. Drivers should prepare to slow down and yield or stop as necessary.
Question 6: When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must:
- Slow to 15 mph and proceed with caution
- Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves (Correct answer)
- Stop only if children are visible outside the bus
- Stop only if approaching from behind the bus
Correct answer: Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves
On a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.
Question 7: What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering that reads "NO U-TURN" mean?
- No left turns allowed
- U-turns are prohibited (Correct answer)
- No stopping allowed
- U-turns are allowed
Correct answer: U-turns are prohibited
White rectangular signs with black lettering are regulatory signs, meaning they inform drivers of traffic laws. The text "NO U-TURN" explicitly indicates that making a U-turn is prohibited at that specific location. Adhering to these signs is crucial for maintaining traffic flow and ensuring road safety.
Question 8: At an uncontrolled intersection where two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right of way?
- The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
- The larger vehicle
- The vehicle traveling faster
- The vehicle on the left
Correct answer: The vehicle on the right
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
Question 9: How many feet before making a turn must a driver signal their intention in Tennessee?
- 50 feet
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 150 feet
- 75 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
Tennessee law mandates that drivers signal their intention to turn or change lanes at least 100 feet before executing the maneuver. This requirement provides other drivers with ample warning, allowing them to anticipate and react safely to the turning vehicle. Early signaling is a fundamental practice for preventing collisions and maintaining smooth traffic flow.
Question 10: What should you do if you experience a tire blowout at highway speed?
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Turn sharply toward the shoulder
- Accelerate briefly to maintain stability then brake
- Brake hard immediately to stop
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight
During a blowout, keep a firm grip on the wheel, gradually release the accelerator, and steer straight before gently guiding the vehicle to a safe stop.
Question 11: At an intersection with a green light, a pedestrian begins crossing against the signal. You must:
- Proceed since you have the green light
- Honk to alert the pedestrian and proceed
- Yield to the pedestrian (Correct answer)
- Flash your lights and proceed slowly
Correct answer: Yield to the pedestrian
Even with a green light, you must yield to pedestrians who are in your path — their safety takes priority.
Question 12: A driver approaching a yield sign must:
- Proceed without stopping since it is not a stop sign
- Slow down and yield to crossing traffic, stopping only if necessary (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to alert other drivers
- Come to a complete stop
Correct answer: Slow down and yield to crossing traffic, stopping only if necessary
A yield sign requires you to slow down and give the right of way to traffic; stop only if traffic requires it.
Question 13: What does a red curb signify in Tennessee?
- Parking allowed for buses only
- No stopping, standing, or parking at any time (Correct answer)
- Fire lane — no parking but stopping is permitted
- Restricted to emergency vehicles
Correct answer: No stopping, standing, or parking at any time
A red-painted curb indicates an absolute no-stopping, no-standing, and no-parking zone at all times.
Question 14: What should you do first when your vehicle begins to skid on ice?
- Ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid (Correct answer)
- Turn the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction
- Apply the brakes firmly
- Accelerate to regain traction
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid
When skidding on ice, ease off the accelerator and gently steer into the skid to regain control without overcorrecting.
Question 15: What device may Tennessee courts order installed after a DUI conviction?
- Ignition interlock device (Correct answer)
- Dashboard camera
- GPS tracker
- Speed limiter
Correct answer: Ignition interlock device
Tennessee courts can require an ignition interlock device on a DUI offender's vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected.
Question 16: How soon after establishing Tennessee residency must you obtain a Tennessee driver's license?
- 60 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 90 days
- 6 months
Correct answer: 30 days
New Tennessee residents must apply for a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Question 17: How should you react when a large truck is merging onto the highway near you?
- Speed up to pass before the truck fully merges
- Hold your position and speed since you have the right of way
- Flash your lights to warn the truck driver
- Adjust your speed or change lanes to create space for the truck (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Adjust your speed or change lanes to create space for the truck
Large trucks have limited maneuverability; adjusting your speed or changing lanes to allow them space is the safest action even if you have the right of way.
Question 18: What program may Tennessee first-time DUI offenders be required to complete?
- Online traffic school only
- Community road cleanup
- Advanced driving course
- Alcohol and drug treatment program (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Alcohol and drug treatment program
Tennessee courts may require first-time DUI offenders to complete an alcohol and drug assessment and treatment program.
Question 19: What is the consequence for a first-time offense of driving without insurance in Tennessee?
- Suspension of driver's license (Correct answer)
- Mandatory community service
- A small fine
- A warning
Correct answer: Suspension of driver's license
In Tennessee, driving without valid automobile insurance is a serious violation of state law. For a first-time offense, the primary consequence is typically the suspension of the driver's license. This penalty underscores the state's commitment to ensuring all drivers are financially responsible for potential accidents.
Question 20: A funeral procession is traveling through an intersection. Other drivers should:
- Merge into the procession if going the same direction
- Stop only if the lead car has a police escort
- Yield and allow the entire procession to pass (Correct answer)
- Proceed normally since they may have a green light
Correct answer: Yield and allow the entire procession to pass
Tennessee law requires drivers to yield to an entire funeral procession once it has entered an intersection.
Question 21: How long does alcohol typically stay in your system per standard drink?
- About one hour per drink (Correct answer)
- About 30 minutes per drink
- About 3 hours per drink
- About 15 minutes per drink
Correct answer: About one hour per drink
The body metabolizes approximately one standard alcoholic drink per hour, and this rate cannot be sped up by coffee, food, or exercise.
Question 22: What does a white rectangular sign with a black arrow curving to the right indicate?
- Curve to the right ahead
- No right turn allowed
- Detour to the right
The correct answer for this question was not provided, so an explanation cannot be generated.
Question 23: Which of the following can impair driving ability similarly to alcohol?
- Drinking water
- Eating a meal
- Prescription medications (Correct answer)
- Listening to music
Correct answer: Prescription medications
Certain prescription medications can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times, and impaired judgment, affecting driving just like alcohol.
Question 24: What should you do if you plan to drink at an event in Tennessee?
- Arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare (Correct answer)
- Eat a large meal and wait 30 minutes before driving
- Drive only on back roads to avoid police
- Only drink beer, not liquor
Correct answer: Arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare
The safest choice is to plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare service so you never have to drive after drinking.
Question 25: You are exiting a parking lot onto a street. You must:
- Yield only to traffic coming from the left
- Honk to alert street traffic
- Proceed once you see a gap in traffic
- Yield to all traffic on the street before entering (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Yield to all traffic on the street before entering
When exiting a parking lot, you must yield to all traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists on the street before entering.
Question 26: In Tennessee, parking in a space designated for people with disabilities without a valid permit results in:
- A warning on the first offense only
- A significant fine and possible towing (Correct answer)
- Only a verbal warning from police
- A small inconvenience fee
Correct answer: A significant fine and possible towing
Illegally parking in a disability space in Tennessee carries substantial fines and the vehicle may be towed at the owner's expense.
Question 27: Which of the following is true about driving under the influence of marijuana in Tennessee?
- It is only illegal if BAC is also above 0.08%
- It is a minor infraction, not a criminal offense
- It is illegal and treated the same as alcohol impairment (Correct answer)
- It is legal if the driver has a medical marijuana card
Correct answer: It is illegal and treated the same as alcohol impairment
Tennessee DUI laws apply to any impairing substance including marijuana, and driving while impaired by it is a criminal offense.
Question 28: When parking on a hill with a curb and facing downhill in Tennessee, you should turn your wheels:
- Away from the curb (left)
- Straight ahead
- Depends on the grade of the hill
- Toward the curb (right) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Toward the curb (right)
When parked facing downhill with a curb, turn your front wheels toward the curb so that if the vehicle rolls, it will roll into the curb and stop.
Question 29: A driver convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication in Tennessee faces:
- A misdemeanor with enhanced fines
- Only a civil lawsuit
- A Class E felony charge
- A Class B felony charge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A Class B felony charge
Vehicular homicide committed while intoxicated is classified as a Class B felony in Tennessee, carrying severe prison time.
Question 30: What is required to get a Tennessee REAL ID-compliant driver's license?
- A notarized letter from an employer
- Only a current out-of-state license
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency
Tennessee REAL ID requires proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two documents proving Tennessee residency.
Question 31: Lane splitting — riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow or stopped traffic — is:
- Legal if traffic is stopped
- Illegal in Tennessee (Correct answer)
- Legal only on highways
- Legal at speeds under 15 mph
Correct answer: Illegal in Tennessee
Lane splitting is not legal in Tennessee; motorcycles must follow the same lane discipline rules as other vehicles.
Question 32: What does a red octagon-shaped sign indicate?
- No entry
- Yield
- Slow down
- Stop (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop
A red octagon-shaped sign is universally recognized as a STOP sign. This sign requires drivers to come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, and yield to any traffic or pedestrians before proceeding safely. Its unique shape and color make it immediately identifiable as a critical regulatory sign.
Tennessee Driver License Knowledge Test
The Tennessee driver license knowledge test evaluates applicants' understanding of traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and alcohol and drug regulations required to obtain a Tennessee learner's permit or driver's license.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds