Tennessee Driver License Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering that reads "NO U-TURN" mean?
- No stopping allowed
- U-turns are prohibited (Correct answer)
- No left turns 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 2: 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 3: What does a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black exclamation point (!) symbol mean?
- School zone
- Caution, unspecified hazard ahead (Correct answer)
- Slippery when wet
- Pedestrian crossing
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 4: What is the main danger of driving when fatigued?
- Increased engine temperature
- Slowed reaction time and risk of falling asleep at the wheel (Correct answer)
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- 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 5: Alcohol affects driving by:
- Sharpening focus at high speeds
- Reducing driver fatigue
- Improving night vision
- Slowing reaction time and impairing judgment (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Slowing reaction time and impairing judgment
Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, reduces coordination, and affects vision, all of which are critical for safe driving.
Question 6: What does a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black "T" symbol indicate?
- Dead-end street
- No U-turns allowed
- T-intersection ahead (Correct answer)
- 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 7: What should you do if you plan to drink at an event in Tennessee?
- Eat a large meal and wait 30 minutes before driving
- Arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare (Correct answer)
- Only drink beer, not liquor
- Drive only on back roads to avoid police
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 8: What does a yellow curb typically mean in Tennessee?
- Parking allowed for 15 minutes
- Handicapped parking zone
- No parking — loading and unloading only (Correct answer)
- No parking at any time for any reason
Correct answer: No parking — loading and unloading only
A yellow curb in Tennessee designates a loading zone where vehicles may stop briefly to load or unload but not park.
Question 9: How many DUI convictions in Tennessee result in the charge becoming a felony?
- 5th or more
- 3rd
- 2nd
- 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 10: Which Tennessee county office handles vehicle registration and titling?
- State Police headquarters
- Department of Revenue office
- City Hall
- County Clerk's office (Correct answer)
Correct answer: County Clerk's office
Vehicle registration and titling in Tennessee are processed through the County Clerk's office in the county where you reside.
Question 11: What is the minimum age to apply for a Class D (regular) driver's license in Tennessee?
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 15
- 17
- 18
Correct answer: 16
Tennessee residents can apply for a full Class D driver's license at age 16 after completing the graduated licensing requirements.
Question 12: What is the BAC limit for commercial vehicle drivers in Tennessee?
- 0.06%
- 0.04% (Correct answer)
- 0.08%
- 0.02%
Correct answer: 0.04%
Commercial vehicle drivers in Tennessee must stay below a BAC of 0.04%, which is half the standard adult limit.
Question 13: When a traffic signal is not working at an intersection, drivers should treat it as:
- A four-way stop (Correct answer)
- A yield sign
- An uncontrolled intersection — proceed freely
- A green light for the main road
Correct answer: A four-way stop
A non-functioning traffic signal should be treated as a four-way stop — all drivers must stop and yield appropriately.
Question 14: Why should you never cut off a large truck while merging in front of it?
- Trucks have more lanes available and will change lanes instead
- Trucks require much more distance to stop than cars and cannot brake quickly (Correct answer)
- It is only unsafe on roads with speed limits above 65 mph
- Trucks always have the legal right of way on highways
Correct answer: Trucks require much more distance to stop than cars and cannot brake quickly
A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds and requires significantly more stopping distance than a passenger car, making sudden cut-offs extremely dangerous.
Question 15: How close to a fire hydrant may you legally park in Tennessee?
- No closer than 15 feet (Correct answer)
- No closer than 5 feet
- No closer than 10 feet
- No closer than 20 feet
Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet
Tennessee law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant to ensure fire trucks have unobstructed access.
Question 16: At an uncontrolled intersection where two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right of way?
- The larger vehicle
- The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
- The vehicle on the left
- The vehicle traveling faster
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 17: What is required during the Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License phase?
- No driving between 11 PM and 6 AM without a licensed adult (Correct answer)
- No passengers under any circumstances
- Driving only within the home county
- No driving on highways
Correct answer: No driving between 11 PM and 6 AM without a licensed adult
Tennessee Intermediate license holders may not drive between 11 PM and 6 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
Question 18: In Tennessee, a DUI conviction with a passenger under 18 in the vehicle results in what additional charge?
- Negligent homicide
- Child endangerment (Correct answer)
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless driving
Correct answer: Child endangerment
Driving under the influence with a minor passenger in Tennessee adds a mandatory child endangerment charge to the DUI.
Question 19: What does a red octagon-shaped sign indicate?
- Yield
- Stop (Correct answer)
- Slow down
- No entry
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.
Question 20: An ambulance is approaching from behind with lights and sirens while you are at a red light. You should:
- Accelerate through the intersection quickly
- Do nothing since you are already stopped
- Remain stopped and pull to the right as much as possible (Correct answer)
- Run the red light to get out of the way
Correct answer: Remain stopped and pull to the right as much as possible
Stay stopped at the red light but pull as far right as possible to create a path for the emergency vehicle.
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