Tennessee DMV Practice Test 2026

1. It is only required to signal at night.
2. Signaling has no real safety value at all.
3. It replaces the need to check for oncoming traffic entirely.
4. It warns others of the sudden change in direction.

Correct answer: It warns others of the sudden change in direction.. Signaling gives nearby drivers and pedestrians advance warning of a sudden reversal in direction, even on streets that seem quiet.

Source: California Driver Handbook, Turns p.62

1. No closer than 50 feet
2. No closer than 5 feet
3. No closer than 25 feet
4. No closer than 15 feet

Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet. In Tennessee, you must not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, so firefighters can connect a hose quickly in an emergency.

1. Other drivers may not be able to see your vehicle in time to react
2. U-turns are only allowed on flat, straight roads for fuel efficiency
3. It voids your vehicle's insurance
4. Hills and curves have no posted speed limit

Correct answer: Other drivers may not be able to see your vehicle in time to react. Limited visibility means an approaching driver may not see a car making a U-turn until it's too late to stop safely.

Source: California Driver Handbook, Turns-Illegal U-Turns p.62-67

1. 500 feet
2. 100 feet
3. 1,000 feet
4. 250 feet

Correct answer: 500 feet. High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet in both situations.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.59, Night Driving

1. The lane's direction changes depending on time of day
2. The lane is permanently closed after the morning ends
3. The lane is reserved only for emergency vehicle use
4. The overhead signals are broken and can be ignored

Correct answer: The lane's direction changes depending on time of day. This describes a reversible lane, whose direction of travel is controlled by overhead signals and changes at set times of day.

Source: Florida Driver Handbook, PDF p.54, Reversible Lanes: direction of traffic is normally reversed at set times

1. Whoever is turning left at the intersection
2. The vehicle approaching from your left
3. Traffic already moving on the through road
4. Whoever arrives first, no matter which road they are on

Correct answer: Traffic already moving on the through road. At an unmarked T-intersection, the road that continues through has the right-of-way; traffic on the street that ends must yield.

Source: California Driver Handbook, PDF p.46, T intersections

1. 40 hours
2. 60 hours
3. 50 hours
4. 30 hours

Correct answer: 50 hours. Tennessee generally requires 50 total supervised hours logged before a young driver can take the road test.

1. On any Tennessee roadway
2. Only inside marked city limits
3. Only in school zones
4. Only on interstates

Correct answer: On any Tennessee roadway. The complete ban applies on any Tennessee roadway, not just specific zones.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.32, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited

1. Flash your own high beams repeatedly and stare directly at their headlights
2. Look toward the right edge of the road or lane markings, and slow down if needed
3. Close your eyes briefly
4. Speed up to pass the glare quickly

Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of the road or lane markings, and slow down if needed. Looking directly at oncoming high beams temporarily ruins your night vision. Instead, look toward the right edge of the roadway or the lane markings to keep your bearings, and slow down if you need more time to react.

Source: California Driver Handbook, Driving Hazards-Driving in Darkness, p.99 (2020 handbook PDF)

1. 0.02%
2. 0.05%
3. 0.04%
4. 0.00%

Correct answer: 0.02%. Because underage drinking and driving is treated so strictly, Tennessee sets the under-21 BAC threshold at 0.02%, well below the adult limit.

1. At least 30 feet
2. At least 5 feet
3. At least 10 feet
4. At least 60 feet

Correct answer: At least 30 feet. Tennessee's rule for parking near a flashing signal, stop sign, or yield sign uses the same 30-foot minimum as other roadside traffic controls.

1. 0.05%
2. 0.02%
3. 0.04%
4. 0.01%

Correct answer: 0.04%. Commercial drivers in Tennessee are held to a stricter BAC standard of 0.04%, lower than the standard adult limit, because of the added responsibility of operating large vehicles.

1. To mark a regulatory rule that drivers must obey
2. To warn of a hazard or changing road conditions
3. To show the remaining distance to the nearest city
4. To mark only one designated school zone area

Correct answer: To warn of a hazard or changing road conditions. The diamond shape in yellow is the standard warning sign shape, used to alert drivers to hazards or unusual conditions ahead, such as curves or crossings.

Source: Texas Driver Handbook, PDF p.36, Diamond: exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazards

1. Simply any random neighbor who lives nearby
2. Only the actual owner of the driving school
3. A friend who happens to be exactly the same age
4. A parent, legal guardian, or licensed driving instructor

Correct answer: A parent, legal guardian, or licensed driving instructor. The hours must be verified in writing by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driving instructor.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.28, Intermediate License

1. A hospital that offers full emergency medical services
2. A gas station only
3. A weigh station for trucks
4. A rest area where they can stop and take a break

Correct answer: A rest area where they can stop and take a break. This sign lets drivers know a rest area, a place to stop, use restrooms, and take a break from driving, is ahead.

Source: MUTCD 2009 Part 2D

1. Only hands-free calls are allowed
2. No cell phone use of any kind while driving
3. Texting is banned but calls are fine
4. The rule only applies within marked school zones

Correct answer: No cell phone use of any kind while driving. Learner permit and intermediate license holders may not use a cell phone at all while driving.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.32, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited

1. There is an extremely sharp curve ahead, almost doubling back on itself
2. There is a sharp turn in the road ahead, in the direction the sign shows
3. The road ahead turns sharply in the direction the large arrow shows
4. There is a loop ramp ahead that turns almost all the way around, about 270 degrees

Correct answer: There is a loop ramp ahead that turns almost all the way around, about 270 degrees. Seeing this sign means there is a loop ramp ahead that turns almost all the way around, about 270 degrees. Drivers should reduce speed and stay alert for this condition.

Source: MUTCD 2009 Sec. 2C (Warning Signs)

1. 15 years old
2. 14 years old
3. 18 years old
4. 16 years old

Correct answer: 16 years old. After meeting the permit-holding period and other requirements, a young driver in Tennessee can be issued a provisional license at 16 years old.

1. Nothing is wrong; speeding up to merge in is perfectly fine
2. Entering vehicles must yield to circulating traffic, not force in
3. It is fine as long as no other car has a signal on
4. It is required whenever traffic is heavy that day

Correct answer: Entering vehicles must yield to circulating traffic, not force in. Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already inside it; speeding up to force an entry can cause a collision.

Source: Florida Driver Handbook, PDF p.71, yield to traffic already in the roundabout

1. 30 inches
2. 18 inches
3. 6 inches
4. 24 inches

Correct answer: 18 inches. In Tennessee, your wheels should be no more than 18 inches from the curb when parked, so your vehicle doesn't stick out into traffic.

1. Stop completely, then go when clear; cross traffic just slows
2. Treat the intersection as if both directions must stop
3. Proceed without stopping, since cross traffic is cautioned
4. Wait for the cross traffic to stop as well before moving

Correct answer: Stop completely, then go when clear; cross traffic just slows. A flashing red requires you to stop completely and yield, while a flashing yellow only requires the cross traffic to slow down and proceed with caution.

Source: California Driver Handbook, PDF p.42, Flashing Red: STOP, then proceed when safe

1. A 12-month suspension ordered by the court
2. No consequence at all
3. A same-day license reinstatement
4. Only a verbal warning

Correct answer: A 12-month suspension ordered by the court. Refusal typically results in a 12-month suspension ordered by the court.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.95, Implied Consent Law

1. Manual distraction - taking a hand off the steering wheel
2. Visual distraction only
3. Cognitive distraction only
4. It is not considered a distraction if it lasts less than a second

Correct answer: Manual distraction - taking a hand off the steering wheel. Reaching for an object is a manual distraction because it takes at least one hand off the steering wheel, even if only briefly.

Source: Occupant Protection-Distracted Driving p.28 - 'Manual-Hands off the steering wheel...Reaching for an object inside the vehicle.'

1. 30 hours
2. 50 hours
3. 75 hours
4. 100 hours

Correct answer: 50 hours. Tennessee requires 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 at night.

Source: Tennessee Driver Handbook, p.28, Intermediate License

1. Wait, do not cross yet
2. Cross quickly while watching for turning vehicles
3. It is legal to begin crossing the street
4. Only children may cross

Correct answer: It is legal to begin crossing the street. A steady WALK or walking-person signal means it is legal for a pedestrian to begin crossing the street.

Source: California Driver Handbook, PDF p.42, Walk or Walking Person means it is legal to cross