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Tennessee permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Tennessee, based on the Tennessee driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

When is passing on the right legal in Tennessee?

  1. On the shoulder of any road
  2. On a road with two or more lanes each way
  3. On a two-lane road with a solid line
  4. In a bike lane at a red light
Show answer

Answer: B. On a road with two or more lanes each way

Passing on the right is allowed on roads wide enough for two lanes each way and on one-way roads, but never by driving off the pavement.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

Question 2

A flashing red light means slow down and proceed with caution without stopping.

  1. True
  2. False
Show answer

Answer: B. False

A flashing red traffic light requires a complete stop, just as with a stop sign. Flashing yellow is the caution signal.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

Question 3

You are 17 with an intermediate license. You want to call your parent while driving, hands-free. May you?

  1. Yes, hands-free calls are allowed for everyone
  2. No, but only after 10 at night
  3. Yes, but only on the interstate
  4. No, teen license holders may not use a cell phone
Show answer

Answer: D. No, teen license holders may not use a cell phone

Drivers with a learner permit or intermediate license may not use a cell phone at all while driving. This is stricter than the adult rule.

Sources: TCA 55-8-199; Driver handbook, Section A, Chapter 3: Intermediate Licenses For Drivers Under 18

Question 4

You are 25 and drive through a marked school zone with flashers on. May you hold your phone to talk?

  1. No, hand-held use is banned there unless hands-free
  2. Yes, if you slow to 15 mph
  3. Yes, because you are over 21
  4. No, even hands-free calls are banned
Show answer

Answer: A. No, hand-held use is banned there unless hands-free

Drivers 18 or older may not use a hand-held phone in a marked school zone while the warning flasher is operating. Hands-free use is allowed.

Sources: TCA 55-8-199; Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 1: Getting Familiar With Your Vehicle

Question 5

Which road layout lets drivers on the other side go on with caution past a stopped school bus?

  1. A road with a raised median
  2. A road with a center turn lane
  3. A two-lane road with a center line
  4. A road with a painted median
Show answer

Answer: A. A road with a raised median

On a road split by a median or barrier, drivers on the far side may go on with care. A turn lane does not count.

Sources: TCA 55-8-151; Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

Question 6

You want to park just before a stop sign at the curb. How far back must you stay?

  1. 50 feet
  2. 10 feet
  3. 30 feet
  4. 15 feet
Show answer

Answer: C. 30 feet

Park no closer than 30 feet to a stop sign or traffic light. A car closer than that can hide the sign.

Sources: TCA 55-8-160; Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

Question 8

After stopping for a school bus, when may you go?

  1. When the road ahead looks clear to you
  2. As soon as all the children step away
  3. After you count slowly to ten
  4. Once the arm folds and the bus moves
Show answer

Answer: D. Once the arm folds and the bus moves

Stay stopped until the red lights go off, the arm folds in, and the bus starts to move again.

Sources: TCA 55-8-151; Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

Question 9

You are an adult riding in the front passenger seat. Must you wear a belt?

  1. Yes, but only on the interstate
  2. Yes, drivers and front riders must buckle up
  3. No, only the driver must
  4. No, if the car has air bags
Show answer

Answer: B. Yes, drivers and front riders must buckle up

Drivers and front-seat riders must wear a safety belt on every trip. The rule covers adults and teens alike, even on short drives.

Sources: TCA 55-9-603; Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 2: Tennessee Safety Belt Laws

Question 10

You will turn into a drive-in movie lot. At the least, how early must your turn signal be on?

  1. 100 feet before the turn
  2. 50 feet before the turn
  3. 10 feet before the turn
  4. At the moment the car turns
Show answer

Answer: B. 50 feet before the turn

In Tennessee the signal must start flashing 50 feet or more ahead of a turn or lane change. Cancel it when the move is done.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section B, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

More Tennessee practice

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