Tennessee Permit Practice Test 5

4.8 out of 5 (538 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
This Tennessee permit practice test is built for anyone getting ready for the TN knowledge test, whether you are a teen starting the licensing process or an adult first-time applicant who would rather not discover the fine print at the Driver Services Center counter. It gives you 20 focused questions on Tennessee driving rules, safe decision-making, and impaired driving laws, with enough official-test flavor to make the practice useful without making the whole thing feel like punishment. Mostly useful, anyway. It is still a permit practice test. A big part of this TN permit practice test focuses on impaired driving, because Tennessee treats that material seriously and the real DMV permit test can absolutely expect you to know it. You will see questions about the 0.08% BAC limit for drivers age 21 and older, the zero-tolerance rules for underage drivers, and how alcohol affects reaction time, judgment, distance perception, and the not-small matter of making decent choices behind the wheel. It is one thing to memorize a number. It is another to understand why that number matters when a driver is moving through actual traffic with other people around. The format is meant to feel close to the actual Tennessee DMV test, with similar topics, phrasing, and question structure. While you work through the driving permit practice test, hints can help when a question starts looking more slippery than it should. Afterward, the results summary shows what you missed and gives explanations for the correct answers, which is where the studying usually gets a lot more productive. Not glamorous studying. Just the kind that keeps you from repeating the same wrong guess three times and calling it progress. For adult applicants age 18 or older applying for a first Regular Class D license, the test fits into a broader licensing process: complete the application, handle required documents, pass the standard vision screening, pass the knowledge test, and, if a road skills test is required, obtain a learner permit before taking it. Adults are not subject to Tennessee’s teen GDL requirements, including the 180-day permit holding period, 50 hours of supervised driving certification, or intermediate-license restrictions. Still, if an adult takes the road test while driving on a learner permit, a licensed driver age 21 or older must come along. Use this Tennessee practice permit test to tighten your understanding, catch weak spots early, and build the kind of confidence that comes from knowing the rules instead of hoping the questions go easy on you.
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Sample Tennessee Permit Test Questions

Question 1

What is a safe speed practice when driving at night on a poorly lighted road?

  1. A Drive at the posted limit regardless of visibility
  2. B Look directly into approaching headlights
  3. C Travel slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see
  4. D Use high beams even when meeting other vehicles

Correct answer: C – Travel slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see

Your headlights limit how far ahead you can see at night. Adjust your speed so that the vehicle can stop within the visible, illuminated roadway. Looking directly at approaching headlights can increase glare, and high beams must be dimmed when they could interfere with another driver's vision.

Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Ch. B-6, “Driving at Night”

Question 2

Unless you have been issued a valid restricted license, what may you do while your Tennessee driving privilege is revoked?

  1. A Drive during emergencies only
  2. B Drive directly to work or school
  3. C Not operate a motor vehicle
  4. D Drive when accompanied by a licensed adult

Correct answer: C – Not operate a motor vehicle

Operating a motor vehicle while your driving privilege is revoked violates T.C.A. § 55-50-504. A first violation under subsection (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor. Unless another penalty applies, a Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.

Source: T.C.A. § 55-50-504(a)(1) – Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked — Minors — Forfeiture — Notice, T.C.A. § 40-35-111(e)(2) – Authorized Terms of Imprisonment and Fines for Felonies and Misdemeanors

Question 3

After overtaking another car, which observation indicates that you have enough clearance to return to your lane?

After passing a car, it is safe to return to your driving lane when:
  1. A Your turn signal has operated for four seconds
  2. B The other driver flashes the vehicle's headlights
  3. C Both headlights of the passed car are visible in your inside rearview mirror
  4. D One headlight appears in your outside mirror

Correct answer: C – Both headlights of the passed car are visible in your inside rearview mirror

Tennessee law requires an overtaking driver to remain safely clear of the passed vehicle before returning to the right lane. The driver manual recommends waiting until both of that vehicle's headlights are visible in the inside rearview mirror. This visual check helps provide adequate clearance before you complete the lane change.

Source: T.C.A. § 55-8-117 – Overtaking and Passing Vehicles Proceeding in Same Direction, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — “Sharing Space,” “Finish Pass Defensively”

Question 4

At an intersection, another driver yields and you have the right-of-way. Once the way is clear, you should:

  1. A Wave every other driver through first
  2. B Proceed promptly while continuing to watch for hazards
  3. C Remain stopped until the intersection is completely empty

Correct answer: B – Proceed promptly while continuing to watch for hazards

The Tennessee manual directs a driver who has the right-of-way and has been yielded to by another driver to proceed immediately. You must still confirm that the path is clear and take reasonable action to avoid a crash. Unnecessary hesitation can make your intentions unclear to other road users.

Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — “Right-of-Way Procedures,” “Yielding at Intersections”

Question 5

What is the safest way to pass a large truck traveling in the center lane of a three-lane roadway?

  1. A Use the left lane and complete the pass without lingering beside the truck
  2. B Use the left lane but remain beside the truck for several seconds
  3. C Accelerate past on the right regardless of traffic
  4. D Remain in the truck's right-side blind spot

Correct answer: A – Use the left lane and complete the pass without lingering beside the truck

Pass a large truck on the left when the lane is clear and passing is permitted. Complete the maneuver without remaining beside the truck, but do not exceed the speed limit. Wait until the truck's entire front is visible in your rearview mirror before returning to its lane.

Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Ch. C-3, “Sharing the Road with Large Trucks and Buses,” “Passing a Large Vehicle”

Question 6

An orange diamond-shaped sign displaying a worker with a shovel warns that:

This sign means that:
  1. A A volunteer litter crew is scheduled nearby
  2. B Road workers may be in or near the roadway ahead
  3. C A playground is located ahead
  4. D A pedestrian crossing is ahead

Correct answer: B – Road workers may be in or near the roadway ahead

This symbol is a Workers Ahead warning sign. Orange signs identify construction and maintenance conditions, and workers or equipment may be close to the travel lanes. In a Tennessee work zone, watch for additional signs and be prepared to reduce speed or follow directions from a flagger or law enforcement officer.

Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — “Construction and Maintenance Warning Signs,” “Workers Ahead”

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