Tennessee DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Tennessee driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Tennessee-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Tennessee driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Tennessee test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Tennessee-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Tennessee Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	30 questions, must score 24/30 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15
Minimum License Age	16
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 70 mph \| Residential: 30 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 1 to 8. 12 points in 12 months results in license suspension.

Rules Specific to Tennessee

Tennessee requires all permit holders under 18 to log 50 hours of supervised driving
Tennessee's Slow Poke Law makes it illegal to drive in the left lane when you know a faster vehicle is trying to pass
All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts — Tennessee has primary seat belt enforcement

Sample Tennessee Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Tennessee. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

In Tennessee, the offense of underage driving while impaired can apply when a driver under 21 has a BAC of at least:
- A. 0.01%
- B. 0.02%
- C. 0.05%
- D. 0.08%
Answer: 0.02%. Tennessee applies a much lower BAC threshold to underage drivers. The safest choice is not to drive after drinking at all.
Before moving from a learner permit to an Intermediate Restricted License, a teen must hold the learner permit for at least:
- A. 90 days
- B. 120 days
- C. 180 days
- D. 365 days
Answer: 180 days. Tennessee’s graduated system requires time for supervised practice. Follow the step requirements before upgrading.
With a Tennessee learner permit, driving is not allowed between which hours?
- A. 9 PM to 5 AM
- B. 10 PM to 6 AM
- C. 11 PM to 5 AM
- D. Midnight to 6 AM
Answer: 10 PM to 6 AM. Night driving increases risk for new drivers. The learner permit phase limits nighttime driving to reduce crashes.
To qualify for an Intermediate Restricted License, how many total hours of behind-the-wheel experience are required (including the night-driving requirement)?
- A. 30 hours total, including 5 at night
- B. 40 hours total, including 8 at night
- C. 50 hours total, including 10 at night
- D. 60 hours total, including 15 at night
Answer: 50 hours total, including 10 at night. Minimum supervised hours build skill before more independent driving. Be sure the required night hours are included.
In Tennessee, what is the maximum fine for violating the Move Over Law (separate from any jail possibility)?
- A. $200
- B. $300
- C. $500
- D. $1,000
Answer: $500. Move Over violations can carry serious penalties. When you see roadside workers or emergency lights, change lanes or slow down safely.
How long must a Tennessee learner permit be held before applying for an Intermediate Restricted License?
- A. 90 days
- B. 180 days
- C. 1 year
- D. 18 months
Answer: 180 days. You must hold a learner permit for 180 days before the Intermediate Restricted License.
What point total in 12 months disqualifies a Tennessee teen from moving to an Intermediate Restricted License?
- A. 3 or more
- B. 6 or more
- C. 8 or more
- D. 12 or more
Answer: 6 or more. You can't have convictions or crashes totaling 6 or more points within the prior 12 months.
Who must ride with a Tennessee learner permit holder under 18?
- A. Any adult
- B. A licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat
- C. A licensed driver 18 or older
- D. A parent only
Answer: A licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. Permit holders under 18 must drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.
What is the fine for failing to stop for a stopped school bus in Tennessee?
- A. $50 to $100
- B. $100 to $250
- C. $250 to $1,000
- D. $1,000 to $2,500
Answer: $250 to $1,000. Failing to stop for a school bus is a Class A misdemeanor with a $250–$1,000 fine.
When don't you have to stop for a Tennessee school bus?
- A. When no children are visible
- B. On a highway with separate roadways divided by a median or barrier not suitable for vehicles
- C. When there's a center turn lane
- D. After 4 p.m.
Answer: On a highway with separate roadways divided by a median or barrier not suitable for vehicles. If a median or barrier separates the roadways, you need not stop but should proceed with caution. A center turn lane doesn't count.
In Tennessee, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk?
- A. 10 feet
- B. 15 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 30 feet
Answer: 20 feet. Don't park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or 20 feet of a fire station driveway.
When must Tennessee drivers dim their high beams?
- A. Within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle
- B. Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or when following within 500 feet
- C. Within 1,000 feet only
- D. Only in cities
Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or when following within 500 feet. Dim when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet or when following another vehicle within 500 feet.
Is it required in Tennessee to turn on headlights when your wipers are on?
- A. No, it's just a tip
- B. Yes, it's the law
- C. Only at night
- D. Only on interstates
Answer: Yes, it's the law. Using headlights when wipers are on isn't just a good precaution. It's Tennessee law.
What is the fine range for speeding in an active Tennessee work zone?
- A. $50 to $100
- B. $100 to $250
- C. $250 to $500
- D. $500 to $1,000
Answer: $250 to $500. Tennessee mandates a minimum $250 and maximum $500 fine for speeding in active work zones.
What does Tennessee's Move Over law require for a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
- A. Nothing
- B. Change to a non-adjacent lane, or slow down and proceed with caution if you can't
- C. Stop behind it
- D. Honk twice
Answer: Change to a non-adjacent lane, or slow down and proceed with caution if you can't. Move into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or reduce speed and proceed with caution if a lane change isn't possible.
How long is the likely suspension for refusing a chemical test in Tennessee?
- A. 30 days
- B. 6 months
- C. 12 months
- D. 2 years
Answer: 12 months. Refusal will likely result in a 12-month court suspension of your driving privileges.
After failing a Tennessee driver test, how long must you wait to retake it?
- A. Same day
- B. 1 day
- C. 1 week
- D. 30 days
Answer: 1 day. No test may be repeated the same day; a 1-day waiting period is required.
What is the fine if a child under 16 isn't properly restrained in Tennessee?
- A. $10
- B. $25
- C. $50
- D. $100
Answer: $50. The driver is responsible for children under 16 and can be fined $50 if they aren't properly restrained.
How much space must you leave when passing a bicyclist in Tennessee?
- A. At least 1 foot
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. Half a lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. Pass slowly and leave at least 3 feet until you're safely past.

Tennessee Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Tennessee permit test?

The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Tennessee?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Tennessee is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Tennessee?

Tennessee calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the Tennessee driver point system work?

Points range from 1 to 8. 12 points in 12 months results in license suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Tennessee?

Typical limits in Tennessee are up to 70 mph on highways, 30 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Tennessee government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Tennessee driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Tennessee government agency.