Tennessee DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Correct answer: Once you have lived in Tennessee longer than 30 days

New residents must get a Tennessee license once they live in the state longer than 30 days, start working there, or would qualify to register to vote.

Source: Section A-1: Your License

Correct answer: A licensed driver at least 21, in the seat beside the learner

A learner permit holder may drive only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 and sitting in the seat beside them.

Source: Section A-1: Your License

Correct answer: The driver and all front-seat passengers

Safety belts are required for all drivers and all front-seat passengers any time the vehicle is in motion; some back-seat passengers must also buckle up.

Source: Section B-2: Tennessee Safety Belt Laws

Correct answer: Three seconds

Tennessee law only requires the yellow light to show for at least three seconds before the red, so adjust your speed right away and stop if you safely can.

Source: Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals

Correct answer: Telling 911 your exact location

Reference markers every 1,000 feet in cities like Nashville and Memphis show the route, direction and log mile so callers can give their exact location.

Source: Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals

Correct answer: 55 mph

Unless otherwise posted, the limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways is 55 mph.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: Enough to see its rear tires touching the pavement

Leave enough gap that you can see the other vehicle's license plate or rear tires where they meet the pavement, so you can maneuver if needed.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks

When a train is coming you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks and never stop on the tracks.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: At least 50 feet

Turn on your turn signal at least 50 feet before the turn or lane change.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: At least half

On a road without center line markings and traffic from each direction, drivers must give others going the opposite way at least half the road.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: At least 18 feet

Get all four wheels off the pavement if possible; you must leave at least 18 feet of road width, and your vehicle must be visible for 200 feet both ways.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: Stay in your vehicle until help arrives

Walking on the interstate is illegal and dangerous; except in extreme emergencies, stay in your disabled vehicle until a trooper, officer, emergency service or good Samaritan stops.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road

Correct answer: 25 percent

By law, at least 25 percent of the questions on the Tennessee knowledge test must deal with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Source: Section B-7: Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving

Correct answer: No, but you must show financial responsibility

Collision insurance is not required by Tennessee law, but the Financial Responsibility Law requires evidence of financial responsibility when you are charged with a violation or are in a crash.

Source: Section B-8: Driving Responsibility

Correct answer: 16

To qualify for a Class D license you must be at least 16 and pass the vision screening, knowledge test and driving test; drivers under 18 must also meet graduated license rules.

Source: Section A-1: Your License

Correct answer: 180 days

Under the graduated license program you must hold the learner permit for 180 days before moving up to the Intermediate Restricted License.

Source: Section A-3: Intermediate Licenses for Drivers Under 18 (Graduated License)

Correct answer: Yes, belt and child-seat laws are enforced on their own

Officers can stop and ticket drivers solely for not obeying the safety belt and child restraint laws.

Source: Section B-2: Tennessee Safety Belt Laws

Correct answer: Continue cautiously through

If you are already in the intersection when the yellow appears, do not stop; continue cautiously through.

Source: Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals

Correct answer: Fluorescent yellow-green

Fluorescent yellow-green is the color for school zones and other pedestrian areas such as crosswalks, because it is easier to see in low light and bad weather.

Source: Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals

Correct answer: 70 mph

The maximum speed set by Tennessee law for interstates is 70 mph, posted on most rural sections; urban sections are often 55 mph.

Source: Section B-4: Rules of the Road