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State guides · Tennessee

Tennessee DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Tennessee, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

AgencyTennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division
Official handbookTennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual ↗
Questions30
To pass24 of 30 correct
Test in Spanish?Yes

80% needed (24 of 30) on the online knowledge test for ages 15 to 17, 60 minutes. The manual says the test covers four areas of about one quarter each: signs and signals, safe driving, rules of the road, drugs and alcohol. The in-person question count is not published separately.

Tennessee rules you need to know

Tennessee test FAQ

How many questions are on the Tennessee written test?

The written test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct to pass.

Can I take the Tennessee driver's test in Spanish?

Yes. Tennessee offers the written test in Spanish.

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

You can get a Tennessee learner permit at age 15.

What documents do I need for a permit in Tennessee?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

11 Tennessee practice questions

  1. 1. Under a new law, starting January 1, 2027, what happens if you take the Tennessee written test in Spanish?

    1. You must bring and pay your own interpreter
    2. The Spanish test is no longer allowed at all
    3. A 36-month license, then a retest in English
    4. A normal eight-year license, no changes
    Show answer

    Answer: A 36-month license, then a retest in English

    You get a non-renewable license good for 36 months. When it expires, you retake the written test in English with no dictionary or interpreter.

    Official source ↗

  2. 2. In Tennessee you're following another car at night with high beams on. Within what distance must you dim them?

    1. 200 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 100 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 500 feet

    Tennessee uses 500 feet both for oncoming vehicles and for vehicles you are following.

    Official source ↗

  3. 3. You're 19 and driving in Tennessee with a 0.02 BAC. What penalty does the law set?

    1. Nothing, since it's under the 0.08 limit
    2. One year without a license, $250 fine
    3. Only a written warning from the officer
    4. A 30-day suspension with no fine at all
    Show answer

    Answer: One year without a license, $250 fine

    For drivers under 21, a 0.02 BAC is underage driving while impaired: one year without a license and a $250 fine.

    Official source ↗

  4. 4. A teen with a Tennessee learner permit uses a cell phone while driving. How many points are added?

    1. 2 points and a $10 fine
    2. No points, just a warning
    3. 6 points and a $50 fine
    4. 12 points and jail time
    Show answer

    Answer: 6 points and a $50 fine

    Six points, a $50 fine, and up to a 90-day delay before the next license level.

    Official source ↗

  5. 5. A four-lane highway has a center turn lane. A school bus stops on the other side. What do you do?

    1. Stop; a center lane is not a barrier
    2. Just slow down to 20 mph
    3. Keep going, since you're on the other side
    4. Stop only if children are crossing
    Show answer

    Answer: Stop; a center lane is not a barrier

    In Tennessee a center turn lane is not a barrier, so drivers in both directions must stop.

    Official source ↗

  6. 6. With a Tennessee intermediate restricted license, during which hours may you not drive, with some exceptions?

    1. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    2. From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    3. From midnight to 5 a.m.
    4. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    Show answer

    Answer: From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Intermediate restricted drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless an exception applies. Learner permit holders stop at 10 p.m.

    Official source ↗

  7. 7. Under Tennessee's hands-free law, what is illegal while driving?

    1. Listening to music on the car radio
    2. Holding a phone with any part of your body
    3. Talking through a wireless earpiece or headset
    4. Using voice commands to place a call
    Show answer

    Answer: Holding a phone with any part of your body

    You may not hold or support a phone with any part of your body, not even to use GPS.

    Official source ↗

  8. 8. Who may take the Tennessee knowledge test online at home?

    1. Any adult who holds a license from another country
    2. Teens 15 to 17 with a parent as proctor
    3. Only people 18 or older
    4. Nobody, it's only at the office
    Show answer

    Answer: Teens 15 to 17 with a parent as proctor

    Applicants 15 to 17 can test online with a parent or guardian proctoring through an app: 30 questions, 80% to pass.

    Official source ↗

  9. 9. In Tennessee, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

    1. 30 feet
    2. 10 feet
    3. 5 feet
    4. 15 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 15 feet

    Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Official source ↗

  10. 10. In Tennessee, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

    1. 25 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 10 feet
    4. 15 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 feet

    Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk.

    Official source ↗

  11. 11. In Tennessee, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 25 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 200 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 50 feet

    Signal at least 50 feet before a turn or lane change.

    Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.