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100+ Free Tennessee DMV Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your Tennessee Driver License Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: Tennessee DMV Permit Test Exam

30

Multiple-Choice Questions

TN Department of Safety

80% (24/30)

Passing Score

TN Department of Safety

0.08% / 0.02%

Adult / Under-21 BAC Limit

Tennessee DUI Law

Age 15

Minimum Learner Permit Age

TN Graduated Driver License Program

The Tennessee driver license knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions and an 80% pass mark, meaning you must answer at least 24 of 30 correctly. Questions come from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual and cover signs, rules of the road, alcohol and drugs, and safe driving. A learner permit costs $10.50 for applicants under 18 ($5.50 for those 18 and older). Teens under 18 must hold the learner permit at least 180 days and complete 50 hours of supervised driving before advancing to an intermediate license.

Sample Tennessee DMV Permit Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Tennessee DMV Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does a red octagonal sign always mean?
A.Slow down and proceed with caution
B.Come to a complete stop
C.Yield to oncoming traffic
D.Road construction ahead
Explanation: A red eight-sided (octagonal) sign is always a STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe. The octagon shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so it can be recognized even when partly obscured.
2A yellow diamond-shaped sign on a Tennessee road is used to convey what type of message?
A.A regulation that must be obeyed
B.A general warning of conditions ahead
C.Distance and direction to a destination
D.A location of motorist services
Explanation: Yellow diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. They alert drivers to possible hazards or changing conditions ahead, such as curves, intersections, or merging traffic, so the driver can slow down and prepare. They warn rather than command.
3What is the meaning of a triangular sign with a white center and red border?
A.Stop completely before proceeding
B.Slow down and give the right-of-way to other traffic
C.Do not enter this roadway
D.A railroad crossing is ahead
Explanation: A downward-pointing triangle with a red border is a YIELD sign. It means you must slow down, be ready to stop, and let cross traffic or pedestrians go first. You only need to stop if traffic conditions require it.
4A pentagon-shaped (five-sided) sign in Tennessee indicates what?
A.A no-passing zone
B.A school zone or school crossing
C.A hospital ahead
D.A scenic route
Explanation: A five-sided pentagon sign marks a school zone or school crossing. It warns drivers that children may be present and that reduced speed limits apply when lights are flashing or during posted hours. Drivers should slow down and watch carefully for children.
5What does a round (circular) sign warn a driver about?
A.A construction zone
B.A railroad crossing ahead
C.A dead-end street
D.A weigh station
Explanation: A round, yellow sign with a black 'RR' and an X warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. Drivers should be prepared to slow down, look both ways, listen for trains, and stop if a train is approaching. The round shape is used only for this advance railroad warning.
6An orange-colored sign on a Tennessee highway indicates what?
A.A recreational or cultural point of interest
B.A construction or maintenance work zone
C.A change in the speed limit
D.A motorist service area
Explanation: Orange signs identify construction, maintenance, and work zones. They warn drivers to slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and obey any temporary lane changes or flaggers. Fines for traffic violations are typically higher in posted work zones.
7What color are signs that give directions, distances, and the names of streets and highways?
A.Blue
B.Brown
C.Green
D.Yellow
Explanation: Green signs are guide signs. They provide directional information such as route numbers, distances to destinations, exit information, and street names. They help drivers navigate without warning of any hazard.
8A white rectangular sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT 55' is what kind of sign?
A.A warning sign
B.A guide sign
C.A regulatory sign
D.A construction sign
Explanation: A speed limit sign is a regulatory sign. Regulatory signs are usually white with black or red lettering and tell drivers what they must or must not do. Exceeding a posted speed limit is a traffic violation.
9What should you do when you see a pennant-shaped yellow sign on the left side of the road?
A.You are entering a no-passing zone
B.A divided highway begins
C.There is a sharp curve ahead
D.You may make a U-turn
Explanation: A yellow pennant-shaped sign pointing to the right is placed on the left side of the road to mark the beginning of a no-passing zone. It works together with the solid yellow centerline to tell drivers they may not pass other vehicles. Passing in this zone is dangerous and illegal.
10A diamond-shaped sign showing two arrows curving in opposite directions means what?
A.A divided highway ends ahead
B.A winding road with several curves is ahead
C.Two-way traffic is ahead
D.A roundabout is ahead
Explanation: A yellow diamond sign with arrows curving in opposite directions warns of a winding road, meaning there are three or more curves ahead in close succession. Drivers should slow down and stay alert through the series of turns.

About the Tennessee DMV Permit Test Exam

The Tennessee driver license knowledge test is the written exam required to earn a Tennessee learner permit or first driver license. Administered by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at Driver Services Centers across the state, the test has 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual. It covers traffic signs and signals, rules of the road, alcohol and drugs, and safe driving practices. Applicants must score at least 80% (24 of 30) to pass and may also need to pass a vision screening.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

80% (24 out of 30 questions correct)

Exam Fee

$10.50 learner permit fee (applicants under 18); $5.50 (applicants 18 and older) (Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division)

Tennessee DMV Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Traffic Signs and Signals

Sign shapes and colors, regulatory and warning signs, traffic lights, and pavement markings used on Tennessee roads

Section 2

Rules of the Road

Right-of-way, Tennessee speed limits, lane use, turns and signaling, passing, parking, and intersections

Section 3

Alcohol, Drugs and Impaired Driving

Tennessee BAC limits, the implied consent law, DUI penalties, and the effects of drugs and medications on driving

Section 4

Safe Driving Practices

Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks and school buses, adverse conditions, and crash procedures

How to Pass the Tennessee DMV Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (24 out of 30 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 30 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Exam fee: $10.50 learner permit fee (applicants under 18); $5.50 (applicants 18 and older)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Tennessee DMV Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the entire Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — every test question is based on it, including the Tennessee-specific sections
2Memorize Tennessee-specific numbers: 0.08% adult BAC, 0.02% under-21 BAC, 70 mph interstate maximum, 15 mph active school zones, and the 11 p.m.-6 a.m. intermediate curfew
3Study the graduated driver license (GDL) stages and ages: learner permit at 15, intermediate restricted at 16, intermediate unrestricted at 17, full license at 18
4Learn sign shapes and colors so you can identify a sign even before reading it — octagon means stop, yellow diamond means warning, orange means work zone
5Take timed practice tests covering all four topic areas and aim for 90% or higher before scheduling your visit to a Driver Services Center

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee driver license knowledge test?

The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. They are drawn from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual published by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, covering traffic signs and signals, rules of the road, alcohol and drugs, and safe driving practices.

What score do I need to pass the Tennessee permit test?

You must score at least 80% to pass, which means answering 24 of the 30 questions correctly. If you do not pass, you can study and retake the test. The best preparation is reviewing the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.

How much does a Tennessee learner permit cost?

The Tennessee learner permit fee is $10.50 for applicants under 18 and $5.50 for applicants 18 and older. County Clerk Partner locations may add a small administrative fee. Fees are set by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and are subject to change.

What are the age requirements for a Tennessee learner permit and license?

A teen can apply for a learner permit (GDL Level 1) at age 15. The intermediate restricted license is available at 16, the intermediate unrestricted license at 17, and a full unrestricted Class D license at 18, or upon high school graduation or earning a GED, whichever comes first.

What is Tennessee's BAC limit for drivers?

Tennessee's legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and older. Drivers under 21 face an underage offense at 0.02% under a zero-tolerance standard, and commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%. Under the implied consent law, refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest can result in a license suspension.

What restrictions apply to a Tennessee intermediate restricted license?

An intermediate restricted license holder generally may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and may not carry more than one passenger. Limited exceptions apply, such as driving to or from work or school, being accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, or carrying siblings who live in the same household.

Who administers the Tennessee driver license test?

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, administers driver licenses, learner permits, and the knowledge test. The test is taken at Driver Services Centers, and the agency publishes the Comprehensive Driver License Manual that all questions are based on.