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100+ Free TN Driving Instructor Practice Questions

Pass your Tennessee Driving Instructor Certification Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
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Under Tennessee's GDL program, what is the minimum age to obtain a learner's permit?

A
B
C
D
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Key Facts: TN Driving Instructor Exam

Annual

Certification Renewal

TDOSHS

80%

Passing Score

TDOSHS

100 Q

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

30 hrs

DTTP Classroom Hours

Rule 1340-03-07

6 hrs

DTTP BTW Training Hours

Rule 1340-03-07

TBI

Background Check Required

TDOSHS

Tennessee requires driving instructors to complete an AAA/NSC-certified Instructor Development Course, pass a TBI background check, and maintain annual certification through the TDOSHS online portal. The DTTP program requires 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of BTW training.

Sample TN Driving Instructor Practice Questions

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

1Which agency oversees driving instructor licensing in Tennessee?
A.Tennessee Department of Education
B.Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS)
C.Tennessee Highway Patrol
D.Tennessee Department of Transportation
Explanation: The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) oversees driver education course providers and instructors. The Department certifies instructors, approves providers, and establishes regulations under Rule 1340-03-07.
2What certification must a Tennessee driving instructor maintain through an approved Instructor Development Course?
A.CDL instructor certification
B.AAA, National Safety Council, or other TDOSHS-approved certification
C.University teaching certificate
D.Federal DOT instructor certification
Explanation: Tennessee requires driving instructors to complete certification through the American Automobile Association (AAA), National Safety Council (NSC), or another certified Instructor Development Course approved by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
3What type of background check does Tennessee require for driving instructors?
A.County-level background check
B.Background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
C.Federal FBI background check only
D.No background check is required
Explanation: Tennessee requires all driving instructors to provide a copy of a background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). This ensures the safety and security of students receiving driver education instruction.
4How often must a Tennessee driving instructor renew their certification?
A.Every 6 months
B.Annually (every year)
C.Every 2 years
D.Every 5 years
Explanation: All Tennessee driving instructor certificates are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Instructors must maintain current certification on file with the Department through the online portal.
5What is the passing score for the Tennessee driving knowledge exam?
A.70%
B.75%
C.80%
D.85%
Explanation: Tennessee requires a passing score of 80% on the knowledge examination. This standard applies to the instructor knowledge test as well. The exam covers Tennessee traffic laws, safe driving practices, and instructional competence.
6Under Tennessee Rule 1340-03-07, who is prohibited from being hired as a driving instructor?
A.Anyone over age 65
B.Any current employee of the Department of Safety
C.Anyone who holds a CDL
D.Anyone who has been an instructor for more than 10 years
Explanation: Under Tennessee Rule 1340-03-07, a provider shall not hire any person as an instructor or otherwise who is an employee of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. This conflict of interest provision ensures impartiality in the licensing process.
7How many hours of classroom instruction are required in the Tennessee Driver Training/Testing Program (DTTP)?
A.20 hours
B.25 hours
C.30 hours
D.40 hours
Explanation: The Tennessee Driver Training/Testing Program requires students to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction utilizing the current Tennessee Driver License Manual. This must be supplemented with behind-the-wheel training hours.
8How many hours of behind-the-wheel training are required in the Tennessee DTTP?
A.4 hours
B.6 hours
C.8 hours
D.10 hours
Explanation: The Tennessee DTTP requires 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Up to 2 of these hours may be completed using a driving simulator. The remaining hours must involve actual vehicle operation under instructor supervision.
9How many hours of behind-the-wheel training in the Tennessee DTTP may be completed using a simulator?
A.None — all hours must be actual driving
B.Up to 2 hours
C.Up to 3 hours
D.Up to 4 hours
Explanation: Up to 2 of the 6 required behind-the-wheel training hours may be completed using a driving simulator. The remaining 4 hours must involve actual vehicle operation on public roads under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.
10Where must Tennessee driving instructors maintain current certification?
A.With their local DMV office
B.On file with the Department through the online portal
C.At their driving school location only
D.With the Tennessee Board of Education
Explanation: Tennessee driving instructors must maintain current certification on file with the Department of Safety through the online portal. This allows the Department to verify instructor qualifications and ensures compliance with state regulations.

About the TN Driving Instructor Exam

The Tennessee driving instructor certification is administered by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security under Rule 1340-03-07. Instructors must complete an Instructor Development Course certified by AAA, the National Safety Council, or another TDOSHS-approved organization. The written exam covers Tennessee traffic laws, safe driving practices, instructional methodology, and the ability to teach driver education. A TBI background check is required, and certification must be renewed annually.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

$50 (Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS))

TN Driving Instructor Exam Content Outline

25%

Tennessee Traffic Laws & Regulations

TN motor vehicle laws, speed limits, right-of-way rules, GDL program, school bus laws, school zone rules, implied consent, and insurance requirements

20%

Teaching Methods & Instruction

SIPDE method, Smith System, zone control, commentary driving, progressive instruction, learning domains, feedback techniques, and group instruction

15%

Behind-the-Wheel Training

Parking techniques, lane changing, highway merging, curve navigation, night driving, backing, roundabouts, and lesson planning

15%

Defensive Driving

Following distance, space management, hazard perception, skid control, adverse weather, winter driving, and crash avoidance strategies

10%

Road Signs, Signals & Pavement Markings

Sign shapes and colors, regulatory signs, warning signs, construction signs, guide signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings

8%

Vehicle Operations & Safety Systems

ABS, ESC, steering techniques, pre-drive inspection, headlight usage, braking systems, and vehicle maintenance

7%

State Certification & Professional Standards

TDOSHS Rule 1340-03-07, certification requirements, TBI background check, annual renewal, DTTP program standards, and professional ethics

How to Pass the TN Driving Instructor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: $50

Keys to Passing

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

TN Driving Instructor Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study Tennessee Rule 1340-03-07 covering provider and instructor requirements, DTTP program standards, and certification maintenance procedures
2Master the SIPDE decision-making process and Smith System's five principles — these are foundational defensive driving frameworks for instruction
3Review Tennessee-specific traffic laws including GDL requirements (50 hours supervised driving), school bus laws, and the Move Over law
4Understand the DTTP structure: 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 6 hours of BTW training (2 hours may be simulator-based)
5Practice explaining behind-the-wheel maneuvers in clear, step-by-step language as the exam tests instructional ability
6Study all standard road signs by shape and color, traffic signal meanings, and pavement marking types and their legal implications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Tennessee driving instructor certification exam cover?

The exam covers Tennessee traffic laws, safe driving practices, instructional methodology, road signs and signals, vehicle operations, emergency procedures, and the DTTP program requirements. It tests both driving knowledge and the ability to teach driver education.

What certification do I need to become a TN driving instructor?

You must complete an Instructor Development Course certified by the American Automobile Association (AAA), National Safety Council (NSC), or another program approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety. You also need a TBI background check.

How often must Tennessee driving instructor certification be renewed?

Tennessee driving instructor certification must be renewed annually. Instructors must maintain current certification on file with the Department through the online portal. All certificates are valid for one year.

What is the DTTP program in Tennessee?

The Driver Training/Testing Program (DTTP) requires students to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction using the Tennessee Driver License Manual and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, of which up to 2 hours may use a driving simulator.

Who cannot be hired as a driving instructor in Tennessee?

Under Rule 1340-03-07, a driver education provider shall not hire any current employee of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security as an instructor. This prevents conflicts of interest in the licensing process.