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100+ Free TN Driving Instructor Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

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.

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.