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100+ Free TN Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your Tennessee DOS Motorcycle Knowledge Test (Class M) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Why are bright or reflective riding clothes recommended?

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Key Facts: TN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

30

Multiple-Choice Questions

Tennessee Department of Safety

80% (24/30)

Passing Score

Tennessee Department of Safety

$6.50 / $29.50

Learner Permit / Class M License Fee

TN Department of Safety 2026

TCA 55-9-302

Universal DOT Helmet Required

Tennessee Code Annotated

TCA 55-9-304

Eye Protection Required Unless Windshield Fitted

Tennessee Code Annotated

MREP

Basic Rider Course Waives Knowledge & Skills Test

Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program

The Tennessee DOS motorcycle knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass. The motorcycle learner permit fee is $6.50 and a Class M license costs $29.50. The test is required for the Class M license or M endorsement on a Class D license. Tennessee MREP basic rider course graduates can waive both the knowledge and skills tests. Tennessee-specific rules tested include the universal DOT helmet requirement (TCA 55-9-302), mandatory eye protection unless a windshield is fitted (TCA 55-9-304), lane splitting is prohibited, and the 0.02% BAC zero-tolerance limit for riders under 21.

Sample TN Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

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

1How many multiple-choice questions are on the Tennessee DOS motorcycle knowledge test?
A.20
B.25
C.30
D.50
Explanation: The Tennessee Department of Safety motorcycle knowledge test contains 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual. Applicants must answer at least 24 questions correctly for a passing score of 80%.
2What passing score is required on the Tennessee motorcycle knowledge test?
A.70% (21 of 30)
B.75% (23 of 30)
C.80% (24 of 30)
D.90% (27 of 30)
Explanation: Tennessee requires a passing score of 80%, meaning you must answer at least 24 of the 30 questions correctly. Missing more than 6 questions results in a fail, and you must return to retake the exam.
3What is the fee for a Tennessee motorcycle learner permit?
A.$2.00
B.$6.50
C.$29.50
D.$55.00
Explanation: The Tennessee motorcycle learner permit fee is $6.50. A full Class M license costs $29.50, and adding the M endorsement to an existing Class D license costs $2.00. The permit is valid for one year while you prepare for the skills test.
4Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 55-9-302 requires motorcycle riders to:
A.Wear a DOT-approved crash helmet at all times
B.Wear a helmet only when riding on interstates
C.Wear a helmet only if under age 21
D.Wear a helmet only when carrying a passenger
Explanation: TCA 55-9-302 makes Tennessee a universal helmet state. Every motorcycle operator and passenger, regardless of age, must wear a crash helmet that meets federal DOT FMVSS 218 standards. Approved certifications include DOT, Snell, and SIRC.
5Under TCA 55-9-304, when is eye protection required on a Tennessee motorcycle?
A.Only when riding at night
B.Only when riding above 35 mph
C.Always, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield
D.Only when the rider wears a half-helmet
Explanation: TCA 55-9-304 requires every motorcycle rider in Tennessee to wear approved eye protection - goggles, a face shield, or safety glasses - unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. Eye protection prevents wind, dust, debris, and insects from impairing vision.
6Is lane splitting (riding between rows of cars in the same lane) legal in Tennessee?
A.Yes, when traffic is stopped
B.Yes, at speeds under 30 mph
C.No - lane splitting is prohibited in Tennessee
D.Only on interstate highways
Explanation: Lane splitting is prohibited in Tennessee. Under TCA 55-8-182, motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, but they may not pass between two lines of vehicles moving in the same direction. California is currently the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal.
7What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for Tennessee motorcyclists age 21 or older?
A.0.02%
B.0.05%
C.0.08%
D.0.10%
Explanation: Tennessee's per se BAC limit for adult drivers and motorcyclists 21 or older is 0.08%. Riders under 21 are subject to a 0.02% zero-tolerance limit. Even small amounts of alcohol seriously degrade balance, judgment, and reaction time on a motorcycle.
8What is the BAC limit for Tennessee motorcyclists under 21?
A.0.00%
B.0.02%
C.0.05%
D.0.08%
Explanation: Tennessee's zero-tolerance law sets the BAC limit at 0.02% for drivers and motorcyclists under 21. This is much lower than the adult 0.08% limit and can result in license revocation, fines, and required alcohol counseling.
9What does the acronym T-CLOCS stand for in motorcycle pre-ride inspection?
A.Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands
B.Throttle, Clutch, Lights, Oil, Cables, Speedometer
C.Tires, Cables, Lights, Operation, Chain, Steering
D.Throttle, Clutch, Levers, Oil, Chassis, Safety
Explanation: T-CLOCS is the MSF-recommended pre-ride checklist: Tires and wheels, Controls (levers, throttle, cables), Lights and electrical, Oil and other fluids, Chassis (frame, suspension, chain), and Stands (centerstand and sidestand). Inspecting these items before every ride catches problems before they become emergencies.
10Which motorcycle control is operated by the rider's left hand?
A.Front brake lever
B.Throttle
C.Clutch lever
D.Rear brake lever
Explanation: The left hand operates the clutch lever, which disengages the engine from the rear wheel when squeezed. The right hand controls both the throttle (twist grip) and the front brake lever. The right foot operates the rear brake.

About the TN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

The Tennessee DOS motorcycle knowledge test is the written exam required to earn a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement in Tennessee. It contains 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual, covering motorcycle controls, the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, body position, throttle/clutch/brake coordination, braking distance and using both brakes, swerving, the slow-look-press-roll (SLPR) cornering technique, counter-steering above 12 mph, the three lane positions, the SIPDE and MSF SEE mental strategies, hand signals, staggered group formation, and DOT-approved gear. The test also covers Tennessee-specific laws including the universal helmet requirement under TCA 55-9-302, mandatory eye protection under TCA 55-9-304, the prohibition on lane splitting, mandatory daytime headlight use, passenger and footrest requirements, and BAC limits (0.08% adult, 0.02% under 21). Applicants must answer at least 24 of 30 questions correctly to pass (80%). The motorcycle learner permit fee is $6.50, and a full Class M license costs $29.50 (or $2.00 to add the M endorsement to a Class D license). Successful completion of a Tennessee MREP basic rider course waives both the knowledge and skills tests for Class D license holders.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

No strict time limit at TN Driver Services Centers

Passing Score

80% (24 of 30 questions correct)

Exam Fee

$6.50 motorcycle learner permit; $29.50 Class M license (or $2.00 endorsement) (Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security)

TN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Tennessee sign shapes and colors, traffic signals, lane markings, and curve advisory signs on Smoky Mountain roads

Section 2

Lane Positions and Sharing the Road

The three lane positions, blind spots, staggered group formation, and sharing the road with cars, trucks, and bicyclists

Section 3

Braking, Swerving and Cornering

Using both brakes (about 70% front), the 2-second following distance, swerving, counter-steering, and the slow-look-press-roll turning technique

Section 4

Tennessee-Specific Laws

Universal helmet law (TCA 55-9-302), eye protection (TCA 55-9-304), no lane splitting, mandatory daytime headlight, passenger seat/footrest rule, and BAC limits

Section 5

Hazards, Night Riding and Emergencies

Smoky Mountain curves, rural deer crossings, valley fog, sudden Appalachian storms, gravel, Tail of the Dragon (US 129), and night conspicuity

How to Pass the TN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (24 of 30 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 30 questions
  • Time limit: No strict time limit at TN Driver Services Centers
  • Exam fee: $6.50 motorcycle learner permit; $29.50 Class M license (or $2.00 endorsement)

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 Motorcycle Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the current Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual from the TN Department of Safety website - every test question is based on it
2Memorize the Tennessee-specific numbers: 30 test questions, 80% pass (24/30), $6.50 learner permit fee, $29.50 Class M license, BAC 0.08% adult / 0.02% under 21, minimum age 16 for Class M (15 for restricted permit)
3Learn the key acronyms cold: T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands), SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute), MSF SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute), and SLPR (Slow, Look, Press, Roll) for turns
4Understand Tennessee's distinctive laws: universal helmet requirement under TCA 55-9-302, eye protection under TCA 55-9-304, lane splitting prohibited, mandatory daytime headlight, and the 0.02% BAC zero-tolerance limit for riders under 21
5Take timed practice tests until you consistently score 90% or higher, giving yourself a comfortable buffer above the 80% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee motorcycle permit test?

The Tennessee DOS motorcycle knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual. The same test is used for both the motorcycle learner permit and the Class M license endorsement.

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

Applicants must answer at least 24 of 30 questions correctly, an 80% passing score. The test is administered at Tennessee Driver Services Centers (TDOS). If you fail, you must wait until the next business day to retake the exam in most counties.

Is lane splitting legal in Tennessee?

No - lane splitting is prohibited in Tennessee. Under TCA 55-8-182, motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no vehicle may deprive a motorcycle of that lane, but motorcycles may not pass between two lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction. Tennessee is not a lane-splitting state.

Does Tennessee require a helmet for motorcycle riders?

Yes - Tennessee is a universal helmet state. Under TCA 55-9-302, every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a crash helmet meeting federal DOT standards (FMVSS 218). The law applies to riders of all ages, not just minors. Approved helmets include DOT, Snell, and SIRC certifications.

Does Tennessee require eye protection for motorcycle riders?

Yes - under TCA 55-9-304, every motorcycle rider must wear eye protection (goggles, a face shield, or safety glasses) unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. The eye protection must be of a type approved by the Commissioner of Safety.

How much does the Tennessee motorcycle permit cost?

The Tennessee motorcycle learner permit fee is $6.50. A full Class M license costs $29.50, or you can add the Class M endorsement to an existing Class D license for $2.00. Pay a $55 total if obtaining a new driver's license with motorcycle endorsement bundled.

Does the Tennessee MREP course waive the motorcycle test?

Yes - successful completion of a Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) Basic Rider Course waives both the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests if you already hold a Class D or PD driver license. An out-of-state MSF Basic RiderCourse waives only the skills test. MREP certificates are valid for one year.