Tennessee: Distractions, fatigue and road rage
Hands Free Tennessee, the texting and school-zone phone laws, teen cell phone rules, drowsy driving and dealing with aggressive drivers. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Choose a part
Distractions, fatigue and road rage — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Why is wearing headphones or earbuds with a very high volume dangerous when driving?”
StartDistractions, fatigue and road rage — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “Which of these is illegal for a driver under Hands Free Tennessee?”
StartAll 34 Distractions, fatigue and road rage questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
Why is wearing headphones or earbuds with a very high volume dangerous when driving?
- You may not hear warning horns or emergency sirens
- They reduce your side vision and your reaction time
- They distract the driver's eyes from the road
- They make the vehicle accelerate
Show answer
Correct answer: You may not hear warning horns or emergency sirens
High volume interferes with hearing traffic conditions such as warning horns and sirens.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
According to the manual, how does having friends in the car affect the risk for a teen driver?
- The risk is lower because friends watch the road
- The risk stays the same regardless of passengers
- More passengers means a greater chance of a serious crash
- The risk rises only with more than four passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: More passengers means a greater chance of a serious crash
The risk for a teen driver is even higher with friends in the car.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
Tennessee law prohibits drivers with which licenses from using a cell phone while driving?
- Only an Intermediate Restricted license holder
- Learner permit or intermediate license holders
- Only drivers younger than 16
- Only drivers on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Learner permit or intermediate license holders
The ban applies to any driver possessing a learner permit or intermediate driver license, on any Tennessee roadway.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
Which is included in the manual's definition of a cell phone for the teen ban?
- A citizens band radio
- A built-in navigation unit
- A car stereo
- A cellular car telephone
Show answer
Correct answer: A cellular car telephone
The definition covers a handheld cellular telephone, a cellular car telephone, or another mobile phone.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
A teen driver is convicted of using a cell phone while driving. The offense is which kind?
- A Class A misdemeanor
- A Class B misdemeanor
- A Class C misdemeanor
- A felony
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class C misdemeanor
One consequence of conviction is a Class C misdemeanor.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
What is the fine for a teen driver convicted of using a cell phone while driving?
- $50.00
- $25.00
- $100.00
- $200.00
Show answer
Correct answer: $50.00
The listed consequences include a $50.00 fine.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
Who is prohibited from texting while driving in Tennessee?
- Only teenage drivers
- Teenage drivers as well as adult drivers
- Only drivers with a learner permit
- Only drivers on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Teenage drivers as well as adult drivers
Texting while driving is prohibited for teenage and adult drivers alike.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
What does the texting law cover while the driver's motor vehicle is in motion?
- Only sending a written message, not reading a message
- Only using a phone at speeds above 25 mph
- Only using a phone to make a call
- Using a hand-held phone to transmit or read a written message
Show answer
Correct answer: Using a hand-held phone to transmit or read a written message
The prohibition includes both sending and reading written messages on a hand-held device.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
What can a violation of the texting law cost the driver?
- A fine not to exceed $50 plus court costs not to exceed $10
- A fine not to exceed $25 plus court costs not to exceed $10
- A fine not to exceed $100 plus court costs not to exceed $25
- A fine not to exceed $50 plus court costs not to exceed $50
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine not to exceed $50 plus court costs not to exceed $10
The fine may not exceed fifty dollars and court costs may not exceed ten dollars.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
-
What fine may result from a violation of the Tennessee texting-while-driving law?
- A fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars
- A fine not to exceed one hundred dollars
- A fine not to exceed fifty dollars
- A fine not to exceed five hundred dollars
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine not to exceed fifty dollars
The manual says violations can bring a fine not to exceed fifty dollars plus court costs not to exceed ten dollars.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Who is exempt from the texting-while-driving law?
- Law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel on duty
- Drivers who are traveling on an interstate highway at night
- Drivers who have kept a clean driving record
- Taxi drivers who are carrying passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: Law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel on duty
The exemption covers law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical persons and emergency management agency officers while performing official duties.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Under the school-zone hand-held phone law, when is it an offense for a driver 18 or older to use a hand-held mobile phone?
- Only when a crossing guard is directing traffic at the school
- While moving in a marked school zone when a warning flasher is operating
- Only when a school bus is loading or unloading nearby
- Only when driving above the school zone speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: While moving in a marked school zone when a warning flasher is operating
The offense applies to a moving vehicle in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are operating.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
For a driver 18 or older, what is the exception to the hand-held mobile phone offense in a marked school zone?
- The phone is held below the dashboard
- The vehicle is slowing to a stop
- The call lasts less than one minute
- The phone is being used in hands free mode
Show answer
Correct answer: The phone is being used in hands free mode
The school-zone offense has an exception when the phone is used in hands free mode.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Does the hands free exception for the school-zone phone offense apply to drivers under eighteen?
- No, and using the phone creates a delinquent act for them
- Yes, in the same way as for adults
- Yes, but only with a licensed adult in the car
- No, because drivers under eighteen may not drive in school zones
Show answer
Correct answer: No, and using the phone creates a delinquent act for them
The manual says the exception does not apply to persons under eighteen, and a violation creates a delinquent act for them.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
State law prohibits installing a video monitor or screen that is intended to display an image visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion if it is capable of displaying what?
- A navigation map
- The view behind the vehicle
- A television broadcast or video signal
- Vehicle information such as fuel level
Show answer
Correct answer: A television broadcast or video signal
The law bans driver-visible screens capable of showing a television broadcast or video signal; navigation, vehicle information and camera views are not prohibited.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Under Hands Free Tennessee, how much contact with a cellphone or mobile device is illegal for a driver?
- Holding it only in the hand
- Holding it only while dialing
- Holding it with any part of the body
- Holding it only in a school zone
Show answer
Correct answer: Holding it with any part of the body
The law makes it illegal to hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of your body.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Under Hands Free Tennessee, reaching for a cellphone or mobile device is illegal when it requires the driver to do what?
- No longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained
- Take one eye off the road for more than one second at a time
- Turn down the radio volume
- Lower the window
Show answer
Correct answer: No longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained
Reaching for a phone is illegal when it takes the driver out of a seated driving position or out of proper seat belt restraint.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Which of these is illegal for a driver under Hands Free Tennessee?
- Listening to music through the car stereo
- Hearing spoken directions from a navigation device
- Looking at the dashboard fuel gauge
- Watching a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device
Show answer
Correct answer: Watching a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device
The law makes it illegal for a driver to watch a video or movie on a cellphone or mobile device.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Which of these does Hands Free Tennessee make illegal for a driver?
- Wearing sunglasses while driving
- Recording or broadcasting video on a mobile device
- Listening to a podcast through the vehicle speakers
- Checking the speedometer
Show answer
Correct answer: Recording or broadcasting video on a mobile device
The law makes it illegal for a driver to record or broadcast video on a cellphone or mobile device.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
Under Hands Free Tennessee, which written communication is illegal for a driver to handle?
- Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication
- Reading road signs aloud
- Writing down the license plate of another car after parking
- Reading a map before the trip begins
Show answer
Correct answer: Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication
The law makes it illegal to write, send or read any text-based communication while driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
-
The manual lists inattention as a behavior that adds to traffic congestion. Which of these is one of its examples?
- Text messaging while driving to work
- Driving the posted speed limit
- Keeping to the right lane when slower
- Signaling well before changing lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Text messaging while driving to work
The manual's examples of inattention include eating, grooming in the mirror, talking on wireless phones, text messaging and reading newspapers while driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 72 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 72)
-
While driving in fog, you should NOT:
- Use your defroster
- Reduce your speed
- Use a cell phone
- Use your low beams
Show answer
Correct answer: Use a cell phone
The manual says to listen for traffic in fog, keeping the radio low and not using a cell phone.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 75 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 75)
-
According to the manual, which of these is one of the most important elements of safe and defensive driving?
- Driving the same route every day
- Keeping a steady volume on the radio
- Using your horn often
- Concentration
Show answer
Correct answer: Concentration
The manual says concentration, keeping your mind on driving, is one of the most important elements of safe and defensive driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
-
Which of these is listed among the leading factors in crashes?
- Driving with the headlights on
- Driving below the speed limit
- Lack of concentration
- Using the turn signal early
Show answer
Correct answer: Lack of concentration
The leading factors listed are excessive speed, lack of concentration and improper evasive action.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
-
Which of these is a temporary condition that can make you an unsafe driver?
- Holding a valid driver license
- Driving a familiar route
- Wearing your safety belt
- A minor illness such as a cold
Show answer
Correct answer: A minor illness such as a cold
Anger, worry, frustration, fatigue and minor illnesses such as a cold can make a driver unsafe.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
-
How does being tired affect you as a driver?
- You see about the same but you react more slowly than normal
- You do not see as well, are less alert and take longer to decide
- You are more alert but make poor decisions
- You make decisions faster but see less
Show answer
Correct answer: You do not see as well, are less alert and take longer to decide
Fatigue lowers sight and alertness and slows decisions, and you could fall asleep at the wheel.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
Before you begin driving on an extended trip, what does the manual say about eating?
- Eat lightly and do not eat a large meal
- Eat a large meal first to stay alert
- Eat nothing for several hours
- Eat only sweet snacks
Show answer
Correct answer: Eat lightly and do not eat a large meal
To avoid fatigue, eat lightly and skip a large meal before an extended trip.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
What does the manual say about taking medicine when you want to avoid fatigue?
- Take medicine only with a large meal before you start
- Take any medicine just before you start
- Do not take any medicine that can make you drowsy
- Medicine has no effect on fatigue
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not take any medicine that can make you drowsy
Medicine that can make you drowsy should be avoided before driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
Why should you try not to drive late at night when you are normally asleep?
- Roads are always covered with ice at that hour of the night
- Your body thinks it is time to sleep and will try to do so
- Headlights are less effective after midnight
- Other drivers are always impaired then
Show answer
Correct answer: Your body thinks it is time to sleep and will try to do so
At the hours you normally sleep, your body will try to fall asleep.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
What should you do if you are sleepy while driving?
- Turn up the radio and keep driving
- Open the windows and continue carefully
- Drive to the next exit and then continue
- Stop and sleep for a few hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and sleep for a few hours
The manual says it is better to stop and sleep for a few hours than to try to stay awake.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
If you are angry or excited, what does the manual say to do?
- Drive more aggressively to get there sooner
- Honk at other drivers to let off steam
- Take the shortest route even if it is congested
- Give yourself time to cool off and calm down
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself time to cool off and calm down
Strong emotions can keep you from driving well, so take time to cool off first.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
If you tend to be an impatient person, what should you plan for your driving trips?
- A higher cruising speed
- Shorter trips only
- Extra time
- Driving at night only
Show answer
Correct answer: Extra time
Planning extra time helps avoid speeding or other unsafe actions in heavy traffic or delays.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
-
You need to attend to another matter while driving. What does the manual say to do?
- Slow down and handle it in the right lane
- Take care of it while stopped at a traffic light
- Handle it quickly at a steady speed
- Safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop
Drivers should focus only on the road and pull over safely to deal with anything else.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 108 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 108)
-
According to the manual, which behavior makes an inattentive driver as dangerous as an aggressive driver?
- Keeping a two-second following distance
- Yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Driving slowly in the passing lane
- Using the turn signal before changing lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving slowly in the passing lane
Inattentive drivers can be as dangerous as aggressive drivers when they drive slowly in the passing lane, ignore trucks’ brake lights or signals, or create an emergency braking situation.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 108 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 108)