Tennessee: 30 Hardest Driving Test Questions
Questions that need a second thought, picked for close numbers, exceptions and easy-to-confuse rules. Take your time.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual" (March 2025 printing), Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
All 30 questions in this practice test
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The manual says white is the background for regulatory signs except one kind. Which kind?
- Speed limit signs
- ONE WAY signs
- Lane use signs
- STOP signs
Show answer
Correct answer: STOP signs
Regulatory signs have a white background, except STOP signs, which have a red background.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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You are considered to be driving a slow-moving vehicle if you travel at a speed that is at least how far below the lawful maximum speed?
- 5 miles per hour
- 10 miles per hour
- 15 miles per hour
- 20 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 miles per hour
A rate of speed 10 miles per hour or more below the lawful maximum makes you a slow-moving vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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Any child under what age may not ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Tennessee on any road in Tennessee?
- 4
- 8
- 6
- 12
Show answer
Correct answer: 6
It is illegal in Tennessee to let any child under the age of 6 ride in the bed of a pickup truck.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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When you approach a railroad crossing and a train is coming, how far from the tracks must you stop?
- Between 15 and 50 feet
- Between 5 and 10 feet
- Between 50 and 100 feet
- Between 100 and 200 feet
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Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet
You must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad tracks and never stop on the tracks.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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On which of these signs is red used as the legend (message) color instead of the background color?
- STOP signs
- DO NOT ENTER signs
- WRONG WAY signs
- YIELD signs
Show answer
Correct answer: YIELD signs
Red is the legend color on YIELD signs, parking prohibition signs and the red circle-and-slash symbol; STOP, DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs use red as the background.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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A blind pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog is crossing the roadway, even away from a crosswalk. How far away must you stop?
- At least 5 feet
- At least 15 feet
- At least 10 feet
- At least 25 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 10 feet
The manual says to stop at least 10 feet away until the person is off the roadway.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What is the minimum speed in the left most lane of an interstate highway, unless traffic congestion and flow prevent safe driving at such speed?
- 55 m.p.h.
- 45 m.p.h.
- 35 m.p.h.
- 65 m.p.h.
Show answer
Correct answer: 55 m.p.h.
It is unlawful to drive less than 55 m.p.h. in the left most lane of any interstate, unless congestion and flow prevent safe driving at that speed.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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How far ahead of your vehicle should you try to watch on the interstate for cars braking, entering or exiting?
- 15-20 seconds
- 2-4 seconds
- 5-8 seconds
- 45-60 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 15-20 seconds
Scan the road ahead and try to watch 15 to 20 seconds in front of your vehicle for cars that are braking, entering or exiting.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 69 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 69)
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You want to make a U-turn. How far in each direction must you be able to see traffic?
- At least 100 feet
- At least 500 feet
- At least 200 feet
- At least 300 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 500 feet
You may not make a U-turn where you cannot see traffic coming from both directions for at least 500 feet each way.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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A crash must be reported to the Department of Safety as a reportable crash if property damage to any one person, including oneself, exceeds how much?
- $50
- $100
- $1,000
- $400
Show answer
Correct answer: $400
Reportable crashes include any crash in which someone is killed or injured, or in which property damage to any one person exceeds $400.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 89 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 89)
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow bent sharply to the left. It marks turns with what recommended speed?
- 40 m.p.h. or less
- 30 m.p.h. or less
- 45 m.p.h. or less
- 50 m.p.h. or less
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 m.p.h. or less
The turn sign warns of a rather sharp turn and is used for turns with a recommended speed of 30 m.p.h. or less.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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It is illegal to park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?
- 15 feet
- 30 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 50 feet
Parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing is illegal.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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It is illegal to park within how many feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or other traffic control device?
- 15 feet
- 30 feet
- 20 feet
- 50 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 feet
Parking within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or other traffic control device is illegal.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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What is the fine range under Tennessee law for violating the speed limit posted in active work zones?
- A minimum of $50 up to a maximum of $250
- A minimum of $500 up to a maximum of $1,000
- A minimum of $250 up to a maximum of $500
- A minimum of $100 up to a maximum of $750
Show answer
Correct answer: A minimum of $250 up to a maximum of $500
Tennessee law sets a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum of $500 for violating the speed limit posted in active work zones.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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How much can a driver be fined for not stopping for a stopped school bus?
- Between $50 and $200
- Between $100 and $300
- Between $250 and $1,000
- Between $500 and $2,500
Show answer
Correct answer: Between $250 and $1,000
Not stopping for a stopped school bus brings a fine of between $250 and $1,000.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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On a multi-lane road, about how far before a crosswalk should you stop so you do not block other drivers' view of the crossing pedestrians?
- About 30 feet
- About 10 feet
- About 20 feet
- About 50 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: About 30 feet
Stopping about 30 feet back keeps drivers in other lanes able to see the pedestrians crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 63 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 63)
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How low may the limit be set on some interstate sections in larger, congested urban areas?
- 55 m.p.h.
- 35 m.p.h.
- 45 m.p.h.
- 60 m.p.h.
Show answer
Correct answer: 55 m.p.h.
Variable limits mean an interstate limit can be as low as 55 m.p.h. in larger urban areas with more traffic congestion.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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In general, how far ahead do defensive drivers try to focus their eyes?
- 3 to 5 seconds
- 10 to 15 seconds
- 30 to 40 seconds
- 1 to 2 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 to 15 seconds
Defensive drivers look about 10 to 15 seconds ahead, roughly one city block, to see things early.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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When should you proceed to cross the tracks?
- Whenever the first track in front is clear
- As soon as the train is out of your sight
- After you have reached the middle of the crossing
- Only if you can clear all tracks without stopping
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if you can clear all tracks without stopping
Never stop on the tracks, so cross only when you can clear them all.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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A "STATE LAW" sign reads "MOVE OVER FOR STOPPED EMERGENCY VEHICLES." What maximum fine does the sign list?
- $50
- $500
- $100
- $1,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $500
The Move Over Law sign printed with the law reads "STATE LAW – MOVE OVER FOR STOPPED EMERGENCY VEHICLES – $500 MAXIMUM FINE."
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 72 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 72)
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What is the farthest you may travel in a shared center turn lane?
- 100 feet
- 500 feet
- 1,000 feet
- 300 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 300 feet
Shared center turn lanes cannot be used for travel farther than 300 feet.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 60 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 60)
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A child younger than 7 in a motor vehicle on premises frequented by the public must be supervised by a person at least what age?
- 10
- 16
- 13
- 18
Show answer
Correct answer: 13
Leaving the child without supervision by a person at least 13 years old is an offense when the stated conditions exist.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Between which hours may an Intermediate Restricted License holder not drive, unless an exception applies?
- 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.
- 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
- 10 P.M. and 5 A.M.
- Midnight and 6 A.M.
Show answer
Correct answer: 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.
The Intermediate Restricted holder is prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 19)
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How far behind a large truck can its blind spot extend?
- Up to 50 feet
- Up to 100 feet
- Up to 400 feet
- Up to 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 200 feet
A truck has blind spots in front, on both sides and up to 200 feet behind it.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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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)
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A DUI restricted license is not an option for a driver with a prior conviction of DUI or adult driving while impaired within how many years?
- 3 years
- 10 years
- 5 years
- 7 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 years
The DUI restricted license is not available to drivers with a prior DUI or adult driving-while-impaired conviction within 10 years.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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What is the license revocation period for a third DUI conviction?
- 1 to 3 years
- 2 to 5 years
- 5 years to indefinite
- 3 to 10 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 3 to 10 years
The DUI penalties table gives a revocation of 3 to 10 years for a third conviction.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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What jail time is listed for a second DUI conviction?
- 48 hours
- 120 days to 11 months, 29 days
- 45 days to 11 months, 29 days
- 150 days to the maximum for a Class E felony
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 days to 11 months, 29 days
The DUI penalties table lists 45 days to 11 months, 29 days of jail for a second conviction.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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It is illegal to park within how many feet of a fire station driveway when you are on the other side of the street?
- 30 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
- 75 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 75 feet
On the other side of the street, parking within 75 feet of the fire station driveway is illegal.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 65 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 65)
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If you are between 13 and 17 and found to have possessed, consumed or sold alcohol or drugs, how long is your driving privilege suspended for a first offense?
- Six months or until age 16, whichever is longer
- One year or until age 17, whichever is longer
- One year or until age 17, whichever is shorter
- Two years or until age 18, whichever is longer
Show answer
Correct answer: One year or until age 17, whichever is longer
A juvenile offender's driving privilege is suspended for one year or until age 17, whichever is longer.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 83 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 83)