Tennessee: Licensing basics — Knowledge Test, Retakes and Cheating Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “If you fail a driver license test, when may you take that same test again?” · “What is required before an applicant under age 18 can take an oral test?”
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Ready? Test yourself
- Instant feedback with an explanation
- Every answer cites its source in the manual
- Your best score is saved on this device
- Keyboard: press 1 to 4 to answer and Enter for the next question
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 17 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
If you fail a driver license test, when may you take that same test again?
- After one hour
- Not on the same day
- Later the same day with a parent present
- Only after one year
Show answer
Correct answer: Not on the same day
No test may be repeated on the same day it was failed.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What must you bring back when you return to take a failed test over?
- Only a copy of your failed test results
- Only your learner permit
- All of the original documents you are required to provide
- Nothing, since the Department keeps your documents
Show answer
Correct answer: All of the original documents you are required to provide
You must bring back all of the original documents required to be provided when retaking a test.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
The knowledge test is based on information in which parts of the manual?
- Sections B and C
- Sections A and B
- Section A only
- Sections A and C
Show answer
Correct answer: Sections B and C
The multiple choice knowledge test is based on information in sections B and C of the manual.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
About what share of the knowledge test is on each of its four areas (traffic signs and signals, safe driving principles, rules of the road, and drugs and alcohol)?
- About 40% on rules of the road and 20% on each other area
- About 10% on drugs and alcohol and 30% on each other area
- About 25% each
- About 50% on signs and signals and 50% on the rest
Show answer
Correct answer: About 25% each
The test approximately splits evenly: 25% for each of the four areas.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
How are knowledge tests usually administered in Driver License Service Centers?
- By an examiner reading questions aloud
- Using computerized testing machines
- In a written format with an essay
- By telephone with an examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: Using computerized testing machines
Knowledge tests are given on computerized testing machines, and only in very limited circumstances in a written format.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What may an applicant whose first language is not English use during the knowledge test?
- A smartphone app that translates the test questions
- A pocket electronic dictionary with a translation feature
- A friend or relative who acts as an interpreter
- A translation dictionary with no notes or handwriting in it
Show answer
Correct answer: A translation dictionary with no notes or handwriting in it
A translation dictionary is allowed only if no notes or other handwriting are visible in its pages.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
Which of these is NOT allowed during driver license testing?
- Smart phones and electronic dictionaries
- A translation dictionary with no handwriting in it
- A sign language interpreter the Department furnishes for a deaf applicant
- Glasses worn for vision correction
Show answer
Correct answer: Smart phones and electronic dictionaries
PDAs, smart phones, electronic dictionaries and similar devices are not allowed during testing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
Who can take an oral knowledge test, given by appointment at selected centers?
- Applicants who are over age 65 and have no vision problems
- Applicants who have a learning disability or cannot read
- Applicants who have failed the written test twice in a row
- Applicants who are new residents from another state
Show answer
Correct answer: Applicants who have a learning disability or cannot read
Oral tests are available by appointment for applicants who have a learning disability or cannot read.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What is required before an applicant under age 18 can take an oral test?
- A written statement from a parent or legal guardian only
- A written statement from the applicant’s school principal
- A written statement from a licensed driving instructor
- A written statement from a physician or educational specialist
Show answer
Correct answer: A written statement from a physician or educational specialist
An applicant under 18 needs a written statement from a physician or educational specialist about a medical condition or learning disability.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What will the Department of Safety furnish if an applicant requesting an oral test is deaf?
- A certified sign language interpreter
- A written test only
- A parent or guardian as helper
- A longer time limit and no interpreter
Show answer
Correct answer: A certified sign language interpreter
For a deaf applicant, the Department furnishes a certified sign language interpreter to assist with the exam.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What is the result of any form of cheating on a required examination?
- A warning and a retest the same day
- Automatic failure and a 1-day waiting period
- Automatic failure and no re-attempt for 30 days
- Loss of the applicant’s learner permit for one year
Show answer
Correct answer: Automatic failure and no re-attempt for 30 days
Cheating means an automatic failure and no new attempt for 30 days.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
Which of these counts as cheating on a driver license test?
- Bringing a translation dictionary with no notes in it
- Using written notes, including notes on clothing or the body
- Turning your cell phone off before the test
- Studying the manual before you arrive
Show answer
Correct answer: Using written notes, including notes on clothing or the body
Any form of written notes, including notes on paper, clothing or the body, is a form of cheating.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
Which of these counts as cheating on a driver license test?
- Asking to use a pencil provided by the testing center
- Arriving 15 minutes before the appointment
- Wearing glasses during the vision screening
- Talking during the examination, including cell phone use
Show answer
Correct answer: Talking during the examination, including cell phone use
Talking during the examination, which includes cell phone use, is listed as cheating.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
What must be done with cell phones, pagers and text messaging devices during written and road test administration?
- They must be turned off
- They may be used on silent mode
- They may be used only by the examiner’s permission
- They must be left on to receive appointment notices
Show answer
Correct answer: They must be turned off
All cell phones, pagers and text messaging devices must be turned off during both the written and road tests.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
-
Why is the date and information on knowledge test failures keyed into the Driver License computer system?
- So the failure is printed on your license
- So all locations are aware of prior test dates and scores
- So the failure can be removed from the record after one year
- So only the same center can give the retest
Show answer
Correct answer: So all locations are aware of prior test dates and scores
The information is entered so that all locations know the applicant’s prior test dates and scores.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
-
Teenagers 15 to 17 who must take a written test can take it online under the supervision of whom?
- A driver education teacher at a school
- Any licensed driver who is over age 21
- A professional driving school instructor
- A proctor who is a parent or legal guardian
Show answer
Correct answer: A proctor who is a parent or legal guardian
The online test is taken under a proctor’s supervision, a parent or legal guardian.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
-
The manual tells parents to review Section C-4 for what useful item to help teens learn to drive?
- A list of approved driving schools
- A driving experience log
- A road test score sheet
- A practice knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: A driving experience log
Section C-4 provides helpful information plus a driving experience log recommended by many parents and safety advocate groups.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)