Tennessee: Licensing basics — Graduated Driver License Program Steps Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Which of these drivers is NOT required to take part in the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program?” · “Who may sign the certification of driving experience for the Intermediate Restricted License?”
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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 19 questions in this practice test
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Which of these drivers is NOT required to take part in the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program?
- A 16-year-old who is still enrolled in high school
- A 17-year-old high school graduate or GED holder
- A 15-year-old applying for a learner permit
- A 17-year-old with no diploma or GED
Show answer
Correct answer: A 17-year-old high school graduate or GED holder
The GDL law does not apply to anyone 18 or older, or to those under 18 who have graduated high school or received a GED.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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What is the minimum age to get a Tennessee learner permit?
- 15 years old
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 17 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years old
A learner permit applicant must be 15 and pass the standard written exams and the vision screening.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How long must a teen hold a learner permit before moving to the Intermediate Restricted License step?
- 90 days
- 270 days
- 180 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 180 days
The learner permit must be held for 180 days before the teen can move up to the Intermediate Restricted License.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Who must ride in the front seat when a driver is operating a car with a learner permit?
- A licensed driver 18 years old or older
- A licensed driver 21 years old or older
- Only a parent or legal guardian of any age
- A licensed driver 21 or older, seated in either row
Show answer
Correct answer: A licensed driver 21 years old or older
A learner permit holder may drive a car only with a licensed driver 21 or older riding in the front seat.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Between which hours may a driver with a learner permit not drive?
- 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.
- 9 P.M. and 5 A.M.
- Midnight and 5 A.M.
- 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.
Learner permit holders may not drive from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many steps lead to a full, unrestricted Driver License in the Graduated Driver License program?
- Four
- Two
- Three
- Five
Show answer
Correct answer: Four
The program has four steps: learner permit, Intermediate Restricted, Intermediate Unrestricted, and Regular Driver License.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What does the graduated license program require before a teen receives a full Class D license?
- A new written test passed at every step
- A minimum number of miles driven in each year of the permit
- Completion of a college-level driving course
- Minimum driving experience and a safe driving record
Show answer
Correct answer: Minimum driving experience and a safe driving record
The steps are designed to teach young drivers gradually by requiring minimum driving experience and a safe record.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What must a 16-year-old pass to get the Intermediate Restricted License?
- A second written knowledge test only
- The driving skills test (road test)
- A hazard-perception computer test
- A hearing and balance screening
Show answer
Correct answer: The driving skills test (road test)
The applicant must be 16 and pass the driving skills test (the road test).
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How much driving experience must be certified for the Intermediate Restricted License?
- Forty hours, ten of them at night
- Fifty hours, twenty of them at night
- Sixty hours, five of them at night
- Fifty hours, ten of them at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Fifty hours, ten of them at night
A parent, guardian or driving instructor must verify fifty hours of driving, including ten at night.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Who may sign the certification of driving experience for the Intermediate Restricted License?
- A parent, legal guardian or licensed driving instructor
- Any adult family friend who has a valid license
- A school principal or guidance counselor
- A Driver Service Center examiner or clerk
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent, legal guardian or licensed driving instructor
The form must be signed by a parent, legal guardian or licensed driving instructor.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What is the minimum age to apply for the Intermediate Unrestricted License?
- 16 years old
- 15 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 17 years old
Applying for the Intermediate Unrestricted license from the Intermediate Restricted license requires being 17.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How long must an Intermediate Restricted License be held before applying for the Intermediate Unrestricted License?
- Six months
- 180 days
- Two years
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
The Intermediate Restricted License must have been held for 1 year.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What additional tests are required to move from the Intermediate Restricted License to the Intermediate Unrestricted License?
- A second road test
- None
- A new knowledge test
- A vision screening only
Show answer
Correct answer: None
No additional tests are required for the move to the Intermediate Unrestricted level.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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At what age can a teen get a regular Class D license, if not earlier through high school or a GED?
- 19 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old
- 21 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 18 years old
A Class D regular license is available at 18, or on graduating high school or receiving a GED, whichever is sooner.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What does a Regular Driver License still include after the teen moves up from the Intermediate Unrestricted step?
- The "Under 21" indicators
- A "GDL" restriction card
- A night-driving curfew
- A limit of one passenger
Show answer
Correct answer: The "Under 21" indicators
The license still includes the "Under 21" indicators until the holder turns 21.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What is a driver with a learner permit given to carry along with the permit?
- A parental consent card
- A "Restriction Card"
- A driving log book
- A school attendance card
Show answer
Correct answer: A "Restriction Card"
The Restriction Card explains the permit restrictions and the requirements for advancing to the Intermediate Restricted level.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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Which teens are not required to complete the steps of the Graduated Driver License program?
- A teen under 18 who has graduated or earned a GED
- A 17-year-old with fifty documented driving hours
- A 17-year-old with a part-time job
- A 16-year-old who has finished driver education
Show answer
Correct answer: A teen under 18 who has graduated or earned a GED
The requirements do not apply to anyone 18 or older, or anyone under 18 who has graduated or received a GED.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 20 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 20)
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How may a 16-year-old obtain a Class D regular driver license without the graduated steps?
- Completing an approved driver education course at school
- Holding a full-time job and a letter of permission from a parent
- Emancipation by active duty military service, marriage or court order
- Holding a learner permit for 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Emancipation by active duty military service, marriage or court order
A 16-year-old emancipated by active duty military service, marriage or court order may get a regular Class D license.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 20 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 20)
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How long must a person under age 18 hold a learner permit before they can be road tested, according to the manual?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 180 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 180 days
The manual says people under eighteen must hold a learner permit for 180 days and qualify under the GDL program before a road test.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)