Tennessee: Vehicle controls and signals — Tires, Windshield and Windows Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Why should you keep the inside of your windows clean, especially if anyone using the vehicle smokes?” · “If the tire pressure sticker is not in the door jamb, where else does the manual say to check?”
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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
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Why should you wait a few seconds after rain starts before turning on your wipers?
- So the wiper blades do not wear out too quickly
- So there is enough water for the wipers to clear it
- So the defroster can clear the glass first
- So the rain has time to wash dust from the road
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Correct answer: So there is enough water for the wipers to clear it
With enough water on the glass the wipers clear it instead of smearing dust and grime across it.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 75 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 75)
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Why should a damaged windshield be repaired or replaced?
- It blocks the view of your mirrors
- It prevents the wiper blades from clearing rain, snow and road grime
- Damaged glass can easily break in a minor collision or when something hits it
- It causes the defroster to stop working
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Correct answer: Damaged glass can easily break in a minor collision or when something hits it
Damaged windshield glass can easily break in a minor collision or when struck.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What should you do if your wiper blades are not clearing your windshield?
- Replace them
- Wait until the glass is damaged
- Use only the defroster
- Add more washer fluid
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Correct answer: Replace them
The manual says to replace blades that do not clear the windshield.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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When does the manual suggest adding more windshield washer solution?
- At each tire rotation
- Once a year
- Only when the windshield is dirty
- With each oil change
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Correct answer: With each oil change
Add more solution with each oil change, and check the level with each gas fill-up.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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When should you get in the habit of cleaning the windshield?
- Each time you check your tire pressure with a gauge
- Each time you stop to put gas into your vehicle
- Once a week
- Only when it rains
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Correct answer: Each time you stop to put gas into your vehicle
A dirty windshield makes it hard to see in bright sun or headlights, so clean it at every fuel stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Why should you keep the inside of your windows clean, especially if anyone using the vehicle smokes?
- Smoking causes a film to build up on the inside of the glass
- Smoke makes the glass crack and then fog up permanently
- Smoke damages the defroster
- Smoke makes the windshield wipers stick
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Correct answer: Smoking causes a film to build up on the inside of the glass
Smoke leaves a film on the inside of the glass that hurts visibility.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What does a working heater/defroster do?
- Prevents the battery from running down
- Keeps the tires at the right pressure
- Keeps the windows free of fog and ice
- Stops the windshield from cracking
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Correct answer: Keeps the windows free of fog and ice
A working heater/defroster keeps the windows clear of fog and ice.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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How can worn or bald tires affect your driving, especially when the road is wet?
- They shorten your stopping distance
- They can increase your stopping distance and make turning more difficult
- They make the steering lighter
- They reduce the chance of a flat tire and of hydroplaning on wet roads
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Correct answer: They can increase your stopping distance and make turning more difficult
Worn or bald tires lengthen stopping distance and make turning harder, and can cause hydroplaning.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What do unbalanced tires and low tire pressure cause?
- Slower tire wear and better fuel economy
- Faster tire wear but better fuel economy
- No change in tire wear
- Faster tire wear and lower fuel economy
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Correct answer: Faster tire wear and lower fuel economy
They wear tires faster, reduce fuel economy and make the vehicle harder to steer and stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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In the penny test for tire tread, what tread depth does Lincoln’s head represent?
- 1/32 inch
- 4/32 inch
- 2/32 inch
- 6/32 inch
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Correct answer: 2/32 inch
If the tread does not reach Lincoln’s head (2/32 inch) the tire is illegal and unsafe.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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In the penny test, what does it mean if the tread does not come at least to Lincoln’s head?
- The tire is illegal and unsafe and needs to be replaced
- The tire is legal but should be rotated before the next trip
- The tire only needs more air
- The tire is fine for dry roads only
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Correct answer: The tire is illegal and unsafe and needs to be replaced
A tire with tread below 2/32 inch is illegal and unsafe and must be replaced.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What does the manual say about the spare tire?
- It never needs to be checked
- It should be checked only after you have a flat tire
- It should be checked only before winter
- It should also be checked and maintained periodically
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Correct answer: It should also be checked and maintained periodically
The spare should be checked and kept up in case it is needed in an emergency.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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On many newer cars, where is the vehicle’s recommended tire pressure usually found?
- On the sticker on the inside of the fuel filler door
- On the sticker in the door jamb, usually on the driver’s side front door
- On a metal plate on top of the dashboard near the windshield glass
- On the sidewall of each tire
Show answer
Correct answer: On the sticker in the door jamb, usually on the driver’s side front door
The recommended pressure is on the door-jamb sticker, usually on the driver’s side front door.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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If the tire pressure sticker is not in the door jamb, where else does the manual say to check?
- The glove box, trunk or back of the sun visor
- The engine compartment or radiator cap
- The back of the license plate
- The spare tire well only
Show answer
Correct answer: The glove box, trunk or back of the sun visor
The manual lists the glove box, trunk or back of the sun visor as other places to look.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Why should you not use the tire pressure printed on the tires themselves?
- It is the minimum pressure and is too low for safe driving on any road
- It applies only to winter driving
- It is the tire’s maximum pressure and may not match your vehicle’s specifications
- It applies only to the spare tire
Show answer
Correct answer: It is the tire’s maximum pressure and may not match your vehicle’s specifications
The number on the tire is the maximum, which may differ from the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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If you cannot find the recommended tire pressure printed anywhere on the vehicle, where should you check?
- On the tire sidewall
- In the owner’s manual
- In the vehicle registration
- On the speedometer
Show answer
Correct answer: In the owner’s manual
The owner’s manual may include a tire pressure chart and other important information.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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If you have replaced your original tires with an aftermarket brand of a different size, who should you contact for the proper tire pressure?
- The vehicle’s original manufacturer or its dealer
- A Driver Service Center
- Your insurance agent
- The tire manufacturer or the installer of the tires
Show answer
Correct answer: The tire manufacturer or the installer of the tires
The vehicle manufacturer’s pressure no longer applies, so ask the tire maker or installer.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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How often should the tires and tire pressure of a 15-passenger van be checked?
- Once a month
- Once a year
- Only before long trips
- Every time the van is used
Show answer
Correct answer: Every time the van is used
Worn or improperly inflated tires can lead to loss of control and rollover.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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What is a major cause of tread separation in 15-passenger vans?
- Underinflated rear tires, especially the left rear
- Overinflation of the front tires on the van
- Using new tires on the front axle
- Driving the van at night on highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Underinflated rear tires, especially the left rear
Many of these vans have different front and rear tire pressure recommendations, and underinflated rear tires are a major cause of tread separation.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)