Tennessee: Speed and space — Part 1 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Which of these can a speed control sign show?” · “What is the maximum speed set by Tennessee law for interstate highways?”
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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 20 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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Which of these can a speed control sign show?
- The number of lanes ahead
- Where passing is allowed
- The distance to the next exit
- The minimum speed required
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Correct answer: The minimum speed required
Speed control signs show the maximum speed allowed, the minimum speed required or a change in the speed limit.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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Where is a school speed limit sign with flashing yellow lights used?
- Where children are in walking distance of school
- Only right in front of a school entrance
- Only on roads that have a school bus stop
- Wherever a crossing guard is on duty
Show answer
Correct answer: Where children are in walking distance of school
This school speed sign is used whenever children are within walking distance of a school, since they may be crossing on their way to or from school.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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What controls a school speed limit sign that flashes yellow lights?
- A crossing guard
- A motion sensor
- A time clock
- The school bus driver
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Correct answer: A time clock
This school zone sign runs on a time clock, flashing yellow lights while it lights up the speed limit.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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Under normal driving conditions, what is against the law when a minimum speed limit is posted?
- Driving at exactly the posted minimum speed
- Driving slower than the posted minimum speed
- Driving faster than the posted minimum speed
- Changing lanes at the posted minimum speed
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Correct answer: Driving slower than the posted minimum speed
It is against the law to drive slower than the posted minimum speed under normal driving conditions, though bad weather, heavy traffic or a bad road are exceptions.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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When may you drive more slowly than the posted minimum speed?
- Whenever you are in the right lane
- Whenever you are driving at night
- Whenever you are driving a larger vehicle
- In bad weather, heavy traffic or on a bad road
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Correct answer: In bad weather, heavy traffic or on a bad road
The manual allows driving below the minimum speed in bad weather, heavy traffic or on a bad road.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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If there is no posted minimum speed, what is still against the law?
- Driving below 55 m.p.h. on any road
- Driving below 45 m.p.h. on a two-lane road
- Driving below the speed of the car ahead
- Driving so slowly that you block traffic
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Correct answer: Driving so slowly that you block traffic
Even with no posted minimum, it is against the law to drive so slowly that you block traffic.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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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
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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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How many vehicles lined up behind you means you should turn or pull off the roadway as soon as you can do so safely?
- Two or more
- Three or more
- Five or more
- Eight or more
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Correct answer: Five or more
If five or more vehicles are lined up behind you, turn or pull off the roadway as soon as it is safe.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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What does the manual say about the Basic Speed Rule (BSR)?
- A general safety principle that limits speed to conditions
- A Tennessee law that sets one exact speed limit for every road
- A Tennessee law that applies only on interstate highways
- A safety rule that applies only when driving at night
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Correct answer: A general safety principle that limits speed to conditions
The BSR does not set an exact speed; it teaches that the speed you may drive is limited by current conditions, though it is a general safety principle rather than a Tennessee law.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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According to the Basic Speed Rule, a posted limit of 65 m.p.h. is too fast in which situation?
- Driving on a dry, straight highway at noon
- Driving on an empty interstate in clear weather
- Driving behind a vehicle that is also going 65 m.p.h.
- Driving at night on a two-lane state highway in rain or fog
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving at night on a two-lane state highway in rain or fog
The manual's example is a two-lane state highway at night in rain or fog, where 65 m.p.h. is too fast for the conditions.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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Under the Basic Speed Rule, how must your speed be adjusted to conditions?
- So you always match the fastest car nearby
- So you can stop within a clear distance ahead
- So you stay exactly at the posted limit
- So you travel below 45 m.p.h.
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Correct answer: So you can stop within a clear distance ahead
The rule says speed must be adjusted so you can stop within a clear distance ahead.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 46 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 46)
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Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways in Tennessee?
- 45 m.p.h.
- 55 m.p.h.
- 65 m.p.h.
- 70 m.p.h.
Show answer
Correct answer: 55 m.p.h.
Unless a different speed is posted, the limit on primary and secondary state and federal highways is 55 m.p.h.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What is the maximum speed set by Tennessee law for interstate highways?
- 65 m.p.h.
- 75 m.p.h.
- 55 m.p.h.
- 70 m.p.h.
Show answer
Correct answer: 70 m.p.h.
The maximum for interstate highways is 70 m.p.h., though not every section allows it.
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 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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When should the maximum interstate speed limit be driven?
- Whenever the road is dry
- At all times unless it is night
- Only in ideal driving conditions
- Whenever other traffic is slower
Show answer
Correct answer: Only in ideal driving conditions
The maximum limit should be driven only in ideal conditions, and you must adjust your speed to the conditions.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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Which of these has the authority to set speed limits for the roadways under its control?
- Only the state
- The state, counties and municipalities
- Only the federal government
- Only the local police departments
Show answer
Correct answer: The state, counties and municipalities
The state, counties and municipalities each set limits on the roadways they control, so limits can change.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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By law, how is exceeding the school zone speed limit considered?
- Careless driving only
- A parking violation
- A warning-only offense
- Reckless driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Reckless driving
The manual says exceeding the school zone speed limit is by law considered to be reckless driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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When are school zone speed limits regulated?
- Only on school days between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day
- When children are going to or from school or at recess
- Only when a school bus is stopped nearby
- Only on weekends and holidays
Show answer
Correct answer: When children are going to or from school or at recess
School zone limits apply when children are going to or from the school or during a recess hour.
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 everyday braking, such as for speed zone changes or merging traffic, how should you apply the brakes?
- Quickly and firmly
- In short, hard taps
- At the last moment
- Slowly and evenly
Show answer
Correct answer: Slowly and evenly
Gradual pressure applied slowly and evenly avoids skidding, and starting early warns the cars behind you.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)
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Why can braking too strongly or quickly be dangerous?
- It always damages the brake lights
- You could skid and lose control of your vehicle
- It automatically locks the steering wheel
- It cancels your turn signal
Show answer
Correct answer: You could skid and lose control of your vehicle
If you brake too strong or quickly, you could skid and lose control.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 48 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 48)