Free Tennessee DMV Practice Test 2026
These sample questions come from the same bank we use for full practice tests, and each one is drawn from the official Tennessee driver handbook. Every answer explains why it is right — and why the tempting wrong answer is wrong, which is usually where the score is actually lost. For the current length and passing score of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security test, check the agency directly.
Format confirmed; total not stated in the reviewed section.
Exam format checked against Tennessee DOS on 2026-07-27.
148 practice questions available for Tennessee.
5 sample questions with answers
Signs & Signals
1. What should you do when you see a flashing arrow panel in a construction zone?
- Begin to merge into the remaining open lane(s) well in advance
- Wait until you reach the sign before changing lanes
- Reduce speed but stay in your current lane
Correct answer: Begin to merge into the remaining open lane(s) well in advance
Why: Flashing arrow panels alert drivers of lane closures and require drivers to begin merging into open lanes well in advance of the sign.
Right-of-Way Rules
2. You are turning left at an intersection. When must you yield the right-of-way?
- To oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, unless you have a protected green arrow
- Only to oncoming vehicles that are also turning left
- Only when there is a yield sign posted at the intersection
Correct answer: To oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, unless you have a protected green arrow
Why: When turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, unless you have a protected green arrow signal.
Alcohol & Drugs
3. According to research, what percentage of drivers are intoxicated between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.?
- 10 percent
- 25 percent
- 50 percent
Correct answer: 10 percent
Why: The handbook states that researchers estimate 1 of every 10 drivers is intoxicated during these late night hours, which equals 10 percent.
Speed & Following Distance
4. What should you do with your speed when approaching and crossing an intersection?
- Slow down before the intersection, go slowest when entering, then gradually speed up
- Maintain steady speed throughout to avoid confusing other drivers
- Speed up slightly when entering to clear the intersection quickly
Correct answer: Slow down before the intersection, go slowest when entering, then gradually speed up
Why: The handbook states you should slow down before reaching the intersection, drive at your slowest speed just before entering, and gradually increase speed as you cross.
Parking Rules
5. When parking on a downhill street with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?
- Toward the curb (right)
- Away from the curb (left)
- Straight ahead
Correct answer: Toward the curb (right)
Why: On a downhill with a curb, you turn the front wheels toward the curb (right) so if the car rolls, it will roll into the curb instead of into traffic.
What's on the Tennessee knowledge test
The Tennessee test draws on 12 subject areas. Our question bank covers all of them with 148 active questions written from the official handbook, so practice matches the range of what you can be asked rather than a narrow slice of it.
- Signs & Signals
- Regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Traffic signal phases and meaning.
- Right-of-Way Rules
- Who goes first at intersections, ramps, crosswalks, emergency vehicles.
- Alcohol & Drugs
- BAC limits, implied consent, zero tolerance, prescription drugs.
- Speed & Following Distance
- Posted limits, basic-speed law, following distance, stopping distance.
- Parking Rules
- Curb colors, hill parking, restricted zones, towing.
- Sharing the Road
- Bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, large trucks, school buses.
- License & Registration
- License classes, age requirements, registration, insurance.
- Emergencies & Collisions
- Brake failure, skids, what to do at a collision, reporting.
- Lane Usage
- Passing, lane changes, HOV/carpool, turn lanes, two-way left turn.
- Signaling & Turning
- Hand signals, turn signals, U-turns, three-point turns.
- Hazards & Defensive Driving
- Distractions, fatigue, road rage, blind spots, scanning.
- Special Conditions
- Night, fog, rain, snow, construction zones, school zones.
DLStudy is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Questions are written from the official handbook, not copied from the real exam.