Ace Your TN Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know for 2025
The first official step to getting behind the wheel in Tennessee is passing the official Knowledge Test, also known as the permit test. This 30-question, multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the state's traffic laws and safety rules before you start practicing. To pass, you must answer at least 24 questions correctly, which is an 80% score.
All questions are taken directly from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver Manual. To help you study effectively and build your confidence, we’ve put together a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you are guaranteed to see on the real test.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A driver with an Intermediate Restricted License is not allowed to drive between what hours? a) 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. b) 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. c) Midnight and 7 a.m. d) There is no curfew.
Answer: b) 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Explanation: Tennessee's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law imposes a curfew on intermediate restricted license holders between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. There are very limited exceptions.
2. How many passengers is a driver with an Intermediate Restricted License allowed to have in the car? a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Unlimited, as long as they are family members.
Answer: b) One. Explanation: This is a key GDL safety rule to minimize distractions. A driver with an intermediate restricted license may only have one passenger, unless they are accompanied by a parent or a licensed adult over 21.
3. A flashing red light at an intersection means you must: a) Slow down and proceed with caution. b) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe to do so. c) Stop and wait for the light to turn green. d) Yield to all traffic before proceeding.
Answer: b) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe to do so. Explanation: A flashing red light is treated exactly the same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, check for crossing traffic and pedestrians, and then go only when the way is clear.
4. When parking your vehicle facing downhill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: b) Towards the curb. Explanation: Turning your wheels toward the curb (to the right) ensures that if your vehicle's brakes were to fail, it would roll into the curb and stop, preventing it from rolling into traffic.
5. This road sign (a pentagon shape, typically yellow-green) indicates: a) You are entering a hospital zone. b) You are near a school or school crossing. c) A yield sign is ahead. d) A playground is nearby.
Answer: b) You are near a school or school crossing. Explanation: The five-sided pentagon shape is used exclusively for school advance and school crossing warning signs. When you see this sign, slow down and be extremely alert for children.
6. To be eligible to take the road test for an Intermediate Restricted License, a teen must have held their learner permit for at least: a) 90 days. b) 120 days. c) 180 days. d) One year.
Answer: c) 180 days. Explanation: A teen driver must hold their learner permit for a minimum of 180 days and meet all other requirements (like the 50-hour driving log) before they can apply for an intermediate license.
7. In Tennessee, you must use your headlights: a) Only from sunset to sunrise. b) When visibility is less than 500 feet. c) In fog, rain, or snow. d) Both B and C are correct.
Answer: d) Both B and C are correct. Explanation: Tennessee law requires your headlights to be on from sunset to sunrise, during any form of precipitation, and at any other time when visibility is less than 500 feet.
8. Accumulating how many points on your driving record as an adult in a 12-month period will result in a proposed license suspension? a) 6 points b) 8 points c) 10 points d) 12 points
Answer: d) 12 points. Explanation: For adult drivers, reaching a total of 12 points within any 12-month period will trigger a notice of proposed suspension from the Department of Safety.
9. A solid yellow line on your side of the road means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) You are in a passing zone. c) You are not allowed to pass. d) The road is ending.
Answer: c) You are not allowed to pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line marks a no-passing zone. You must not cross this line to pass another vehicle.
10. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner permit in Tennessee? a) 14 b) 15 c) 15 and a half d) 16
Answer: b) 15. Explanation: A person must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Class PD Learner Permit in Tennessee.
11. This road sign (a diamond shape) is used for what purpose? a) To state a law or regulation. b) To warn of existing or potential hazards. c) To provide guidance and information. d) To indicate motorist services.
Answer: b) To warn of existing or potential hazards. Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used as warning signs. They alert drivers to things like sharp curves, intersections, slippery roads, or other conditions that require special attention.
12. To get an Intermediate Restricted License, a teen driver must have a parent certify the completion of how many hours of supervised practice? a) 30 hours, with 5 at night. b) 40 hours, with 10 at night. c) 50 hours, with 10 at night. d) 60 hours, with 15 at night.
Answer: c) 50 hours, with 10 at night. Explanation: The GDL program requires 50 hours of certified behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, before a teen can take the road test for their intermediate license.
13. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with its lights and siren on, you must: a) Continue at the same speed. b) Stop immediately in your lane. c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. d) Speed up to get out of the way.
Answer: c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Explanation: The "Move Over Law" requires you to yield the right-of-way by pulling as far to the right as is safe and coming to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
14. The "No-Zone" refers to the large blind spots around a: a) School bus. b) Motorcycle. c) Large truck or tractor-trailer. d) Passenger van.
Answer: c) Large truck or tractor-trailer. Explanation: The "No-Zone" is the area on all four sides of a large commercial truck where the truck driver cannot see smaller vehicles. It is extremely dangerous to linger in these areas.
15. In Tennessee, a child under the age of 9 must be secured in a child passenger restraint system (car seat or booster seat) if they are less than what height? a) 4 feet tall. b) 4 feet, 5 inches tall. c) 4 feet, 9 inches tall. d) 5 feet tall.
Answer: c) 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Explanation: Tennessee's child safety seat law is specific. Children under 9 must be in a car seat or booster seat unless they are 4'9" or taller.
How to Study: The absolute best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver Manual. Use these practice questions to test your knowledge on the key concepts. Good luck!
