The Ultimate Tennessee Road Test Checklist: Arrive Prepared, Not Surprised

The day of your Tennessee road test is the final practical hurdle between you and the freedom of a driver's license. While it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous, the most effective antidote is thorough preparation. Arriving at the Driver Services Center knowing your vehicle is compliant and your paperwork is in perfect order allows you to focus solely on demonstrating your safe driving skills to the examiner.

This ultimate checklist is your guide to a smooth and successful test day. We'll cover what you need to bring, the critical requirements your car must meet, and the skills you need to have mastered.

Part 1: Your Vehicle Requirements Checklist

Before you even begin the driving portion, the examiner will conduct a pre-trip safety inspection of the vehicle you bring. If your car fails this inspection, your test will be canceled on the spot, and you will have to reschedule. A few days before your test, go through this list carefully with the vehicle you plan to use.

Valid Registration and Insurance: You must have the original, current Tennessee vehicle registration and a valid insurance card for the vehicle you are testing in.
Valid License Plate: The license plate must be securely attached to the vehicle.
Brakes: The brakes must be in good working order. The examiner will check to ensure the brake lights illuminate correctly.
Turn Signals: Both front and rear turn signals (left and right) must be operational.
Headlights and Taillights: Ensure all lights are working properly.
Horn: The horn must be audible. The examiner will ask you to honk it.
Tires: Tires must have adequate tread and be properly inflated. Bald, damaged, or flat tires are grounds for rejection.
Windshield: The windshield must be free of any large cracks, chips, or stickers that obstruct the driver's direct line of sight.
Windows: All windows, especially the driver's side window, must be operational.
Doors: Both the driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and the outside.
Seatbelts: The seatbelts for both the driver and the front passenger (examiner) must be accessible and fully functional.
Mirrors: The vehicle must have functional side and rearview mirrors that are properly adjusted.
No Warning Lights: The dashboard must be completely free of any illuminated warning lights (e.g., "Check Engine," "ABS," "Airbag," "Tire Pressure"). These are grounds for an automatic rejection of the vehicle.
Clean and Clear: The passenger seat and floor area must be reasonably clean and free of any clutter or loose items that could interfere with the examiner or become a hazard during a sudden stop.

Part 2: Your Personal Document Checklist

Forgetting a single document will prevent you from taking the test. Gather these items the day before your appointment.

Your Valid Learner Permit (Class PD): You must present your original, valid Tennessee learner permit.
A Licensed Supervising Driver: You are still a permit holder and must be accompanied to the Driver Services Center by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Valid Driver's License of Your Supervising Driver: The person accompanying you must present their valid driver's license.
For Teen Drivers (Under 18), Also Bring:
- Proof of 50-Hour Driving Practice: You'll need the certification from your parent or guardian that you have completed the required 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). This is often part of the application.
- School Form (SF-1010): A valid (less than 30 days old) Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance.
Appointment Confirmation: It is a good idea to have a copy (digital or printed) of your road test appointment confirmation.
Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the license fee after you pass the test.

Part 3: The Driving Skills Checklist

The Tennessee road test evaluates your ability to safely control a vehicle in a variety of common situations. The examiner will give clear instructions and will be scoring you on these specific skills:

Vehicle Control: Smoothly starting, stopping, accelerating, and braking.
Turns: Making proper right and left turns, using your turn signal at the appropriate time, and turning into the correct lane.
Backing Up: You will be required to back the vehicle up in a straight line for a distance of about 50 feet, looking over your right shoulder.
Stopping: Coming to a smooth, complete stop at stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks. A rolling stop is an automatic failure.
Lane Usage: Keeping the vehicle centered in your lane and making safe and proper lane changes.
Speed Control: Maintaining a speed that is appropriate for the conditions and obeying all posted speed limits.
Following Distance: Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Observation Skills: The examiner is constantly evaluating your awareness. This means checking mirrors frequently, scanning intersections before entering them, and physically turning your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes.
Yielding Right-of-Way: Correctly yielding to other vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles as required by law.

Good to Know: Unlike many other states, parallel parking is NOT part of the standard Tennessee road test.

By methodically using this checklist to prepare your vehicle, your documents, and your skills, you can walk into your road test with the confidence you need to succeed. Good luck!