Tennessee DMV Practice Test

Tennessee study guide

Key facts from the official Tennessee Driver Services handbook, organized the way the test asks about them. Each one links to its source section.

Traffic laws & licensing

• To obtain a Class PD license, you must have reached the age of 15 and pass the knowledge test and vision screening for a Class D license.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class PD Learner Permit
• A driver with a Class PD license may operate an automobile only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the seat beside the driver.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class PD Learner Permit
• If you are younger than 18, you must have held a valid Class PD for 180 days and meet the Graduated Driver License requirements.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class PD Learner Permit
• The documents checklist requires certification of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (form SF-1256) after holding the learner permit for six months.Permits & Licensing · Section A-2: Applying for Your License — Documents and Forms Checklist
• To qualify for a Class D license, you must be at least 16 and pass a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving test. Under 18 also requires the Intermediate (GDL) qualifications.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class D License
• New or returning residents holding a license from another state must obtain a Tennessee driver license no later than thirty days after establishing residency.Permits & Licensing · Section A-2: Applying for Your License — New Residents
• State law requires you to notify the Department of Safety within ten days of a residence address change.Permits & Licensing · Section A-2: Frequently Asked Questions — How Do I Change My Address?
• A Class H hardship license may be issued to a minor who is 14 to operate a Class D vehicle or Class M motorcycle, only in cases of family hardship.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class H Hardship
• The Class H license is valid only for daylight hours and for travel to authorized locations specified in the approval letter.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Your License — Class H Hardship
• Not having your license with you is a Class D misdemeanor; you may be fined not less than $2.00 and no more than $50.00.Permits & Licensing · Section A-1: Penalties for Driving Without a License
• If your license has expired more than thirty days, there is a $5.00 late fee. After six months the late fee doubles to $10.00.Permits & Licensing · Section A-2: Frequently Asked Questions — Don't Let Your License Expire

Safe driving

• Tennessee's 2019 hands-free law (Public Chapter No. 412) makes it illegal to hold a phone with any part of the body, write, send or read texts, watch or record video, and more.Safe Driving Habits · Distracted Driving
• You are not allowed to touch your phone to use GPS. If you need it, find a safe place to pull over, bring the vehicle to a full stop, and then operate the phone.Safe Driving Habits · Distracted Driving
• Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for a minimum of 5 seconds — at 55 mph, like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.Safe Driving Habits · Distracted Driving

Common mistakes

• Thinking you can touch your phone for GPS at a red light. Tennessee requires you to pull over and stop first.Distracted Driving
• Assuming any adult can supervise a permit driver. The supervising driver must be licensed, at least 21, and sitting beside you.Section A-1 — Class PD

Test types

Tennessee permit test FAQ