Tennessee Permit Practice Test 1: 50 Questions

Practice Test 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Tennessee driving rules, including TN hydroplaning speed threshold, implied consent law, child under age 8 and Tennessee move over law. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.

Question 1
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For Tennessee test facts, what to bring and FAQs, see the Tennessee permit test page. You can also read the official Tennessee Driver License Manual.

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What Practice Test 1 Covers

The questions in this test ask about:

Try 5 Questions from This Test

  1. Which statement about hydroplaning is true?

    • A. It only happens with bald tires
    • B. It is more common at higher speeds but can happen at any speed
    • C. It can only happen above 50 mph
    Show answer

    B. It is more common at higher speeds but can happen at any speed

    Tennessee’s manual says hydroplaning is more common at higher speeds, but tires can hydroplane under certain conditions at any speed.

  2. The implied consent law means:

    • A. You can refuse all testing without penalty
    • B. Only passengers may be tested
    • C. You agree to chemical testing if arrested for DUI
    Show answer

    C. You agree to chemical testing if arrested for DUI

    Refusal can result in license suspension.

  3. Children under age 8 must ride in:

    • A. The front seat
    • B. A seat belt only
    • C. An approved child restraint
    Show answer

    C. An approved child restraint

    Child safety seats are required by law.

  4. When driving in fog, use:

    • A. Low-beam headlights
    • B. High beams
    • C. Parking lights only
    Show answer

    A. Low-beam headlights

    Low beams reduce glare in fog.

  5. When approaching a roundabout, you must:

    • A. Stop before entering always
    • B. Yield to traffic already in the circle
    • C. Enter without slowing
    Show answer

    B. Yield to traffic already in the circle

    Vehicles inside the circle have priority.

Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers

Every question in Practice Test 1, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.

  1. Q1. A broken white line between lanes means:

    Correct answer: Lane changes are allowed when safe

    Why: Broken white lines separate same-direction lanes and allow lane changes.

  2. Q2. A double solid yellow line means:

    Correct answer: Passing is not allowed

    Why: Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing.

  3. Q3. When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to:

    Correct answer: Oncoming traffic

    Why: Oncoming vehicles have priority when you turn left.

  4. Q4. If a traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection as:

    Correct answer: A four-way stop

    Why: When signals fail, all drivers must stop and take turns.

  5. Q5. A flashing red light means:

    Correct answer: Stop completely, then go when clear

    Why: A flashing red is the same as a stop sign.

  6. Q6. Before changing lanes, you must:

    Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal, and check blind spots

    Why: Blind spots require a quick shoulder check.

  7. Q7. You must adjust your speed based on:

    Correct answer: Road, traffic, and weather conditions

    Why: Your speed must always be safe for conditions.

  8. Q8. Reduced speed in school zones applies when:

    Correct answer: Lights are flashing or signs indicate

    Why: Obey reduced limits when signs or beacons activate.

  9. Q9. Headlights must be used:

    Correct answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise

    Why: Headlights are required at night and during poor visibility.

  10. Q10. Which statement about hydroplaning is true?

    Correct answer: It is more common at higher speeds but can happen at any speed

    Why: Tennessee’s manual says hydroplaning is more common at higher speeds, but tires can hydroplane under certain conditions at any speed.

  11. Q11. If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

    Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction you want to go

    Why: Smooth steering helps regain control.

  12. Q12. A solid white line on the right side of the road marks:

    Correct answer: The edge of the travel lane

    Why: Edge lines guide drivers, especially at night.

  13. Q13. A pennant-shaped sign indicates:

    Correct answer: A no-passing zone

    Why: Pennant signs show the start of a no-passing zone.

  14. Q14. You must stop for a school bus when:

    Correct answer: Its red lights are flashing

    Why: Stop for flashing red lights unless separated by a physical median.

  15. Q15. At a four-way stop, the right-of-way goes to:

    Correct answer: The first vehicle to stop

    Why: If two arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.

  16. Q16. Increase following distance when:

    Correct answer: Roads are wet or visibility is reduced

    Why: More space gives more reaction time.

  17. Q17. Use the acceleration lane to:

    Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic before merging

    Why: Speed up to blend safely.

  18. Q18. A steady yellow light warns that:

    Correct answer: The signal is about to turn red

    Why: Prepare to stop if you can safely do so.

  19. Q19. Blind spots are areas:

    Correct answer: Not visible in mirrors

    Why: Turn your head to check blind spots.

  20. Q20. Yield to pedestrians:

    Correct answer: In all marked crosswalks

    Why: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks.

  21. Q21. When driving in fog, use:

    Correct answer: Low-beam headlights

    Why: Low beams reduce glare in fog.

  22. Q22. If your brakes fail, you should:

    Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal and downshift

    Why: Engine braking and pumping help slow the vehicle.

  23. Q23. The left lane on multilane roads is typically for:

    Correct answer: Passing

    Why: Keep right except to pass.

  24. Q24. When backing up, you should:

    Correct answer: Look directly through the rear window

    Why: Turn and look over your shoulder.

  25. Q25. A diamond-shaped sign is used for:

    Correct answer: Warnings

    Why: Diamond signs warn about hazards.

  26. Q26. Stop at a railroad crossing when:

    Correct answer: A train is visible or audible

    Why: Stop if a train is approaching.

  27. Q27. When passing a bicyclist, give:

    Correct answer: As much space as safely possible

    Why: Give cyclists plenty of room.

  28. Q28. If an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren:

    Correct answer: Pull over to the right and stop

    Why: Always yield to emergency vehicles.

  29. Q29. Texting while driving is:

    Correct answer: Illegal and dangerous

    Why: Texting distracts your eyes, hands, and attention.

  30. Q30. If another driver is aggressive, you should:

    Correct answer: Avoid eye contact and create distance

    Why: Stay calm and avoid conflict.

  31. Q31. Before making a right turn, position your vehicle:

    Correct answer: Close to the right curb

    Why: Right turns begin near the curb.

  32. Q32. A green arrow means:

    Correct answer: You have a protected turn

    Why: Protected arrows stop oncoming traffic.

  33. Q33. If your wheels drop off the pavement:

    Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer back gently

    Why: Gradual correction prevents skids.

  34. Q34. When following a motorcycle, allow:

    Correct answer: More space than usual

    Why: Motorcycles need extra room.

  35. Q35. When parking downhill with a curb:

    Correct answer: Turn wheels toward the curb

    Why: Turning toward the curb prevents rolling.

  36. Q36. A white rectangular sign usually indicates:

    Correct answer: Regulations

    Why: Regulatory signs are rectangular and white.

  37. Q37. Children under age 8 must ride in:

    Correct answer: An approved child restraint

    Why: Child safety seats are required by law.

  38. Q38. If your engine overheats, you should:

    Correct answer: Turn off the A/C and pull over

    Why: Let the engine cool before opening anything.

  39. Q39. Driving too slowly can:

    Correct answer: Increase crash risk by blocking traffic

    Why: Driving much slower than traffic is hazardous.

  40. Q40. When merging, you must yield to:

    Correct answer: Traffic already on the road

    Why: Vehicles on the highway have the right-of-way.

  41. Q41. A red X above a lane means:

    Correct answer: The lane is closed

    Why: Do not drive in a lane marked with a red X.

  42. Q42. Use your horn to:

    Correct answer: Prevent a collision

    Why: Use the horn only for safety.

  43. Q43. A yield sign means:

    Correct answer: Slow down and give right-of-way

    Why: Yield to traffic and pedestrians.

  44. Q44. The implied consent law means:

    Correct answer: You agree to chemical testing if arrested for DUI

    Why: Refusal can result in license suspension.

  45. Q45. When driving at night, increase:

    Correct answer: Following distance

    Why: More distance gives more reaction time at night.

  46. Q46. A solid yellow line on your side means:

    Correct answer: Passing is prohibited

    Why: A solid yellow line means no passing.

  47. Q47. A triangular red and white sign means:

    Correct answer: Yield

    Why: The triangular sign means yield to other traffic.

  48. Q48. When approaching a roundabout, you must:

    Correct answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle

    Why: Vehicles inside the circle have priority.

  49. Q49. Before driving, adjust:

    Correct answer: Seat, mirrors, and steering wheel

    Why: Adjustments improve visibility and control.

  50. Q50. When approaching a stopped vehicle on the shoulder with flashing hazard lights, you should:

    Correct answer: Slow down and move over if possible

    Why: Slowing down and moving over when safe helps protect stranded drivers.

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