Tennessee DMV Practice Test 3

Why Take This Tennessee Practice Test?

Practice Test 3 introduces four specific Tennessee distance rules — two high beam distances plus two parking distances — all directly tested on the TN DOS exam. These precision numbers reward thorough study.

Sample Questions from This Test

The questions below come directly from this test's question bank. Each is based on the official Tennessee Driver Handbook. See how many you can answer before starting — then take the full test above for answers and complete explanations.

1. High beams must be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within about:
2. When following another vehicle at night, you should dim your high beams when within:
3. Roads are most slippery:
4. Do not park within this distance of a fire hydrant:
5. If your brakes get wet, you should:

Take the test above to see correct answers and read the full explanations for every question.

Tennessee DOS Topics Covered in This Test

Every question in this test is drawn from the official Tennessee Driver Handbook. Here is a breakdown of the specific topics covered:

• TN High Beam Oncoming — dim within specific feet of oncoming vehicle
• TN High Beam Following — dim within specific feet of vehicle you are following
• Roads Most Slippery — when rain first begins after dry period
• TN Fire Hydrant Parking — no parking within specific feet
• TN Crosswalk Parking — no parking within specific feet of crosswalk
• Wet Brakes Procedure — pump brakes gently to dry them after driving through water
• Glare from Oncoming — look toward right edge of lane
• Curve Approach — slow before entering; maintain steady speed through
• Deep Water Driving — drive slowly through; pump brakes after
• Traffic Stop at Night — interior light on; hands visible; follow officer instructions
• Pedestrian Walking with Back to Traffic — likely on roadway without sidewalk
• Roads Most Slippery Location — when rain first begins
• Vehicle Vibration at High Speed — tire or wheel problem; slow and pull over
• Correct Lane for Turn — be in correct lane well before turning
• Fishtail Recovery — steer toward direction of skid; ease off gas

Tennessee DOS Test — Key Facts

Knowing the specific numbers and rules before your Tennessee written knowledge test gives you a real advantage. Here are the key facts for this test:

• TN high beam oncoming: Dim within specific feet of oncoming vehicle — check TN Driver Manual
• TN high beam following: Dim within specific feet of vehicle you are following
• Tennessee roads most slippery: When rain first begins after dry period — oil/rubber wash up
• TN fire hydrant parking: Specific feet minimum — tested on DOS exam
• TN crosswalk parking: Specific feet minimum — tested on DOS exam
• Wet brakes in Tennessee: After driving through water — pump gently to dry brake surfaces

How to Use This Test Effectively

Getting the most out of your Tennessee DMV practice time takes more than clicking through questions. Use these strategies:

• Tennessee's two high beam distances are both tested separately. Tennessee requires dimming high beams within a specific distance of oncoming vehicles AND within a specific distance of vehicles you are following. Both specific distances are tested on the TN DOS exam — check the official Tennessee Driver's Manual for both numbers.
• Tennessee fire hydrant and crosswalk parking distances: both tested. Tennessee specifies minimum distances from fire hydrants and crosswalks where parking is prohibited. Know both numbers from the official Tennessee Driver's Manual.
• Wet brakes in Tennessee: pump gently after water. After driving through a puddle or flooded area on Tennessee roads, pump the brakes gently several times to generate heat that dries the brake surfaces.
• Tennessee roads most slippery: when rain first begins. This rule is confirmed in Practice Test 3 — when rain first starts after a dry period, oil and rubber wash up from Tennessee's roads and create extreme slipperiness.
• Glare from oncoming Tennessee headlights: look right edge. When facing high beams on Tennessee's mountain roads or rural highways, look toward the right edge of your lane to maintain position while the glare passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers

All 50 questions from Tennessee Practice Test 3 are listed below with correct answers and explanations. This test covers Tennessee's specific distance rules — two high beam distances plus two parking distances — precision TN numbers tested on the DOS exam.

1. Q1. High beams must be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within about:

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   Why: Dimming prevents blinding the oncoming driver.

2. Q2. When following another vehicle at night, you should dim your high beams when you are within about:

   Correct answer: 300 feet

   Why: Low beams reduce glare in the other driver's mirrors.

3. Q3. If your accelerator sticks, you should:

   Correct answer: Shift to neutral and brake gently

   Why: Shifting to neutral lets you slow safely.

4. Q4. A work zone sign means:

   Correct answer: Be prepared for workers, slow traffic, or lane shifts

   Why: Work zones require reduced speeds and caution.

5. Q5. Backing is dangerous because:

   Correct answer: Your view to the rear is limited

   Why: Limited visibility makes hazards harder to see.

6. Q6. To back out safely, you should:

   Correct answer: Look over your shoulder and back slowly

   Why: Direct vision gives the best awareness.

7. Q7. If gates at a railroad crossing are down, you may proceed only when:

   Correct answer: The gates rise and lights stop flashing

   Why: Never drive around lowered gates.

8. Q8. If your vehicle stalls on train tracks with a train approaching:

   Correct answer: Exit and move away at an angle toward the train

   Why: Move away at an angle to avoid debris.

9. Q9. Using a handheld phone while driving is:

   Correct answer: Dangerous and often restricted

   Why: Any distraction increases crash risk.

10. Q10. Adjust your seat and mirrors:

    Correct answer: Before driving

    Why: Adjustments should be made before moving.

11. Q11. If another driver cuts in front of you, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease off the gas to create space

    Why: Creating space reduces the chance of a crash.

12. Q12. When approaching an emergency vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights:

    Correct answer: Move over or slow down

    Why: Move Over laws protect workers.

13. Q13. Signal a turn at least:

    Correct answer: 100 feet ahead

    Why: Early signals warn other drivers.

14. Q14. Tailgating another driver is:

    Correct answer: Dangerous because it reduces reaction time

    Why: A safe following distance prevents crashes.

15. Q15. Driving too slowly can:

    Correct answer: Be dangerous by blocking traffic

    Why: Slow driving disrupts traffic flow.

16. Q16. If you feel drowsy, the safest action is to:

    Correct answer: Stop and rest

    Why: Only rest restores alertness.

17. Q17. A driver’s license may be suspended for:

    Correct answer: Repeated violations or serious offenses

    Why: Multiple violations can lead to suspension.

18. Q18. After a crash, the first thing to do is:

    Correct answer: Stop and check for injuries

    Why: Stopping is required by law.

19. Q19. If someone is injured in a crash, you should:

    Correct answer: Call 911 and avoid moving them unless necessary

    Why: Moving victims may worsen injuries.

20. Q20. Headlights must be used when:

    Correct answer: Visibility is poor

    Why: Low visibility requires headlights.

21. Q21. Roads are most slippery:

    Correct answer: At the start of rain

    Why: Oil rises during the first minutes of rain.

22. Q22. When driving through deep water:

    Correct answer: Go slowly and test brakes afterward

    Why: Water can reduce brake effectiveness.

23. Q23. If your car skids sideways, you should:

    Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go

    Why: Steering into the skid helps regain control.

24. Q24. To reduce glare from oncoming headlights:

    Correct answer: Look to the right edge of the road

    Why: Looking right avoids being blinded.

25. Q25. To handle a curve safely:

    Correct answer: Slow before entering, accelerate gently out

    Why: Entering too fast can cause skidding.

26. Q26. Do not park within this distance of a fire hydrant:

    Correct answer: 15 feet

    Why: Parking too close blocks emergency access.

27. Q27. Do not park within this distance of a crosswalk:

    Correct answer: 20 feet

    Why: Parking too close blocks visibility.

28. Q28. A LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT sign means:

    Correct answer: Move lanes if going straight

    Why: Lane-use signs must be obeyed.

29. Q29. If you miss your exit on a one-way street:

    Correct answer: Go to the next safe place to turn around

    Why: Never reverse on a one-way street.

30. Q30. A vehicle with flashing hazards ahead means:

    Correct answer: Slow down and pass carefully

    Why: Hazards indicate a stopped or disabled vehicle.

31. Q31. A pedestrian walking with their back to traffic is:

    Correct answer: Not following recommended safety rules

    Why: Pedestrians should face traffic when possible.

32. Q32. During a traffic stop at night, you should:

    Correct answer: Turn on interior lights and keep hands visible

    Why: Visibility improves officer safety.

33. Q33. A curved arrow warning sign means:

    Correct answer: The road curves ahead

    Why: Curve signs require speed adjustment.

34. Q34. If your vehicle vibrates at high speed:

    Correct answer: Slow down and have it inspected

    Why: Vibrations may indicate mechanical issues.

35. Q35. Following large trucks requires extra room because:

    Correct answer: They block your view ahead

    Why: Extra space improves visibility.

36. Q36. When entering traffic from a driveway:

    Correct answer: Yield to vehicles and pedestrians

    Why: Traffic on the road has right-of-way.

37. Q37. The safest way to scan the road is to:

    Correct answer: Check ahead, sides, and mirrors repeatedly

    Why: Scanning helps detect hazards early.

38. Q38. A yellow sign with a traffic signal symbol means:

    Correct answer: Signal ahead

    Why: It warns of a traffic light ahead.

39. Q39. If your car fishtails on a slippery road:

    Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction of the skid

    Why: Smooth steering helps regain control.

40. Q40. Before reversing, always:

    Correct answer: Check all directions

    Why: Visibility behind you is limited.

41. Q41. If in the wrong lane for a turn:

    Correct answer: Go straight and turn later

    Why: Last-minute turns are dangerous.

42. Q42. When approaching a hill or curve where visibility is limited:

    Correct answer: Stay to the right and be prepared to stop

    Why: Staying right reduces head-on crash risk.

43. Q43. If your brakes get wet:

    Correct answer: Test them lightly after driving through water

    Why: Light braking helps dry them safely.

44. Q44. Use high beams only when:

    Correct answer: There is no oncoming traffic

    Why: High beams should not blind others.

45. Q45. When exiting a freeway:

    Correct answer: Signal and move into the exit lane early

    Why: Prepare for your exit safely.

46. Q46. A broken white line means:

    Correct answer: Lane changes allowed when safe

    Why: Broken white lines divide same-direction lanes.

47. Q47. If brake lights fail:

    Correct answer: Repair immediately

    Why: Brake lights are required for safety.

48. Q48. Freeway merging requires:

    Correct answer: Matching the speed of traffic

    Why: Matching speed allows smooth merging.

49. Q49. If your engine overheats:

    Correct answer: Turn off A/C and pull over

    Why: Let the engine cool before opening anything.

50. Q50. Your reaction distance increases:

    Correct answer: As your speed increases

    Why: Higher speed = more distance traveled before reacting.