Tennessee Driver Services Permit Practice Test

The Tennessee Driver Services knowledge test has 30 questions; to pass you need 24 correct answers (80%). Practice free with questions based on the official Tennessee driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official Tennessee sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the Driver Services before your test.

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Tennessee permit test at a glance

Agency	Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (Driver Services)
Test questions	30
Passing score	24 correct answers (80%)
Minimum permit age	15 years old
Permit holding period	180 days
Supervised driving	50 hours, including 10 at night
Provisional license from	age 16
Full license	at 18
Test languages	The online knowledge test is offered in English and Spanish.
Official handbook	Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual

Try 5 Tennessee permit test questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee Driver Services knowledge test? 20 / 40 / 30 / 50. Answer: 30. To pass: 24 correct answers (80%).
In Tennessee, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in Tennessee is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
A flashing red traffic light means: Slow down / Stop, then go when safe / Stop and wait for green / The light is broken, ignore it. Answer: Stop, then go when safe. Treat a flashing red light like a STOP sign: stop completely, then proceed when the way is clear.
When is it legal to drive faster than the posted speed limit? When passing / When traffic is light / Never / On an empty highway at night. Answer: Never. The posted limit is the maximum in ideal conditions. You must drive slower when weather, traffic or visibility require it (the basic speed law).
What does a red octagonal sign mean? Yield / Stop completely / Slow down / No entry. Answer: Stop completely. The eight-sided red sign is always STOP. Stop completely at the stop line, before the crosswalk or before entering the intersection, then go when it is safe.

How the Tennessee Driver Services permit test works

The Tennessee knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 30 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need 24 correct answers (80%). Every question comes from the official Driver Services handbook, the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual.

Taken at a Driver Services Center, or online at home for applicants 15 to 17 with a parent or legal guardian as proctor. The online test allows 60 minutes and must be taken on a computer or tablet, not a phone.

After a failed attempt you must wait 24 hours to retest. The online test may be taken at most twice; after that, testing is done at a Driver Services Center.

The online knowledge test is offered in English and Spanish.

Tennessee learner's permit requirements

In Tennessee you can apply for a learner's permit at 15. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 180 days. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night.

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of Tennessee residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The Driver Services publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

Tennessee graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16.

Intermediate restricted drivers may have only one passenger in the car and may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided your record stays clean.

Tennessee rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the Driver Services test asks about them.

Learner permit holders need a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat and may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Teens 15 to 17 can take the permit knowledge test at home, with a parent or guardian proctoring through the Tennessee Proctor ID app.
The intermediate unrestricted license is available at 17 after one year on the restricted license, with no more than six points, no more than two seatbelt violations and no at-fault crash.
A regular Class D license is available at 18, or earlier at high school graduation or GED completion.

What the Tennessee knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the Driver Services handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the Tennessee permit test

Read the official Driver Services handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in Tennessee

Check the minimum age In Tennessee, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official Driver Services handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and Tennessee residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need 24 correct answers (80%).
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 180 days. Supervised driving: 50 hours, including 10 at night.
Take the road test From age 16 you can get a provisional license.

Tennessee permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Tennessee permit test?

The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the Tennessee permit test?

You need 24 correct answers (80%).

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Tennessee?

You can apply at 15. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in Tennessee?

At least 180 days for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night.

Can I take the Tennessee permit test in Spanish?