Tennessee · Sample Test

Tennessee DMV Sample Test

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated

Try 10 real Tennessee DMV questions below — handpicked from our 274-question Tennessee bank. Each with the correct answer and full explanation. Tap to reveal the answer. For the complete practice experience with hundreds of questions, progress tracking, and timed mock exams, download our app.

1
Phones & Distracted Driving

Under Tennessee's hands-free law, is it legal to hold and check your phone while stopped at a red light?

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A Yes — the law only applies to moving vehicles.
B No — holding a phone is prohibited even at stop lights.
C Only if the vehicle is in park.
D Only for drivers under 18.
Why this answer

Tennessee's hands-free law (2019) prohibits holding a phone while operating a vehicle on any public road, including when stopped at red lights or in traffic. You must pull over and park to legally hold the device. The first-offense fine is $50.

Source: Tenn. Code §55-8-199
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2
Parking, Stopping & Standing

When parking facing downhill on a Tennessee street next to a curb, your front wheels should be turned:

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A Toward the curb (into it).
B Away from the curb.
C Straight ahead.
D Any direction — it doesn't matter.
Why this answer

The standard rule: when parking DOWNHILL next to a curb, turn the front wheels INTO the curb. If parking UPHILL next to a curb, turn the wheels AWAY from the curb (so they roll INTO the curb if brakes fail). With no curb, always turn wheels toward the road shoulder. This is a classic driving-test grading point.

Source: TN Driver Handbook — Parking
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3
Signs & Signals

What does a DETOUR sign indicate?

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A A scenic route is nearby
B Follow an alternate route
C The road narrows
Why this answer

A detour sign directs traffic to an alternate route around a closure or work area.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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4
Signs & Signals

What does a SHARP CURVE sign indicate?

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A The road is straight for several miles
B A sharp curve is ahead
C Passing is required
Why this answer

A sharp curve sign warns drivers to reduce speed and prepare for a significant change in road direction.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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5
Signs & Signals

A triangular sign is most commonly used to mean ____.

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A railroad crossing
B do not enter
C yield
Why this answer

An inverted triangular sign is used for YIELD.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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6
Signs & Signals

What is a diamond-shaped sign commonly used for?

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A a hazard or changing road condition
B a mandatory stop
C a route number
Why this answer

Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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7
Signs & Signals

What is a pentagon-shaped sign commonly used for?

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A a no-passing zone
B a school or school crossing area
C a construction detour
Why this answer

Pentagon signs are commonly used for school zones and school crossings.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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8
Signs & Signals

What does a steady red traffic light mean?

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A Proceed if the intersection looks clear
B Slow down and continue with caution
C Stop and remain stopped until you may lawfully go
Why this answer

A steady red light requires a complete stop until the signal changes or a permitted turn can be made lawfully.

Source: Alabama Driver Manual
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9
Signs & Signals

What does this sign indicate?

What does this sign indicate?

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A Slow down if traffic is present
B Keep moving if no cars are coming
C Come to a complete stop
Why this answer

A stop sign means you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.

Source: US DMV standard (applies in all states)
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10
Signs & Signals

What does this sign indicate?

What does this sign indicate?

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A You must always come to a full stop
B Slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic
C Speed up to merge with traffic
Why this answer

A yield sign means slow down, give the right-of-way when required, and stop if necessary.

Source: US DMV standard (applies in all states)
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