Free Tennessee TDOSHS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (Driver Services Division) (TDOSHS) written knowledge exam, which has 30 questions; to pass you need 24 of 30 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the TDOSHS tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
What must you do when you see this sign?
What's on the Tennessee Practice Test 1
The real Tennessee knowledge test has 30 questions, and to pass you need 24 of 30 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 16
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 4
- Parking 3
- Speed limits 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Emergencies 1
52 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Tennessee. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. In Tennessee, you may not make a U-turn where you cannot see traffic coming from each direction for at least:
- A. 100 feet
- B. 200 feet
- C. 500 feet (correct)
- D. 1,000 feet
Why: U-turns are banned where you cannot see traffic from both directions for at least 500 feet, including near curves and hilltops. They are also illegal on interstates.
Source: official Tennessee driver handbook, p.59 (PDF p.73), U-Turns
2. A Tennessee Intermediate Restricted license holder may not drive between the hours of:
- A. 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (correct)
- B. 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 5 a.m.
- D. 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Why: Tennessee Intermediate Restricted license holders may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or by a licensed driver 21 or older designated in writing by the parent or guardian.
Source: official Tennessee driver handbook, PDF p.33, Restrictions for an Intermediate Restricted License
3. When parking uphill with a curb, which direction do you turn your front wheels?
- A. Toward the curb (right)
- B. Away from the curb (left) (correct)
- C. Straight ahead, parallel to the curb
- D. Either way, if the parking brake is set
Why: When parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb (left). If the car rolls backward, it hits the curb and stops. Downhill: turn toward the curb.
4. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to?
- A. Half a lane, so a car may share it
- B. Only the right third of the lane
- C. A full lane, the same as a car (correct)
- D. Whatever space other traffic leaves
Why: A motorcycle has the right to use a full lane. Never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane, even if the rider is far to one side.
5. What must you do when you see or hear an emergency vehicle with lights and/or siren on?
- A. Stop immediately where you are
- B. Pull to the right edge and stop (correct)
- C. Pull to the left lane and slow down
- D. Slow down but stay in your lane
Why: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, you must immediately pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Remain stopped until the vehicle has passed.
6. When are you required to use headlights?
- A. Only at night on roads without streetlights
- B. At night and when visibility is reduced (correct)
- C. Only when it is fully dark, not in bad weather
- D. Only on highways at night, not on city streets
Why: Every state requires headlights at night and when visibility is reduced. The exact period varies: some states say sunset to sunrise, many say 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Many states also require headlights whenever your wipers are on or you cannot see a set distance (often 500 or 1,000 feet) ahead.
More Tennessee facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Tennessee permit practice test page.
Tennessee TDOSHS Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 30
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 24 of 30 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Safety and Homeland Security (Driver Services Division)
More Tennessee Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Tennessee Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your TDOSHS exam.