Tennessee DMV written test
Tennessee DMV Cheat Sheet
The Tennessee knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Tennessee DMV test numbers to memorize
The Tennessee knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 6. The test is given by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
30
Questions on the test
24
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $10.5. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at Driver Service Center or online for ages 15-17
- Online test
- Available. Tennessee offers at-home online knowledge testing for applicants ages 15-17 under parental supervision via the Tennessee Proctor ID App.
- Appointment
- Not required. Appointments available at select full-service Driver Service Centers. Walk-ins also accepted. Online testing available for ages 15-17.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
- Proof of Tennessee residency (2 documents)
- Social Security card
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Proof of school attendance (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Tennessee retake rules
You must wait 1 day after failing the knowledge test, in person or online, and that wait stays at 1 day for later attempts. Road-test waits scale with errors: 1 day for 7 to 9 errors, 7 days for 10 to 12, 14 days for 13 to 15, and 30 days for 16 or more errors or an automatic failure. No test can be repeated the same day. A $2 fee applies each time you take a PD, D or H test and fail. The at-home online test is open only to ages 15 to 17 and allows 2 attempts; after that you test in person, where no attempt limit is published.
- Attempt limit: 2.
- Retest fee: $2 per attempt.
- Loss of at-home testing privilege: after two failed online knowledge-test attempts the applicant may no longer test online and must take all future knowledge tests in person at a Driver Services Center.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Tennessee
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Must have parental consent and proof of school attendance. Must complete driver education. Intermediate restricted license until age 18 with passenger and nighttime restrictions.
- Permit versus license
- A Class PD learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 180 days. Under 18 must log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before road test.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at Tennessee Driver Service Centers statewide or online from home (ages 15-17 only with parental supervision).
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen or online after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Tennessee: English and Spanish. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with DOS before you rely on it.
The study source is the Tennessee Driver License Manual (July 2022 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Tennessee practice questions
These free Tennessee questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
If you have a tire blowout, the vehicle will:
Pull toward the side with the flat tire
About 35% get it right
- 3
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free Tennessee study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Tennessee questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1