Tennessee · Cheat Sheet

Tennessee DMV Cheat Sheet (2026)

Short on time? This Tennessee DMV cheat sheet pulls the highest-yield facts and rules from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026) into one scrollable page — the stuff that shows up over and over on the permit test.

Skim it, then take the free 3-question check-in at the bottom to see how much actually stuck.

Based on official handbookUpdated for 2026No card to start

The test at a glance

Questions
30
To pass
80% (24/30 correct)
Minimum age
15 for a learner permit
Fee
$28.50 for the learner permit
Re-takes
Retakes allowed; a waiting period applies between attempts
Official handbook
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026)

Sample questions for Tennessee

Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.

  1. Question 1 · Road signs

    In Tennessee, a red octagon-shaped sign always means what?

    • No entry
    • Merge
    • Yield
    • Stop
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: Stop

    Red octagon = stop. Always come to a full stop.

  2. Question 2 · Speed limits

    In Tennessee, what is the maximum speed limit set by law for interstate highways?

    • 70 mph
    • 55 mph
    • 75 mph
    • 65 mph
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: 70 mph

    70 mph is the top interstate speed limit in Tennessee.

  3. Question 3 · Alcohol and drugs

    In Tennessee, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for intoxication?

    • 0.08% or higher
    • 0.15% or higher
    • 0.10% or higher
    • 0.05% or higher
    See the explanation

    Correct answer: 0.08% or higher

    0.08% BAC or higher means legally intoxicated.

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Tennessee permit test at a glance

- Total questions: 30 - Passing score: 80% (24/30 correct) - Minimum age: 15 for a learner permit - Fee: $28.50 for the learner permit - Re-takes: Retakes allowed; a waiting period applies between attempts - Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026)

Road signs you must know cold

Sign shapes: - Octagon = STOP - Triangle (point down) = YIELD - Diamond = WARNING - Pentagon = SCHOOL ZONE - Round = RAILROAD CROSSING - Rectangle (vertical) = REGULATORY - Rectangle (horizontal) = GUIDE Colors: - Red = stop / do not enter - Yellow = warning - Orange = construction - Green = direction - Blue = motorist services - Brown = recreation

Right-of-way rules that get tested every time

- Uncontrolled intersection: car on the right goes first. - Left turn: yield to oncoming traffic. - Pedestrians in crosswalk: always have the right of way. - Emergency vehicles with lights/siren: pull right and stop. - 4-way stop: first to arrive goes first; if tied, car on right wins. - School bus with red flashing lights: stop in both directions on undivided roads.

Tennessee key rules to memorize

- Right of way and yielding rules - Tennessee speed limits and school zones - Graduated licensing (GDL) restrictions - DUI laws (zero tolerance under 21) - Road signs, signals, and pavement markings

DUI and zero-tolerance — easy points

- Adult limit (21+): 0.08% BAC. - Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC. - Under 21: zero tolerance (0.01–0.02% BAC). - Refusing breathalyzer = automatic license suspension ("implied consent"). - First DUI in Tennessee: suspension, fines, mandatory classes, possible ignition interlock.

Stopping distances (rule of thumb)

Total stopping distance = perception + reaction + braking. At 55 mph in dry conditions: ~250–300 feet. Wet roads roughly double that. Follow the 3-second rule for following distance; 4–5 seconds in bad weather.

Frequently asked questions

Is this cheat sheet enough to pass the Tennessee DMV test?

Strong head start, but on its own — no. Combine it with at least 100 practice questions and one full mock exam.

Is this cheat sheet up to date for 2026?

Yes — every fact comes from the current Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026). We update content within 30 days of any handbook revision.

Can I download a printable version?

Not yet — but you can print this page directly from your browser. PDF cheat sheets for paid users are coming.

Does the real Tennessee test ask about exact stopping distances?

Rarely as exact numbers — more often as concepts (e.g., "what doubles your stopping distance?"). Understanding the rule matters more than memorizing feet.

Ready to pass your Tennessee DMV test?

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More Tennessee resources

Driver Handbook

Tennessee Driver Handbook

Key points from the latest official Tennessee driver handbook, organized by chapter — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and sharing the road.

Study Guide

Tennessee Permit Test Study Guide

Free Tennessee DMV study guide for the 2026 permit test — road signs, right of way, speed limits, and alcohol laws explained topic by topic.

Permit Test Guide

Tennessee Permit Test (2026): The Complete Guide

The complete Tennessee permit test guide: 30 questions, 80% (24/30 correct) to pass, who qualifies, the mistakes that fail most people, free practice questions, and an AI tutor in 5 languages.

Practice Test

Free Tennessee DMV Practice Test (2026)

Free Tennessee DMV practice test. 30 real handbook-style questions per round, instant scoring, and AI explanations for every wrong answer.

Permit Test Answers

Tennessee Permit Test Answers & Explanations

Tennessee permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.

How to Get a Permit

How to Get a Tennessee Driver's Permit (2026)

How to get your Tennessee learner's permit in 2026. Step-by-step: age requirements, documents, knowledge test, fees, and what to bring to the DMV.

Permit Requirements

Tennessee Driver's Permit Requirements (2026)

Tennessee learner's permit requirements for 2026. Minimum age, required documents, knowledge test details, fees, and holding period — all in one place.

Road Signs Test

Tennessee Permit Signs Test (2026)

Free Tennessee road signs practice test for 2026. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026), then drill sign questions with AI explanations.

Right-of-Way Practice

Tennessee Right-of-Way Practice Test (2026)

Master right-of-way for the Tennessee permit test. Intersections, 4-way stops, left turns, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — with free practice questions.

Written Test Questions

Tennessee DMV Written Test Questions (2026)

Free Tennessee DMV written test questions for 2026, written from the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2026). Practice real exam-style questions with AI explanations in 5 languages.

DMV Test in Spanish

Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Spanish (2026)

Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Spanish. Native-quality Spanish practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.

DMV Test in Chinese

Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Chinese (2026)

Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Chinese. Native-quality Chinese practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.

DMV Test in Korean

Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Korean (2026)

Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Korean. Native-quality Korean practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.

DMV Test in Russian

Tennessee DMV Permit Test in Russian (2026)

Study for the Tennessee DMV permit test in Russian. Native-quality Russian practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.

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