20 questions from the Tennessee driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What does it indicate if you see a yellow line to your right and a white line to your left?
Answer: You are going the wrong way. The handbook defines this specific line configuration as an indicator that the driver is traveling in the incorrect direction.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 56: “If you ever find yourself with yellow to your right and white to your left, you are going the wrong way.”
2. According to Tennessee state law, how should a driver treat an intersection if the traffic signal is not working?
Answer: As a four-way stop intersection. The handbook states that non-functioning signals require the intersection to be treated as a four-way stop.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 55: “Tennessee state law requires that if a signal is not working, the intersection is to be treated as if it were a ll-way stop intersection.”
3. What is the minimum speed limit for vehicles traveling in the right lane(s) of Tennessee interstate highways under normal driving conditions?
Answer: 45 m.p.h. The handbook states that the minimum speed limit for the right lanes on interstates is 45 mph to prevent hazards.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 61: “On the interstates, the minimum speed limit in the right lane(s) is 45 m.p.h., and under normal driving conditions, all vehicles must travel at least this fast so they are not a hazard to other drivers.”
4. When entering or leaving a driveway, alley, or parking lot, who must you yield to?
Answer: Pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. The rule specifically mandates yielding to pedestrians on the sidewalk when crossing it from a driveway or alley.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 117: “Yield to pedestrians walking on the sidewalk when you’re entering or leaving a driveway, public parking garage, alley or parking lot and your path of travel crosses the sidewalk.”
5. Which of the following best describes the safe practice of "covering the brake"?
Answer: Hovering your foot over the brake or between the brake and gas pedals for quicker response. The handbook defines covering the brake as hovering the foot for quicker response, distinguishing it from riding the brake.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 62: “In situations listed above, “covering the brake” means the driver’s foot needs to hover over the brake or between the brake and gas pedals for quicker response time.”
6. When parking on a downhill slope with a curb, how should a driver position the front wheels?
Answer: Turn the front wheels toward the curb (right). The handbook instructs drivers to turn wheels toward the curb on downhill slopes so the vehicle rolls into the curb if it moves.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 79: “On a downhill with a curb: Turn the front wheels toward the curb (right) and set the parking brake.”
7. Under what condition may a driver cross a broken yellow line to pass another vehicle?
Answer: If there is no oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so. The handbook specifies that crossing broken yellow lines is permitted only when there is no oncoming traffic and conditions are safe.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 56: “Broken yellow lines mean that you MAY cross the line to pass if there is no oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.”
8. What action should a driver take when a vehicle ahead signals a lane change?
Answer: Slow down and leave space for the change. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down and provide space when another driver signals a lane change to prevent dangerous situations.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 75: “When a driver ahead of you (in your lane or the lane next to you) signals a lane change, slow down and leave space for the change.”
9. What does the handbook state about the meaning of the WALK signal and GREEN light for pedestrians?
Answer: It means LOOK and then IF it’s safe, proceed to cross. The handbook clarifies that these signals indicate it is the pedestrian's turn to cross, but they do not guarantee safety, so the pedestrian must look and confirm it is safe before proceeding.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 118: “The WALK signal, the GREEN light means LOOK and then IF it’s safe, proceed to cross.”
10. What does Tennessee’s Move Over Law require when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane roadway?
Answer: Change lanes into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or reduce speed and proceed with caution. The law mandates either changing lanes away from the emergency vehicle or slowing down significantly if a lane change is not possible.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 69: “Tennessee’s Move Over Law requires that when approaching any stationary emergency vehicle with lights flashing, you must make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the vehicle, or proceed with caution by reducing the speed of the vehicle and maintaining a safe speed for the current road conditions.”
11. Under what specific circumstance may a driver apply for a restricted driver license after their license has been suspended or revoked?
Answer: When the driver depends on driving to make a living or to continue schooling. The handbook states that restricted licenses are available when the driver depends on driving for employment or education.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 100: “When a driver license is suspended or revoked, but the driver depends on his or her driving to make a living or to continue schooling, there are certain conditions in which the driver may apply for a restricted driver license.”
12. When entering a main road from a driveway, alley, parking lot, or roadside, who must yield the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle entering the main road. The handbook specifies that the driver entering the main road from a side area must yield to traffic already established on that main road.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 67: “When entering a main road from a driveway, alley, parking lot or roadside, you must yield to all vehicles already on the main road.”
13. What is the minimum distance you should signal before making a turn?
Answer: At least 50 feet. The handbook requires signaling intentions for at least 50 feet prior to turning.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 71: “Prior to turning, signal your intentions for at least 50 feet”
14. If two vehicles enter a shared center turn lane from opposite directions, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle that entered the lane first. The rule states that priority in the shared center turn lane belongs to the vehicle that entered the lane first.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 74: “When vehicles enter the turn lane from opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane has the right-of-way.”
15. When turning onto a one-way street, into which lane should you turn?
Answer: The first lane closest to the left curb. The handbook instructs drivers turning onto a one-way street to turn sharply into the first lane closest to the left curb.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 71: “Turn sharply into the FIRST lane. Remember, you are turning onto a one-way street, so both lanes will be traveling in the same direction. You should turn into the first lane closest to the left curb.”
16. What is the minimum distance your vehicle should maintain from the car in front when preparing to parallel park?
Answer: Two feet. The instructions for parallel parking specify that the vehicle should not be closer than two feet to the other parked car.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 80: “Your vehicle should not be any closer than two feet from the other vehicle.”
17. When a vehicle is turning left and a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction, what is the correct procedure for the driver?
Answer: Wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. The handbook states that drivers must wait for the bicyclist to pass before completing a left turn when the cyclist is approaching from the opposite direction.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 119: “When your vehicle is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, you should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn.”
18. What does a lane marked with both a curved arrow and a straight arrow indicate?
Answer: You may turn in the direction of the arrow or go straight. The handbook clarifies that a lane with both arrows allows the driver to either turn or proceed straight.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 57: “If your lane is marked with both a curved and a straight arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow or you may go straight.”
19. When using a designated crossover on a divided four-lane highway to make a left turn, how should you position your vehicle within the crossover area?
Answer: Keep to the right side of the crossover paved area. The handbook instructs drivers to keep to the right side of the paved area in the crossover, treating it like a cross street.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 74: “On a divided four-lane highway, when using a designated crossover for a left turn (or a Uturn where permitted), treat the crossover/opening the same as a cross street by keeping to the right side of the crossover paved area.”
20. How should a driver behave when stopped by a police officer to minimize tension?
Answer: Keep hands on the steering wheel and limit movements. The guidelines advise keeping hands visible on the wheel and limiting movements to help the officer feel less threatened.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 66: “Drivers should keep their hands on the steering wheel and passengers should keep their hands in plain view.”