20 questions from the Tennessee driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure if you realize you are in the wrong lane to make your intended turn?
Answer: Drive to the next intersection and make the turn from the proper lane. The handbook advises continuing to the next intersection to turn from the correct lane rather than turning improperly from the current lane.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 70: “Don’t try to turn from the wrong lane. If you aren’t in the proper lane, drive to the next intersection and make the turn from the proper lane there.”
2. When driving on a divided highway, under what condition is it acceptable to drive across the median strip or barrier?
Answer: When directed to do otherwise, or at an authorized crossover or intersection. The handbook restricts crossing the median to specific authorized locations or when directed by officials.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 74: “It is only allowed at an authorized crossover or intersection, or when you are officially directed to do so.”
3. When making a right turn, how should you position your vehicle relative to the curb?
Answer: Move into the travel lane closest to the right curb. The instructions for right turns specify moving into the travel lane closest to the right curb.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 72: “Move your vehicle around the corner and into the travel lane closest to the right curb.”
4. How are High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes designated on highways?
Answer: By a diamond-shaped marking in the center of the lane. The handbook identifies the diamond-shaped marking as the specific designation for HOV lanes.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 57: “High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes are designated on highways by a diamond-shaped marking in the center of the lane.”
5. According to the handbook, what does a flashing yellow "X" indicate regarding lane usage?
Answer: The lane is only for turning. The handbook defines the meaning of a flashing yellow X as indicating that the lane is restricted to turning vehicles.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 75: “A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning.”
6. What must a driver do if they miss their intended exit on an interstate highway?
Answer: Proceed to the next exit. The rules state that drivers who miss an exit must continue forward to the next available exit rather than reversing or turning around.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 84: “If you miss your exit, you must proceed to the next exit.”
7. How should a driver behave toward pedestrians even if they have the legal right-of-way?
Answer: Do not honk, rev the engine, or rush them. The handbook instructs drivers to avoid actions that rush or scare pedestrians, regardless of right-of-way status.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 117: “Don’t honk your horn, rev up your engine or do anything to rush or scare a pedestrian in front of your car, even if you have the legal right-of-way.”
8. When should you activate your turn signal if you plan to turn beyond an intersection?
Answer: Only when you are inside the intersection. The handbook specifies that drivers should wait until they are within the intersection to signal when turning beyond it, to avoid confusing other drivers.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 70: “If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, do not signal until you are in the intersection.”
9. How should a driver handle a disagreement with an enforcement action taken against them at the scene?
Answer: Do not argue with the officer at the scene; violations are decided in court. The handbook advises against arguing at the scene, stating that disputes regarding traffic violations are resolved in court.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 66: “If enforcement action is taken against you that you disagree with, do not argue with the officer at the scene. Traffic violations and traffic crimes charged against you are decided in court.”
10. Under what condition are you permitted to use a crossover on a divided highway?
Answer: At any paved opening provided on a four-lane highway. Crossovers are specifically permitted at paved openings on divided four-lane highways, whereas interstates do not have these designated crossover areas.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 74: “Remember, such a crossover is PERMITTED ONLY at paved openings provided on four-lane highways. There are NO crossovers provided for traffic on interstates.”
11. When making a left turn from a two-way street onto another two-way street, which lane should you enter?
Answer: The left lane or as close to the yellow center line as possible. For left turns between two-way streets, the driver must enter the left lane or stay close to the yellow center line to avoid crossing into oncoming traffic lanes unnecessarily.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 70: “Leave from the left lane or as close to the yellow center line as possible and enter in the left lane or as close to the yellow center line as shown in diagram on page 57.”
12. What action should a driver take if their vehicle begins to skid and does not have anti-lock brakes?
Answer: Take your foot off the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. The handbook instructs drivers without ABS to release the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 62: “IMPORTANT: As a general rule for vehicles without anti-lock brakes, if the car starts to skid, take your foot off the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid;”
13. Under what condition is a left turn at a red light permitted according to the handbook?
Answer: Where a one-way street intersects with another one-way street and traffic moves in the same direction. Left turns on red are allowed specifically when turning from one one-way street onto another one-way street in the same direction of travel.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 72: “A left turn at a red light or stop signal is permitted at all intersections where a one-way street intersects with another one-way street and the traffic is moving in the same direction into which the left turn would be made.”
14. What action should you take if another driver is passing you on the left?
Answer: Stay in your lane and move to the right if possible. The handbook advises staying in your lane and moving right if being passed on the left to help the other driver pass safely.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 77: “Staying in your lane, and moving to the right if being passed on the left.”
15. When waiting for oncoming traffic to pass before making a turn, how should you position your vehicle's wheels?
Answer: Keep your wheels straight until you begin the turn. The handbook advises keeping wheels straight while waiting to ensure that a rear-end impact does not push the vehicle into oncoming traffic.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 70: “Keep your vehicles wheels straight until you begin the turn.”
16. If there are no pavement markings or crosswalks present, where must a driver stop at a stop sign?
Answer: When the front of the vehicle is even with the stop sign’s placement on the roadside. The handbook specifies that in the absence of markings, the vehicle should stop aligned with the physical location of the stop sign.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 63: “If no pavement markings are present, stop when the front of your vehicle is even with the stop sign’s placement on the roadside.”
17. According to the handbook, what is the minimum distance you must leave between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing them?
Answer: At least 3 feet. The handbook states that drivers must maintain a clearance of not less than 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 77: “When passing and overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction, do so slowly and leave at least a distance between you and the bicycle of not less than 3 feet.”
18. What does the presence of red reflectors on the edge of the road indicate to a driver?
Answer: You are facing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision. Red reflectors serve as a warning that the driver is traveling in the incorrect direction relative to traffic flow.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 74: “Red reflectors always mean you are facing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision.”
19. What is the correct procedure when approaching a stopped school bus on a four-lane highway where the middle lane is a turn lane?
Answer: Stop in both directions. The handbook clarifies that a middle turn lane is considered suitable for vehicular traffic, requiring drivers in both directions to stop.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 65: “Drivers meeting a stopped school bus on this type of road would be required to stop in both directions.”
20. What does the end of a 'no-passing zone' signify according to the handbook?
Answer: It means there is increased visibility ahead. The handbook clarifies that the end of a no-passing zone only indicates better visibility, not an automatic guarantee of safety.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 77: “The end of a “no-passing zone” does not mean it is safe to pass. It means there is increased visibility ahead.”