20 questions from the Tennessee driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What information is typically conveyed by signs with a blue background?
Answer: Motorist services such as rest areas and police services. Blue backgrounds are reserved for information regarding motorist services, whereas orange is for construction, black/white for regulations, and red for stop/yield.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 49: “BLUE is used as a background color for information signs related to motorist services (including police services and rest areas) and the Emergency Route Marker.”
2. According to the handbook, what is the maximum fine for texting while driving?
Answer: Fifty Dollars. The handbook states that the fine for violations does not exceed Fifty Dollars, distinguishing it from the separate court costs limit.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 32: “Violations can result in a fine not to exceed Fifty Dollars and court costs not to exceed Ten Dollars.”
3. 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.”
4. What is the minimum waiting period required after failing a driver license knowledge test?
Answer: One day. The handbook states that there is a mandatory one-day waiting period after failing the knowledge test to ensure applicants study before returning.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 36: “In order to encourage the applicant to thoroughly study Section B of this manual and cut down on repeat visits by applicants who are not yet prepared for the examination, a mandatory 1-day waiting period is required after failing any driver license knowledge test.”
5. What is the recommended action regarding speed when you have successfully pulled in front of a truck after passing?
Answer: Do not slow down once you are in front of the truck. The instructions specify that after completing the pass and pulling in front, the driver should not slow down.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 123: “Do NOT slow down once you are in front of the truck.”
6. What is the purpose of fluorescent pink (coral) signage on roads?
Answer: It is used for incident management traffic control during accidents, fires, or spills. The handbook defines fluorescent pink signs specifically for managing traffic during temporary incidents like accidents or spills.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 50: “FLUORESCENT PINK (sometimes called “coral”) is used for incident management traffic control signage when needed for incidents such as traffic accidents, wildland fires, floods, and hazardous material spills, that take place on or adjacent to a road, interrupting the normal flow of traffic.”
7. What is the required holding period for a learner permit before a driver is eligible to move to the Intermediate Restricted License step?
Answer: 180 days. The handbook specifies that a learner permit must be held for exactly 180 days to progress to the next licensing stage.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 28: “You must hold a learner permit for 180 days in order to move to the Intermediate Restricted License step.”
8. What is the recommended method for avoiding glare from oncoming headlights while driving at night?
Answer: Watch the right edge of the road and use the white line as a guide. The handbook advises using the right edge of the road or white line as a steering guide to avoid direct glare.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 88: “Avoid the glare of oncoming lights by watching the right edge of the road and using the white line or road edge as a steering guide.”
9. According to the Basic Speed Rule, how should a driver adjust their speed when driving at night on a two-lane state highway in rain or fog, even if the posted limit is higher?
Answer: Drive slower than the posted limit to match current conditions. The handbook states that the Basic Speed Rule limits speed based on current conditions, meaning drivers must adjust speed to be safe for weather and visibility rather than strictly adhering to the posted number.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 60: “For example, if the posted speed limit is 65 m.p.h., and you are driving at night on a twolane state highway and it’s raining or foggy, 65 m.p.h. is too fast for those conditions.”
10. According to the handbook, how should passengers be seated in a 15-passenger van to maintain proper weight distribution?
Answer: As far towards the front of the vehicle as possible. The handbook instructs passengers to sit towards the front to keep the center of gravity forward, noting that rear seating behind the axle causes uneven distribution.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 129: “Have passengers sit as far towards the front of the vehicle as possible.”
11. What is the requirement for motor vehicles transporting litter or material likely to fall off onto the highway?
Answer: The vehicle must be in an enclosed space or fully covered by a tarpaulin. The handbook specifies that loads likely to fall off must be contained within an enclosed space or covered by a tarpaulin.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 60: “Tennessee law requires any motor vehicle transporting litter or any material, likely to fall or be blown off onto the highway, to be in an enclosed space or fully covered by a tarpaulin.”
12. 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.”
13. Why does the handbook state that a driver can be convicted of DUI even with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .00 percent?
Answer: Because erratic driving behavior or inappropriate speed can constitute sufficient cause for a DUI conviction. The handbook explains that observable behaviors like erratic driving or inappropriate speed are sufficient grounds for a DUI investigation and conviction, independent of BAC levels.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 95: “If a law enforcement officer observes things, such as erratic driving behavior, or maintaining an inappropriate speed (too fast or too slow), it would be sufficient cause for stopping the vehicle to investigate.”
14. Why might non-prescription drugs like cold tablets or cough syrups be dangerous for drivers?
Answer: They contain compounds such as antihistamines, alcohol, and codeine that can affect driving. The handbook lists specific ingredients found in over-the-counter medications that can impair driving ability.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 95: “Non-prescription drugs, such as cold tablets, cough syrups, allergy remedies, etc., purchased over-the-counter may contain antihistamines, alcohol, codeine and other compounds that can be especially dangerous for drivers.”
15. What action must a driver take when encountering a flashing arrow panel at a construction zone?
Answer: Begin merging into the remaining open lane well in advance of the sign. The handbook instructs drivers to start merging into open lanes well before reaching the flashing arrow panel.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 53: “You must begin to merge into the remaining open lane(s) well in advance of this sign.”
16. What is the maximum fine for driving without a license in Tennessee?
Answer: $50.00. The handbook states that the fine for driving without a license is capped at fifty dollars.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 18: “If you do not have your license with you, you may be fined not less than two dollars ($2.00) and no more than fifty dollars ($50.00).”
17. When using a standard transmission, when should the driver hold the clutch pedal all the way down?
Answer: When starting, shifting gears, and when speed drops below 10 MPH while stopping. The handbook lists three specific conditions for holding the clutch down: starting, shifting, and slowing below 10 MPH to stop.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 42: “Hold the clutch pedal all the way down when starting, shifting gears and when speed drops below 10 MPH as you are coming to a stop.”
18. 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.”
19. Why should you avoid using high beam headlights when driving in foggy conditions?
Answer: Low beams provide greater visibility and allow you to be better seen by other vehicles. The handbook states that low beams offer better visibility and visibility to others in foggy conditions compared to high beams.
Tennessee driver handbook, page 92: “Low beams provide greater visibility and you can be better seen by other vehicles.”
20. 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.”