According to the Tennessee handbook, about how far ahead should a defensive driver scan while also checking the sides and mirrors?
Correct answer: 10 to 15 seconds ahead.
Looking 10–15 seconds ahead helps you spot problems early. Keep your eyes moving rather than staring at one point.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 93 (physical PDF 107) — Chapter C-1 — Scanning the Road and Traffic for Defensive Reactions, Scan Ahead. ↗
You notice backup lights and turned wheels on a parked vehicle ahead. What should you be ready for?
Correct answer: The vehicle to begin moving into your path.
Lights, exhaust and wheel position can warn that a parked vehicle is about to move. Prepare to slow or stop if needed.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 93 (physical PDF 107) — Chapter C-1 — Scanning, Watch for Clues. ↗
A car is following much too closely. A legal lane to your right is clear. What is the safest response?
Correct answer: Signal and move right safely to let the driver pass.
Let a tailgater get past when you can safely do so. Sudden braking to punish the driver increases rear-end collision risk.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 94 (physical PDF 108) — Chapter C-1 — Space Behind; tailgating. ↗
A driver who passed you has misjudged the gap and needs to return to your lane. You can safely ease off and leave room. What should you do?
Correct answer: Ease off and allow the driver to return safely.
Do not make another driver's error worse. Adjust safely to create room and reduce collision risk, even when the other driver caused the problem.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 95 (physical PDF 109) — Chapter C-1 — Handle Driver Errors Defensively. ↗
An aggressive driver continues following and threatening you. Where should you head to seek help?
Correct answer: A police station or a public place where help is available.
Avoid confrontation and seek help in a public place or at a police station. Do not turn a traffic dispute into a roadside confrontation.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 95 (physical PDF 109) — Chapter C-1 — Road Rage, Tips to Avoid Road Rage; a driver follows you. ↗
You are getting sleepy and struggling to stay alert during a drive. What should you do?
Correct answer: Find a safe place to stop and get needed rest.
Do not keep driving while sleepy. Stop safely and rest rather than trying to force yourself to remain awake behind the wheel.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 99 (physical PDF 113) — Chapter C-2 — The Driver: Be in Shape to Drive, Fatigue. ↗
Before leaving, you are so angry that you cannot concentrate on traffic. What is the safer choice?
Correct answer: Delay driving until you have calmed down and can focus.
Strong emotions can interfere with attention and judgment. Give yourself time to calm down before taking control of the vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 99 (physical PDF 113) — Chapter C-2 — The Driver: Be in Shape to Drive, Emotions. ↗
One deer crosses the road ahead and reaches the other side. What should you expect next?
Correct answer: That other deer may follow, so remain alert and slow as needed.
A deer may be followed by others. Continue watching both sides of the road and keep enough time to respond.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 97 (physical PDF 111) — Chapter C-2 — Collisions with Animals; several deer may be nearby. ↗
You need to move across two traffic lanes. How should you make the changes?
Correct answer: Change one lane at a time, checking each move is safe.
Treat each lane change as a separate maneuver. Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and find a safe gap before each change.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 94 (physical PDF 108) — Chapter C-1 — Other Sharing Space Tips, Merging Defensively; lanes one at a time. ↗
You approach someone riding a horse along the road. How should you pass when it is safe?
Correct answer: At a careful speed with room, without honking or revving.
Give the horse and rider space and avoid sounds that may startle the animal. Pass at a reasonable speed and distance.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 111 (physical PDF 125) — Chapter C-3 — Sharing the Road with Slow Moving Vehicles and Equipment, Horseback Riders. ↗
Wide farm equipment ahead moves left near an unmarked field entrance. What should you consider before attempting to pass?
Correct answer: It may need space for a wide turn; wait until its path is clear.
Farm equipment may turn into an unmarked entrance or swing wide before turning. Stay back until you understand its movement and can pass safely.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 112 (physical PDF 126) — Chapter C-3 — Slow Moving Vehicles, Turns and Passing; also Farm Machinery, physical125. ↗
You pass a road-work warning but do not immediately see workers. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep following the work-zone signs and watch for moving crews.
Some operations, such as striping or mowing, move along the road. The work area may be farther ahead; continue observing the posted controls.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 113 (physical PDF 127) — Chapter C-3 — Highway Work Zones; mobile work zones and End Road Work. ↗
At a road-work area, a flagger directs your lane to stop even though the pavement ahead looks clear. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop as directed and wait for permission to proceed.
Follow the flagger's directions. Workers or opposing traffic may be using a section of road you cannot see from your position.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 112 (physical PDF 126) — Chapter C-3 — Highway Work Zones; follow instructions given by flaggers. ↗
A freeway work-zone sign says your lane ends ahead. What does TDOT advise about moving into the open lane?
Correct answer: Plan ahead, adjust speed and merge smoothly into a safe gap.
Plan early and look for space. Avoid abrupt moves; follow site-specific signs and merge safely.
Source: TDOT Work Zone Safety FAQs — Driving tips, questions10 and11; current page reviewed September14,2026. ↗
Traffic is stopped just beyond railroad tracks. There is not enough room for your whole vehicle to clear the tracks. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait before the crossing until you can clear it fully.
Do not enter a crossing unless there is room to get completely across without stopping on the tracks.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 113 (physical PDF 127) — Chapter C-3 — Sharing the Road with Trains, Avoid Stopping on the Railroad Tracks; continuation physical128/printed114. ↗
A train has passed, but the crossing gates remain down and red lights still flash. What should you do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped until the gates rise, lights stop and crossing is safe.
A passing train does not cancel active crossing warnings. Wait for the gates to be fully raised and lights to stop, then check that it is safe.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 113 (physical PDF 127) — Chapter C-3 — Sharing the Road with Trains, Do Not Try to Evade the Gates. ↗
