What is the minimum age for a Tennessee learner permit in the graduated licensing program?
Correct answer: 15 years old.
The learner-permit stage begins at age 15, with the required knowledge examination and vision screening.
Source: Tennessee GDL Level I — Meet the requirements to apply. ↗
Who must accompany a Tennessee learner-permit holder driving a car?
Correct answer: A licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat.
A permit requires a licensed supervisor aged 21 or older beside the learner in the front seat. It does not authorize solo driving.
Source: Tennessee GDL Level I — licensed supervising driver. ↗
A teen is 16 and wants an Intermediate Restricted License. How long must the learner permit have been held?
Correct answer: At least 180 days.
The minimum age and the permit-holding period are separate requirements. Turning 16 does not waive the 180 days.
Source: Tennessee GDL Level II — age and permit holding period. ↗
What driving experience must be certified for the Intermediate Restricted License?
Correct answer: 50 hours, including 10 hours at night.
A parent, guardian or driving instructor certifies the required 50 hours of driving experience, including 10 at night.
Source: Tennessee GDL Level II — certified behind-the-wheel experience. ↗
Which hours are prohibited for driving with a Tennessee graduated learner permit?
Correct answer: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The learner-permit restriction is 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Do not confuse a learner permit with a later license stage.
Source: Tennessee GDL Level I — time restriction. ↗
An adult driver holds a phone against their shoulder for a routine call while the car is moving. Is that hands-free use?
Correct answer: No; holding it with any part of the body is prohibited.
The holding restriction applies to any part of the body, not just the hands. This scenario is a routine call, not a bona fide emergency.
Source: Tennessee April 6, 2026 THSO release — T.C.A. 55-8-199. ↗
An adult is using permitted hands-free voice communication without holding the phone. Which action does the Hands Free Tennessee guidance allow?
Correct answer: Using one button to start or end the voice call.
The guidance permits one-button initiation or termination of voice communication. That is not permission to hold the phone, type messages or watch video.
Source: Tennessee Can I talk on my cellphone while driving?. ↗
You have a valid non-REAL-ID Tennessee driver license. Do you need a REAL ID just to drive a car?
Correct answer: No; REAL ID is not required simply to drive.
REAL ID concerns certain federal identification uses. It is separate from the driving privilege shown by a valid license.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, REAL ID, printed page iii (physical PDF 5) — no REAL ID required to drive. ↗
An adult rides in the front passenger seat of a moving passenger car. What must the passenger use?
Correct answer: A safety belt.
Tennessee requires belts for front-seat occupants. Airbags supplement restraints; they are not a substitute.
Source: Tennessee Seat belts for Adults — front seat. ↗
An 8-month-old baby is traveling in a passenger car with a back seat. Which restraint position is required?
Correct answer: A suitable rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat.
An infant under one year must use an appropriate rear-facing restraint. Follow the seat instructions and keep the child in the back seat when available.
Source: Tennessee Child Restraint Guidance — under age 1 or 20 pounds or less. ↗
A 6-year-old child is 4 feet tall and the vehicle has a back seat. Which restraint fits Tennessee guidance?
Correct answer: A belt-positioning booster seat in the back seat.
Children ages four through eight who are under 4 feet 9 inches require a belt-positioning booster in the rear seat when available.
Source: Tennessee Child Restraint Guidance — ages 4–8 under 4 feet 9 inches. ↗
A child uses a medically prescribed restraint. What documentation should be kept in the vehicle?
Correct answer: A copy of the doctor's prescription.
Tennessee guidance allows medically prescribed restraints and calls for a copy of the prescription to remain in the vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Child Restraint Guidance — medically prescribed restraints. ↗
After pulling over for a police officer, what should you normally do unless instructed otherwise?
Correct answer: Remain in the vehicle with hands visible.
Stay inside with the doors closed and keep your hands visible. Provide requested documents without sudden unexplained movements.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 52 (physical PDF 66) — Stopping for Police Vehicles. ↗
After a crash with no serious injuries, your car can be moved safely out of traffic. What should you do?
Correct answer: Move it out of the traffic flow when safe.
Moving a safely movable vehicle out of traffic reduces danger. It does not remove the separate duties to stop, exchange information and report when required.
Source: Tennessee Road Safety Tips — Steer Your Vehicle Off the Traveled Roadway. ↗
Which action is prohibited for the driver while operating a motor vehicle in Tennessee?
Correct answer: Consuming or possessing an open alcoholic drink.
Tennessee guidance prohibits the driver from consuming or possessing an open container of alcohol while operating the vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Top Ten Traffic Safety Laws — Open Container Law. ↗
A ball rolls into a residential street ahead of you. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: A child may run after it; slow and prepare to stop.
Children may follow a ball or pet without checking traffic. Anticipate the hidden hazard and be prepared to yield.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 53 (physical PDF 67) — Right-of-Way Procedures — children playing. ↗
