Before a trip, the brake pedal sinks to the floor and braking feels wrong. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the brakes checked before driving the vehicle.
A suspected brake fault needs professional attention. Do not start a journey relying on brakes that are not working properly.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Braking System. ↗
What is a useful way to confirm that your brake lights, turn signals and other exterior lights work?
Correct answer: Check their operation from outside the vehicle.
Exterior observation confirms the actual lamps operate. A dashboard indicator alone does not check all the lights other road users depend on.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Lights. ↗
The wipers leave large uncleared streaks during rain because the blades are worn. What maintenance is needed?
Correct answer: Replace the blades that no longer clear the windshield.
Wipers must clear the windshield well enough for safe visibility. Replace ineffective blades rather than waiting for total failure.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Windshield and Wipers; replace ineffective blades. ↗
You discover damage to the windshield. What does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: Have the damaged glass repaired or replaced.
Damaged glass can be more vulnerable when struck or in a collision. Arrange an appropriate repair or replacement.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Windshield and Wipers; damaged glass. ↗
Headlights produce strong glare through a film on the inside of your windshield. What should you do before the next drive?
Correct answer: Clean both sides of the glass to restore clear visibility.
A film on the inside also interferes with seeing. Keep the inside and outside of the windshield clean.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Keep the windshield and inside of windows clean. ↗
Why should the heater and defroster be kept in working order?
Correct answer: They help keep windows clear of fog and ice.
A functioning defroster helps maintain visibility. It does not replace clearing exterior snow or checking the other windows.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Heater/Defroster. ↗
How can worn or bald tires affect your driving, especially on wet pavement?
Correct answer: They can increase stopping distance and reduce control.
Worn tires make stopping and turning more difficult, particularly in wet conditions, and can increase hydroplaning risk.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Tires. ↗
Your car has its specified tire size. Where should you find the recommended inflation pressure?
Correct answer: The vehicle's tire placard or owner's manual.
Use the vehicle manufacturer's specification, not the tire's sidewall maximum.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure, step1; reviewed September14,2026. Also TN manual physical114. ↗
For a routine cold-tire pressure check, what does NHTSA mean by cold?
Correct answer: The car has not been driven for at least three hours.
Driving warms tires and changes pressure. A cold reading uses tires rested for at least three hours.
Source: NHTSA TireWise — Maintenance, Tire Pressure; cold-tire definition, reviewed September14,2026. ↗
Your vehicle carries a spare tire that has not been used. How should it be maintained?
Correct answer: Include it in periodic pressure and condition checks.
An unused spare still needs checking and maintenance so it is usable when needed. Follow its applicable pressure instructions.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Tread; spare tire checks and maintenance. ↗
The steering becomes difficult to turn or fails to respond when you first move the wheel. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Have the steering checked by a mechanic.
Faulty steering can prevent you from controlling the vehicle's direction. Have the cause checked rather than driving with an unresolved fault.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Steering System. ↗
In a car with a keyed steering lock, why must you avoid turning the ignition to LOCK while the vehicle is moving?
Correct answer: It can lock the steering and cause loss of control.
The LOCK position can engage the steering lock. Do not use it while the vehicle is in motion.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Steering System; ignition LOCK warning continues physical115/printed101. ↗
Your car continues bouncing after a bump and feels harder to control. What should be checked?
Correct answer: The shocks and other suspension components.
Continued bouncing or poor control can indicate suspension trouble. Have a mechanic assess the system.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 101 (physical PDF 115) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Suspension System. ↗
You want to open the radiator to check coolant after driving. What is the safe approach?
Correct answer: Wait until it is cool and follow the owner's instructions.
Do not open a hot radiator. Let the system cool and follow the vehicle's instructions for checking coolant safely.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 101 (physical PDF 115) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Engine Cooling System. ↗
A loose bottle is on the driver's floor before a trip. Why should you remove it?
Correct answer: It could roll under a pedal and interfere with control.
Keep the pedal area free of loose objects. Also secure items that could strike someone in a sudden stop or crash.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 101 (physical PDF 115) — Chapter C-2 — Check the Vehicle, Loose Objects. ↗
What should guide routine maintenance for the particular vehicle you drive?
Correct answer: The recommendations in that vehicle's owner's manual.
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations. A vehicle in good working condition gives you more control and reduces avoidable breakdown risk.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 100 (physical PDF 114) — Chapter C-2 — Maintenance Need for a Safe Vehicle; owner's manual recommendations. ↗
