Updated for 2026

Tennessee TDOSHS (Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$10.50 (Learner Permit) / $28.00 (Class D License - 8 years)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Tennessee is the confusion regarding the 'Slow Poke Law' (driving in the left lane without passing is a ticketable offense) and the specific 'Divided Highway' rule for school buses (knowing exactly when the median allows you to keep moving).

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Tennessee traffic laws are enforced under the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), containing a mix of standard safety regulations and unique cultural statutes. A heavily enforced regulation is the 'Slow Poke Law' (TCA 55-8-204). This law prohibits drivers from remaining in the far-left lane on multi-lane highways unless they are actively passing another vehicle. Driving slowly in the passing lane is not just annoying in Tennessee; it is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine. Another critical safety statute is the 'Move Over Law', which was significantly expanded. While originally for police, it now requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down for ANY stationary vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing lights—this includes hazard lights on civilian cars, utility trucks, and maintenance vehicles. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is strict. To obtain a Learner Permit (Class PD), a teen must be 15 and show proof of school attendance (SF1010 form). If a student drops out or fails to make satisfactory academic progress, their license can be suspended. The permit driving curfew is 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. For the Intermediate Restricted License (Class IR), the curfew shifts to 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and passengers are limited to one (unless family) for the entire duration of this license stage. Regarding School Buses, Tennessee law is specific: you must stop for a bus with flashing red lights on any two-lane or multi-lane road where there is no physical barrier. The only exception is a divided highway with a physical median (grass, concrete, or unpaved strip) separating the directions of travel; in this specific case, oncoming traffic does not need to stop. Finally, Tennessee is a 'Hands-Free' state (PC 412); it is illegal for a driver to physically hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Tennessee involves knowledge of some of the most unusual legal curiosities in the United States. Perhaps the most famous oddity is the 'Roadkill Law' (TCA 70-4-115). In Tennessee, it is technically legal to take home and eat wild game animals (like deer) that have been accidentally killed by a motor vehicle, provided you notify the Wildlife Resources Agency or local police within a reasonable time. While not on the driving test, it reflects the state's rural practicality. Another bizarre but real law is the 'Skunk Law' (TCA 70-4-208): it is illegal to import, possess, or sell live skunks in Tennessee. While primarily an agricultural law, it underscores the state's strict wildlife regulations. More practically, drivers must be aware of 'Funeral Processions'. In Tennessee culture, it is customary (though not strictly legally mandatory on multi-lane highways) to pull over for a funeral procession. However, the law *does* strictly prohibit cutting through or joining a procession to bypass traffic; doing so allows police to ticket you. Regarding the test itself, the format is 30 questions, and you need 24 correct answers (80%) to pass. The fee structure is extremely specific: a learner's permit is $10.50, but a full Class D license is $28.00 (prorated). A unique feature of Tennessee licensing is the 'Hardship License' (Class H), available to 14-year-olds in extreme family circumstances, but approval is rare and requires a hearing. Environmental hazards include dense fog in the Smoky Mountains and flash flooding in Middle Tennessee. The motto 'Turn Around Don't Drown' is critical here. Finally, Tennessee utilizes specific 'HOV Lanes' (High Occupancy Vehicle) during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) in Nashville and Memphis; unlike some states where hybrids are exempt, in Tennessee, you generally must have 2+ people in the car to use them legally during enforcement hours.