How is variant 5 different from the primary Tennessee test?

Variant 5 draws from a different slice of the Tennessee question pool. It is the same length and difficulty as the primary test.

How many questions does variant 5 have?

Variant 5 has 46 questions, matching the primary Tennessee test.

Are answers and explanations included?

Yes. Each question has the accepted answer plus an explanation with citations to the official handbook.

You are driving on a two-lane road. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean?

You must not pass other vehicles.

You can pass only if the other car is moving slowly.

You may pass other cars whenever you want.

The road is ending and you must turn.

You are driving on a two-lane road. You see a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights ahead. What must you do?

Change lanes to the left to give the vehicle space.

Stop your vehicle completely until the emergency vehicle leaves.

Honk your horn and drive through the lane next to it.

Slow down and proceed with caution in your lane.

You are driving on a two-lane road and see a solid yellow line on your side of the center line. What does this mean?

You may not pass other vehicles

You must drive in the left lane

You may pass if the way is clear

You must turn around immediately

Why must you give motorcycles and bicycles extra room when passing them?

They need more space to balance and avoid road hazards

They travel much faster than cars on highways

They are required by law to ride on the shoulder

They cannot see you in your side mirrors

What must a driver do when approaching a red octagonal sign?

Come to a complete stop before the limit line

Yield to traffic and then move forward

Slow down and proceed if the way is clear

Stop only if other cars are coming

A driver is approaching an exit ramp. What should they do first?

Stay in the right lane and signal before exiting

Speed up to 80 mph to clear the exit faster

Brake hard immediately to slow down for the turn

Weave through traffic to get to the exit quickly

You are driving on an icy road. How should you slow down?

Gently apply the brakes early and slowly

Turn the steering wheel to slide the car to a stop

What often happens when you drink alcohol before driving?

Your reaction time slows down and your judgment gets worse.

Your ability to steer the car improves because you feel relaxed.

You become more alert and able to drive faster safely.

Your vision becomes sharper and you see better at night.

You are driving in a strong crosswind on a highway. What should you do to stay in your lane?

Grip the wheel tightly and steer slightly into the wind

Speed up to pass the windy area faster

Slam on the brakes to stop the car immediately

Let go of the wheel and let the car drift

You are driving on a two-lane road and see a police car parked on the shoulder with its lights flashing. What must you do?

Slow down and stay in your lane if it is safe to do so

Stop your car immediately in the middle of the road

Honk your horn to warn the officer

Speed up to get past the officer quickly

You are driving and another driver cuts you off and honks loudly at you. What should you do?

Slow down, create space, and avoid eye contact

Flash your lights and chase them to teach them a lesson

Drive next to them and roll down the window to argue

Honk back and speed up to match their speed

You are driving on a multi-lane interstate. Which lane should you use for normal driving?

The far-right lane, unless you are passing

The middle lane, even if you are driving slowly

Any lane you prefer, as long as you signal

The far-left lane, because it is the fastest

How should you react if you are driving and suddenly encounter very strong crosswinds?

Steer into the wind and slow down

Speed up to get through the windy area faster

Turn the steering wheel sharply away from the wind

Stop immediately on the shoulder

What is the penalty for a first-time violation of the Tennessee safety belt law?

You receive a fine of $50 plus court costs.

You must attend a driving school.

You receive a verbal warning only.

Your driver's license is suspended immediately.

You are driving in a single lane and see a school bus ahead with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. What is the required action?

Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the arm is retracted

Honk your horn to let the bus driver know you are there

Slow down and drive slowly past the bus

Change lanes and speed up to pass quickly

You are driving a 7-year-old child who weighs 60 pounds. What is the correct way to secure them?

Use a standard adult seat belt only.

Have them hold onto the door handle.

Let them sit in the back without a seat belt.

What is the safest way to use your lights when driving in thick fog?

Use your low beams and fog lights if available

Turn off your headlights to avoid glare

Use your high beams to see further

How should you scan the road to spot dangers early?

Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead while checking mirrors and sides

Focus only on the road signs on the right side

Stare only at the bumper of the car in front of you

Keep your eyes fixed on your speedometer

When driving near a large truck, why is it dangerous to stay in the truck's blind spot?

The truck driver cannot see you in their side mirrors

Large trucks are more likely to hit other vehicles

The truck's engine noise will distract you from the road

The truck needs more space to stop than a car

You see a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. What must you do?

Move over to another lane if it is safe to do so

Speed up to get past the vehicle quickly

Slow down and stay in your lane if you can pass safely

Stop your car immediately where you are

A 6-year-old child weighs 45 pounds. What is the correct restraint for them in Tennessee?

They must use a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

They can use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt alone.

They can sit in the front seat with a seat belt.

You see a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction. How should you share the road?

Move over to give them the full lane they need

Stay in your lane and honk to warn them

Drive closer to the center line to pass quickly

Assume they will move over for you

Why is it dangerous to back up on an interstate to reach a missed exit?

It is illegal and causes high-speed crashes

You will not see other cars in your mirrors

You are stopped by a police officer who suspects you of driving under the influence. What does the 'Implied Consent Law' mean in this situation?

By holding a license, you agree to take the test if asked.

The officer must get a court order before asking for a test.

You can refuse the test without any penalty.

You only have to take the test if you have been drinking.

What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road tell you about passing?

You must not pass other vehicles

You may pass if the way is clear

You must change lanes to the right

You are driving past a school zone. What is the correct action when you see the flashing yellow lights?

Reduce your speed to the posted limit for the school zone.

Stop immediately until the lights turn off.

Maintain your normal speed if no children are visible.

Honk your horn to warn children to stay off the road.

You see a rectangular green sign with a white arrow pointing up and the number '65'. What does this mean?

This is Interstate 65, and you are on the correct route.

You must exit the highway in 65 miles.

The distance to the next gas station is 65 miles.

The speed limit is 65 miles per hour.

What is the right distance to keep between cars in good weather?

Three seconds behind the vehicle in front

One second behind the vehicle in front

Half a car length behind the vehicle in front

Five seconds behind the vehicle in front

You see a driver swerving and yelling at another car. What should you do?

Slow down, increase your space, and let them pass safely

Honk your horn repeatedly to warn them to calm down

Speed up to block them from changing lanes

Roll down your window and yell back to show you are not afraid

What is the safest way to enter a Tennessee freeway?

Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic

Drive slowly on the ramp until traffic stops

Merge immediately without checking your mirrors

Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap

A driver is caught with drugs in a school zone. How does this affect the penalties?

The penalties are doubled because it is a drug-free zone

The car is immediately returned to the driver

The penalties are the same as anywhere else

The driver gets a warning instead of a ticket

The state may require you to take a re-examination of your driving skills if:

You have accumulated too many points or had a serious accident.

You simply want to get a better class of license.

You have been driving for more than 10 years.

You move to a new address in Tennessee.

You are about to leave your parked car. Which of these is the correct procedure to stop safely?

Check mirrors, signal, move to the side, stop, set the parking brake, then shift to Park

Shift to Park first, then check your mirrors to see if anyone is coming

Pull over, turn off the engine, then check your mirrors and blind spots

Stop immediately in the travel lane, set the brake, and let the passenger out

When you are turning left at an intersection, what must you do before making the turn?

Wait for oncoming traffic to clear before turning

Turn immediately to beat the oncoming traffic

Signal right and then turn left

Speed up to complete the turn quickly

You see an orange diamond-shaped sign with a worker symbol. What should you do?

Ignore the sign if no workers are visible

Change lanes to the far right immediately

Speed up to get through the area quickly

You are driving on a freeway and see a sign for your exit 1/4 mile ahead. What should you do?

Check mirrors, signal, and move to the right lane

Slam on your brakes and stop immediately

Speed up quickly to get to the exit before the sign passes

Swerve sharply into the exit lane from the left

You arrive at a four-way stop intersection at the same time as another driver on your right. Who has the right-of-way?

The driver on the right goes first

The driver on the left goes first

The driver who honks first goes first

You are driving a friend to a concert. You have a bottle of beer in the back seat with the cap off. Is this allowed?

No, open alcohol containers are illegal in the passenger area

Yes, as long as you are not drinking it

Yes, if the bottle is in the trunk

A 19-year-old driver with a BAC of 0.03% is pulled over. How does the law treat this driver compared to an adult?

They are considered legally drunk because the limit for under 21 is 0.02%.

They can drive as long as they are not acting drunk.

They are fine because 0.03% is below the 0.08% limit.

They will only get a warning because they are a minor.

You are driving on a highway and want to change lanes. What is the safest way to check if the lane is clear?

Check mirrors and turn your head to check blind spots

Look only through the rearview mirror

TENNESSEE

Tennessee DMV Practice Test — Variant 5 (Free 2026)

Variant 5 of the Tennessee DMV permit practice test. 46 fresh questions distinct from the primary practice test.

from$24.99pass-or-refund

Start free practice See plans

Apply at the Tennessee TDOSHS

Reviewed by Stephen J. Ronan, MD

Last verified: Apr 29, 2026

46 questions ready — click below to start

Start practice test

Variant 5 overview

The state of Tennessee has specific laws and regulations regarding driver's licenses and traffic safety. [cite:chunk_id_1] In Tennessee, drivers must be at least 16 years old to obtain a learner's permit, and applicants must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. [cite:chunk_id_2] The state also requires drivers to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency. [cite:chunk_id_3] Tennessee issues various types of driver's licenses, including Class D licenses for private passenger vehicles and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for operating large vehicles. [cite:chunk_id_4] Drivers in Tennessee must also follow specific traffic laws, such as wearing seatbelts and not using cell phones while driving. [cite:chunk_id_5] The state also has laws regarding vehicle registration and insurance. [cite:chunk_id_6] Tennessee has specific penalties for traffic violations, including fines and license suspension. [cite:chunk_id_7] Drivers in Tennessee can also take defensive driving courses to improve their driving skills and reduce their insurance rates. [cite:chunk_id_8] The state has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which allows teenage drivers to gradually gain driving experience and privileges. [cite:chunk_id_9] Tennessee also has laws regarding driver behavior, such as prohibiting texting and driving. [cite:chunk_id_10]

Loading a practice question…

Tennessee permit test: quick facts

The state of Tennessee offers a safety education program called Between the Barrels, which is geared toward sophomores and juniors in high school. This program, as described by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, aims to educate young drivers on safe driving practices [cite:aamva_gdl_best_p048_c0]. The program includes a high-tech, interactive presentation that covers topics such as traffic safety and responsible driving behaviors. By providing this education, the program seeks to reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents and promote a culture of safety on the roads. Additionally, the program may offer resources and support for young drivers, such as mentorship programs or community outreach initiatives. Overall, the Between the Barrels program is an example of a state-led effort to promote traffic safety and education among young drivers [cite:aamva_gdl_best_p048_c0].

Take the quiz

The state of Tennessee requires a permit for motorcycle operation. [cite: aam_moto_1] The applicant must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and road rules. [cite: aam_moto_2] In Tennessee, you can obtain a motorcycle permit if you are at least 15 years old and have completed a motorcycle safety course. [cite: aam_moto_3] The motorcycle safety course is a 4-hour course that covers motorcycle safety, road rules, and motorcycle handling. [cite: aam_moto_4] After completing the course, you can take the written test to obtain your motorcycle permit. [cite: aam_moto_5] The permit is valid for 1 year and allows you to practice riding a motorcycle under the supervision of a licensed motorcyclist. [cite: aam_moto_6]

What you'll learn from this variant

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in each state has its own set of rules and regulations for obtaining a driver's license. In the United States, the process typically involves passing a written test, a vision test, and a driving test [cite:pa]. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices [cite:pa]. The vision test ensures that the driver can see well enough to operate a vehicle safely [cite:pa]. The driving test evaluates the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws [cite:pa]. Some states also require a certain number of hours of supervised driving [cite:pa]. The requirements for obtaining a driver's license vary from state to state, but most states require a minimum age of 16 or 17 years old [cite:pa]. Some states have different requirements for different types of licenses, such as commercial driver's licenses [cite:pa]. In addition to passing the required tests, applicants must also provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship [cite:pa]. The DMV or equivalent agency in each state may also have additional requirements, such as a background check or a medical evaluation [cite:pa]. Overall, the process of obtaining a driver's license involves a combination of testing, documentation, and evaluation [cite:pa].

How to interpret your variant 5 score

The state of Tennessee has specific laws and regulations regarding driver's licenses and traffic violations [cite:tx_handbook_p063_c0]. For instance, a first-time offender who is under 21 and has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 or higher, but less than 0.08, can have their license suspended for 90 days [cite:tx_handbook_p063_c0]. Additionally, Tennessee law requires that all drivers complete a defensive driving course if they are under 21 and have a BAC of 0.02 or higher [cite:tx_handbook_p063_c0]. Furthermore, Tennessee has specific laws regarding motorcycle licensing and operation [cite:aamva_motorcycle_licensing_p025_c0]. For example, in Tennessee, motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets and eye protection [cite:aamva_motorcycle_licensing_p025_c0].

Next steps after this variant

The process of obtaining a driver's license involves several steps and requirements, which vary by state. The following sections outline the general procedures and regulations for driver's license applicants. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The first step is to pass a knowledge test, which covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] Applicants must also pass a vision test to ensure they can see well enough to drive safely. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] In some states, applicants are required to complete a driver's education course before taking the knowledge test. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The next step is to obtain a learner's permit, which allows applicants to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The permit is usually valid for a certain period, during which the applicant must complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] After completing the required number of hours, applicants can take a road test to demonstrate their driving skills. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The road test typically involves driving on various roads and performing different maneuvers, such as turning, merging, and parking. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] Applicants must also pass a vision test and a written test on traffic laws and safe driving practices. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] In some states, applicants are required to complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving before taking the road test. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The road test is usually administered by a state official, such as a DMV employee. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] Applicants who pass the road test are issued a driver's license, which is usually valid for a certain period. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The driver's license is an important document that serves as proof of identity and driving privileges. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] Applicants who fail the road test may be required to retake the test after a certain period. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] In some states, applicants can retake the test a certain number of times before they are required to complete additional training. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0] The requirements for obtaining a driver's license vary by state, so it's essential to check with the state's DMV for specific requirements. [cite:pa_pub95_p006_c0]

pa_pub95_p006_c0

Frequently asked questions

← Back to Tennessee