Tennessee TDOSHS Practice Test – Driver's License Knowledge Exam

No. Tennessee driver's licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), not a DMV. TDOSHS is distinctive nationally because it combines driver licensing functions with law enforcement and homeland security responsibilities. TDOSHS driver services centers are located throughout Tennessee. Vehicle registrations are handled separately by Tennessee County Clerk offices. Visit tn.gov/safety for driver services locations and appointment scheduling.

The Hands-Free Tennessee Act (TCA § 55-8-199, effective July 1, 2019) prohibits ALL Tennessee drivers from holding any wireless device while driving — for calls, texts, navigation, or any app. Fines: $50 plus court costs (first offense), $100 plus court costs (second offense within 5 years), $200 plus court costs (third or subsequent offense within 5 years). The third offense is also reported to the driver's insurance company. Double fines apply in school zones and active emergency zones.

Tennessee's DUI law (TCA § 55-10-401) sets the adult threshold at 0.08% BAC. A first DUI conviction carries a minimum 48 hours in jail. However, a BAC of 0.20% or higher triggers a mandatory minimum of 7 consecutive days in jail for a first offense — longer than most states' enhanced BAC penalties. The 0.20%+ mandatory 7-day requirement is one of Tennessee's most tested DUI provisions.

On an undivided road, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus activates flashing red lights. On a divided highway with a raised median or physical barrier, only vehicles on the SAME side of the highway as the bus must stop — vehicles on the opposite side of the median may proceed. The fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus is $250. The violation is also a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee.

Tennessee GDL: (1) Learner's permit at 15 — must hold 12 months with 50 supervised hours (10 at night); (2) Intermediate license at 16 — no driving 11 PM–6 AM without a licensed parent/guardian for the first 6 months, max 1 non-family passenger under 21; (3) Full unrestricted license at 17 (or after 6 violation-free months on the intermediate license). All stages require no traffic violations to advance.

Tennessee's implied consent law (TCA § 55-10-406) provides that refusing a chemical test results in a 1-year license revocation for a first refusal — the same penalty as a first DUI conviction. A second refusal within 5 years results in a 2-year revocation. Tennessee law enforcement can also obtain a warrant for a blood draw after a driver refuses a test, so refusal does not prevent chemical testing. Prosecutors may use the refusal as evidence in court.

Tennessee's DUI law includes a 'DUI by consent' provision under TCA § 55-10-401: a vehicle owner who knowingly allows an intoxicated person to drive their vehicle can be charged as a co-conspirator. This means handing your keys to someone you know is drunk — even if you don't drive yourself — creates potential criminal liability. The provision applies to any Tennessee vehicle owner, not just commercial operators.

Tennessee's Move Over law (TCA § 55-8-132) requires drivers to move one lane away from stationary emergency vehicles, law enforcement, fire, highway maintenance, tow trucks, and — since the 2022 expansion — any vehicle displaying amber emergency lights. If a lane change is not safely possible, reduce speed to a safe speed below the posted limit. First offense: $200 fine. Subsequent offenses: $500 fine. Serious violations can be charged as Class B misdemeanors.

A Tennessee learner's permit is valid for 2 years. Most teen applicants complete the 12-month holding period and advance to the intermediate license well within the permit's validity period. The permit must be held for a full 12 months — no early advancement even if the 50 supervised hours are completed sooner. If the permit expires before the applicant advances, they must reapply and pass the knowledge test again.

US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) through Great Smoky Mountains National Park has: specific posted speed limits lower than adjacent state highways, frequent wildlife crossings (black bears, white-tailed deer, and reintroduced elk commonly appear on the roadway), seasonal chain-control requirements at higher elevations, and large volumes of tourist traffic unfamiliar with mountain driving. I-40 near the North Carolina border (the Pigeon River Gorge section) also has seasonal chain-control advisories during winter storms.

Tennessee's underage DUI law (TCA § 55-10-415) sets the BAC limit at 0.02% for drivers under 21 — effectively zero tolerance. A violation results in a 1-year license revocation. Tennessee enforces this standard strictly. Even prescription medications that impair driving can result in DUI charges regardless of BAC. Under-21 drivers convicted of DUI also face mandatory participation in a DUI school program.