Free Tennessee Permit Practice Test 3 (2026)
Real questions from the official Tennessee driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Traffic Signs & Signals — 7
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Signaling & Communication — 3
- Right-of-Way & Intersections — 2
- Safe Driving — 2
- Adverse Conditions — 1
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 1
- Vehicle Equipment — 1
Heaviest on Traffic Signs & Signals (7 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
Every question here applies nationwide.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. What does this sign mean?
- A sharp turn to the right ahead
- No right turn
- A gentle curve
- Right lane ends
Show answer
Answer: A sharp turn to the right ahead
A sharp-turn (right-angle) arrow warns of a sharp turn ahead — slow down considerably.
2. To spot hazards early, experienced drivers look:
- Well ahead (10–15 seconds) and keep checking mirrors
- Only at the car ahead
- Just past the hood
- At the dashboard
Show answer
Answer: Well ahead (10–15 seconds) and keep checking mirrors
Look far ahead and keep scanning mirrors and sides to see problems developing.
3. Your tires are unsafe and should be replaced when:
- They are any brand
- They are clean
- They are new
- The tread is worn too low to grip the road
Show answer
Answer: The tread is worn too low to grip the road
Worn tread greatly reduces traction, especially on wet roads — replace worn tires.
4. When a bicyclist signals a left turn with an outstretched arm, you should:
- Ignore it
- Honk
- Give them room to move over and turn
- Pass on the left
Show answer
Answer: Give them room to move over and turn
Respect a cyclist's hand signal and give them room to maneuver.
5. What does this sign mean?
- A hospital
- A bus stop
- A playground
- A pedestrian/school crossing — watch for people
Show answer
Answer: A pedestrian/school crossing — watch for people
This marks a pedestrian or school crossing; be ready to yield to people crossing.
6. A 'DEAD END' or 'NO OUTLET' sign means:
- A one-way
- A detour
- A through road
- The road does not go through
Show answer
Answer: The road does not go through
These signs mean the road ends or has no through route.
7. At a four-way stop, you should proceed:
- Whenever you want
- After honking
- Only if biggest
- In the order vehicles arrived and stopped
Show answer
Answer: In the order vehicles arrived and stopped
Go in arrival order; if you tie, the driver on the right goes first.
8. Making eye contact with a pedestrian or another driver helps you:
- Speed up
- Intimidate them
- Skip signaling
- Confirm they see you before you proceed
Show answer
Answer: Confirm they see you before you proceed
Eye contact helps confirm others are aware of you before you move.
9. What does this sign mean?
- No U-turn
- No left turn
- Do not enter
- No right turn
Show answer
Answer: No right turn
This sign prohibits right turns.
10. What does this sign mean?
- No passing
- A lane is being added — you may not need to merge
- Right lane ends
- The road ends
Show answer
Answer: A lane is being added — you may not need to merge
An added-lane sign means a lane is joining; the added traffic doesn't have to merge immediately.
11. The 'basic speed law' means you must:
- Keep up with the fastest car
- Drive at a speed reasonable and safe for conditions, even if below the limit
- Always drive the exact limit
- Never slow down
Show answer
Answer: Drive at a speed reasonable and safe for conditions, even if below the limit
Drive at a safe speed for conditions — in rain, fog, or heavy traffic that may be well under the posted limit.
12. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol means:
- The action shown is required
- Caution for that action
- Yield for that action
- The action shown is prohibited
Show answer
Answer: The action shown is prohibited
A red circle-and-slash means the pictured action (e.g., no U-turn, no right turn) is not allowed.
13. Besides turning, you must also signal when you:
- Only on highways
- Change lanes or pull away from a curb
- Never otherwise
- Only at night
Show answer
Answer: Change lanes or pull away from a curb
Signal for lane changes, merging, and pulling away from a curb — anytime you change your path.
14. Road conditions like gravel, wet leaves, or grooved pavement are:
- More dangerous for motorcycles than cars — give them room to adjust
- Only a problem for trucks
- Never an issue
- Harmless to motorcycles
Show answer
Answer: More dangerous for motorcycles than cars — give them room to adjust
Small hazards can affect a motorcycle's balance; give riders room to move within their lane.
15. You are following a large truck and cannot see its side mirrors. This means:
- You are at a safe distance
- The driver can still see you
- The truck driver probably cannot see you — drop back
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: The truck driver probably cannot see you — drop back
If you can't see the truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you. Move back so you're visible.
16. When stopped behind another car in traffic, you should leave enough space to:
- See its rear tires and pull out around it if needed
- Save room for others
- Read its plate
- Touch bumpers
Show answer
Answer: See its rear tires and pull out around it if needed
Leave enough gap to see the tires touching the road — room to maneuver if needed.
17. If you feel your steering go light on a wet road (hydroplaning), you should:
- Brake hard
- Ease off the gas and hold the wheel steady
- Turn sharply
- Accelerate
Show answer
Answer: Ease off the gas and hold the wheel steady
Ease off the gas and keep the wheel steady until the tires regain grip.
18. A yellow sign with a large black arrow bending (a chevron) is posted:
- At intersections
- Randomly
- Along a curve to guide you through it
- At rest areas
Show answer
Answer: Along a curve to guide you through it
Chevron alignment signs are placed along a curve to show its direction and sharpness.
19. Hazard (four-way) flashers are meant for when your vehicle is:
- Moving fast
- Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
- Passing
- Turning
Show answer
Answer: Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
Use hazards when stopped or disabled — not during normal driving.
20. At a T-intersection, who has the right-of-way?
- The vehicle turning right
- The vehicle on the road that ends (the stem)
- The vehicle going faster
- Vehicles on the through road (the top of the T)
Show answer
Answer: Vehicles on the through road (the top of the T)
Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way; the driver on the ending road must yield.