Tennessee permit test: stops, right-of-way and turns
Required stops, railroad crossings, school buses, intersections, right-of-way, emergency vehicles, signaling, turns, turns on red and roundabouts. 31 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key stops, right-of-way and turns rulesShow the rules
- When a school bus stops at an intersection to load or unload children, drivers from all directions must stop until the bus moves again. (p. 65, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Church and school buses (empty or not), passenger carriers such as taxis, and vehicles carrying flammables or explosives must stop at every railroad crossing. (p. 65, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Failing to stop for a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $1,000. (p. 65, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- The Left-Right-Left Rule says look left first, then right. (p. 66, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- You must yield to a transit bus that has signaled and is pulling back onto the road from a bus stop. (p. 68, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Turning left, you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right unless you have a protected green arrow. (p. 68, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- At a T intersection, vehicles on the road that ends must yield to traffic from both directions on the main road. (p. 68, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Tennessee's Move Over Law requires a lane change into a lane not next to the stopped vehicle. (p. 69, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Don't turn from the wrong lane. (p. 70, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- You must turn on your turn signal at least 50 feet before the turn. (p. 70, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample stops, right-of-way and turns questions
1.You are driving in a roundabout and want to let a friend out at the curb. May you stop inside the roundabout?
- AYes, if you turn on your hazard lights
- BYes, for a quick drop-off at the curb
- CYes, if no car is coming up behind you
- DOnly if signs, signals or an officer say so
Show the answer
✓ D. Only if signs, signals or an officer say so
Enter a roundabout at a gap in traffic, and once inside do not stop unless signs, signals or a traffic officer direct you to.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 73
2.A school bus is stopped at an intersection with red lights flashing to unload children. Which drivers must stop?
- ANo one, if no children are visible
- BOnly oncoming drivers
- COnly drivers behind the bus
- DDrivers from all directions
Show the answer
✓ D. Drivers from all directions
When a school bus stops at an intersection to load or unload children, drivers from all directions must stop until the bus moves again.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 65
3.A school bus ahead has flashing yellow lights. What does this mean?
- AStop right away; children are crossing
- BIgnore it; the bus must be empty
- CSlow down and be ready to stop
- DSpeed up and pass it quickly
Show the answer
✓ C. Slow down and be ready to stop
Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 65
4.When does the handbook say you should add a hand signal to your turn signal?
- AOnly on dark country roads at night
- BOnly after your signal bulb burns out
- CWhen bright sun washes out your signals
- DOnly at high speed on the interstate
Show the answer
✓ C. When bright sun washes out your signals
Use hand signals when the sun is shining brightly, since it makes your signal lights hard to see. In heavy traffic they also help drivers several cars back.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 69