Tennessee permit test: vehicle condition and maintenance
Checking brakes, tires, lights, steering and other equipment before and while you drive. 8 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key vehicle condition and maintenance rulesShow the rules
- Every vehicle with a windshield should have 2 wipers, unless 1 wiper cleans to within 1 inch of the inside of the windshield. (p. 36, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Passenger cars may not have window material that lets through less than 35% of light. (p. 37, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Restriction Code 01 means you must wear your glasses or contacts at all times when driving, or you can be ticketed. (p. 113, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Never drive when you are sleepy. (p. 113, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Dark sunglasses and tinted contact lenses cut down the light you need to see clearly at night. (p. 113, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Use the sticker in the driver's door jamb (or owner's manual). (p. 114, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- When the tread is shallower than Lincoln's head on a penny (2/32 inch), the tire is unsafe and illegal to drive on. (p. 114, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Feeling sleepy while driving or riding can signal an exhaust leak, which can be deadly. (p. 115, 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 vehicle condition and maintenance questions
1.Tennessee asks for 2 windshield wipers. When is a single wiper enough?
- AWhen the car is used only in summer
- BWhen the car has a rear wiper too
- CWhen it cleans to within 1 inch of the edge
- DWhen the windshield has no cracks in it
Show the answer
✓ C. When it cleans to within 1 inch of the edge
Every vehicle with a windshield should have 2 wipers, unless 1 wiper cleans to within 1 inch of the inside of the windshield.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 36
2.Your license shows Restriction Code 01. What must you do?
- ADrive only with an adult in the car
- BDrive only during daylight hours
- CWear your glasses or contacts to drive
- DStay off interstates and highways
Show the answer
✓ C. Wear your glasses or contacts to drive
Restriction Code 01 means you must wear your glasses or contacts at all times when driving, or you can be ticketed.
3.You check your tire tread with a penny inserted head first. What does it mean if the tread doesn't reach Lincoln's head?
- AOnly the spare needs checking
- BThe tire is illegal and must be replaced
- CThe tire needs more air
- DThe tire is fine for another year
Show the answer
✓ B. The tire is illegal and must be replaced
When the tread is shallower than Lincoln's head on a penny (2/32 inch), the tire is unsafe and illegal to drive on. Replace it, and check the spare too.
4.Where should you look first for your car's recommended tire pressure?
- AThe number printed on the tire
- BAny gas station sign
- CThe gas cap
- DThe sticker in the driver's door jamb
Show the answer
✓ D. The sticker in the driver's door jamb
Use the sticker in the driver's door jamb (or owner's manual). The number on the tire is the tire's maximum, not your vehicle's recommended pressure.