The Examinations — Tennessee Driver's License Practice Test

This section walks through the three parts of the driver license examination: a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a road test. Knowing how each one works, and what happens if you don't pass, takes a lot of the mystery out of test day. Knowledge tests are given first-come, first-served, while road tests are by appointment, and no test may be repeated on the same day.

The knowledge test is multiple choice, drawn from the manual, and covers roughly four equal areas: traffic signs and signals, safe driving principles, rules of the road, and drugs and alcohol. It is given on computerized testing machines. Applicants whose first language is not English may use a translation dictionary as long as it has no notes or handwriting in it, but phones, electronic dictionaries, and other electronic devices are not allowed. Cheating means automatic failure and a 30-day wait, and if you fail the knowledge test there is a one-day waiting period before you try again.

The road test is booked by appointment (up to 45 days ahead), and you must have already passed the required knowledge test or the appointment is canceled. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and note that being more than 5 minutes late means rescheduling. You provide your own vehicle, which must pass a pre-trip inspection — valid tags, working brakes, lights, wipers, mirrors, horn, speedometer, seat belts, and a clear windshield all matter. Tests are not given in extreme weather. Scoring is by errors: a small number of errors passes, while more errors push a retest out by days, and the most serious problems or dangerous actions fail you on the spot.