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Tennessee driver handbook guide

Tennessee driver handbook guide.

Use this guide to navigate the 19 chapters in the handbook edition behind Roadwise’s Tennessee course. Read the source, look up a rule in the study app, or work through 68 companion lessons.

Read the handbook in Roadwise Open source PDF
Handbook chapters
19
Source PDF pages
135
Companion lessons
68
Licensing agency
DOS

A way through the handbook

Start with the application and licensing material that applies to your age and license type. Then work through the driving rules, signs, and safe-driving chapters. A rule is easier to remember when you can explain what it asks you to do in a real road situation.

For a quick refresher, use the chapter list below. For a deeper study session, follow a companion lesson and its checkpoint questions. The page numbers refer to this course’s source edition and may differ from the newest agency edition.

Chapter list

  1. Important Information and REAL ID Source p. 3
  2. Distracted Driving Source p. 6
  3. Section A-1: Your License Source p. 15
  4. Section A-2: Applying for Your License Source p. 21
  5. Section A-3: Intermediate Licenses for Teen Drivers Source p. 28
  6. Section A-4: The Examinations Source p. 35
  7. Section B-1: Getting Familiar With Your Vehicle Source p. 41
  8. Section B-2: Tennessee Safety Belt Laws Source p. 45
  9. Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals Source p. 49
  10. Section B-4: Rules of the Road Source p. 59
  11. Section B-5: Interstate Driving Source p. 82
  12. Section B-6: Driving at Night and in Inclement Weather Source p. 88
  13. Section B-7: Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving Source p. 93
  14. Section B-8: Driving Responsibility Source p. 99
  15. Section C: Staying Safe After the Test Source p. 106
  16. Section C-1: Defensive Driving and Road Rage Source p. 107
  17. Section C-2: Special Driving Conditions and Your Vehicle Source p. 110
  18. Section C-3: Sharing the Road Safely Source p. 117
  19. Section C-4: Helping Teens and New Drivers Learn to Drive Source p. 130

What you will find in each chapter

Chapter 1 · source p. 3

Important Information and REAL ID

This chapter’s sections include:

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION tn.gov/safety
  • Interim Documents
  • REAL ID
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 2 · source p. 6

Distracted Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • DISTRACTED DRIVING
  • INTRODUCTION
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 3 · source p. 15

Section A-1: Your License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • 9vii may also be needed
  • F For Hire
  • Endorsements
  • Section A-1 YOUR LICENSE
  • What Class Of License Do You Need?
  • • Persons
  • • Property
  • Without A License
  • Who Is Not Eligible?
  • Temporary Identification License (Tid)
  • Other Driver Related Topics
  • Memphis Area www.advancingsight.org/mseb
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 4 · source p. 21

Section A-2: Applying for Your License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Applying For Your License
  • IMPORTANT: All Documents Must be Originals or
  • Tid
  • Cdl
  • Please Note
  • What Do You Need To Bring?
  • No Photocopies Will Be Accepted.
  • Document
  • Notes
  • Primary Identification Table: 2.2
  • Proof of Tennessee Residency Table: 2.3
  • License Fees At A Glance
  • New Residents-Returning Residents be accepted!
  • Identification License Type* License Fees
  • Q: How Do I Replace a Lost License?
  • Q: How Do I Renew My License?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q: How Do I Change My Address? released?
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 5 · source p. 28

Section A-3: Intermediate Licenses for Teen Drivers

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Under 18—Graduated License Procedures
  • First Level - Intermediate Restricted License
  • Second Level - Intermediate Unrestricted License
  • Final Level - Regular Driver License
  • New Residents Under 18
  • Intermediate Unrestricted
  • Requirements For Minors
  • • $50.00 fine
  • Restricted Driver License
  • What is the Graduated Driver License law? for an Intermediate Restricted license?
  • License?
  • Those with an Intermediate Restricted License are
  • TEEN DRIVER FAQs
  • What would happen to an Intermediate Restricted hours?
  • What will an Intermediate license look like? held?
  • in the Graduated Driver License program?
  • Level 3
  • GDL At-a-Glance Review
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 6 · source p. 35

Section A-4: The Examinations

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Section A-4 THE EXAMINATIONS
  • Mandatory waiting periods are required when an
  • 1. Test Formats
  • Vision Screening
  • 2. When You Don’t Pass the Knowledge Test
  • 2. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Road Test
  • Tennessee Relay Service Call (615) 532-2281.
  • 3. The Driving Test
  • 4. Causes for Immediate Failure
  • 5. When You Don’t Pass the Road Test
  • Time
  • Bring A Proper Vehicle
  • Don’t Be Late - for Road Test
  • Parents
  • Test Applicants Age 15-17
  • INTRODUCTION
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 7 · source p. 41

Section B-1: Getting Familiar With Your Vehicle

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Section B-1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR VEHICLE
  • Vehicle Condition
  • Seat Adjustments
  • • Do Not Drive With The Seat In A Reclined
  • Mirror Adjustments
  • Safety Belts Fastened
  • Steering Wheel Interlock System
  • Steering The Vehicle
  • HANDS FREE TENNESSEE In A School Zone
  • Video Devices In Vehicles
  • Chapter 1– Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 8 · source p. 45

Section B-2: Tennessee Safety Belt Laws

This chapter’s sections include:

  • “It’s the Law”
  • Child Safety Restraint Rules
  • Set a Good Example – Always Buckle Up
  • Tips For Using Safety Belts With Children
  • Protection Laws
  • “Belts to Bones”
  • Air Bags and Children
  • Other Child Passenger Protection Laws
  • Unattended In A Motor Vehicle Or Pets Unattended In A Vehicle
  • Chapter 2 – Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 9 · source p. 49

Section B-3: Traffic Signs and Signals

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Color Codes on Highway Traffic Signs
  • Sign Colors and Shapes
  • Temporary Traffic Control Zones
  • Octagon Shape — Stop
  • Triangular Shape — Yield
  • Broad “X” Shape — Railroad Here
  • Unexpected Condition Ahead or Important Information, Some Guide Signs
  • Regulatory Signs
  • Warning Signs - Diamond Shape (Yellow)
  • Barricade
  • Work Area Signs
  • Construction Signs
  • Law Enforcement
  • Highway Flaggers
  • Channeling Devices
  • Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem life. Look at it!
  • Object Marker
  • Guide Signs for Highways
  • Interstate Route Marker
  • Guide Signs On Highways
  • Service Signs
  • Handicap Symbol
  • Bike Route
  • Emergency Reference Markers
  • Directional Signs the results could be deadly!
  • What to do when the light is out!
  • Uniform Highway Markings
  • A. Yellow Lane Markings: Lines
  • 4. High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)
  • Chapter 3 – Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 10 · source p. 59

Section B-4: Rules of the Road

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Rules Of The Road
  • Side of the Road
  • Obeying Officers
  • Coasting Prohibited
  • Use of Headlights
  • Littering
  • Slow-Moving Vehicles
  • Funeral Procession The Basic Speed Rule
  • Interstate Speed Limits
  • Rural Interstate Limits
  • Urban Interstate Limits
  • Limit Posted In Active Work Zones.
  • Tennessee Speed Laws The Two-Second Rule movement.”
  • Perception, Reaction And Braking Time
  • Stops Required By Law
  • Stopping for Railroad Crossings
  • Stop—Look—Listen—Look Again!
  • Yes The School Bus Stop Law
  • Stopping For Police Vehicles
  • Approaching Intersections Safely
  • Intersections
  • Right-of-Way Procedures
  • 4. Yield to Emergency Vehicles and Transit Buses
  • E. Notes on Multiple Turn Lanes
  • A. Turn Warning: Trucks and Buses Turning Right on your left”
  • paved openings provided on four-lane highways. There are
  • 4. Shared Center Turn/Two-Way Left Turn
  • 5. Passing Bicycles
  • Backing
  • Backing And Parking
  • Parking
  • 2. When Parking On A Hill Follow These
  • 3. No Parking Zones
  • 4. Parallel Parking
  • 5. EMERGENCY PARKING (Disabled Vehicles)
  • 6. Handicap Parking Spaces
  • 7. Parking Meters
  • 8. Angle Parking
  • Red
  • Chapter 4B - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 11 · source p. 82

Section B-5: Interstate Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Interstate Highway Driving Is Different!
  • Before Driving on the Interstate
  • Driving On The Interstate
  • “Traffic Flow” and Speed Control on the Interstate
  • High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
  • Interchanges
  • Diamond Interchange
  • Cloverleaf Interchange
  • “Weaving” Interchange
  • Instructions
  • Fight Interstate Hypnosis
  • Dynamic Message Signs
  • “unnecessarily obstruct traffic.”
  • Suggested Safety and Emergency Equipment
  • Chapter 5B - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 12 · source p. 88

Section B-6: Driving at Night and in Inclement Weather

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Weather Conditions
  • Drive Slower at Night
  • Glare and Glare Recovery
  • Parking At Night
  • Slippery When Wet
  • You Low Beam Headlights.
  • Conditions
  • Don’t Have Control”
  • Turn Around, Don’T Drown®.
  • Rumble Stripes
  • Chapter 6 - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 13 · source p. 93

Section B-7: Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Alcohol, Other Drugs And Driving
  • Alcohol and You
  • An Overview Of The Effects Of Alcohol
  • How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
  • What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
  • Amount of Alcohol Consumption
  • Rate of Alcoholic Consumption
  • Body Weight and Fat
  • Amount of Food in the Stomach
  • Overall Condition of the Body To Traffic Crashes
  • Alcohol’s Effects on Driving Ability
  • Decisions and at Night
  • Alertness and Concentration
  • “Every Day” Drugs
  • Implied Consent Law
  • No Refusal Law
  • Consequences of a DUI Arrest
  • Penalties Applying to Any DUI Conviction
  • Drugs Or Alcohol (The “Dui” Law)
  • Additional DUI Penalties
  • DUI’s Are Expensive!
  • Not Just Driving—Riding With Others!
  • Alcohol Related.
  • (is a Class E felony)
  • Under 21 Laws
  • Did You Know?
  • We Are Doing Better
  • Let’s get this percentage lower!
  • Chapter 7 - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 14 · source p. 99

Section B-8: Driving Responsibility

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Problem Driver Pointer System the suspension or revocation. Any Tennessee Highway
  • Nashville, Tennessee 37202
  • Hearings
  • Losing Your Privilege To Drive
  • (a) by internet—www.tn.gov/safety
  • Non-Resident Violator Compact
  • Reinstatements The Tennessee Relay Service Call
  • Frequent Traffic Violations
  • Criminal Prosecution.
  • Points For Moving Traffic Violations And Crashes
  • Re-Examination of Drivers
  • Financial Responsibility
  • Physical Or Mental Disabilities
  • Traffic Crashes
  • Reporting Crashes
  • Chapter 8 Chapter Sample Test Questions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 15 · source p. 106

Section C: Staying Safe After the Test

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Staying Safe After the Test
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 16 · source p. 107

Section C-1: Defensive Driving and Road Rage

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Other Precautions
  • Concentration and Alertness Are Important Elements
  • Drive Cautiously
  • Scanning the Road and Traffic for Defensive Reactions
  • Communicating with other Drivers around your vehicle
  • • Handle Dangerous Situations
  • Tips to Avoid Road Rage And Your Vehicle
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 17 · source p. 110

Section C-2: Special Driving Conditions and Your Vehicle

This chapter’s sections include:

  • 1. Stop 2. Turn 3. Speed Up
  • 1. Stopping Quickly
  • 2. Turning Quickly
  • Avoiding Collisions
  • 3. Speeding Up
  • Do’S And Don’Ts Of Abs
  • Collisions With Animals
  • Road For A Safe Vehicle
  • Check The Vehicle The Road Has Many Users
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 18 · source p. 117

Section C-3: Sharing the Road Safely

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Your Role as a Driver
  • Your Role as a Pedestrian
  • Sharing The Road With Pedestrians
  • Safety Tips for Pedestrians
  • Walking
  • Be Alert
  • Watch Your Walkways
  • Know Your No-Zones
  • Stopping Distances
  • Make Yourself Visible
  • Watch Out For Wide Loads
  • Crossing
  • Sharing The Road With Bicycles
  • Hand Signals
  • Left Turn
  • Right Turn
  • Alternative Right Turn
  • Stopping or Slowing
  • Lane Positions for Bicycles
  • Safety Tips for Bicyclists
  • Proper Lighting
  • Wear Your Helmet
  • Bikers Beware
  • Check Your Brakes
  • Ride With Traffic
  • Beware Of The No-Zone
  • Residential Areas are Danger Zones for Bicycles
  • Sharing The Road With Motorcycles
  • Why Drivers Don’t Always See Motorcyclists
  • Safety Tips for Motorcycles
  • Watch The No-Zones
  • Always Wear A Helmet
  • Drive To Survive
  • Check Yourself And Your Bike
  • Watch Your Speed
  • Safety Tips For Car Drivers
  • Cutting In Front Can Cut Your Life Short
  • Buckle Your Belts
  • Watch Your Blind Spots – The “No-Zones”
  • Inattentive Drivers
  • Aggressive Drivers
  • Avoid Squeeze Play
  • Never Drink And Drive
  • Trucks And Buses
  • Risky Situations with Large Vehicles
  • Overhead View Of “No-Zone” Areas
  • Safety Tips for Drivers
  • Closing Speeds
  • Turns and Passing
  • Lane Usage
  • Work Zone Safety: It’s Everybody’s Business
  • Highway Work Zones
  • Stopping for Railroad Crossings
  • Watch for Vehicles that Must Stop at Highway-Railway
  • www.fra.dot.gov
  • Safety Restraints
  • Tire Pressure
  • Driver
  • Check the Load
  • Avoid Conditions that Lead to Loss of Control
  • Watch Your Blind Spots - The “No-Zones”
  • Prepare To Stop
  • Check Your Tires
  • Watch Your Weight
  • Wear Your Safety Belt
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 19 · source p. 130

Section C-4: Helping Teens and New Drivers Learn to Drive

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter C-4
  • Which Comes First, the Book or the Road?
  • A SAFE Attitude for Driving and Learning
  • Verbal Teaching in the “Moving Classroom”
  • Planning Safe and Informative Practice Sessions
  • New Drivers Learn To Drive
  • Two Reference Tools to Consider
  • Helping Non-English Speaking Beginners
  • A Special Final Word to Parents
  • Driver License Program
  • TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) (615)-532-2281
Open this handbook chapter

Turn the reading into a study routine

The Tennessee course groups the source material into 11 units. Each lesson includes handbook page references, examples, and a checkpoint in the study app.

Unit 1 · 8 lessons

Your License & the Exams

License classes, documents, GDL steps, and test day

  1. Which license do you need?
  2. Hardship, ID-only & temporary licenses
  3. Documents to bring when you apply
  4. Renewals, address changes & special IDs
  5. Learner permit & the GDL ladder
  6. GDL curfews, passengers & phones
  7. GDL penalties, school rules & new teen residents
  8. Test day: vision, knowledge & road test

Unit 2 · 5 lessons

Signs, Signals & Markings

Shapes, colors, lights, and the lines on the road

  1. Sign shapes & colors
  2. Regulatory & warning signs
  3. Work zone, guide & service signs
  4. Traffic signals
  5. Lane markings & crosswalks

Unit 3 · 6 lessons

Speed, Space & Stopping

Headlights, speed limits, braking, following and stopping distance, work zones

  1. Road basics: lights, coasting, litter & processions
  2. Speed limits & the Basic Speed Rule
  3. Braking, ABS & covering the brake
  4. Following distance: the two-second rule
  5. How long it takes to stop
  6. Highway work zones

Unit 4 · 6 lessons

Right-of-Way & Required Stops

Stop signs, railroad crossings, school buses, police, and who goes first

  1. Stopping at stop signs & signals
  2. Stopping for railroad crossings
  3. The school bus stop law
  4. Police stops & approaching intersections
  5. Right-of-way rules
  6. Emergency vehicles, transit buses & Move Over

Unit 5 · 6 lessons

Turning, Passing & Lane Use

Signaling, turns, roundabouts, special lanes, and safe passing

  1. Signaling your moves
  2. Making left & right turns
  3. Roundabouts & U-turns
  4. Lane use & special lanes
  5. Passing safely
  6. No-passing rules & passing bikes and trucks

Unit 6 · 4 lessons

Parking & Backing

Backing, hill parking, no-parking zones, parallel parking, and breakdowns

  1. Backing & parking on hills
  2. Where you can't park
  3. Parallel & angle parking
  4. Emergency, handicap & metered parking

Unit 7 · 7 lessons

Interstate, Night & Weather Driving

Merging, interchanges, night vision, bad weather, and keeping your car road-ready

  1. Entering & driving the interstate
  2. HOV lanes, exits & interchanges
  3. Highway hypnosis, congestion & breakdowns
  4. Driving at night
  5. Rain, fog & floods
  6. Skids, wind, snow & ice
  7. Keeping your vehicle road-ready

Unit 8 · 5 lessons

Alcohol, Drugs & DUI

BAC, impairment, drug DUIs, penalties, and under-21 laws

  1. Alcohol, your body & BAC
  2. How alcohol wrecks your driving
  3. Drugs, the DUI law & implied consent
  4. DUI penalties
  5. Under-21 laws & preventing drunk driving

Unit 9 · 5 lessons

Driver Responsibility & Crashes

Suspensions, points, restricted licenses, insurance, and what to do after a crash

  1. How you can lose your license
  2. The point system
  3. Restricted licenses & medical reviews
  4. Insurance & financial responsibility
  5. After a crash

Unit 10 · 8 lessons

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, trains, vans and teaching new drivers

  1. Pedestrians
  2. Sharing the road with bicycles
  3. Sharing the road with motorcycles
  4. Sharing the road with trucks & buses
  5. School buses, farm vehicles & horses
  6. Sharing the road with trains
  7. 15-passenger vans & RVs
  8. Helping a new driver learn

Unit 11 · 8 lessons

Vehicle Control & Defensive Driving

Setup and steering, phones, belts and child seats, defensive driving, collisions, fitness

  1. Seat, mirrors & hand position
  2. Starting, steering, backing & stopping
  3. Distracted driving, hands-free law & carbon monoxide
  4. Safety belts & child restraints
  5. Air bags, pickup beds & children left in cars
  6. Defensive driving: scanning, space & road rage
  7. Avoiding collisions & animals
  8. Fit to drive