Tennessee Driver's Handbook and Study Guide
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is everything you need to study the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual in Tennessee. This guide links to the official handbook and breaks down the chapters and most-tested topics so you can prepare for your permit test.
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual
- Edition
- 2026
- Languages
- English, Spanish
Most-Tested Topics for Your Permit Test
Focus your study time on these topics. They appear most often on the Tennessee permit knowledge test.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
What Is in the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual
Traffic Signs and Signals
Covers the meaning of regulatory, warning, and guide signs, plus traffic signal rules and flashing light procedures.
Right-of-Way Rules
Explains who goes first at intersections, crosswalks, roundabouts, and when merging onto highways.
Safe Driving Practices
Covers following distance, lane changes, passing, scanning for hazards, and driving in bad weather.
Parking Rules
Describes legal and illegal parking situations, parallel parking steps, and curb color meanings.
Alcohol and Drug Laws
Explains Tennessee DUI laws, BAC limits, implied consent, and penalties for impaired driving.
Sharing the Road
Addresses safe driving around pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, and school buses.
Tennessee-Specific Information
Tennessee's knowledge test has 30 questions and requires a 24-correct (80%) passing score. Tennessee requires all new drivers under 18 to hold a learner permit for 180 days and log 50 hours of supervised driving. The handbook covers Tennessee's financial responsibility law and the state's specific move-over law for emergency and utility vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can read the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual online. A PDF version is also available for download.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
The Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual covers 6 chapters, from traffic signs and right-of-way rules to safe driving practices and state-specific laws.
Ready to Apply for Your Learner's Permit?
Once you have studied the handbook, the next step is applying for your permit at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
View Tennessee learner's permit requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security guidelines. Handbook content can change. Visit the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for the most current driver's handbook.