Tennessee driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Tennessee asks, answered in two or three sentences from Tennessee’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
In Tennessee, you're not allowed to write, send or read any text while you're driving.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual p. 30 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
With an Intermediate Restricted License, you may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Types of Issued Licenses · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
With an intermediate restricted license, you may have only 1 passenger in the car with you.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Types of Issued Licenses · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
For the knowledge permit test, Tennessee's licensing office says you must wait 24 hours before you retest.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Driver License Knowledge Permit Test Online · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, you hold your learner permit for 180 days before you can take the road test.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual p. 116 · Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Types of Issued Licenses · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to others: $25,000 per injury, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Carry your insurance card, since you must show it if charged or in a crash.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual pp. 88, 89 · Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Financial Responsibility Laws · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop right away at the scene, or as close as you can without blocking traffic. Get the other drivers' names, addresses and license numbers. Then tell the insurance company right away.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual pp. 89, 90 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual p. 65 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not in your hand: in Tennessee you can't hold a phone with any part of your body while driving. You also can't watch or record video on it.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual p. 30 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Speeding in a school zone automatically puts 6 points on your driving record.
Sources: Tennessee driver’s manual p. 47 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
On a learner permit, you must always have a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front seat with you.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services — Types of Issued Licenses · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Tennessee driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Tennessee’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question