Tennessee backing rules — Tennessee Permit Test

Never back into a travel lane, except when backing into a parallel parking space.

Drivers coming toward a car's back end do not expect it to move at them and may not react in time.

Never back a vehicle into any travel lane with the exception of backing into a parallel parking space.

Before backing, put your arm on the seat back and turn to look through the rear window; do not depend only on your mirrors.

Mirrors leave gaps right behind your bumper, where a child or bike can sit unseen.

Place your arm on the back of the seat and turn around so that you can look directly through the rear window.

Back slowly and gradually; your car is much harder to control and stop while backing.

Steering feels backwards in reverse. At speed, a small mistake becomes a hit before you can brake.

Your car is much harder to control and stop while you are backing.

It is illegal to back into an intersection from a driveway.

Cross traffic does not expect a car to reverse into the middle of the intersection.

It is illegal to back into an intersection from a driveway.

If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up; go on to the next one. It is illegal to back up on the interstate.

Interstate drivers come up fast and never expect a car rolling backward toward them.

It is illegal to back up on the interstate.

When backing out of a parking space, look both directions before and during the move, and be ready to stop quickly.

A car or walker can come down the row after you start. One look before moving is not enough.

Be sure to look both directions before and during the backing maneuver out of the parking space.

When may you back your car into a travel lane?

Only into a parallel parking space. Drivers coming toward a car's back end do not expect it to move at them and may not react in time. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.64: “Never back a vehicle into any travel lane with the exception of backing into a parallel parking space.”