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The information in this manual is not copyrighted and may be reproduced or translated by the user as needed.
Every effort has been made to provide, in this publication, the most current and accurate information as of July 1, 2012.
Misprints or outdated information that may appear within these pages will not override or supersede changes that have
occurred in the law, promulgated rules and regulations or policy that has been initiated since the printing date.
Where You Can Obtain a Copy of this Publication
This publication is available at every Driver Service Center location across the state.
This publication is also available online at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website:
Written comments/concerns about this publication should be sent to:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Driver Services Division
PO Box 945
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
Service Locations to Obtain or Renew Your License:
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security has Driver Service Centers located throughout the state. Our centers are
normally open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on official state holidays. Our centers will typically have an increased
volume after being closed for a holiday so please plan your visit accordingly.
To find the nearest location that best fit your needs, go to our website at tn.gov/safety or by calling toll-free 1-866-8493548.
TDD assistance for the hearing impaired can be provided by dialing 615-532-2281 (Telecommunications Device for the
Hearing Impaired).
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
(TDOSHS) is now issuing more secure driver licenses and
identification cards. These new licenses will be produced
using an improved production and issuing process resulting in
a more tamper-proof construction. This will make it much
more difficult to alter or counterfeit, protecting private
information even more effectively. This process will also help
protect you by combating identity theft by allowing TDOSHS
to verify photographs stored in the system with customers
presenting themselves for new documents.
Interim Documents
A new security practice has been implemented with the issuance of an interim license or ID for customers who are
getting a driver license for the first time or renewing their license. This interim license is valid for up to 20 days, and the
permanent license or ID will be mailed to the customer's
address. All interim licenses are printed on special security
paper and include a photo and signature for identification
purposes. The information on the front of the card can be
validated by reading the 2D barcode. Many other security
features have been incorporated to protect you in preventing
driver license fraud and identity theft.
This Tennessee Comprehensive manual has been divided into three (3) separate sections. The purpose of this manual is to provide a
general understanding of the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle. Mastering these skills can only be achieved with practice
and being mindful of Tennessee laws and safe driving practices.
Section A.
This section is designed for all current and potential drivers in Tennessee. It provides information that all drivers will find useful.
Section A consists of pages 1 through 24. This section will help new and experienced drivers alike get ready for initial, renewal, and
other license applications by explaining:
• the different types of licenses available
• the documentation and other requirements for license applications
• details on Intermediate Driver Licenses and how this graduated driver license works for driver license applicants under age 18
• basic descriptions of the tests required to obtain a Driver License
Section B.
This section is designed to help new drivers study and prepare for the required knowledge and skills for an operator license. It
includes helpful practice test questions at the end of each chapter. Section B consists of pages 25 through 90.
This section of the manual provides information related to:
• Examination requirements for the vision, knowledge and road tests
• Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
• Basic Rules of the Road
• Being a responsible driver and knowing the dangers and penalties of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs.
Section C.
This section provides information and safety tips to improve the knowledge of all highway users to minimize the likelihood of a
crash and the consequences of those that do occur. This section consists of pages 91-117. It also provides information about sharing
the road with other methods of transportation, which have certain rights and privileges on the highways which drivers must be aware
of and respect.
It is important to read this information and learn what you can do to stay safe, and keep your family safe, on the streets, roads and
highways of our great state.
Section A. Chapter 1 Your License
Determining Which Class of License You Need? .................................................................................................................1
Who Needs a Tennessee Driver License?..............................................................................................................................2
Class D............................................................................................................................................................................2
Class D With F (For-Hire Endorsement)........................................................................................................................2
Class M (Motorcycle).....................................................................................................................................................2
Commercial Driver Licenses – Class A, B, or C ...........................................................................................................3
Learner Permit (Class PD)..............................................................................................................................................3
Class H (Hardship) .........................................................................................................................................................3
Identification Licenses ("ID Only") ...............................................................................................................................3
Penalties for Driving Without a License ...............................................................................................................................4
Who Is Not Required to Have a License? .............................................................................................................................4
Who Is Not Eligible? .............................................................................................................................................................4
Temporary Driver License (TDL) .........................................................................................................................................4
Other Driver Related Topics ..................................................................................................................................................5
Organ Donor Program – Anatomical Gifts.....................................................................................................................5
Voter Registration – Motor Voter ...................................................................................................................................6
International Driving Permit (IDP) ................................................................................................................................6
Registered Sexual Offender............................................................................................................................................6
Section A. Chapter 2 Applying For Your License
Documents and Forms Checklist ...........................................................................................................................................7
What Do You Need to Bring?................................................................................................................................................8
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency..................................................................................................8
Proof of Identity.....................................................................................................................................................................9
Proof of Any Name Change.................................................................................................................................................10
Proof of Tennessee Residency .............................................................................................................................................10
Accepted Methods of Payment ............................................................................................................................................11
Social Security Numbers......................................................................................................................................................11
If You Have Never Been Issued a Social Security Number ................................................................................................11
License Fees At a Glance.....................................................................................................................................................11
Temporary Driver License (TDL) Fees At A Glance ..........................................................................................................11
Other Applicants ..................................................................................................................................................................11
New Residents ..............................................................................................................................................................11
Military Personnel ........................................................................................................................................................12
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................................................12
Section A. Chapter 3 Intermediate Licenses For Drivers Under 18 – Graduated License Procedures
Learner Permit .....................................................................................................................................................................14
Intermediate License............................................................................................................................................................14
First Level – Intermediate Restricted License..............................................................................................................14
Second Level – Intermediate Unrestricted License......................................................................................................14
Final Level – Regular Driver License ..........................................................................................................................14
New Residents Under 18 .....................................................................................................................................................14
Restriction Cards for Learner Permit and Intermediate License Holders ...........................................................................16
Additional Documentation Requirements for Minors .........................................................................................................17
Minor/Teenage Affidavits .............................................................................................................................................17
Proof of School Attendance/Progress ..................................................................................................................................17
Cell Phone Usage Prohibited ...............................................................................................................................................18
Teen Driver FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)...............................................................................................................19
Section A. Chapter 4 The Examinations
General Information.............................................................................................................................................................21
Determining Which Tests Are Required..............................................................................................................................21
Vision Screening ..................................................................................................................................................................21
Knowledge Test....................................................................................................................................................................21
When You Don't Pass the Knowledge Test..................................................................................................................22
Road Test .............................................................................................................................................................................22
Appointment Required for Road Test...........................................................................................................................22
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection ..........................................................................................................................................22
Causes for Immediate Failure.......................................................................................................................................23
When You Don't Pass the Road Test............................................................................................................................23
When You Pass .............................................................................................................................................................23
Section B. Chapter 1 Getting Familiar With Your Vehicle
Be Prepared for the Driving Task ........................................................................................................................................27
Getting Ready to Drive........................................................................................................................................................27
Vehicle Condition .........................................................................................................................................................27
Seat Adjustments ..........................................................................................................................................................27
Mirror Adjustments.......................................................................................................................................................27
Safety Belts Fastened....................................................................................................................................................27
Starting the Vehicle Engine .................................................................................................................................................28
Steering the Vehicle .............................................................................................................................................................28
Backing, Moving Forward and Stopping ............................................................................................................................29
Special Warning about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning..........................................................................................................29
Texting While Driving Prohibited .......................................................................................................................................30
Video Devices in Vehicles ...................................................................................................................................................30
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................30
Section B. Chapter 2 Tennessee Safety Belt Laws
Tennessee Safety Belt Laws ................................................................................................................................................31
"It's the Law"................................................................................................................................................................31
Child Safety Restraint Rules ........................................................................................................................................31
Safety Belt Facts ..................................................................................................................................................................31
1. Preventing ejection ..................................................................................................................................................31
2. Shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body's structure ........................................................................31
3. Spreading crash forces over a wide area of the body .............................................................................................31
4. Keeping the body more closely in the "proper driving posture" ............................................................................32
5. Protecting the head and spinal cord ........................................................................................................................32
Common Fears and Misconceptions about Safety Belts .....................................................................................................32
Tennessee's Child Passenger Protection Laws ....................................................................................................................32
Set a Good Example – Always Buckle Up ..................................................................................................................32
Tips for Using Safety Belts with Children ...................................................................................................................32
"Belts to Bones" ...........................................................................................................................................................33
Air Bag Safety ..............................................................................................................................................................33
Air Bags and Children ..................................................................................................................................................33
Air Bags and Adults......................................................................................................................................................33
Air Bag Deactivation ....................................................................................................................................................33
Other Child Passenger Protection Laws ..............................................................................................................................33
Special Warning – Do Not Leave Children Unattended in a Vehicle ..........................................................................33
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................34
Section B. Chapter 3 Traffic Signs and Signals
Traffic Signs.........................................................................................................................................................................35
Sign Shapes and Colors .......................................................................................................................................................35
Color Codes On Highway Traffic Signs..............................................................................................................................35
Octagon Shape – Stop..........................................................................................................................................................36
Triangular Shape – Yield .....................................................................................................................................................36
Round Shape – Railroad Ahead...........................................................................................................................................36
Broad "X" Shape – Railroad Here.......................................................................................................................................36
Diamond Shape – Hazardous Or Unusual Condition Ahead ..............................................................................................36
Rectangular Shape – Special Laws, Regulations or Important Information .......................................................................36
Regulatory Signs..................................................................................................................................................................37
Warning Signs – Diamond Shape (Yellow).........................................................................................................................38
Work Area Signs ..................................................................................................................................................................39
Construction Signs........................................................................................................................................................39
Channeling Devices ......................................................................................................................................................39
Highway Flaggers.........................................................................................................................................................39
Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem ........................................................................................................................40
Object Marker...............................................................................................................................................................40
Guide Signs for Highways...................................................................................................................................................40
Interstate Route Marker .......................................................................................................................................................40
Guide Signs on Interstates ...................................................................................................................................................40
Service Signs........................................................................................................................................................................40
Handicap Symbol.................................................................................................................................................................40
Directional Signs..................................................................................................................................................................41
Emergency Reference Markers............................................................................................................................................41
Traffic Signals......................................................................................................................................................................41
Red ................................................................................................................................................................................41
Protected Arrows ..........................................................................................................................................................41
Malfunctioning Traffic Light........................................................................................................................................41
Pedestrian Signals ................................................................................................................................................................42
"Walk" ..........................................................................................................................................................................42
"Don't Walk" ................................................................................................................................................................42
Lane Control Signals ....................................................................................................................................................42
General Principles of Pavement Lane Markings .................................................................................................................42
Uniform Highway Markings ........................................................................................................................................42
Edge and Lane Lines ....................................................................................................................................................42
Crosswalks ....................................................................................................................................................................43
Stop Lines .....................................................................................................................................................................43
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes .......................................................................................................................43
Turn Lane Arrow ..........................................................................................................................................................43
White Crossbuck with RR ............................................................................................................................................43
Chapter Sample Test Questions....................................................................................................................................44
Section B. Chapter 4 Rules of the Road
Some Basic Rules ................................................................................................................................................................45
Use of Headlights ................................................................................................................................................................45
Slow-Moving Vehicles.........................................................................................................................................................46
Funeral Procession ...............................................................................................................................................................46
The Basic Speed Rule..........................................................................................................................................................46
Tennessee Speed Laws.........................................................................................................................................................46
Interstate Speed Limits .................................................................................................................................................47
Rural Interstate Limits ..................................................................................................................................................47
Urban Interstate Limits.................................................................................................................................................47
Braking, Following and Stopping Distances .......................................................................................................................47
The Two Second Rule..........................................................................................................................................................48
Stops Required by Law........................................................................................................................................................49
Stopping for Railroad Crossings..........................................................................................................................................50
The School Bus Stop Law ...................................................................................................................................................51
Stopping for Police Vehicles................................................................................................................................................51
Intersections .........................................................................................................................................................................52
Approaching Intersections Safely.................................................................................................................................52
The Right-Of-Way Procedures .....................................................................................................................................53
Signaling a Turn............................................................................................................................................................55
Making Turns................................................................................................................................................................56
Left Turns .....................................................................................................................................................................56
Right Turns ...................................................................................................................................................................58
Special Turns: Roundabouts and U-Turns...................................................................................................................58
Traffic Lanes and Lane Usage .............................................................................................................................................59
Passing Other Vehicles.........................................................................................................................................................61
Passing Bicycles ..................................................................................................................................................................63
Backing and Parking............................................................................................................................................................64
Backing .........................................................................................................................................................................64
Parking ..........................................................................................................................................................................64
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................67
Section B. Chapter 5 Interstate Driving
Interstate Highway Driving is Different ..............................................................................................................................68
Entering the Interstate..........................................................................................................................................................68
Driving on the Interstate ......................................................................................................................................................68
Leaving/Exiting the Interstate..............................................................................................................................................69
Interchanges .........................................................................................................................................................................70
Special Interstate Driving Instructions ................................................................................................................................70
Dealing with Traffic Congestion .........................................................................................................................................72
Move Over Law ...................................................................................................................................................................72
Vehicle Breakdowns, Crashes and Emergency Stopping ....................................................................................................72
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................73
Section B. Chapter 6 Driving at Night and in Inclement Weather Conditions
Driving At Night ..................................................................................................................................................................74
Driving in Inclement Weather Conditions ...........................................................................................................................75
High Water and Flooding Dangers ......................................................................................................................................76
Driving in Winter Weather Conditions ................................................................................................................................77
Section B. Chapter 7 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving
Drinking and Driving...........................................................................................................................................................79
Alcohol and You ...........................................................................................................................................................79
An Overview of the Effects of Alcohol........................................................................................................................79
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body? ...........................................................................................................................79
What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?............................................................................................................79
Relationship of Alcohol to Traffic Crashes .........................................................................................................................79
Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability...................................................................................................................................80
Vision ............................................................................................................................................................................80
Reaction Time and Coordination..................................................................................................................................80
Alertness and Concentration.........................................................................................................................................81
"Every Day" Drugs..............................................................................................................................................................81
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol ..............................................................................................................81
Implied Consent Law...........................................................................................................................................................81
Consequences of a DUI Arrest ............................................................................................................................................81
Penalties Applying to any DUI Conviction .........................................................................................................................81
Young Driver Risks and Laws .............................................................................................................................................82
Prevention of Drinking and Driving....................................................................................................................................83
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................84
Section B. Chapter 8 Driving Responsibility
Problem Driver Pointer System ...........................................................................................................................................85
Losing Your Privilege to Drive............................................................................................................................................85
Hearings ...............................................................................................................................................................................85
Non-Resident Violator Compact..........................................................................................................................................86
Reinstatements .....................................................................................................................................................................86
Driver Improvement Program..............................................................................................................................................87
Frequent Traffic Violations ..................................................................................................................................................87
Restricted Driver License ....................................................................................................................................................87
2. Driver Improvement ................................................................................................................................................87
3. Implied Consent.......................................................................................................................................................87
4. Juvenile....................................................................................................................................................................87
5. Failure to Satisfy a Citation.....................................................................................................................................88
Physical Or Mental Disabilities ...........................................................................................................................................88
Re-Examination of Drivers..................................................................................................................................................88
Financial Responsibility ......................................................................................................................................................88
Reporting Crashes................................................................................................................................................................88
Traffic Crashes .....................................................................................................................................................................89
If You Are Involved in a Crash – STOP! .....................................................................................................................89
If You Arrive First At a Crash Scene............................................................................................................................89
Chapter Sample Test Questions ...........................................................................................................................................89
Study Questions Answer Key ..............................................................................................................................................90
Section C. Chapter 1 Defensive Driving and Road Rage
Safety Tips for Safe Driving and Sharing the Road ............................................................................................................93
Concentration and Alertness are Important Elements .........................................................................................................93
Drive Cautiously ..................................................................................................................................................................93
Scanning the Road and Traffic for Defensive Reactions ....................................................................................................93
Sharing a Safe Driving Space..............................................................................................................................................94
Road Rage............................................................................................................................................................................95
Section C. Chapter 2 Special Driving Conditions and Your Vehicle
Avoiding Collisions .............................................................................................................................................................96
Collisions with Animals.......................................................................................................................................................97
The Driver, the Vehicle, and Road Important Facts ............................................................................................................98
Maintenance Needs for a Safe Vehicle ................................................................................................................................99
Understanding Road and Traffic Conditions .....................................................................................................................101
Section C. Chapter 3 Sharing the Road Safely
Sharing the Road with Pedestrians ....................................................................................................................................102
Your Role as a Pedestrian ..................................................................................................................................................102
Safety Tips for Pedestrians ................................................................................................................................................103
Sharing the Road with Bicycles.........................................................................................................................................104
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles ..................................................................................................................................105
Driver Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcycles .........................................................................................................106
Safety Tips for Motorcycles...............................................................................................................................................106
Safety Tips for Car Drivers................................................................................................................................................107
Sharing the Road with Large Trucks and Buses................................................................................................................107
Risky Situations with Large Vehicles ................................................................................................................................108
Learn the "NO-ZONES" for large vehicles.......................................................................................................................109
Sharing the Road with School Buses.................................................................................................................................110
Sharing the Road with Slow Moving vehicles and Equipment.........................................................................................110
Sharing the Road with Highway Work Zones ...................................................................................................................111
Sharing the Road with Trains ............................................................................................................................................112
Safety Tips for 15-Passenger Vans.....................................................................................................................................113
Safety Tips for Recreational Vehicles (RVs) .....................................................................................................................114
Section C. Chapter 4 Helping Teens and New Drivers Learn to Drive
A SAFE Attitude for Driving and Learning .....................................................................................................................115
Planning Safe and Informative Practice Sessions..............................................................................................................115
Reference Tools to Consider..............................................................................................................................................116
Driving Contracts...............................................................................................................................................................116
Helping Non-English Speaking Beginners ........................................................................................................................117
A Special Final Word to Parents ........................................................................................................................................117
Graduated Driver License Driving Experience Log .................................................................................................118
Determining Which Class Of License You Need
If you want to get a license to drive this
type of vehicle or a similar tank vehicle
Special endorsement
may also be needed
• Combination vehicles
• GCWR over
26,000 lbs.
• Towed vehicle(s)
over 10,000 lbs.
N Tanks 1,000 gallons or
H Hazardous materials
(Haz Mat)
X Tanks and Haz Mat
• Trucks or buses
over 26,000 lbs.
T Double/triple trailers
P Designed to seat 16 or
more passengers
including Driver
• Any such vehicle
towing a vehicle
not in excess of
10,000 lbs.
S School bus
GCWR Gross
Weight Rating
• Vehicles weighing
26,000 lbs. GVWR
or less:
– Placarded for
hazardous materials
– Designed to seat
16 or more passengers
including Driver
–Used as a school bus
GVWR Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating
F For Hire
When a Class D vehicle is
operated by a person
employed for the principal
purpose of driving, and used
as a public or common carrier
of persons or property
• Generally, all
passenger vehicles,
except vehicle in
Classes A, B, C, or M
• Hardship license for
drivers between the
ages of 14 & 16 in
special hardship cases
• Motorcycles and
motor-driven cycles
• Issued as an
instructional permit
for a Class A, B, C,
D, and M license
Section A-1 YOUR LICENSE
meet special qualifications for the Intermediate Class D
license. (Graduated Driver License Program - See Chapter A3.)
Who Needs a Tennessee Driver License?
Class D with F (For-Hire Endorsement)
If a person's main job is to drive or transport persons, or
transport property in a Class D vehicle, a For Hire
endorsement must be added to the Class D license.
The Class D license with a For-Hire endorsement serves as a
bridge between the regular driver license required for private
transportation and the commercial driver license required for
tractor-trailers, large trucks, buses and the like. Examples of
persons whose job requires them to have the For-Hire
endorsement include:
• Persons
Taxi, shuttle service drivers, ambulance
drivers, etc.
• Property
Couriers, delivery services (flowers, pizza,
If you live in Tennessee and want to drive a motor vehicle, you
must have a valid Tennessee driver license or Temporary
Driver License (TDL).
The chart on page 1 and the discussion below should help
determine which class of driver license is needed, as well as
whether or not any special endorsements are needed.
A person who moves to Tennessee and has a valid driver
license from another state or country must apply for a
Tennessee driver license (or TDL) if they:
• live in Tennessee longer than 30 days OR
• are working in Tennessee OR
• would otherwise qualify as a registered Tennessee voter.
Persons hired for some purpose other than driving but drive in
the course of doing their job, generally do not need this
endorsement. Examples of persons that normally do not need
a for-hire endorsement are plumbers, meter readers, and
engineers. While they are driving in the course of their
business, their main job is not to drive or transport people or
In Tennessee, driver licenses and Temporary Driver Licenses
are issued specifically for the class and type of vehicle you
operate. The class of license you need depends on the type of
vehicle you operate and why you use your vehicle.
NOTE: Although you may not be required by law to have the
For-Hire endorsement, your employer may require you to
obtain this endorsement for insurance or safety requirements.
The chart on page A1 and the discussion below should help
determine which class of driver license is needed, as well as
whether or not any special endorsements are needed.
To add the For-Hire endorsement, drivers must meet the
eligibility requirements, pass the appropriate tests, and pay a
fee of $4.50. Applicants are eligible to apply for this
endorsement if:
• They are at least eighteen years old, or sixteen (16) years
of age if the vehicle the applicant is hired to drive is
owned by the applicant's family business to conduct
deliveries of goods and products exclusively for the
family business.
• They will be operating a Class D vehicle.
• They have 2 years of unrestricted driving experience.
Class D License
Driver license applicants who will be operators of regular
passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, or vans need a Class D
license. This handbook provides the information you need to
get a Class D license.
• A Class D license is required to operate any vehicle, up to
a maximum weight of 26,000 pounds. Vehicles that are
under 26,000 pounds cannot be operated with a Class D
license if the vehicle is (a) transporting hazardous
materials, (b) transporting sixteen (16 or more passengers
(including the driver), or (c) used as a school bus. (If the
vehicle is used for any of these purposes, a Class C license
is required.)
For-Hire endorsement applicants must pass a vision screening,
and a knowledge test designed specifically for the For-Hire
Endorsement. The knowledge test uses information from
Section B of this manual.
The operator of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or
motorized bicycle/scooter will need to apply for a Class M
license. These two and three-wheeled vehicles are categorized
by cylinder capacity and other design features. Generally, if
To qualify for a Class D license, you must be at least sixteen
(16) years of age, and must pass a vision screening, knowledge
test, and driving test. If you are under age 18, you must also
the vehicle is over 125 cubic centimeters, a Class M license is
needed; if the vehicle is under 125 cubic centimeters, a Class
M limited license is needed.
To exchange your Class PD license for a class D license, you
are required to take a road skills driving test. If you are less
than 18 years old, you must have held a valid Class PD for
180 days and abide by all the requirements of the Graduated
Driver License law as outlined in Section A-3, of this manual.
Class M licenses may be issued as a single license, or along
with another primary class. For example, if a driver wishes to
be able to operate both a motorcycle and a Class D vehicle,
Class DM license is required.
When Class PD drivers apply for an Intermediate Class D
license, they do not need to repeat the knowledge test unless
the license permit expired more than 12 months prior to the
driving skills test.
Applicants wishing to apply for a Class M license should obtain
and read the Motorcycle Operator Manual in addition to this
manual. These manuals are available at all Driver Service
Centers or online at: www.tn.gov/safety.
Class H-Hardship
A hardship license (Class H) may be issued to a minor who is
14 years old to operate either a Class D passenger vehicle or
Class M motorcycle or both. This license is only issued in
cases of family hardship and are limited to specific needs.
"Off-road" motor vehicles cannot be used for the road test. In
fact, "off-road" motor vehicles or All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
may not be driven on any Tennessee/Federal highways/interstate
roads. Legally this type of vehicle can only cross roadways by
taking ninety-degree (90 degree) angles and must not directly
cross any road/highway/interstate.
Proof of hardship must be mailed with a Hardship License
application to the Driver Services Administrative Office for
evaluation. Each application is reviewed and evaluated on an
individual basis. Less than one percent of all licenses issued to
minors are hardship licenses. If approved, the applicant will
receive a letter authorizing application for a hardship license.
Class A, B, or C - Commercial Driver Licenses Operators of larger and more complex vehicles weighing 26,001
or more pounds will need to apply for a Commercial Driver
License (CDL). These licenses include Class A, B, and C
depending upon the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), and what is being
Applicants who are approved to apply for a Class H hardship
license must pass a vision screening, knowledge test, and road
test to operate a Class D passenger vehicle. However, to drive
a Class M vehicle, the applicant will also be required to take
the Class M knowledge and driving test in addition to the
Class D knowledge test. Upon being licensed, operation of the
Class M vehicle is limited to 125 cc.
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) require a CDL.
A CMV is a vehicle or combination of vehicles weighing
26,001 pounds. Smaller vehicles require a CDL if they are used
to transport hazardous materials; to transport sixteen (16) or
more passengers including the driver, or used as a school bus.
The Class H license is valid only for daylight hours and for
travel to authorized locations as specified in the approval
Drivers who need a CDL should obtain the Commercial Driver
License Manual which contains detailed information necessary
to prepare for the tests. These manuals are available at all
Driver Service Centers or online at: tn.gov/safety
Drivers with a hardship license who are at least fifteen (15)
years old are extended the same privileges as those holding a
Class PD license, when they are accompanied by any of the
responsible adults listed for the Class PD.
NOTE: If a person holds a valid commercial driver license
(Class A, B, or C license), this license is also valid for operating
a Class D vehicle. No separate Class D license is required. A
Class M license would be needed, if a commercial driver also
wanted to operate a motorcycle. (Example: Class AM for class
A vehicles and Class M for motorcycle vehicles)
Regardless of age at time of approval, a Hardship License will
expire on the applicant's 16th birthday.
NOTE: If you are approved for a hardship license and it is less
than 6 months until your 16th birthday, you will be required to
renew a Class PD upon expiration of your hardship license.
You will need to hold the learner permit until you have
attained a total of 180 days driving experience between the
two license types and meet the Graduated Driver License
Requirements as outlined in the Driver License Handbook.
Class PD - Learner Permit
Instructional permits are issued with another class of license,
indicating the class of vehicle which the operator is legally
entitled to drive. For example, the Class PD license allows
drivers to learn how to drive Class D vehicles.
Identification Licenses ("ID Only")
There are two types of licenses for identification purposes
available to United States Citizens and persons with lawful
permanent resident status. No testing is done, but the
applicant must meet the same standards for proof of identity
and residency as for any driver license. The sole purpose of the
ID is for identification and is not valid to operate any vehicle
To obtain a Class PD license, you must have reached your
fifteenth (15th) birthday and pass the written knowledge test and
vision screening for a class D license. A driver with a Class PD
license may operate an automobile only when accompanied by a
licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and is sitting in the
seat beside the driver.
or motorcycle. If an
applicant is under the age of
eighteen (18) a responsible
adult must complete a portion
of the Minor/Teen-age
Affidavit form (available at
any driver license service
center) at the time of
• Any member of the armed forces while operating a motor
vehicle owned or leased by any branch of the Armed
Services of the United States, including the National Guard.
• Operators of any road machinery, farm tractor, or other
farm equipment which is temporarily operated or moved on
a highway.
As a service to Tennessee
residents, families with
children, including infants,
may obtain these
identification-only licenses
for their children. Children
must meet all documentation
• Non-Tennessee residents who have in their immediate
possession a valid driver license issued by their home state
or country, equivalent to the appropriate class or type of
Tennessee license.
• Non-U.S. citizens and who, in connection with their
employment in managerial or technical positions in
Tennessee, may operate vehicles with a valid driver license
issued by another state, country, or international body for a
period of six (6) months. These individuals must apply for
a Tennessee license at the end of six (6) months.
1. The first type of identification is an "Expiring
Identification License" that may be issued to any person not
currently holding a valid driver license. The person must
present proof of identification and all other requirements
detailed in the next chapter. NOTE: At age sixty-five (65) or
older, this ID does not expire.
• Any applicant who does not have a social security
number shall complete an affidavit, under penalty of
perjury, affirming that the applicant has never been issued
a SSN, and must provide a certified copy of one of the
• Students enrolled in a Tennessee Department of Safety and
Homeland Security approved driver training course in a
public or private secondary school, or in a licensed
commercial driver training school for passenger vehicles,
when accompanied by a certified instructor.
• Anyone whose license is currently suspended or revoked
in this, or any other state.
• Anyone the Commissioner (or the Commissioner's
designee) has determined would not be able to operate a
motor vehicle safely because of mental or physical
(a) Certified Birth Certificate issued by Tennessee or
another state, possession, territory or commonwealth
of the USA – or Valid United States Passport
(b) Documentation proving lawful permanent resident
status issued by the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services acceptable to the Department of
• Anyone required to show proof of car insurance/financial
responsibility who has not done so.
• Anyone under the age of eighteen (18) who has dropped
out of school before graduating, or who does not make
"satisfactory progress" in school.
2. The second type is a "permanent identification license" that
any person who is mentally challenged or physically disabled
may obtain. In addition to presenting proof of identification,
the applicant must submit a certified statement from a licensed
medical doctor stating that the applicant is unable to operate a
vehicle. Those who qualify for this ID may receive it free of
charge. ID licenses issued in this manner do not expire.
• Anyone who cannot provide the required proof of U.S.
Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) or
Temporary Legal Presence, will not qualify for a driver
license or identification license (ID Only).
Driving without a valid license is a class B misdemeanor. The
penalty is a fine up to five-hundred dollars ($500) and/or six
months in jail.
Temporary Driver Licenses (TDL) are issued to Tennessee
residents who are not
U.S. Citizens or Lawful
Permanent Residents
but have temporary
legal presence status
and authorized stay in
the United States. Their
presence in the U.S. has
been authorized by the
While driving in Tennessee you must have your driver license
or Temporary Driver License in your possession to show on
request to any law enforcement officer. If you do not have
your license with you, you may be fined not less than two
dollars ($2.00) and no more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
federal government for a specific purpose and for a specific time
period. All other applicants for Tennessee Driver Licenses or
Identification Only Licenses must provide proof of U.S.
Citizenship (USC) or Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR). Proof
of temporary legal presence is generally made with one or more
of the following documents: (a) Conditional Resident Alien Card
(I-551), (b) Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688), (c)
Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or (d) Valid Foreign
Passport with a valid Visa and I-94 attached. Valid Foreign
Passport with an I-94W. (Holders of F1 or F2 status should also
present a valid SEVIS I-20. Holders of J1 or J2 status should
also present a valid DS-2019)
Procurement Organizations in Tennessee
Nashville Area
Tennessee Donor Services-Nashville .............888-234-4440
East TN Eye Lions Bank ................................865-305-9625
Knoxville Area
Tennessee Donor Services-Knoxville..........888-234-4440
East TN Lions Eye Bank .............................865-305-9625
This license type is issued as proof that the holder has
successfully passed Tennessee's driver license examinations/
requirements for the operation of Class D and/or Class M
vehicles. The Temporary Driver License (TDL) also serves as a
valid identification document.
Chattanooga Area
Tennessee Donor Services-Chattanooga ..........888-234-4440
Lions Eye Bank ...........................................423-778-4000
Other TDL features include:
Tennessee Donor Services-Tri-Cities ...........888-234-4440
East TN Lions Eye Bank .............................865-305-9625
• TDL class types will be preceded by the letter "X" (XD,
• TDL may be issued as a Learner Permit (XPD, XMPD) or
as a combo type (XDM, XMPD)
Memphis Area
Midsouth Transplant Foundation .................901-328-4438
.....................................................Toll-Free 877-228-5433
Midsouth Eye Bank......................................901-448-8264
• The expiration date of the TDL will be tied to the
corresponding dates of the legal presence documentation.
A Temporary Identification License (TID) is also now available
for those non-driving applicants who are not U.S. Citizens or
Lawful Permanent Residents but have proof of temporary legal
presence status and authorized stay in the United States. The
Temporary Identification card will be shown as Class XID.
children. Organs that can be transplanted include the heart,
lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small intestine.
• The expiration date of the TID will be tied to the
corresponding dates of the legal presence documentation.
An average of 18 people die each day while waiting for an
organ transplant that did not come in time. On average, 130
people are added to the nation's organ transplant waiting list
each day- one every 10 minutes.
• Maximum length of time a TID can be issued is five (5)
More than 1 million tissue transplants take place in the United
States every year. Tissues that can be donated include bone
grafts, skin grafts, heart valves, tendons and skin. Over 45,000
people receive the gift of sight each year through cornea
Applicants for either the Temporary Driver License or
Temporary Identification card must meet all other identification
and residency requirements as mandated in Handbook Chapter
A2 of this manual.
You can sign up to be an organ and tissue donor on the
application at the Driver License Service Center or online,
when you apply for your driver license or ID card and/or when
you renew. Your registration is legal consent to donate your
organs, eyes and tissues. By saying "Yes" to becoming an
organ and tissue donor, you will be entered into the Tennessee
Donor Registry through the Driver License Service Center. If
you are getting a new photo license, permit or ID, a red heart
will appear as a visual notation of your choice to be an organ
and tissue donor. You can also register online anytime at
www.DonateLifeTn.org or call (877) 552-5050 for more
Organ & Tissue Donor Program Anatomical Gifts
One organ donor can save the lives of eight
people and enhance the life of more than 50
individuals with tissue donation. Without an
organ and tissue donor, transplant surgeons
cannot help even one person.
In 2012, over 23,000 Americans received life-saving organ
transplants. Nevertheless, more than 117,000 individuals still
wait for the organ that will save their lives - more than 2,500
in Tennessee. Nationally, over 1,500 patients waiting are
issuance and if the applicant's state license expires and is not
renewed or is suspended during that year the IDP becomes
IMPORTANT: EVERY time you renew your license or ID
you must check "yes" for donation or your name will
automatically be removed from the Donor Registry.
• The IDP is NOT valid for driving in the United States or
its territories and it is NOT valid by itself for driving.
• The IDP MUST be carried with the driver's regular valid
U.S. Driver License.
If you are an Honorably Discharged Veteran you may now
have "Veteran" displayed on your license. At the time of
application you will need to certify on the driver license
application they you are an honorably discharged veteran and
want it displayed on your license. You must present a certified
copy of DD-214 along with your driver license application.
• NON-U.S. Citizens: must obtain their International Driving
Permit in their native country prior to arrival in the U.S. if
• An IDP can NOT be issued to a foreign visitor by any agency
in the United States.
• The Tennessee Driver Service Centers do NOT issue
International Driving Permits.
Voter Registration – Motor Voter
To make it easy for citizens to register to vote, you may apply to
register to vote or update your voter record, when you apply for a
driver license or ID. The Department does not process your voter
registration application. The application is forwarded to your
local election commission.
• REMEMBER: Only the Election Registrar can process and
issue a voter registration card. The Driver Service Center
sends your application to the appropriate County Election
Commission to save you an additional trip. If you have not
received your Voter Registration Card within 30 days of
applying at the Driver License Service Center, you should
contact your local County Election Commission immediately.
• Any Tennessee resident who is interested in obtaining an IDP
before traveling abroad should contact a local American
Automobile Association (AAA) office or visit their website
at: www.aaasouth.com
Registered Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual
If you are a registered sexual offender or violent sexual offender
and making application for a new driver license, or renewing your
current driver license, it is your responsibility to inform the
Department of Safety Driver License Examiner that you are
required to register as a sexual offender or violent sexual offender.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
A Sex Offender Declaration and Supplemental Application must
be completed along with documentation acceptable to the
Department of Safety, evidencing identity, legal presence, and
residency if the license requested requires such documentation. If
you are ineligible to be issued a driver license, the Department of
Safety will issue a photo identification license, or identification
certificate. The applicant is required to pay any applicable fees
related to the issuance of the driver license or photo identification
Possession of an International Driving Permit does not mean
that the holder is valid to operate an automobile in Tennessee
or any other state. Do NOT be fooled by Internet sites that claim
that you can drive on such a permit if your license is suspended or
revoked in any state. The facts about International Driving
Permits (IDP) are as follows:
• An International Driving Permit is an official translation of a
driver's home state or country driver license into the official
languages of the United Nations, including English. This
translated document is to be used in conjunction with the
valid driver license issued by the driver's home state or
Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual Offenders shall always
have their driver license, photo identification card or
identification certificate in their possession.
• U.S. Citizens traveling abroad and/or foreign visitors to the
Untied States are NOT required to have an International
Driving Permit. However it can be useful in emergencies
such as traffic violations or auto accidents when a foreign
language is involved.
• The International Driving Permit MUST be obtained in the
home country of the driver.
U.S. Citizens: In order to obtain an IDP a United States citizen
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Hold a VALID U.S. State, Territorial or U.S. Department of
State Driver License, which is NOT under revocation or
suspension at the time the IDP is issued.
• The IDP is valid for one (1) year only from the date of
Section A-2 APPLYING FOR YOUR LICENSE
IMPORTANT: All Documents Must be Originals or
Certified. No Faxes or Photocopies.
y Photo-ID
EXAMPLE: U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, I-551 / Permanent resident card, etc.
EXAMPLE: Certified Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Certified Court Order, etc.
EXAMPLE: Conditional Resident Alien Card (I-551), Employment Authorization Card(I766), Valid Foreign Passport with Visa & Valid I-94, etc.
EXAMPLE: Certified Birth Certificate, Military ID Card, Passport, Valid Driver License Or
ID Card Issued By Another State, etc.
EXAMPLE: SSN Card, Work ID, Voter Registration Card, School ID, etc.
EXAMPLE: Utility Bills, Vehicle Registration/Title, Bank Statement, LES Statement, etc.
EXAMPLE: SSN Card, Paycheck stub with SS# AND Name, IRS Forms, etc.
*SSN Affidavit may be signed IF no SSN assigned by the U.S. Government
If under eighteen (18) years of age you will also need:
If guardian or step-parent is not named on school attendance; proof of relationship will be
required such as custody or adoption papers or marriage certificate if step-parent is signing.
– SIGNED AND DATED WITHIN PAST 30 DAYS – Form SF1010 completed and signed
by School Principal/Guidance Teacher – OR – letterhead statement from out-of-state or
private schools, clearly stating student is not truant and is making satisfactory progress.
EXPERIENCE (SF-1256) – after holding learner permit for six months.
If applying for or currently holding a Commercial Driver License (CDL) you may also need:
EXAMPLE: Utility bill, Vehicle Title/Registration, Lease/Mortgage papers, Tax return.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Federal regulations require CDL holders to have an
SSN. The SSN Affidavit is NOT allowed when applying for a commercial license.
Please Note
A Detailed List of Acceptable Documents is available at www.tn.gov/safety
Practice knowledge tests are available on-line at www.tn.gov/dlpractice
The checklist and overview will provide you with a handy
reference guide to the various documents and forms needed for
obtaining a Tennessee issued driver license or identification
document. Please be sure to review the entire chapter to
become familiar with the requirements and items acceptable by
the examiner. Tennessee has intensive identification
requirements for all applicants including new and returning
residents as well as Tennesseans needing to renew an existing
license, certificate or identification.
Table: 2.1
Acceptable documents proving an applicant is a U.S.
citizen or a lawful permanent resident include, but are
not limited to, the following:
• Certified Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state,
jurisdiction or territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands,
Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Swain's
Island, Guam);
If you have moved from out of state, your valid driver license
from your former state can be used to prove your identity. The
out-of-state driver license cannot be used to prove U.S.
Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status. Because
identification and citizenship documentation requirements are
very specific, it is very important that you read through these
requirements carefully to avoid unnecessary trips to a Driver
Service Center.
• U.S. Government-issued Certified Birth Certificate;
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545);
• Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. (FS-240);
• Valid U.S. Passport;
• Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561);
• Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578);
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179);
• I-551 Permanent Resident Alien Card;
To protect your identity and to reduce the potential for fraud, we
must determine that you are "who you say you are." This is why
you must bring proof of your full legal name and date of birth.
The proof must be original or certified documents.
• Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Government
indicating that the holder has been "Processed for I-551",
If your current name is different from the one shown on these
documents, you must provide all the necessary information to
document changes in your name currently on file and the
name(s) you want to have shown. Each supporting piece of
information to establish the change must be original or certified
legal documents. We cannot accept name changes through the
• U.S. Department of Receptions and Placement Program
Assurance Form (Refugee) and I-94 stamped refugee;
• Permanent resident Re-entry Permit (I-327);
• Temporary I-551 stamp on Form I-94 Arrival/Departure
Record, with photograph of the applicant;
• Form I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure stamped
Asylee; Parolee, refugee, asylum, HP (humanitarian
parolee or PIP (public interest parolee).
If an applicant is unable to provide the required proof or only
has "temporary" legal presence status he/she will NOT be
eligible for a driver license or identification only license.
However, the applicant may be eligible for a Temporary Driver
License (TDL) or Temporary Identification License (TID) if
proof of temporary legal presence status and authorized stay
can be provided. One or more of the following documents may
provide the necessary proof:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency is
required to obtain a Tennessee driver license or Identification
Only License. (See Table 2.1.) Documentation that they are
either a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
must be provided by the following:
First-time applicants
New and returning Tennessee residents
Applicants reinstating a driver license after being
revoked, suspended or cancelled (regardless of when the
license was issued) or
Anyone issued a Tennessee driver license or photo
identification license since January 1, 2001 who is
renewing for the first time.
Conditional Resident Alien Card (I-551)
Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)
Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Valid Foreign Passport with Visa and I-94
Arrival/Departure Record
The above documents usually have an expiration date(s) for
legal presence status. These dates are important in issuing TDL
REMEMBER: To receive a Temporary Driver License or
Temporary Identification License in addition to establishing
Temporary Legal Presence status, all Tennessee's driver license
examinations/requirements for operation of Class XD and/or
Class XM vehicle must be met.
Primary Identification Table: 2.2
Acceptable primary identification includes but is not limited to original or certified documents with full name and date of birth, such as the
following items:
• U.S. photo driver license or photo ID card or
license from another country. Photo document
must be issued by state or federal agency.
• Certified Birth Certificate
May also include photo learner permits
- Licenses not issued in English, must be translated and accompanied by a Certificate of Accurate
Translation —or— a valid International Driving Permit.
- Must be certified and have a seal and be issued by an authorized government agency such as the
Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health.
- Foreign birth certificates, not issued in English, must be translated and accompanied by
a Certificate of Accurate Translation.
Active Duty, Retiree or Reservist military ID card
Discharge papers
Military Dependent ID card
Passports, not issued in English, must be translated and accompanied by a Certificate of
Accurate Translation. Passports are not acceptable if expired.
Certificate of Naturalization N-550, N-570, N-578
Certificate of Citizenship N-560, N-561, N-645
Northern Mariana Card, American Indian Card
U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179, I-197)
Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)
• Military Identification
• Passport (Valid)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Travel Documents - Record of Arrival and Departure (I-94)
U.S. Re-entry Permit (I-327)
Employment Authorization card (I-688A, I-688-B, I-766)
Refugee I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure stamped "Refugee", not likely to be in a foreign passport
Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
Must include the applicant's full name and date of birth. The certificate must be the copy that is
registered AFTER the marriage; NOT just the "license" authorizing the union.
Must include the applicant's full name and date of birth (age)
Federal Census Record
Must include the applicant's full name and date of birth (age)
Applicant's Own Child's Birth Certificate
Must include the applicant's full name and date of birth
Adoptive Decree
As recorded in court decree with judge's original signature and/or official court seal
Legal Change of Name (Divorce, etc.)
Any confirmation of date of birth in court of law As recorded in court document(s) with judge's original signature and/or official court seal
• Marriage Certificate
Any other documentary evidence which confirms to the satisfaction of the Department the true identity and date of birth of the applicant.
Secondary Identification
Computerized Check Stubs
Union Membership Cards
Work IDs
Financial Institution Documents
Social Security Documents
Health Insurance card
IRS / state tax form
Military Records
Must include the applicant's full name pre-printed on the stub.
Must include the applicant's full name
Preferably with photo
Computer printouts of bank statements, savings account statements, loan documents, etc.
SS Card (original only not metal or plastic replicas), printout, benefits statements, etc.
TennCare, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
W2 Forms, Property tax receipts, etc.
Assignment orders, selective service cards, Leave & Earnings Statement, etc.
the Secondary Identification list or another item from the
Primary Identification list. (See Table 2.2 above)
Proof of Identity
The Driver License Examiner will require proof of identity and
date of birth from any person of any person applying for a
driver license or photo identification license. The Driver license
examiner will require the same information for an applicant
applying for a temporary driver license or temporary
identification license.
• Applicants for DUPLICATES or RENEWAL of an existing
Tennessee DL/ID must provide 2 items from either list.
• NEW RESIDENTS must surrender their license from their
former state. If a new resident's license from the other state
has been lost, the new resident must provide the same two (2)
items of proof, as required of an ORIGINAL applicant.
The Examiner will ask for two (2) items of proof as follows:
• ORIGINAL applicants must have at least one item from the
Primary Identification list. The second item may be from
• CHANGE OF NAME: Applicants will need proof (such as
an original certified court order, marriage certificate, divorce
agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay
the issuance of your permit, driver license, identification only
license, temporary driver license or temporary identification
Proof of Tennessee Residency Table: 2.3
Documents must show the residence used for the application
and the applicant's name (or name of the applicant's parent,
guardian or spouse)
Proof of Tennessee Residency
Two Documents From the List Below
Showing residence address used on application and your
name, or name of your parent, guardian or spouse (Proof of
relationship will be required)
The Driver License Examiner will require proof of Tennessee
residency for the following applicants:
• Current utility bill including telephone, electric, water, gas,
cable, etc. (Must include postmarked envelope bill was mailed
in) Initial Deposit Receipt is NOT acceptable.
• NEW RESIDENT applicants for an ID, TDL, permit or
license of any class.
• ORIGINAL applicants for a first time ID, TDL, permit or
license of any class.
• RETURNING RESIDENT applicants for an ID, TDL,
permit or license of any class (even when the applicant may
have previously held a Tennessee ID or license before
moving out of state).
• Current bank statement (not checks)
• Current rental or mortgage contract fully signed and executed
or receipt including deed of sale for property
• Current employer verification of residence address or letter
from employer as long as it is on company letterhead with
original signature. If employer does not have letterhead then
signature must be notarized.
Proof of residency requires applicants to provide two (2)
documents from the list shown in the Acceptable Proof of
Residency Table 2.3. Documents listed are valid for residency
proof as long as the documents contain the following
1. The applicant's name - OR 2. The name of the applicant's spouse, if the applicant has a
spouse (proof of relationship will be required if this type
of proof is used) - OR 3. If the applicant is a minor, the name of a parent or legal
guardian (proof of relationship will be required if this type
of proof is used)
4. The Tennessee residence address used on the application
for ID, TDL, permit or license of any class. Most items in
List B will NOT have the address but are still acceptable.
5. Documents must be originals; no photocopies or
facsimile (FAX) copies can be accepted.
• Current automobile, life or health insurance policy (not wallet
• Current driver license or ID issued by the State of Tennessee
to a parent, legal guardian or spouse of applicant (proof of
relationship required)
• Current Tennessee motor vehicle registration
• Current Tennessee voter registration
• Current IRS tax reporting W-2 Form
• Receipt for personal property or real estate taxes paid within
the last year
• In case of student enrolled in public or private school in this
state, student may provide a photo student ID and acceptable
documentation that student lives on campus.
NOTE: Proof of relationship can be established with a certified
marriage certificate or a birth certificate (the long-form).
decree, etc.) of name changes when any of the primary or
secondary identification documents listed below have a name
different than the applicant's current name.
Proof of Social Security Numbers
Tennessee law requires the Social Security number for all
applications where the U.S. Government has issued the
applicant a Social Security number. The department maintains
this information on each applicant's record. Your social
security number will not be printed on your license.
Proof of Any Name Change
You will be required to provide proof of any name changes if
the name differs on the documents presented from the
For a Marriage, a Marriage License/Certificate is acceptable if it
includes the applicant's full name and date of birth. The
certificate must be the original or certified copy that is
registered AFTER the marriage; NOT just the "license"
authorizing the union.
Tennessee has a computer link with the Social Security
Administration. This link will return a message indicating that
the number matches (or not). If the Social Security number
provided fails to match with the computer records, the
Examiner will ask for additional proof of the number from the
applicant. If adequate proof is not available to resolve the
conflict, the applicant may be required to contact the Social
Security Administration for resolution prior to acceptance of
their driver license application.
The documents listed below can by used by the Examiner to
prove the Social Security number and to prove identity.
For a Divorce Decree, acceptable proof is the documentation as
recorded in the court decree with judge's original signature
and/or official court seal.
NOTE: Copy of court document with an original
signature/seal that is affixed to copy is acceptable. Copy of
court document with copied seal/ signature is not acceptable.
All documents are subject to verification with the issuing
An original Social Security card.
The Internal Revenue Service W-2 Wage and Tax
Statement form.
An employer's computer generated payroll check (check
stub) or an original bank statement with your Social
Security Number on it.
Health insurance card with both name and Social Security
Additional fees applied to the TDL cost the same as with a
license. For example a minor applying for a GDL Temporary
Driver License will pay the additional $5.00 GDL fee at the
applicable levels for a total of $24.50.
If getting a TDL for a motorcycle the additional $1.00
motorcycle fee will apply for a total of $20.50 for XM. Also if
the applicant is getting a TDL for two types there is a charge
for each type plus any applicable additional fees (for example
$38.00 for a Class-Type XDM).
If You Have Never Been Issued a Social
Security Number
Applicants who have never been issued a Social Security
number must appear in person and sign a sworn affidavit to
that effect. This affidavit is available at any Driver License
Service Center and must be signed in the presence of a Driver
License Examiner or Notary Public. By signing this affidavit,
the applicant attests, under the penalty of perjury, that no
Social Security number has ever been issued to him/her by the
U.S. Government. This affidavit allows the Department of
Safety to process the application without the requirement of
the Social Security number. Each subsequent application will
require a new affidavit to be signed in person unless a Social
Security number can be provided.
Other Applicants
New Residents-Returning Residents
New residents or those returning to Tennessee and holding a
driver license from another state, must obtain a Tennessee
driver license no later than thirty (30) days after establishing
residency. New residents holding a valid learner's permit from
another state must meet separate requirements to obtain a
Tennessee learner permit or driver license.
• All new or returning residents must take a Tennessee
vision screening at the Driver Service Center. There are
additional requirements for commercial driver license
holders. Only foreign country licenses/IDs may be
Tennessee licenses expire every five years on the driver's
birthday evenly divisible by five (age 30, 35, 40...55, 60, 65,
etc.). To get new license holders on the "Drive for Five"
cycle, your first license may be for a shorter or longer period
than five years. If so, fees will be pro-rated. Everyone pays the
same fees per year for each license. The fees shown on Page
12 (Table 2.4) as "standard fees" are calculated for a 5-year
license and include an application fee.
• New or returning residents whose out of state license has
been expired for more than six months must take the
Tennessee knowledge exam, road skills test, and vision
• New residents from other countries are required to take
the following tests: vision screening, knowledge exam,
and road skills test. They will be allowed to keep the
license issued by that country.
Your actual fees may vary slightly depending upon your age at
the time of applying. The actual fee and number of years
issued will be determined by the age you are within 6 months
of (i.e. 21 + 3 months = 21st birthday issue for 4 years, or 21 +
8 months = 22nd birthday issue for 3 years)
At time of application, new or returning residents must
• Your current license (or certified copy of driving record
and another acceptable ID)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident
Status or Proof of authorized stay in the United States
• Primary Proof of Identity
• Secondary Proof of Identity
• Proof of any Name Changes if the name differs from the
documents presented
• Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and
resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be
current and dated within last 4 months.)
• A Social Security Number or sworn affidavit if no Social
Security number has ever been issued.
Acceptable Methods of Payment
Accepted methods of payment for a Driver License or
Identification License at our Driver Service Centers are Cash,
Check, Money Order, MasterCard, Visa and Discover Credit
Temporary Driver License (TDL) &
Temporary Identification License Fees at a
A Temporary Driver License (TDL) or Temporary
Identification License (TID) will be issued for the period of
authorized stay in the U.S.
The fees for a Temporary Driver License (TDL) and
Temporary Identification License (TID) are fixed rates that do
not change with the length of time the TDL or TID is issued.
The cost for a Temporary Driver License or Temporary
Identification License will be $19.50 regardless of the type of
license issued (XD, XPD, etc.) and whether it is issued for one
day, one year or the maximum of five years.
PLEASE NOTE: All documents are subject to further
verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents
subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit,
driver license or identification only license.
Items must be original documents. No photocopies will
be accepted!
License Fees
Table: 2.4
License Class
(standard 5-year cycle)
Temporary Driver License &
Identification License Type*
License Fees
D - Operator
D w/For Hire
Adding For Hire
PD - Learner Permit (over age 18)
PD - Learner Permit (under age 18)
H - Hardship
ID Only
ID Only
DM - Operator & Motorcycle
Class A
Class B or C
1st Duplicate - D or M
2nd or subsequent Duplicate - D or M
1st Duplicate - CDL
2nd or subsequent Duplicate CDL
Intermediate Restricted - D
Intermediate Unrestricted - D
"Graduating" to Class D
$5.50 (1 yr)
$10.50 (1yr)
Under 18
Over 18
XD - Class D Vehicle
XD w/For Hire
Adding For Hire
XPD - Class D Permit (over age 18)
XPD - Class D Permit (under age 18)
XH - Hardship
XM - Class M Vehicle
XDM - Class D & M Vehicles
1st Duplicate - XD or XM
2nd or subsequent Duplicate - XD or XM
Intermediate Restricted - XD
Intermediate Unrestricted - XD
Graduating to Class XD
If a person holds a valid Tennessee license and is in the United
States Armed Forces, that license shall remain valid regardless
of the displayed expiration date as long as: the person remains
on active duty; and is based outside the State of Tennessee,
and the license is not surrendered, canceled or suspended.
Members of the National Guard and family members of
military personnel are not eligible for this provision.
Q: How Do I Replace a Lost License?
If your driver license, learner permit or identification license is
ever lost, stolen or destroyed, you may obtain a duplicate by
applying at any driver license service center, or
you can visit our website at tn.gov/safety to see if you are
eligible to apply for a duplicate online. Temporary Driver
Licenses and Temporary Identification Licenses cannot be
replaced online.
While on active duty and stationed outside of Tennessee,
military personnel may have a "Code 30" placed on the license
to indicate that the license does not expire. To add this code,
bring a copy of your military orders to the driver license
service center and pay the appropriate fees.
If you must apply in person, you will need to present proper
identification. You will have a new photo taken and pay the
appropriate fee. The fee may vary depending upon the number
of duplicates applied for during the current renewal cycle of
your license.
To add this code, military personnel must provide proper
identification and required military documents to the Driver
Service Center and pay the appropriate fees or submit by mail.
Renewals and duplicates can also be handled through the mail
with the proper documents and fees.
Q: How Do I Renew My License?
Your Class D license is normally valid for 5 years and expires
on your birthdate. Permits normally expire one year from date
of issuance.
Once the person has been discharged or separated from such
services or has been reassigned to a duty station within the
state, he or she must renew his/her license within sixty (60)
days following the date of separation on the DD214 form or
reassignment to Tennessee.
Tennessee law requires anyone issued a Tennessee driver
license or photo identification license after January 1, 2001 to
provide documentation that you are a United States Citizen or
a lawful permanent resident at the time of your first renewal.
In these instances, you may not renew by mail or by the
internet and you will be required to visit a Driver Service
Center to renew your license.
NOTE: Assignment to Fort Campbell Army Base is
considered reassignment back to Tennessee. Fort Campbell
Army Base is located in both the states of Tennessee and
The department mails every driver a courtesy renewal notice
eight to ten weeks before his/her license expires. Read your
renewal notice carefully. The notice explains several ways to
renew a driver license.
You may also notify the Department of your change of address
by writing to us and giving us your name (as it appears on your
license), driver license number, date-of-birth, and Social
Security number. If you wish to write to us, please mail to:
• If you have a current valid photo license, you may be eligible to
renew by mail, or online through our website (www.tn.gov).
• If you renewed by mail or internet on your last renewal, or
have certain types of licenses, your renewal notice will direct
you to go to your nearest Driver Service Center to have a new
photograph made.
• If your license is a temporary driver license, temporary
identification license or commercial driver license, your
renewal notice will direct you to go to your nearest Driver
Service Center to have a new photograph made.
• If you are 60 years old or older and choose to have a nonphoto license, you may obtain this by mail or internet.
You will be sent a new non-photo license to replace your
old license. Please note: if you travel, you may wish to
consider obtaining a photo license to assist with the
necessary credentialing to board a commercial aircraft,
passenger rail service such as Amtrak and cruise ships.
This will require you to go to your nearest Driver License
Service Center to have a new photograph made.
You can also pick up a change-of-address form at any driver
license service center or online at tn.gov/safety/
If you want a new license issued that reflects your new address,
you may go to a driver license service center, pay the
appropriate fees, and have a new license issued or you may
visit our website at tn.gov/safety/ to see if you are eligible to
apply for a duplicate with the new address online.
When giving us your new address, remember that by law, your
license must show your legal residential address: a house,
and/or apartment number and the street or a route and box
Don't Let Your License Expire.
No matter how you renew, the important thing is to renew your
license before it expires. If your license has expired more than
thirty (30) calendar days, there will be a five-dollar ($5.00) late
fee. After six (6) months, the late fee doubles to $10.00. If you
let five (5) years go by without renewing, not only will you
have to pay the $10.00 late fee, you will also have to pass the
vision screening, knowledge, and skills test.
The city along with the correct zip code is also required. A post
office box alone will not be accepted as a residential address.
Q: Can Personal Information From My Record be
The Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) prohibits the
dissemination or disclosure of personal information from a
motor vehicle record without the "express consent" of that
driver. This means that the personal information contained in
your driver license record is protected. Without your express
consent, we will not release your personal information to
people wanting a mailing list or individuals who ask for your
record for an unspecified purpose. If you want us to release
your information, visit the local Driver License Service Center
to file your request or visit our website at: tn.gov/safety.
These are no "grace periods." When your license expires, you
are no longer entitled to drive a vehicle or motorcycle and will
be subject to the same penalties as someone who has never
been licensed. It is your responsibility to maintain the validity
of your license.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you may simply take
your current license to any driver license service center. The
renewal notice itself is not necessary for you to be able to
renew your license.
Q: For persons 18 years old and over OR if under 18 years
old who have graduated high school or received their GED,
must they participate in the Graduated Driver License
(GDL) Program?
Q: How Do I Change My Address?
It is important to notify the Department of Safety if your
address changes. If your residence address changes (even
though you may not have moved) you are required by state law
to notify the Department of Safety within ten (10) days of this
change. This includes when you move as well as address
changes made by the United States Postal Service or your local
9-1-1 Emergency Communications District when you have not
physically relocated. Notifying the post office of an address
change will not provide the information to us. By failing to
notify us, you could miss the renewal date of your license, or
other important correspondence from the Department of Safety.
No. The GDL law does not apply to anyone age 18 or older or
to those persons under 18 who have graduated high school or
received a GED.
The law does not require the address to be changed on your
actual license, just on our files. The easiest way to update your
record is go online to: tennesseeanytime.org/chgdl/
Section A-3 INTERMEDIATE LICENSES FOR DRIVER
Drivers under 18 years old are required to go through graduated
steps of driving experience to gain full, unrestricted Driver
License status. Parents and teen drivers are encouraged to read
Chapter C4 titled "Helping Teens and New Drivers Learn to
Drive" in Section C of this manual.
First Level - Intermediate Restricted License
• You must be sixteen (16) years old and pass the driving
skills test, also known as the road test.
• You must have held a learner permit for 180 days.
• You cannot have tickets for driving offenses that add up to
more than six (6) points on your driving record during the
immediate 180 days preceding your application.
The graduated Driver License steps are designed to
incrementally teach young drivers how to drive by requiring
minimum levels of driving experience and a safe driving history
record before allowing teenage drivers to receive a "fullfledged" Class D driver license. Motor vehicle crashes are the
major cause of death for young people between the ages of 15
and 20. By requiring more supervised practice, the State of
Tennessee hopes to save lives and prevent tragic injuries.
• You must have verification from a parent, legal guardian or
licensed driving instructor stating you have fifty hours (ten
hours at night) of driving experience. Certification of driving
experience must be made on the official form (SF-1256)
provided by the Department of Safety. This form is available at
all Driver License Service Centers or may be downloaded from
our web site at: http://www.tn.gov/safety/forms/index.shtml.
This form must be signed by either a parent, legal guardian or
licensed driving instructor.
There are four steps to becoming a full, unrestricted Driver
License holder:
1. Learner Permit
• Driver and passengers must wear a safety belt.
2. Intermediate Restricted License
Second Level - Intermediate Unrestricted License
To move from the Intermediate Restricted to the Unrestricted
License, you must be seventeen (17) years old and meet the
following conditions:
3. Intermediate Unrestricted License
4. Regular Driver License.
The above four steps are part
of the Graduated Driver
License Program. A license
issued under the first three
steps will have "GDL"
printed in the bottom left
corner. See page 15 for
pictures of graduated licenses.
• You must have held an Intermediate Restricted License for
one (1) year.
• You cannot have accumulated more than six points on your
driving record.
• You cannot have had a traffic accident that was your fault.
• You cannot have 2 safety belt violations.
• Driver and passengers must wear a safety belt.
Learner Permit
• No additional tests are required.
• You must be 15 years old and
pass the standard written exams and vision
Final Level - Regular Driver License
You may obtain a Class D regular driver license when you are
eighteen (18) years of age, or when you graduate from high
school or receive a GED, whichever is sooner. The word
"Intermediate" will be removed from your license when you
move to the Regular Driver License. However, the license will
still include the "Under 21" indicators.
• You must hold a learner permit for 180 days in order to
move to the Intermediate Restricted License step.
• You may drive a car only when accompanied by a licensed
driver 21 years or older who is riding in the front seat of
the vehicle.
• You may not drive between the hours of 10 P.M. and 6
If you are fifteen years old and have a valid permit from the state
you previously lived in, you will only qualify for issuance of a
Tennessee learner permit. You must hold a valid permit for a total
of 180 days and turn sixteen (16) years old before being eligible
for the Intermediate Restricted License Class D. The length of
time that you held the permit in your previous state may be
included in the 180-day period as long as you can provide a
certified driving record from your previous state. The certified
driving record must be issued within the thirty (30) days
immediately preceding the date of the Tennessee application.
• Driver and passengers must wear a safety belt.
Intermediate License
There are two Intermediate License levels for drivers under 18
years of age. The first level is the Intermediate Restricted
License and the second level is the Intermediate Unrestricted
Examples of the license documents issued under the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program are shown below.
Learner Permit
Intermediate Restricted
Front of PD Card
Front of IR Card
• Only one passenger allowed, UNLESS:
- 1 passenger is 21 or older and has a valid driver license, or
- All additional passengers are siblings from driver's house going to / from
school (WP*)
• Cannot drive between 11:00 PM - 6:00 AM, UNLESS:
- Accompanied by a parent, guardian OR a licensed driver age 21 or older,
who has been designated by the parent or guardian (WP)
- Driving to or from work, or scheduled specifically-identified school
sponsored activities (WP)
- Hunting or fishing between 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM with a valid hunting or
fishing license.
• Must have licensed driver age 21 or older in front seat
• Cannot drive between 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
• Seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers age 4
through 17
• Seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers age 4 through 17
*NOTE: WP indicates that written permission from parent/guardian
identifying the person(s) event or work place is needed.
Back of PD Card
Back of IR Card
For the next level of GDL the teen driver must:
In order to proceed to the next level of GDL you must:
• Hold the valid learner permit for at least 180 days.
• Maintain a safe driving record with less than six points.
• Acquire a minimum of 50 hours of behind the wheel driving
experience, including 10 hours at night.
• Be 16 years old.
Get 6 or more points on
your driving record during
the 180 days prior to
applying for the next level…
…continue to hold the
learner permit until your
record has been clear for
180 days.
Dept. of Safety 349232 - 10/06 - cost .019 ea.
Hold the valid Intermediate Restricted license for at least 1 year.
Maintain a safe driving record with less than six points.
Not contribute to an accident.
Not get a 2nd seatbelt or 2nd moving violation.
Be 17 years old
6 or more pts., contributing to
accident, or 2nd seatbelt ticket...
2nd moving violation…
Contributing to fatal accident, or
a forged approval letter...
…hold Intermediate Restricted
license for an additional 90 days
…complete a Driver Ed. Class
…drop back to a learner permit
until you are 18 years old
Dept. of Safety 349233 - 10/06 - cost .019 ea.
Intermediate Unrestricted
Note: No Restriction
Card issued with this
level. No driving
restriction applied at
this level.
This certified driving record must show no violations or
accidents on the record. If there are any violations on the
previous state record you will be required to retain the Tennessee
Learner Permit until your driving record can be reviewed by the
Department of Safety's Driver Improvement Section to see if the
record complies with Tennessee's "less than 6 points"
state, a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted license must be held
for one year before qualifying for the Intermediate Unrestricted
If the applicant is 16 years old and holds a valid license (regular,
provisional, probationary, graduated, etc.) from a previous state
(issued at least 90 days before applying for a Tennessee license),
the application will be for an Intermediate Restricted license.
Restriction Cards for Learner Permit and
Intermediate License Holders
Upon graduating from high school or after receiving a GED
before age 18, a regular Class D operator's license may be issued
as described on page A2 (Section A1 of this manual).
A driver with a learner permit will be given a "Restriction Card"
to carry along with the permit that explains the restrictions of
driving with the permit. The Restriction Card also explains the
requirements for advancing to the Intermediate Restricted level
of the Class D license. An example of the PD Restriction Card
is shown on page 15.
If the applicant had an out-of-state license for LESS than 90
days, an Intermediate Restricted License can only be issued if a
clear driving record from the previous state is provided. The
driving record must confirm:
1. That a valid learner permit and/or license class has been
held for a combined period of at least 180 days. (e.g. Georgia permit held for 120 days + Georgia license held
for 60 days = 180 days total) and
2. That there are no violations or accidents on the driving
record. If there are any violations on the record, a learner
permit only may be issued until the previous state record
can be reviewed and evaluated by the Department of
Safety's Driver Improvement Section. It must comply with
Tennessee's "less than 6 points" requirement.
Regardless of the length of time a license is held in the previous
Both levels of the Intermediate License (Restricted and
Unrestricted) show the license class as Class D and have
the words Intermediate Driver License displayed in the
yellow header bar on the front of the license.
A driver with the first level Intermediate Restricted (IR)
Class D will be given a "restriction card" to carry along
with the license that explains the restrictions of driving
with the IR. The Restriction Card also explains the
requirements for advancing to the Intermediate
Unrestricted level of the Class D license. An example of
the IR Restriction Card is shown on page 15.
Unsafe driving incidents or violations that could result in the suspension or automatic downgrade of license level under the
GDL Program are outlined in the following table:
GDL Penalties
(a) Six or more points
on driving record
After PD Issued
Requires the applicant to continue
to hold the learner permit for an
additional time period until they are
able to maintain a record with less
than 6 points for 180 consecutive
(b) Contributing to the
occurrence of an
(c) Conviction of a
2nd Seatbelt violation
(d) Conviction of a
2nd Moving violation
(e) Forged letter of
parental approval
(f) Contributing to the
occurrence of a fatal
Must maintain a Learner Permit
only until teen reaches the age of
Table: 3.1
After Intermediate
Restricted Issued
Adds 90 days to the minimum 1
year teen required to hold
Intermediate Restricted (Total = 1
year & 3 months)
Adds 90 days to the minimum 1
year teen required to hold
Intermediate Restricted
(Total = 1 year & 3 months)
N/A Adds 90 days to the minimum
1 year teen required to hold
Intermediate Restricted (Total = 1
year & 3 months)
Requires completion of a certified
driver education course
Revocation of Intermediate
Restricted and Re-issuance of a
Learner Permit only until teen
reaches the age of 18
Revocation of Intermediate
Restricted and Re-issuance of a
Learner Permit only until teen
reaches the age of 18
After Intermediate
Unrestricted Issued
If any of the violations listed in (a),
(b), (c) or (d) occurred during the
time the teen had an Intermediate
Restricted license, but the DOS did
not receive notice from the court
until after we had already issued
the teen an Intermediate
Unrestricted license, the penalties
in the preceding column will still
apply. The teen will be "dropped
back" to an Intermediate Restricted
license for 90 days.
If DOS notified after Intermediate
Unrestricted issued, teen's
Intermediate privileges will still
be revoked and a Learner Permit
re-issued until the 18th birthday.
Revocation of Intermediate
Unrestricted and Re-issuance of a
Learner Permit only until teen
reaches the age of 18
original, completed form to the Driver Service Center.
This form is only valid for thirty (30) days from the date of
signing by the school official.
A driver with the second level Intermediate Unrestricted
(IU) Class D does not have any restrictions on driving.
Therefore there is no restriction card for this license level.
NOTE: During the traditional summer vacation months, a
properly completed SF1010 form signed within the last 30 days
of the school year will be accepted throughout the summer until
30 days after the start of the following school year (e.g. a form
signed in May is accepted through Aug/Sept, approximately).
In addition to the documentation requirements described in
Chapter 2 (Proof of Identity, TN Residency, Social Security
Number and U.S Citizenship / Lawful Permanent Resident) all
applicants under the age of eighteen (18) must also meet the
requirements described in this section.
3. If the applicant is enrolled in school outside of Tennessee
(or in an approved private or church school in Tennessee
without access to the SF1010 forms), the applicant must
provide a statement from the school principal or
headmaster on official school letterhead specifically
confirming that the applicant is not truant and is making
satisfactory progress in their school. (Copies and Faxes
cannot be accepted.)
Minor/Teenage Affidavits
Applicants under eighteen years old must have an adult sign a
Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation form, available at all
driver license service centers. This form confirms that the adult
signing the form joins in the application for the license and will
be responsible for the actions of the minor driver. This includes
assuming financial responsibility for the minor driver. It must
be signed by a parent, a step-parent living at the same address
as the applicant, legal guardian, or a grandparent authorized by
the parent, step-parent or guardian.
IMPORTANT: Grade cards or school transcripts are not
acceptable as proof of compliance with this law. Due to the
various grading scales, evaluation of excused / unexcused
absences and other factors that differ from school system to
school system, the Driver License personnel are not authorized
to interpret the information in these documents. It is the
responsibility of the school system or Department of Education
to confirm the applicant's eligibility. It is the responsibility of
the applicant to provide satisfactory documentation of this
If adults cannot accompany the minor to the driver license
service center to sign the form, it may be completed ahead of
time and signed before a notary public.
If a grandparent is assuming financial responsibility for the
youth, the grandparent must bring a notarized statement
authorizing this, signed by the parent, a step-parent, custodian
or guardian, as appropriate.
4. Home Schooled Applicants must provide the following
• A letter from the Superintendent's Office in the
county/city of the applicant's legal residence, confirming
that the parent has registered their "intent to home school"
with the County/City School System.
• Verification of Home School Enrollment (Department of
Safety Form SF-1193) signed and completed by the parent
or legal guardian of the applicant affirming the attendance
and satisfactory progress of the applicant in the home
school courses.
5. The Tennessee Department of Education does NOT recognize
the completion of Internet or "correspondence school"
courses and documentation from these sources is NOT
acceptable to the Department of Safety as meeting the
requirements for licensing of minors.
If a minor applies for an additional class of license (such
as motorcycle), the parents or legal guardian will be
required to sign a second teenage affidavit for that license
The statement is not required to be on a Department of Safety
form, but should be in the following general format:
"I do hereby authorize __________________________________
to sign for a driver license for____________________________."
Signed: ______________________________________________
(Notary certificate)
Proof of School Attendance/Progress
If a student fifteen years old or older drops out of school, the
school is required to notify the Department of Safety which
suspends the student's driving privileges. The first time a
student drops out, he or she may regain the privilege to drive by
returning to school and making satisfactory academic progress.
However, there is no second chance. The second time a student
drops out, he or she must wait to turn eighteen (18) years old
before being eligible to apply for a license again.
Applicants under the age of eighteen (18) must prove they are
either enrolled in or have already graduated from high school.
Acceptable proof of this status must be provided to the
examiner in one of the following methods:
1. If the applicant has graduated, the applicant must bring the
original high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate when
applying (no photo copies).
2. If still enrolled in a Tennessee school, the applicant must ask
the school to complete a Certificate of Compulsory School
Attendance (Form SF1010). The applicant must take the
If a person who dropped out returns to school, the appropriate
school official can certify the student has returned by completing
a different section of the Certificate of Compulsory School
Attendance. The official will give the student a pink copy of the
form to take with them to a driver license service center. The
student will be required to pay a $20 reinstatement fee, in
addition to the appropriate application and license fees. Other
fees may be added as well, depending on the individual's history.
Texting while Driving is Prohibited
As of July 1, 2009, texting while driving is also prohibited
for teenage drivers as well as adult drivers. This includes a
hand-held telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant to
transmit or read a written message while the driver's motor
vehicle is in motion. Violations can result in a fine not to
exceed Fifty Dollars and court costs not to exceed Ten
Novice Teen Drivers at Higher Risk
Car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in America—
more than 5,000 teens die each year. Inexperience, risk-taking
and driver distractions are some reasons why.
Teen Driving in Work Zones
Every three days a teen is killed and seven are injured in a
work zone crash in this country according to NETS, The
Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. This could be you
and your driver, if you drive carelessly through a roadway
work zone. They are considered the most hazardous place for
workers in the U.S., but they can be even more dangerous for
drivers – particularly young, inexperienced ones. Statistics
show that drivers comprise four out of five deaths in highway
work zones.
Loud music, changing discs and tapes as well as tuning the radio
are also potentially deadly distractions when behind the wheel.
And when a teen driver has friends in the car, the risk is even
higher - the more passengers, the greater the chance of a serious
Here are common teen driver distractions that can be deadly:
• Friends in other vehicles: Don't let saying "hi" or other
fun and games take your attention off the road. Never try
to pass items from one moving vehicle to another.
• Loud music or headphones: Hearing what's going on
around you is just as important as seeing. It is extremely
dangerous to wear headphones or earbuds and have the
volume of your radio so high that it interferes with your
"hearing" of traffic conditions, such as other vehicle's
warning horns or emergency sirens. In most states it is
illegal to wear headphones and earbuds while driving.
• The "show-off" factor: It may be tempting to go faster,
turn sharper or beat another car through an intersection.
Many teens fail to realize that they are no longer just
"competing for fun" and are now using a 5,000 pound
"weapon" in this competition.
Channeling Devices
Used to direct traffic flow.
Teen drivers have higher rates of fatal crash involvement than
any other age group. Studies show young drivers are more
likely to become involved in work zone accidents than others,
as they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior,
exercise negative driving habits, are easily distracted while
driving, and lack the basic driving skills needed to respond
quickly to work zone demands. When it comes to driving,
there is no such thing as beginner's luck!
Keep focused on DRIVING in order to stay safe and stay alive.
Some work zone safety tips:
Cell Phone Usage Prohibited
Slow down! Drive within the posted speed limits, which
are usually reduced in work zones. If you don't, you'll
pay the price. The Tennessee Highway Patrol's program
Project CAR (Construction Accident Reduction) places
Highway Patrol Troopers in work zones across the state
targeting motorists who violate traffic laws while
traveling through roadway work zones when workers are
Don't tailgate! Most work zone accidents are caused by
rear-end collisions.
Eliminate distractions! Put down the cell phone; leave
the radio dial alone. This is not the time to look for a
new CD!
• Class C misdemeanor
• $50.00 fine
• 90 day delay in eligibility for intermediate restricted
or intermediate driver license
Keep your ears open! Do not wear earphones or earbuds
while driving.
Merge early! You can be ticketed and be the cause of an
accident for being a last chance merger.
Watch for flaggers! Follow their signals, and don't
Tennessee law prohibits any driver possessing a learner
permit or intermediate driver license
from using a cell phone while driving
on any Tennessee roadway. A cell
phone is defined as:
(a) handheld cellular telephone
(b) cellular car telephone or
(c) other mobile phone
change lanes within the work zone unless instructed to
do so.
Expect the unexpected! Work zones change constantly.
Turn your lights on before you enter the zone! Turn on
your vehicle's headlights to become more visible to
workers and other motorists.
Stay calm! Remember the work zone crew members are
working to improve your future ride.
a.m UNLESS they meet one of the following circumstances::
• They are accompanied by a parent or guardian;
• They are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older
who has been designated by the parent or guardian. This
designation must be in writing and be in the possession of
the teen driver;
• They are driving to or from a specifically identified school
sponsored activity or event and have in their possession
written permission from a parent or guardian to do this;
TEEN DRIVER FAQs
• They are driving to or from work and have in their
possession written permission from a parent or guardian
identifying the place of employment and authorizing the
driver to go to and from work; OR
1. What is the Graduated Driver License law?
The graduated driver licensing system places certain
restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have a learner
permit and driver license.
• They are driving to or from hunting or fishing between 4
a.m. and 6 a.m. and have in their possession a valid
hunting or fishing license.
2. What are the restrictions for those with learner
Anyone under the age of 18 who has a learner permit is prohibited
from driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. When
driving, permit holders must have a licensed driver age 21 or older
in the vehicle with them in the front seat.
5. What would happen to an Intermediate Restricted
License holder caught with a forged or fake letter
regarding permission to drive outside of the allowed
A driver with an Intermediate Restricted License who is convicted
of having a forged or fraudulent letter or statement will have
his/her Intermediate Restricted License revoked and will only be
reissued a learner permit until he/she reaches the age of 18.
3. How long must I have a learner permit before applying
for an Intermediate Restricted license?
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their learner
permit for a minimum of six months before applying for
an intermediate restricted license.
The minimum age for applying for an intermediate
restricted license is 16.
If someone with a learner permit has driving offenses
adding up to 6 or more points on their driving record
during the 180 days before applying for the Intermediate
Restricted license, the applicant has to continue to hold
the learner permit until his/her record has less than 6
points for a full 180 consecutive days.
6. What will an Intermediate license look like?
You may view examples of these licenses on page 15.
7. How long must an Intermediate Restricted License be
Teens must hold their Intermediate Restricted License for a
minimum of one year. After one year, an unrestricted
Intermediate license may be applied for. There is a $2
application fee. The word "Intermediate" will still be on the
license, but the restrictions will be lifted.
After the record is clear for 180 consecutive days (i.e.,
less than 6 points), the driver may move to the next level,
an Intermediate Restricted License.
IMPORTANT: A teen driver will be ineligible for an
Unrestricted Intermediate License for additional ninety (90)
days beyond the minimum one year if:
4. What are the restrictions for an Intermediate Restricted
A. Those with an intermediate license can only have one other
passenger in the vehicle
1. The driver has received six (6) or more points (the
equivalent of two (2) minor traffic citations) on their
Intermediate Restricted License, or
2. The driver has contributed to a traffic crash, or
• One or more of the passengers is age 21 or older and has a
valid, unrestricted license; OR
3. The driver has been convicted of a second seatbelt
• The passengers are brothers and sisters, step-brothers or
step-sisters, adopted or fostered children residing in the
same house as the driver and AND the Intermediate
License holder has in their possession a letter from the
driver's parent authorizing passengers to be in the motor
vehicle for the sole purpose of going to and from school.
ALSO: If the teen driver gets a second moving violation while
holding the Intermediate Restricted Driver License, an
approved Driver Education class MUST BE COMPLETED
before receiving an Intermediate Unrestricted Driver License.
NOTE: At age 18, a driver can apply for a regular
unrestricted license without the word "Intermediate" printed on
B. Those with an Intermediate Restricted License are
prohibited from driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6
GDL At-a-Glance Review
Table: 3.2
At least 6 months
Level 1
Must be 15 years old
Vision Exam
Knowledge Test
SF 1010 Form (Proof of
Compulsory School Attendance
and Satisfactory Progress)
Parent or Legal guardian
must sign Teenage Affidavit
of Financial Responsibility
Birth Certificate*
Social Security Number **
Proof of citizenship or lawful
permanent Resident
At least 12 months
Level 2
Must be 16 years old
Held a valid PD for 6
Certification of 50 hours
experience, including 10
hours at night
Cannot have:
� six or more points on
driving record during the
180 days immediately
preceding application
Driving Test
Level 3
Until age 18
At least 17 years old
Held a valid Restricted
Intermediate for 1 year
Cannot have:
o six or more points on
driving record
o have been at fault in a
traffic crash
o have been convicted of a
2nd seatbelt violation
Must be at least 18 years of
Optional: can apply for a
duplicate of license without
'the word "Intermediate"
on' the face
[these would add a 90 day waiting
period to the 1 yr Intermediate
Restricted duration]
$10.50, any age under
18 years old.
Age 16 = $24.50
Age 17 = $21.00
Age 18 = Eligible for regular
driver license
Age 17 = $2.00
Age 18 = Eligible for regular
driver license ($8
duplicate fee if had
$8.00 or $12.00, regular
duplicate fee depending
upon if 1st or subsequent
Issued for:
12 months
until age 21
Same expiration date @ age 21
Same expiration date @ age 21
Must have licensed driver age
21 or older in front seat
Cannot drive between
Seatbelts mandatory for all
passengers age 4 thru 17
(or child restraint device if
under age 4)
Only one passenger
Cannot drive between
Seatbelts mandatory of all
passengers age 4 thru 17
(or child restraint device if
under age 4)
* See page 9 for information on acceptable forms of identification.
** See page 10 for more information on SSN requirements.
it. There is an $8 duplicate fee unless the driver chooses to
keep the license with the word "Intermediate" on it until that
license is at the end of its five-year renewal cycle.
8. Are there any teens not required to complete the steps
in the Graduated Driver License program?
The Graduated Driver License requirements do not apply to
anyone age 18 and older OR anyone under the age of 18 who
has graduated high school or received their GED. If you are
sixteen (16) years of age you may also obtain a Class D
regular driver license if you are emancipated by active duty
military service, marriage or court order.
Seatbelts mandatory for all
passengers age 4 thru 17
(or child restraint device if
under age 4)
No additional restrictions,
however, license still states
"Intermediate" prominently
on the face of the license
No restrictions and license
looks like regular "Under
21 license"
Section A-4 THE EXAMINATIONS
eye specialist of your choice fill out an eye statement for the
Department to evaluate.
General Information:
• Your driver license examination will consist of a vision
screening, a knowledge test, and a road test.
• Driver license tests are given at all Driver Service Centers
except for the express service centers. The knowledge
tests are administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Due to the length of time to administer, road tests are
taken by appointment.
• Road tests are not given in extreme weather (heavy
rain/snow, dense fog, hail, high winds, icy roads, etc.)
• During winter months road tests are not given in the dark.
• No test may be repeated on the same day.
• Mandatory 7-day waiting period is required after
failing the knowledge test.
• Mandatory waiting periods are required when an
applicant fails the road test for the original issuance of
a Class D license. For details on these waiting periods,
see Table 4.2.
• When you return to take a test over, you must bring back
all of the original documents you are required to provide.
• You will be required to pay the $2 application fee each
time you take a test and fail. This fee applies to PD, D
and H tests.
You will be given an exam covering knowledge needed to
drive safely. The test will consist of multiple choice questions
based on information contained in Section B of this manual.
You can expect the test to approximately consist of the
following four areas:
Traffic signs and signals—25%
Safe driving principles—25%
Rules of the road—25%
Drugs and alcohol—25%
1. Test Formats
The knowledge tests are administered in our Driver License
Service Centers using computerized testing machines. In very
limited circumstances, tests are administered in written
Our Driver Service Centers that have the computerized testing
are also currently able to offer the test in 3 alternate language
formats of Spanish, Korean or Japanese. Applicants for whom
English is not their first language may also use a translation
dictionary as long as there are no notes or other handwriting
visible within the pages of the book. The use of Personal
Digital Assistants (PDAs), Smart Phones, Electronic
Dictionaries and other similar electronic devices are NOT
allowed during testing. Interpreters are NOT allowed to assist
with any of the driver license testing.
Determining Which Tests Are Required:
Table: 4.1
Original License
Class D or Class H
Full Tests: Knowledge, Road Skills,
Vision Screening
Class PD
Vision Screening and Knowledge tests
Duplicate, Renewal
Adding For-Hire
New residents, with
current and valid
out-of-state license
New residents,
from other countries
or no prior license
Oral tests are available by appointment at selected Driver
License Service Centers for applicants who have a learning
disability or cannot read. If the applicant requesting an oral
test is under age eighteen (18), a written statement from a
physician or educational specialist stating that the applicant has
a medical condition or learning disability will be required
before the test can be administered in the oral format. In the
event the applicant requesting an oral test is deaf, the
Department of Safety will furnish a certified sign language
interpreter to assist with the administration of the exam.
Exchanging PD to D
Vision Screening and Road Skills
No Test
Vision Screening and Knowledge tests
Vision Screening only, if out-of-state
license is valid and not expired;
otherwise, knowledge and road skills
test, Vision Screening
Vision Screening, Knowledge and Road
Skills test
Any form of cheating by an applicant on a required
examination will result in an automatic failure and the
applicant will not be allowed to re-attempt the test for thirty
(30) days. Forms of cheating include, but are not limited to
the following:
• Use of any form of written notes (including notes on
paper, clothing, body, digital pagers, etc.)
• Talking during the examination (includes cell phone use)
• Attempting to allow another person to take the
• All cell phones, pagers or text messaging devices must be
turned off during both written and road test administration.
Note: See Motorcycle Manual for Class M tests, and CDL
Manual for Classes A, B, and C
To determine if a driver can see well enough to drive, a vision
screening is required before any license or permit is issued. An
applicant is required to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye
individually and both eyes together. This may be with or
without your glasses or contact lenses. If you are unable to
successfully complete the vision screening, you must have an
2. When You Don't Pass the Knowledge Test
In order to encourage the applicant to thoroughly study
Section B of this manual and cut down on repeat visits by
applicants who are not yet prepared for the examination, a
mandatory 7-day waiting period is required after failing any
driver license knowledge test.
All applicants will be required to wait a minimum of seven
days before returning to any Driver License Service Center to
attempt the knowledge examination again. The date and
information on failures is keyed into the Driver License
computer system to ensure that all locations are aware of prior
test dates and scores.
The 7-day waiting period outlined above will also be applied
to wait times between additional re-testing if the applicant
does not pass the examination on the second or subsequent
1. Make an Appointment to Schedule Your Road Test
All applicants that require a road test should make a prescheduled appointment at the Driver License Service Center of
their choice. These appointments may be made using the
Driver License Appointments system found on our Internet
website at: tn.gov/safety/ or by calling toll-free
1-866-849-3548 or TDD (Telecommunication Device for the
Hearing Impaired) at 615-532-2281.
to your schedule appointment time to allow for
paperwork processing and review of your required
documentation mentioned above.
You must speak and understand enough of the English
language to communicate with the Examiner during
the road test.
You must provide your own vehicle for use during the
road test with all the operational equipment and safety
features as outlined in the next section on vehicle
If you are five (5) minutes or more late for your
appointment time, your test will be cancelled and you
will need to reschedule for a later date.
The Department of Safety reserves the right to
cancel road test appointments for emergency
situations or dangerous weather conditions. Road
tests will be given in light to moderate rain, fog or
snow. However, they will NOT be given in heavy
rain, thunderstorms, thick fog cover, when roads are
flooded, covered/packed with snow and ice, during
severe weather warnings (i.e. tornado) or other
similarly dangerous driving situations.
2. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The motor vehicle you bring for the road test must meet all
Tennessee motor vehicle registration (valid tags) and safety
law requirements and have equipment in proper working order.
In addition, applicants will be asked to demonstrate their
ability to use each of the following eight items.
Safety Belts. Any passenger motor vehicle manufactured or
assembled in 1969 or later must be equipped with safety belts
and must be in good usable condition for both the applicant
and the examiner.
NOTE: Because road tests are not given in the dark, these
times will be adjusted during winter hours to compensate
for the shortened daylight hours.
Brakes. (Emergency and regular). By law all automobiles
must have two separate methods of applying brakes. They
must have a regular foot brake and a parking brake.
All applicants will need to be aware of the following
guidelines for road test appointments:
• You must have successfully passed the required
knowledge test(s) prior to your road test appointment. If
you arrive for your road test appointment and have not
passed the knowledge test your appointment will be
• Because of the mandatory 7-day waiting period for
retaking failed knowledge tests it is advisable to make
sure you successfully pass this well in advance of your
appointment date.
• You will be able to make your appointment up to 90 days
in advance of your desired test date. When scheduling,
keep the following mandatory requirements in mind:
• If you do not already have a valid Tennessee learner
permit you will be required to bring proof of U.S.
citizenship or lawful permanent residency with you to
your appointment. (When getting a TDL you will
need current proof of Temporary Legal Presence
Headlights. (High and low beam). Motor vehicles must be
equipped with at least two headlights but no more than four
white headlights.
Tail and Brake Lights. Passenger vehicles must be equipped
with a rear license light, two red tail lights, and two red brake
Windshield Wipers. Every vehicle equipped with a
windshield should have two (2) windshield wipers for cleaning
rain or any other moisture in order to permit clear vision for
the driver, unless one (1) wiper cleans to within one (1) inch of
the inside of the windshield.
Windshield Defroster and Fan Control. Applicants need to
be able to demonstrate how to 'defog' the windshield.
Rearview Mirrors. The vehicle must have at least one
rearview mirror not interfering with the driver's view of the
rear. For applicants with certain vision or hearing impairments,
two outside rearview mirrors are also required.
• You should plan to arrive at the Driver License
Service Center at least ten fifteen (15) minutes prior
Horns. A horn is required on all motor vehicles.
Also required:
8. How you back up. Do you look over your shoulder? Can
you back in a straight line? Can you turn safely while
backing? Can you back into/out of a parking space?
9. How you judge distance. Do you maintain a safe distance
from other cars?
10. How you communicate to other drivers. Do you make
sudden changes, or signal too late or too early? Do you
slow down as early as it is safe to do so, or do you catch
other drivers by surprise?
11. How you share the road with others. Are you courteous
and watchful?
12. How you change your speed to suit the situation. Do
you take into account the speed limit, other cars, light,
weather and road conditions?
Windows and windshields. Clear vision for the driver is
required to the front, rear and both sides. It is unlawful to drive
a motor vehicle with a windshield that is so cracked, or
covered with steam or frost that clear vision is prevented.
No tinting material may be affixed to the windshield of any
motor vehicle. Standards for the other windows depend on the
vehicle as follows:
Passenger Car. No material which transmits less than 35% of
visible light may be attached to any window.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles: All windows behind the front seat
are exempt. Windows immediately to the left and right of the
driver must comply the same as for passenger vehicles.
4. Causes for Immediate Failure
Mufflers. Every vehicle must be equipped with a muffler to
prevent excessive or unusual noises and polluting smoke.
The applicant will be failed immediately for any of the
• Violation of any traffic law
• Lack of cooperation or refusal to follow directions
• Any dangerous action
• Contributing to an accident
Doors. Both the driver door and the passenger door must open
from the inside and the outside.
Bumpers. Passenger cars must have bumpers which are within
a range of 14 to 22 inches from the ground; 4x4 recreational
vehicles must have bumpers with a range of 14 to 31 inches.
5. When You Don't Pass the Road Test
Upon completion of the driving test, the examiner will advise
you of your errors, how to correct them, and what maneuvers
you should practice to improve your driving skill. You should
review the related material and/or practice the driving skills
before returning. Applicants who do not successfully pass the
skills test on the first attempt or subsequent attempts are not
permitted to take the examination again on the same day.
Speedometer. Every vehicle must have a working
speedometer in order to gauge vehicle speed.
3. The Driving Test
The examiner will give you directions and evaluate whether or
not you can drive safely. You will not be asked to do anything
illegal. The only people allowed in the vehicle are you and the
examiner (or other authorized personnel). No animal may be in
the vehicle.
Applicants may be allowed to re-test after mandatory practice
times as determined by their total score (number of errors)
under the guidelines in Table 4.2. These guidelines are
designed to encourage the applicant to thoroughly practice
their driving skills and cut down on repeat visits by applicants
who are not yet prepared for the examination.
During the test, the examiner will be observing the following:
1. How you prepare to drive. Have you checked your
mirrors, fastened your safety belt, turned on any necessary
lights or wipers?
2. How you start your vehicle. Do you look for other cars?
Do you signal and wait until it is safe before entering
3. How you control your vehicle. Do you accelerate
smoothly? Do you use your gas pedal, brake, steering
wheel, and other controls correctly? Handle curves
4. How you handle intersections and make left and right
turns. Are you in the proper lane? Do you look both left
and right for approaching vehicles? Do you make sure your
path is clear before proceeding? Do you simply rely on the
traffic signals? Do you signal and change lanes carefully?
5. How you obey the traffic signals and posted signs.
6. How you drive in traffic. Do you pay full attention to
driving? Do you scan carefully for signs, signals,
pedestrians and other vehicles? Do you yield and take the
right-of-way correctly?
7. How you stop. Do you stop smoothly and at the right spot?
Can you stop quickly and safely in an emergency?
Guidelines for Retesting Table: 4.2
Number of errors
committed during the
skills test:
1 to 6 errors / points
7 to 9 errors / points
10 to 12 errors / points
13 to 15 errors / points
16 or more errors / points
-ORAutomatic Failure
Allow retest after the
following mandatory
practice time period:
PASS no re-test needed
Next (1) Day
Seven (7) Days
Fourteen (14) Days
Thirty (30) Days
NOTE: The guidelines established above will also be applied
to wait times between additional re-testing opportunities if
applicant does not pass the examination on the second or
subsequent attempts.
Tips To Help Your Testing
Go More Smoothly
Study and Practice Driving Ahead of
Both the knowledge test and the road test will
go more smoothly if you spend time reviewing
this manual, and spend time on the road with an
experienced driver before you come to apply.
Bring A Proper Vehicle
All safety equipment must work (horns, lights,
safety belts, brakes, signals and windshield
wipers). The vehicle registration must also be
current. Bring a vehicle that you are familiar
with driving.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your
scheduled Road Test appointment. This
will allow time for application paperwork before
your appointment time.
Don't Be Late - for Road Test
Appointments. Road tests average 20-25
minutes. To insure we can provide timely
service to you and your fellow applicants, if you
are five (5) or more minutes late for the start of
your road test appointment, it will have to be
PARENTS Be sure to review Section C-4 starting at page
115 of this manual. It provides helpful information to assist
you and your teen in learning to drive as well as a useful
driving experience log that has been recommended by many
parents and safety advocate groups.
This section is designed for all new drivers. Reading and studying Section B of this manual will help prepare for the driver license
and learner permit tests. The section explains Tennessee's licensing requirements, driving responsibilities and basic "rules of the
road." All drivers need to know the information in this section to pass the driver license test and become safe, courteous drivers.
Alone, the guide will not teach you how to drive. Mastering driving skills is done with a good instructor and plenty of practice.
In order to help users study, there are a few sample questions at the end of each chapter. These are actual questions from the driver
license test. There are many possible questions that can be included on the driver license test. These questions are included to help
you review the material and get a sense of what the test may cover. Study the chapters and test your understanding of the
information by using these questions.
Website Resources: Additional study questions and practice tests are available online at: www.tn.gov/safety/
There are different practice tests that focus on specific areas of study. Practice test topics and the related chapters in this publication
Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving (Chapter B-7)
Guidelines for Driving (Chapters B-1 and B-2)
Rules of the Road (Chapters B-4, B-5, B-6 & B-8)
Traffic Signs and Signals (Chapter B-3)
Section B-1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR VEHICLE
• The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than
the top of the shoulders.
Be Prepared for the Driving Task
To help you safely prepare for the actual operation of the
vehicle, follow the tips below. There is much more to driving
than just "grabbing the keys and getting in the car." Give your
complete attention to knowing the proper operation of the
vehicle's equipment.
Properly adjust seat head restraints to a level even with the
back of the head. Head restraints are designed to prevent
whiplash if hit from behind.
Mirror Adjustments
1. Adjust mirrors properly. Remember that all three of the rear
view mirrors must be adjusted so that the widest possible view
is given. Also, keep blind spots to a minimum.
• Adjust mirrors after the seat is adjusted correctly.
(Always adjust before driving.)
Vehicle Condition
1. Check around the outside of the vehicle. Look for small
children, pets and any other sort of obstruction.
2. Check the condition of the vehicle (windows, lights, body
damage, condition of the tires and potential fluid leaks).
2. Outside mirrors should be adjusted to reduce blind spots and
provide maximum visibility.
• INSIDE Rearview Mirror: Adjust the inside rearview
mirror to frame the rear window. To get the smallest
blind spot at the right side of the car, turn the inside
mirror so that only the edge of the right rear window post
is seen.
3. Enter the vehicle, place the key in the ignition and lock the
4. Identify the location and purpose of all switches, gauges and
5. Know the location of the following controls even if there is
no need to use them at the moment:
• Horn
• Turn Signals
• Emergency/Four-Way Flashers
• Headlights (on/off and dimmer switch)
• Windshield Wipers and Washer Controls
• Parking Brake and Release Lever
• Air Conditioner/Heater/Defroster Controls
• Gearshift Location (and clutch if manual transmission)
• LEFT Side Mirror: Seated in an upright position, lean
your head to the left about five inches and adjust the left
mirror. The rear fender should be just visible on the left
edge of the mirror about a half inch up from the bottom.
• RIGHT Side Mirror: Seated in an upright position, lean
your head to the right about five inches and adjust the
left edge of the mirror about a half inch from the bottom.
Seat Adjustments
3. After mirror adjustments, if you lean slightly backward and
see more than a glimpse of the rear corners of the vehicle in
your outside mirrors, adjust them outward.
Adjust the seat and, if equipped, the steering column, for the
"Proper Driving Posture"
Align your body to your seat.
• Adjust the seat to a comfortable upright position.
OR SEMI-RECLINED POSITION. This is dangerous
and reduces both your vision and your ability to react to
emergency situations.
4. To make sure mirrors are in the correct position, let a car
pass you on the left. As it passes out of view in the inside
mirror you should see its front bumper in the outside left
(driver side) mirror.
5. Even with properly adjusted mirrors, always turn your head
and check blind spots when you want to turn or change
Be sure you are the proper distance from the steering wheel
and foot pedals.
• The pedals must be easily reached.
• Have good clear vision through the windshield, each side
window and all mirrors.
• Your foot should move smoothly from the accelerator to
the brake while the heel is kept on the floor.
• Your body should be about 10 to 12 inches back from the
steering wheel with or without an air bag. At this
distance, an air bag would hit the driver in the chest if
there were a collision. Sitting closer could result in
serious head or neck injuries from an air bag hitting the
chin or face.
• Do not move the seat so far forward or extend the
steering column to a point where you cannot easily steer.
Safety Belts Fastened
1. Fasten and adjust safety belts (both lap and shoulder if
separate belts). Lap belts should be positioned firmly across
the hips while the shoulder belt is firmly across the shoulder.
2. Make sure all passengers are using safety belts or child
restraints before driving.
• If you or your passengers are not wearing a safety belt or
are not secured in a car seat or booster seat, you may
have to pay a fine.
• Full details on safety belts and child restraints are found
in the Protecting Passengers/Drivers chapter.
The basic rule a driver must follow when operating a vehicle
with a steering wheel interlock system is: never turn the
ignition to the lock position when the vehicle is in motion.
The steering wheel will lock when trying to turn and the
control of the vehicle will be lost.
Check the vehicle owner's manual to determine the proper
way to start the specific vehicle. The following are basic tips
that apply to most vehicles:
1. Place foot on brake pedal and ensure gearshift selector is in
the PARK position for automatic transmissions or in
NEUTRAL for manual/standard transmissions.
To begin driving the vehicle, use a relaxed grip on the steering
wheel and always drive with BOTH hands on the wheel. A
firm (but not tight) grip allows you to "feel" the road
(vibrations, etc.) better. Don't develop the habit of driving
with your elbow or arm propped on the door or out the
window. You won't have full control of the steering wheel and
a sideswipe could take off your arm.
• Make sure the parking brake is "on" before starting any
manual transmission vehicle. In vehicles with manual
transmissions, the clutch must be depressed before the
vehicle will start.
2. Place the car key into the ignition switch and turn the key
forward to "on." Check dash lights and instruments (antilock brake systems [ABS], air bags, fuel level, etc.) for any
warnings or alerts.
You not only steer with your hands, but also with your eyes!
Always look where you want to go. This tells your brain what
to do with your hands. Your peripheral vision (i.e., your vision
to each side) helps you to keep your road position.
3. Turn on low-beam headlights, particularly at night or in bad
weather. NOTE: In normal daylight, vehicles are visible at
twice the distance when headlights are on.
The following information outlines the steering methods for
safe vehicle operation:
4. Using an automatic transmission: With automatic
transmissions, the driver usually does not need to change
gears. The vehicle is put in "R" for reverse when to back-up
and in "D" for drive to drive forward. (Some newer cars
have an "O" gear selection for overdrive, which is for use
when driving on interstates or other expressways where
there is very little stop and go traffic.)
1. Looking at the steering wheel as a clock face, drivers should
place the left hand at the 9 o'clock position and the right
hand at 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel. This
position helps avoid injury from air bag deployment during
an accident.
• Most automatic transmissions also have lower gears that
will be indicated by an "L", "2", or "1" on the gearshift
indicator. These gears are generally not used except for
special or emergency situations, such as:
Driving down steep mountain grades.
Slow speed driving on icy or other slippery roads.
Emergency deceleration if there is a brake failure.
When using the turn signal indicators, headlight dimmer and
windshield wiper controls, hand placement will change. You
should have a slight bend in the elbow when the palm of
your hand reaches the top of the steering wheel. Never sit in
a position where your elbows are locked in a "stiff arm"
type position.
2. Do not let the steering wheel slip through your fingers when
turning/steering. Reverse the hand and arm movements
made during the turn when coming out of a turn. This
"counter-steering" makes for smooth turns and will also help
in skids and when driving on snow and ice.
5. Using a standard transmission: With a standard or manual
transmission, the driver can control the gear-speed ratio and
use gears, rather than brakes, to help slow down the vehicle.
The following techniques for smooth shifting will help you
handle driving vehicles with standard transmissions.
3. Do not cross your arms when steering or turning. It is OK
to cross wrists while turning. But crossing arms may cause
clothing and jewelry to interfere with safe turning. Also,
you would suffer more serious injuries should the air bag
• Hold the clutch pedal all the way down when starting,
shifting gears and when speed drops below 10 MPH as
you are coming to a stop.
• Don't "ride the clutch", meaning don't drive with your
foot resting on the clutch pedal if it is not needed to
change gears.
4. There are two generally accepted steering methods: PushPull and Hand-over-Hand.
• The Push-Pull method is recommended because it slows
down turning movements making for a smoother, safer
turn. It also keeps both hands on the steering wheel
through the entire maneuver. Both hands move in an up
and down motion on the sides of the steering wheel—the
right hand on the right-hand side and the other on the lefthand side.
• Practice to get smooth coordination in using the clutch and
accelerator pedals.
• Don't coast with the gears in neutral (it's illegal) or with
the clutch pedal pushed down except when shifting gears.
• When going down steep hills, place the vehicle in a lower
Left Turn: Start with your hands at the proper
placement of 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Pull down with
your left hand to approximately 7 o'clock, and then
push up with your right hand until it reaches
approximately 1 o'clock. As your left hand pulls the
wheel down, during the same movement you will move
the right hand down to the three o'clock position so it is
ready to take over. The right hand then pushes the
wheel up as you reposition the left hand up to repeat this
pattern until you complete your turn. Counter-steer to
straighten out the vehicle.
• Turn the wheel to the right to back to the right; turn to the
left to back to the left.
• Continue looking to the rear until coming to a complete
2. Moving Forward -Learning to avoid sudden or quick jolts
forward will take some practice as follows:
• With foot on brake, move gear selector lever to "D" for
• Check forward for safe, clear path.
• Check for traffic to the sides and behind.
• Signal if pulling away from a curb.
• If safe, pivot foot to accelerator and press down gently.
• Look at least one block ahead and steer toward a reference
Right Turn: Start with hands at the proper placement
of the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Pull down with your
right immediately 5 o'clock. Then, push up with your
left hand until it reaches approximately 11 o'clock.
Repeat this pattern until the turn is completed. Countersteer to straighten out the vehicle.
• The Hand-over-Hand: When turning the vehicle with
this method, be careful to keep speed down. Steering this
way crosses the hands at the top of the wheel. This
method allows for quicker wheel movement, but there will
be times when only one hand is on the wheel. Also, loose
clothing or jewelry can get in the way, and the body can
become unbalanced. For these reasons, the Push-Pull
method is recommended for normal everyday driving.
For a right turn, start with hands at the proper 9 and 3
o'clock positions. Lean forward and grasp the outside of
the rim at the 1 o'clock position with the right hand
palm down. Lean back and pull with the right hand to
the 5 o'clock position. Lean forward and grasp the
outside of the rim with the left hand, palm down at the 1
o'clock position. Lean back and pull to the 5 o'clock
position with the left hand. Repeat the process until the
front wheels of the vehicle are at the desired angle.
Before you straighten out, return hands to the original 9
and 3 o'clock positions. Counter-steer to straighten out
the vehicle.
For a left turn, simply follow the steps above, reversing
the hand references and steering wheel references to the
opposite of what is indicated above in each step.
3. Stopping - Planning ahead for smooth stops will help you
avoid brake wear and potential rear-end collisions. Like
most states, Tennessee reports that rear-end collisions are
the most common type of accident recorded annually.
• Check mirrors to the side and rear for traffic.
• If moving to the curb or other lane, check over the right
(or left) shoulder and signal intention.
• Release accelerator and pivot foot to brake pedal slowly.
• Press down on the brake pedal with a steady pressure for a
smooth stop. Do not "stomp" on the brake pedal.
• If stopping at stop sign or traffic signal light, stop before
the crosswalk, a marked stop line, and if there is no stop
line, at the point of the nearest intersecting roadway,
where you can view the approaching traffic on the
intersecting roadway, before entering the intersection.
• If stopping at a curb, move to within 18 inches of the curb
for proper parking.
As you may have noticed, driving is a complex and detailed
activity that requires your complete attention. The "safest"
thing you can do is to make sure you don't let your attention to
driving safely decline after you have become competent.
The following instructions are for vehicles with automatic
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide gas
from a car engine can kill (it has not taste, no smell or
visibility). It generally leaks when the car heater is running,
when the exhaust system is not working properly or in heavy
traffic when breathing fumes from other vehicles.
1. Backing - Common mistakes committed by new drivers
when backing are (a) moving too fast, (b) providing too
much steering input and (c) turning the steering wheel in
the wrong direction.
• With foot on the brake, move gear selector lever to "R"
for reverse.
• Grasp steering wheel at 12 o'clock position with left hand.
• Turn to the right and place right arm over the back of the
• Look over your shoulder through the rear window for a
safe, clear path.
• Use idle speed or accelerate gently and smoothly, keeping
a slow speed.
How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Have the exhaust system checked regularly.
• Be alert for unusual roars from under the car.
• Never let the engine run in a closed garage
• Do not use a heater/air conditioner in a parked car with
the windows closed.
• Close the fresh-air vent in congested traffic
C. 7 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions
The information in this chapter covered how to become
"prepared for the driving task." It will take some practice for
new drivers to translate these written details into common
habits for safe driving. Therefore, review this information
frequently. Once you are comfortable with the operation of the
vehicle, you will be ready to drive in various traffic situations,
such as interstate driving.
Page 28
3. When adjusting the driver's seat for best driving posture,
set the seat in an upright position where your body is
about how far from the steering wheel?
A. 6 to 8 inches
B. 10 to 12 inches
C. 18 to 24 inches
Page 27
Effective July 1, 2009 drivers are prohibited from using a
hand-held telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant to
transmit or read a written message while the driver's motor
vehicle is in motion.
Violations can result in a fine
not to exceed Fifty Dollars, and
court costs not to exceed Ten
Dollars. Law enforcement
officers, firefighters, emergency
medical persons and emergency
management agency officers when in the actual discharge of
their official duties, are exempt from the provisions of the law.
Careful planning and consideration should be given for the
placement of video devices in vehicles. State law prohibits the
installation of a video monitor or video screen capable of
displaying a television broadcast or video signal that is
intended to display an image visible to the driver of a vehicle
while in motion. A navigation or global positioning device, a
vehicle information system display, visual displays for the
driver's view forward, behind and the sides of the vehicle are
not prohibited. Careful consideration should be given to the
placement of this equipment to insure no visual obstructions.
Chapter 1– Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. The
page number is shown for where the correct answer can be
located for each question. Also, answers to all study questions
can be found in the back of the book.
1. Properly adjusted seat head restraints:
A. Are designed to prevent whiplash if hit from behind.
B. Both A and C
C. Should always be at a level even with the back of the
Page 27
2. The driver should drive with both hands on the steering
wheel approximately in the:
A. 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions
B. 11 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions
Section B-2 TENNESSEE SAFETY BELT LAWS
"It's the Law"
restrained, the driver may be charged and fined $50.00 for
violation of the law.
The use of safety belts, child restraint safety
seats and child booster seats are required
by Tennessee law. These can help
save you and your passengers' lives in
the event of a traffic crash. Tennessee
law enforcement officers can stop drivers
and issue citations for failure to observe the
safety belt or child restraint laws. Officers can
stop and ticket drivers solely for disobeying Safety belt and
Child Restraint Device (CRD) laws.
A. Safety belts are required for ALL drivers and all passengers
in the FRONT seat, any time the vehicle is in motion.
B. Safety belts are also required for BACKSEAT passengers in
the following situations:
• If the passengers are under 17 years old.
• This provision no longer applies when back seat
passengers are 18 years or older.
• If the driver has either a learner permit or an intermediate
license, and when the passengers are between four and
17 years old.
• If the passenger is four through eight years old and is
shorter than four feet, nine inches in height. These
passengers must be in a child booster seat at all times.
Children in booster seats must be in the back seat of a
vehicle, if the vehicle has a back seat. (This booster seat
must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards as
indicated on its label.)
If the child's parent or legal guardian is present in the car
but not driving, then the parent or legal guardian is
responsible for making sure that the child is properly
transported and may be fined for non-compliance.
If the violation is one relating to not using a car seat or
booster seat for children under nine years old or whose
height is less than four feet, nine inches, the punishment is
greater. The driver can be charged with a Class D
misdemeanor, required to attend a class on safely
transporting children and required to pay possible fees and
E. Provisions are made for the transportation of children in
medically prescribed modified child restraints. A copy of a
doctor's prescription should be carried in the vehicle
utilizing the modified child restraint device (CRD) at all
Safety belts and child safety seats help prevent injury five
different ways, by:
1. Preventing ejection: Ejection greatly increases the chance
of death or serious injury. The chance of being killed in a
crash by being ejected from a vehicle is one in eight.
Safety belts virtually eliminate ejection. The belted driver
stays inside the car and is better protected from injury.
Child Safety Restraint Rules
Tennessee was the first state in the country to pass a Child
Passenger Protection Law requiring children to be restrained in
child safety seats (car seats and booster seats).
2. Shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body's
structure. To get the most benefit from a seat belt, be
aware of the following points:
A. A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than
20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system
(car seat) that is facing the rear of the car.
• The lap belt should be worn low over the pelvis with the
bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs snugly.
B. Children who are one through three years old, and who
weigh more than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger
restraint system that is facing forward.
• The shoulder belt should be worn over the shoulder and
across the chest, not under the arm and over the abdomen.
Make certain that the shoulder belt is not worn so loosely
that it slides off the shoulder.
C. Children who are four through eight years old and whose
height is under four feet, nine inches, must be in a belt
positioning booster seat system (child booster car seat) and
wearing a seatbelt.
• Pregnant women should wear the lap belt below the
abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly.
3. Spreading crash forces over a wide area of the body.
Safety belts reduce the possibility of injury from "hostile"
surfaces inside the car
(steering wheel, dashboard,
windshield, controls, etc.).
Even if the belted driver
collides with some of these
surfaces, it happens with
much less force and often
results in less serious injury.
NOTE: These seats should be in the rear seat of the car, if the
vehicle has a back seat.
All child passenger restraint systems (car seats and booster
seats) referenced above must meet federal motor vehicle safety
standards and be used consistently with the manufacturer's and
the vehicle's instructions.
D. Children are further protected by the law, which makes the
driver responsible for their protection up to the age of
sixteen (16). If children under age 16 are not properly
4. Keeping the body more closely in the "proper driving
posture." The belt keeps the driver "in the driver's seat."
The belted driver is better able to deal with emergencies and
often avoids more serious trouble.
5. Protecting the head and spinal cord. The belted driver is
less likely to be stunned or made unconscious by the crash
and is better able to cope with the situation. Research has
found that proper use of lap/shoulder belts reduces the risk
of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45
percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50
percent (for occupants of light trucks, 60 percent and 65
percent respectively).
In 2011, traffic crashes on Tennessee's roadways killed 937
people. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented
if the victims had taken the time to buckle up.
• In the U.S. a person was injured in a traffic crash every 14
seconds in 2011. In the U.S. an average of 89 persons died
in car crashes every day in 2011 or one death every 16
By promoting child passenger safety,
Tennessee attempts to protect children
from needless death or injury. Many of
these needless injuries result in
permanent disabilities, such as
paralysis, brain damage, epilepsy, etc.
Why needless? Consider the following:
• Safety belts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles to
day, reducing the chance of injury by 45% and death in a crash
by 50% and saving an estimated 356 lives in Tennessee in 2011.
• Failure to use a safety belt contributes to more fatalities than
any other single traffic safety-related behavior.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
children ages 3 to 14. An average of five children are
killed and 640 are injured in crashes EVERY DAY in the
United States.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
children ages 3 to 14. In 2010 an average of 6 children are
killed and 463 are injured EVERY DAY in the United States.
• Infants (under one year old) who are properly secured in
safety seats survive almost 75 percent of the crashes that
would otherwise be fatal. Toddlers (one-to-four years
old) who are properly secured in safety seats survive
more than half of the crashes that would otherwise be
Many people still have "bad information" about using safety
belts. For example:
• The proper use of child restraint devices could prevent 9
out of 10 deaths and 8 out of 10 serious injuries to child
passengers under the age of four. If child safety restraint
seats were used properly 100 percent of the time, the
percentage of children who survive crashes would go up
by 23 percent.
"Safety belts can trap you inside a car." It takes less than a
second to undo a safety belt. Crashes seldom happen where a
vehicle catches fire or sinks in deep water and you are
"trapped." Only one-half of one percent of all crashes ends in
fire or submersion. Even if they do, a safety belt may keep
you from being "knocked out." Your chance to escape will be
better if you are conscious.
Set a Good Example – Always Buckle Up
"Some people are thrown clear in a crash and walk away
with hardly a scratch." Most crash fatalities result from the
force of impact or from being thrown from the vehicle. Your
chances of not being killed in an accident are much better if
you stay inside the vehicle. Safety belts can keep you from
being thrown out of a vehicle and into the path of another one.
Ejected occupants are four times more likely to be killed as
those who remain inside the vehicle.
Think about what your child sees you do in the car. Do you
wear your safety belt? Children follow their parents' examples.
Studies show that children's behavior in the car improves
when they learn how to ride in a child restraint device. Make
it a habit for you and your child.
Tips For Using Safety Belts With Children
When your child "graduates" from the child restraint system to
safety belts, it is very important for the belts to lie across the
correct area of the child's body.
"If I get hit from the side, I am better off being thrown
across the car, away form the crash point." When a vehicle
is struck from the side, it will move sideways. Everything in
the vehicle that is not fastened down, including the passengers,
will slide toward the point of the crash, not away from it.
Basically, a child is big enough to use the vehicle lap and
shoulder belt when (1) they can sit with their back against the
vehicle seat back and (2) their knees bend over the edge of the
vehicle seat. The lap belt should lie securely on the child's
upper thigh, low and snug around the hips. The shoulder belt
should fit snugly across the chest and rest between the neck
and shoulder. NEVER put the shoulder belt behind the child's
back or under their arms.
pick-up truck, with a passenger side air bag, the seat
should be moved back as far as possible, and the child
should be properly buckled up.
Air Bags and Adults:
• Always wear the lap AND shoulder safety belts.
• If you have an adjustable steering wheel, always try to
keep it tilted down in a level or parallel position.
"Belts to Bones"
The pelvic bone and the collarbone should bear the pressure of
the safety belts. If the safety belt system rides too high on the
child's stomach, or if the shoulder harness lies across the face
or neck area of the child, go back to using a booster seat or a
high back booster model that uses the vehicle's existing safety
belt system.
• Sit as far as possible from the steering wheel (or
dashboard on passenger side) to give the air bag room to
deploy and spread its energy. Ten (10) to twelve (12)
inches between the chest and the air bag module is
recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA).
Other Child Passenger Protection Laws
Air bags can HELP save your life. Air bags combined with
safety belts are the best protection currently available in a car,
SUV, or truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHSTA) estimates there are, as of 2008, 180
million air-bag-equipped passenger vehicles on the road,
including 170 million with dual air bags. Between 1987 and
2008, air bags have been credited with saving more than
27,840 lives from information provided by the NHTSA.
It is illegal in Tennessee to allow any child under the age of 6
to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. It is also against the law
to allow any child between the ages of 6 and 12 to ride in the
bed of a pickup truck on any state or interstate highway. Cities
and counties may prohibit by ordinance, children between the
ages of 6 and 12 from riding in the bed of a pickup truck on
any city or county roads or highways.
There are two exceptions. One exception to this law is when
a child is being transported in the bed of the vehicle when it is
part of an organized parade, procession or other ceremonial
event and the vehicle must not exceed the speed of twenty (20)
miles per hour. The other exception is when the child being
transported in the bed of the vehicle is involved in agricultural
Remember: Most tragedies involving air bags can be
prevented if air bags are used in combination with safety belts.
Air bags were developed to prevent occupants from striking
the steering wheel or dashboard. The air bag deploys and
immediately deflates—faster than the blink of an eye.
If you drive, own or ride in a vehicle equipped with either a
driver-side and/or passenger side air bag, you should follow
the following safety points:
Air Bags and Children
CHILDREN ages 12 and under are safer in the back seat
of a vehicle.
• "The Back Is Where It's At" for children 12 and under.
While air bags have a good overall record of providing
supplemental protection for adults in the event of a crash,
they pose a severe risk for children ages 12 and under.
Research shows that children and air bags simply do not
On a typical sunny, summer day, the temperature inside a car
can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes. Experts say
the damage can happen in as little as ten minutes. Even on a
mild day at 73 degrees outside, an SUV can heat up to 100
degrees in 10 minutes and to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes.
At 90 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to
160 degrees within several minutes.
• Children are safer when they are properly restrained in a
child restraint device or safety belt in the rear seat of a
vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is equipped
with a passenger side air bag.
Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees
and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105
degrees. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to
heat stroke. With respiratory systems that are still developing,
children are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
• It is not advisable to place a child safety seat in the front
seat of a vehicle, when a passenger side air bag is
present. Instead, the child safety seat should be placed in
a rear seat, if available.
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a person can be
charged with penalties ranging from a Class A Misdemeanor to
a Class A Felony for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
TCA Code 39-15-401 provides that "any person who
knowingly, other than by accidental means, treats a child under
eighteen years of age in such a manner as to inflict injury
Infants in rear-facing seats should be placed in the rear
seat, if available, of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
If a child must ride in the front seat of a vehicle such as a
commits a Class A misdemeanor. If the abused child is six
years of age or less, the penalty is a Class D felony. TCA Code
39-15-402 carries a possible Class B or Class A felony for
aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect or
endangerment. Class A Misdemeanors carry a penalty of not
greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine up to $2,500, or both.
Class A Felonies can carry a penalty of not less than 15 and no
more than 60 years. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not
to exceed $50,000.
Remember :
• Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even
to run a quick errand.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when
unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies.
• Children can set a vehicle in motion. Always lock your
car and ensure children do not have access to keys or
remote entry devices.
• If a child gets locked inside, call 911 and get him/her out
as soon as possible.
• If you see a child or animal unattended in a car, be
proactive and call 911.
Chapter 2 – Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. The
page number is shown for where the correct answer can be
located for each question. Also, answers to all the study
questions can be found in the back of the book.
4. A child in a child passenger restraint system (car seat)
A. be facing the rear of the car if weighing less than 20
pounds and under 1 year old.
B. be facing forward if the child is one through three
years old, and weighs more than 20 pounds,
Page 31
5. The lap belt should be worn:
A. at the abdomen for extra comfort .
B. above the pelvis so it doesn't touch the top of the
C. by pregnant women below the abdomen and the
shoulder belt above the belly.
Page 31
6. The safest place for children 12 and under to ride in a
vehicle equipped with air bags is:
A. The front seat
B. The back seat
C. The bed of a pick-up truck
Page 33
Section B-3 TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS
Color Codes on Highway Traffic Signs
The meanings of the nine basic background colors of signs
should be memorized. The colors used on standard signs are
as follows:
Traffic control devices include traffic signals, signs and
pavement markings. Traffic control can also be provided by
law enforcement, highway construction personnel or school
crossing guards. Drivers must obey directions from these
individuals, even if the directions are different than what the
traffic lights and signs indicate.
Traffic signs give you information about the road, the highway
system, traffic flow and the local regulations and laws. They
warn you about hazards, identify your route and direct the
speed and movement of traffic. These signs also provide
directions and let you know about places of interest, from the
huge overhead green interstate signs to the little blue
rectangles that direct you to a library or hospital.
RED: Stop, yield,
do not enter or
wrong way.
YELLOW: General ORANGE:
Construction and Regulatory.
Route markers.
BROWN: Public
recreation areas
and parks.
GREEN: Distance
direction and
BLUE: Motorist
Every traffic sign has a definite shape and colors that announce
its purpose and specific meanings. You should be able to
recognize them immediately. Even if a stop sign is damaged or
blocked by dirt, limbs or snow, you should know by the
octagonal shape and red color that you must stop.
RED is used only as a background color for STOP signs,
multiple supplemental plates (FOUR-WAY or ALL WAY),
DO-NOT-ENTER messages, WRONG WAY signs and on
Interstate route markers. Red is also used as a legend color for
YIELD signs, parking prohibition signs, the circular outline
and diagonal bar prohibitory symbol.
Sign Colors and Shapes
BLACK-WHITE is used for regulatory signs. Regulatory
signs are used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or
regulations. Black is used for a message on white, yellow and
orange signs. Whenever white is specified as a sign color, it
includes silver-colored reflecting coating or elements that
reflect white light.
Learn the standard colors and shapes (shown below) so
you know what a sign means, even at a distance. For
example, a rectangle is always a regulatory sign, telling
you about laws and regulations or giving you
instructions such as speed limits or lane uses.
WHITE is used as the background for route makers, guide
signs, the Fallout Shelter Directional sign and regulatory signs,
except STOP signs and for the legend on brown, green, blue,
black and red signs. Whenever white is specified as a sign
color, this is referencing the silver-colored reflective coating
and other materials that reflect white light.
ORANGE is used as a background color for construction and
maintenance signs and shall not be used for any other purpose.
YELLOW is used as a background color for warning signs,
except where orange is specified, and for school signs.
BROWN is used as a background color for guide information
signs related to points of recreational cultural interest.
GREEN is used as a background color for guide signs (other
than those using brown or white), mileposts and as a legend
color with a white background for permissive parking
BLUE is used as a background color for information signs
related to motorist services (including police services and rest
areas) and the Emergency Route Marker.
Broad "X" Shape — Railroad Here
FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN is now
in use for signage in school zones and
other pedestrian traffic areas such as
crosswalks. These signs are much easier
to see in low light and foggy/rainy
weather. Where these signs are posted,
motorists are encouraged to carefully
watch for all forms of school traffic, including pedestrians,
school children, bicyclists, as well as motor vehicles.
This is known as a crossbuck sign. It is
placed at all railroad grade crossings and shows
exactly where the tracks are located. Notice
the smaller signs placed on the post directly
below the crossbuck. They show the number
of tracks at a particular crossing. This is very
important because, when there are two or more
tracks, one train passing might hide the approach of a train
from the other direction.
IMPORTANT: Whenever white is specified as a sign color, it
includes silver-colored reflecting coating or elements that
reflect white light.
Some crossbucks are equipped with two lights
underneath the "X." Flashing lights on a
crossbuck mean that a train is coming. Always
stop when the lights are flashing. Remain
stopped until the train has passed. If there is more
than one track, be sure all tracks are clear before
Traffic signs are placed to help you and to instruct you in
the best and safest use of the highway. All signs must be
obeyed at all times, unless a policeman or other traffic
officer directs you to do otherwise. Study and learn the
following signs and notice the shape of each sign has a
general or specific meaning.
Some crossbucks are equipped with both flashing
lights and a gate. Stop when the lights begin flashing
and before the gate comes down. Remain stopped until the
gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
Octagon Shape — Stop
This sign is the only eight-sided sign on
the roadway. It always means that there
is danger. It will always be red with
white lettering. It tells you that you are
approaching an important street or highway
and that you must bring your car to a complete stop, not going
beyond the crosswalk. IF you cannot see, then proceed
cautiously to a point where you can see, and then go only if
you can do so safely.
Diamond Shape — Hazardous Or Unusual
Condition Ahead
These signs call for caution and usually for a
slower speed. Some carry written
information. Others are miniature
symbolic road maps that warn of
highway conditions ahead. This sign tells
you that you are approaching an intersection.
The black lines show just what kind of
intersection this is. This sign tells you it is a crossroad.
Four-Way or All Way: Red Rectangle - Added
below a stop sign, it means all traffic approaching
this intersection must stop.
Triangular Shape — Yield
Rectangular Shape - Special Laws, Regulations
or Important Information
This three-sided sign means that you are
approaching an intersection and must stop
and wait when other vehicles are
approaching from the right or left on the
other roadway. If you are sure no other cars
are coming you need not come to a complete
stop but you must slow down and enter the
intersection with caution. Always stop when traffic is heavy.
Lane Control: The signs below indicate that traffic in the
respective lanes must either move straight through or turn left.
They may also direct certain vehicles (such as trucks) to the
lane in which they must travel. Variations of these signs will
Round Shape — Railroad Ahead
This circular sign always means that you are
approaching a railroad grade crossing. You must slow
down and be ready to stop. This sign tells you that it is
up to you to stop if you see a train coming. NEVER
SPEED. More than 200 traffic
crashes occur each year at railroad
crossings. Do not play with your life
trying to "beat the train."
or make a left turn. Never straddle lanes or drive in the center
lane when moving more slowly than other traffic around you.
limit turns by showing an arrow with the word "Only," and
others will indicate that traffic must turn right. These signs are
sometimes mounted overhead.
No Passing Signs: These signs tell you
where passing is not permitted. Passing
areas are based on how far you can see
ahead. They consider unseen hazards such
as hills and curves, intersections,
driveways and other places a
vehicle may enter the
This sign (High Occupancy Vehicle)
indicates lanes reserved for buses and
vehicles with the minimum number of
occupants specified on the sign.
Speed Control: These signs show the
maximum speed allowed, the minimum
speed required or a change in speed limit. The sign on the far
right is used whenever children are within walking distance of
school. It tells you that children may be crossing the street on
their way to and from school. This type of sign is controlled
by a time clock and flashes yellow lights while illuminating
the speed limit. Failure to obey the posted school zone limit
could result in serious injury or loss of life.
A triangular No Passing
Zone sign can also be used.
These signs are yellow or orange and
placed on the left side of the roadway.
Signs having a white background and a red circle and a line
diagonally through them mean "NO" according to what is
shown behind the red symbol. For example:
Regulatory Signs
This sign tells you that, in the area where
this sign is placed, parking is forbidden.
This sign tells you
that you are
approaching a oneway street and that
you must not enter
from the direction you are traveling.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to stand on a
roadway to solicit a ride. Hitchhiking is
not only dangerous for the pedestrian,
but also to the driver of the vehicle who
stops to pick up a stranger. It is
recommended that you neither hitchhike
nor pick up hitchhikers.
This sign is used on a highway that has more
than one lane going each direction. It means
that you must drive in the extreme right lane
unless you want to pass a slower moving car
This sign warns you that the road ahead
narrows, and that you must plan to move
into the left lane. Don't forget to check
behind you before beginning this move.
And be sure to signal your intentions.
Warning Signs - Diamond Shape (Yellow)
These signs are to be carefully observed, always using slower
speeds. As seen below, there are numerous messages to know.
Become familiar with these signs so that each message can be
quickly understood and followed.
This sign alerts you to the
possibility of traffic blending into the main
stream of travel. After checking to your
rear, you should move into the other
lane, if possible, to allow the merging
motorist a clear path.
This sign tells you to be prepared for a
rather sharp turn to the left. The turn sign
is used to mark turns with a
recommended speed of 30 m.p.h. or less.
Curve Sign: This sign tells you that you
must be prepared for a curve to the right.
The curve sign is used to mark curves
with recommended speeds in the range
between 30 and 55 m.p.h.
This sign tells you that the bridge is too
narrow to be safe at average passing
speeds. Slow down and drive
cautiously when crossing a bridge that
displays this sign.
Reverse Turn Sign: This sign tells you that you
must turn right, then left. The reverse turn sign
is used to mark two turns in opposite
directions that are less than 600 feet apart.
You will see the following sign near school
grounds or buildings. It warns you to
slow down, drive with caution and watch
for children. This sign is placed as you
approach a school.
Advisory Speed Plate: The smaller sign
on the post beneath this sign is used to
supplement warning signs. It gives you the
recommended maximum safe speed.
You will see this sign — or one saying,
"SLIDES" in some hilly areas. Both of
these signs warn of rocks that may be in
the road, not of rocks which may strike
you from overhead. Watch the roadway,
not the hill.
This sign indicates that there is a STOP sign just ahead that
you cannot yet see. At this point, start to slow
down. A similar sign using a symbol shaped
like a traffic light and the black arrow
indicates there is a "traffic signal ahead."
This sign indicates that there is
a YIELD sign just ahead that you cannot
yet see. At this point, start to slow down.
This sign indicates that children are likely
to be in the area with a school bus loading
and unloading during the school season.
Electronic Message or Arrow Signs: These are mobile
devices that are often used on some roads to give advance
warning of construction zones, special traffic directions, road
closures or in some cases weather hazards.
Channeling Devices
Used to direct traffic flow.
Shows the distance from road
surface to the bottom of a bridge
or overpass
Flashing arrow panels alert
approaching drivers of lane
closures. You must begin to
merge into the remaining open
lane(s) well in advance of this sign.
You must turn right or left.
Be prepared to yield.
A sharp change in
direction ahead
Work Area Signs
These construction, maintenance or emergency operations
signs are generally diamond or rectangular shaped, orange with
black letters or symbols and warn you that people are working
on or near the roadway. These warnings include reduced speed,
detours, slow moving construction equipment and lane
closures. In work areas, a person with a sign or flag may
control traffic. You must obey the directions of these persons.
Law Enforcement
You will see Law Enforcement
Officers in the Fluorescent
Yellow-Green Vests and rain coats
during traffic related emergencies
to make sure they can be seen
under normal conditions and
under low light and poor weather
Construction Signs
Construction signs are generally diamond or rectangular
shaped and orange with black letters symbols. Their purpose
is to warn drivers that people are working on or near the
roadway. The warnings include reduced speed, detours, slow
moving construction equipment and lane closures.
Highway Flaggers
You will see flaggers, such as the ones pictured below, at
numerous construction sites along roadways.
Flaggers along with utility workers, construction worker and
other emergency personnel directing traffic, can also be seen
wearing FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN clothing, vests
and hard helmets in these construction work zones This is in
addition to fluorescent orange to make sure they can be seen
by drivers under normal conditions and improve being seen
under low light and poor weather conditions.
Channeling Devices
Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones
are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely
through work zones. When driving near these devices, keep
your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted
speed limit. As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and
maintain your speed. Don't change lanes until you are
completely clear of the work zone.
Please learn these three simple signals, since they are the most
commonly used by construction flaggers. Flaggers, at some
worksites, may use paddles with the word stop on one side and
slow on the other, instead of red flags. The basic hand
movements for stop and proceed remain the same, whether a
flag or paddle is used.
Interstate Route Marker
Blue and red signs, like the one on the
right, indicate that the route is part of the
national system of interstate and defense
highways. These highways join centers of
population and defense establishments.
They also join with the major international
highways at the Mexican and Canadian borders. They are part
of a nationwide network of the most important highways.
Guide Signs On Highways
These are signs to help you while
driving on Tennessee's Interstate
Highways. The signs are above or
to the right of the highway with
the arrows pointing to the lane you
should be in if you intend to enter
or leave the road.
Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem
Recognize this sign. Some day (or night) it may save your
life. Look at it!
This sign is seen on Interstates and
Expressways. The background is
green with white letters and/or
numbers visible at some distance.
Such signs give information vital to
selection of lane, proper exits, etc.
During daylight, the bright fluorescent orange solid triangle in
the center of the SMV emblem is highly visible. At night, the
SMV emblem glows brilliantly in the path of approaching
You may see this emblem on slow-moving vehicles, such as
farm tractors, machinery, construction equipment or horsedrawn vehicles.
Object Marker
These markers warn you of objects, not
actually in the roadway, but so close to the
edge of the road that need marking.
Typical applications include bridge ends,
underpass abutments and other obstructions
closely adjacent to the edges of roadways.
If an interstate guide sign is marked with the above sign, all
traffic in the lane(s) directly below the arrows MUST exit.
Service Signs
to left
The blue color of these signs
directs motorists to service
facilities. Word message signs
will also be used to direct
motorists to areas where service
stations, restaurants and motels
are available.
to right
Guide Signs for Highways
A sign, such as the one to the right, (shown
as State 44 and US 41) will indicate two
highways are coming together or
separating. The sign (marked as
44) is a state secondary route. The
sign to the right (marked as
Highway 41) indicates a U.S.
highway route that will reach into another state. U.S. Route
signs consists of black numerals on a white shield
surrounded by a black background without a border.
Handicap Symbol
Parking spaces displaying this blue sign are reserved for
vehicles bearing disabled veteran or
handicapped license plates, or a special
handicapped decal. The convenience and
availability of these spaces is important for
disabled citizens. The use of reserved
handicapped spaces by others is prohibited
by law.
The sign in lower left is a state primary
route. Drivers should become
thoroughly familiar with route numbers
and signs they must follow when
beginning a trip from one area to
(Primarily Connects Cities)
comes on, do not stop, but continue cautiously through the
intersection. Tennessee law only requires the yellow light to
be exhibited for a minimum of three seconds before the red
Directional Signs
The green background
signs indicate that the
message is providing
directional information.
Directional signs point to
bike and hiking trails.
Collisions often happen at intersections on yellow lights. Not
only is it dangerous to ignore the yellow light, you may hold
up oncoming traffic that receives the green light. Please be
aware that some drivers often "jump the green" and start
through an intersection, because they have seen the yellow
light come on from the crossing directions. If you try to "beat
the yellow" and another driver decides to "jump the green"
the results could be deadly!
Emergency Reference Markers
In order to help motorists better identify
their location on urban interstates, the
state has installed interstate reference
markers every 1,000 feet along heavily
traveled sections. These have been
installed in Nashville, Knoxville,
Memphis, Jackson and Chattanooga.
The signs display information about the
route number, direction of travel and the
"log mile" in tenths of a
mile. Most are mounted on median dividers.
Motorists with mobile phones who notify
emergency operators about incidents can give
an accurate description of the exact location
where assistance is needed. This will help
emergency personnel respond more rapidly,
and possibly make the difference between life
and death. It will also help clear the highways
more quickly. In the sample (at right), this sign
indicates the location as: West Bound on
Interstate 40 at mile marker 223 and six tenths.
So the driver would be between mile markers
223 and 224.
GREEN: Go IF the intersection is clear. You must yield to
pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection at light change.
The green signal gives permission to proceed, BUT you must
still observe the laws of the right-of-way. Yield to oncoming
vehicles if you are turning left. Never attempt to "jump the
gun" by starting through the intersection early or by making a
quick left turn in front of oncoming traffic. This is extremely
PROTECTED ARROWS: At many intersections, you may
see what is called a "protected turn arrow." When the arrow is
green, you have the right-of-way and may drive the vehicle
only in the direction of the arrow, after yielding to vehicles and
pedestrians already in the intersection. When the arrow
changes to yellow, prepare
to yield to oncoming
traffic. When the arrow is
red or your lane has the red
light, all turns are
prohibited. This is true
Complete stop.
even if other lanes of traffic
Slow down and Same as stop sign.
have a green signal and
proceed with Look both ways,
your path through the
caution at the yield to traffic
and pedestrians
intersection appears to be
and proceed when
Traffic Signals are used to control vehicle drivers and
pedestrians at some intersections and crosswalks.
Signals promote better movement of traffic on busy
roads by assigning right of way.
it is safe to do so.
When traffic lights have added lights with directional arrows,
drivers may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the
movement indicated by the arrow. The light for your lane
controls the direction in which you may lawfully proceed.
Traffic Signals are usually placed at heavily traveled
intersections. These lights tell you when or where to
stop and go. A green light means you can go if it is
safe. A yellow light means caution—prepare to stop
for the red light. The red light always means stop.
Standard traffic lights are red, yellow and green, from top to
bottom respectively.
If traffic circumstances have left you in an intersection waiting
to make a left turn, and the light turns red, you should
complete the turn when the traffic clears. Do not try to back
up or stay in the intersection blocking traffic. Better yet, don't
find yourself in this situation! You should not pull into an
intersection to make a turn until your path is clear.
RED: Stop behind crosswalk or stop line. Unless otherwise
posted, you may turn right on red after coming to a complete
stop and when no pedestrians or cross traffic are present.
Malfunctioning Traffic Light:
YELLOW: Caution—prepare to stop. The red stop signal
will be exhibited immediately after the yellow light appears.
Adjust speed immediately to come to a smooth stop. You must
stop if it is safe to do so. Do not speed up to beat the light. If
you are already IN the intersection when the yellow light
What to do when the light is out!
Tennessee state law requires that if a signal is not working, the
intersection is to be treated as if it were a four-way stop
intersection. Stop as you would if there were stop signs in all
directions (This is covered in the Rules of the Road chapter).
Do not proceed until it is safe.
The right-of-way law says that if there are two or more
vehicles at the intersection stopping at the same time, the
driver on the left would yield to the driver on the right. The
driver on the right who arrives first gets to go first. However,
stay cautious and be sure it is safe to proceed even when you
are in the first car to reach the intersection.
Uniform Highway Markings
The information in this chapter is based on the United States
Department of Transportation's Federal Highway
Administration's (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, which all states' highway agencies must use in
marking and signing roadways. Because states continue to
update signage to conform with the federal requirements,
drivers may encounter both old and new markings and signs.
BE ALERT and follow directions.
1. Pedestrian Signals: Allow pedestrians to know when it is
legally permitted and safe to cross a street or intersection.
Tennessee law defines a pedestrian as any person afoot or
using a motorized or non-motorized wheelchair. Pedestrians
can protect themselves by observing the following rules:
(See the section on Traffic Lanes and Lane Usage starting at
page 59 in the Rules of the Road chapter).
A. "Walk" Sign: Many streets with significant pedestrian
traffic will have a pedestrian signal. The sign
displays the word "WALK" or a symbol of a
person walking when it is safe to cross the
street or intersection. Pedestrians, who have
started to cross the street or intersection when
the "WALK" sign or walking person
symbol appears, should continue as
quickly as possible to the other side of
the street before the signal shifts to
Lines and symbols on the roadway (1) divide the road into
lanes, (2) tell you when you may pass other vehicles or change
lanes, (3) indicate which lanes to use for turns, (4) define
pedestrian walkways and (5) show where you must stop for
signs or traffic signals. Line colors tell you if you are on a oneway or two-way roadway.
l. Edge and Lane Lines: Lines along the side of the road
show you where the edge of the road is located. A solid
white line indicates the right edge of the traffic lane on a
road. A solid or broken yellow line indicates the left edge of
traffic lanes going in your direction.
NOTE: At some intersections, there is a button near the base
of the pedestrian signal or stop light that must be pushed by
the pedestrian to activate the pedestrian signal to show the
"WALK" sign.
• If you ever find yourself with yellow to your right and
white to your left, you are going the wrong way.
• Remember, on a divided highway, the side of the
roadway to the left of the driver and nearest the median
always has a yellow line.
B. "Don't Walk" Sign:
Pedestrian signals indicate
when it is not permissible or
safe to cross a street or
intersection. When the pedestrian signal shows the
words "DON'T WALK," or a symbol of a raised hand
appears, it is not safe to begin crossing a street or
intersection. As a driver, pay attention to the traffic
signals and pedestrian signals in order to anticipate when
a pedestrian may begin to cross the street.
• The right side of the roadway will always have a white
It is a good way to confirm you are
traveling the right direction when
entering an unfamiliar roadway.
A. Yellow Lane Markings: Lines
separating traffic moving in
opposite directions are yellow.
Yellow lines are also used to mark a
boundary or barrier of the travel
path at the location of a particular
hazard, such as bridge supports, etc.
2. Lane Control Signals: The signals below may appear as
single or multiple units over each lane of the road. They are
most often used when the direction of the flow of traffic
changes during different hours of the day. Also, these
signals indicate whether toll plaza lanes are open or closed.
Driving in this
lane is permitted
If flashing lane is
for turning only; if
solid direction of
lane is changing
Driving is NOT
permitted in this
Broken yellow lines mean that
you MAY cross the line to pass
if there is no oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.
Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic mean
you MAY NOT cross the lines from either direction,
even if no oncoming traffic is in view. You may cross
a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway or side road
if it is safe to do so.
One solid yellow line and one broken yellow: Where
there is both a solid and a broken yellow line between
opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid
yellow line is on your side. If the broken yellow line
is on your side, you are in the "passing zone" and may
pass if it is safe to do so. You must safely return to
your side of the roadway before the passing zone ends.
marked), and (C) Stop the vehicle before the front bumper
crosses the white edge line of the cross street, in order to keep
the vehicle from protruding out into the cross street traffic.
4. High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)
Lanes are designated on highways by
a diamond-shaped marking in the
center of the lane. HOV lanes may
also be special lanes separated by a
barrier. During heavy traffic periods,
HOV lanes are reserved for buses,
vanpools, motorcycles, carpools and
other high occupancy vehicles. Road
signs indicate the minimum number of
passengers a vehicle must carry to use
the HOV lanes and the times that HOV
restrictions are in effect. Also effective
January 1, 2009, registered low emission and energy efficient
vehicles with the proper decal may use the HOV lane
regardless of the number of passengers.
B. White Lane Markings - Multiple lanes of traffic that
flow in the same direction are separated by white lane
markings. You will find white lane markings on
freeways, limited access highways, bypasses and oneway streets.
• Broken white lines between
lanes of traffic mean you may
cross the lines to pass or
change lanes if it is safe to do
5. Turn Lane Arrow: If you are
traveling in a lane marked with a
curved arrow and the word ONLY,
you must turn in the direction of the
arrow. If your lane is marked with
both a curved and a straight arrow,
you may turn in the direction of the
arrow or you may go straight.
One solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you
should stay in your lane and MAY NOT cross the line to pass
(unless an emergency situation requires you to change lanes).
2. Crosswalks - White crosswalk lines are painted across a
road to indicate pedestrian crossing areas. Crosswalks define
the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway and may be
located at intersections or in the middle of a block. However,
not all crosswalks are marked. You must yield the right-ofway to pedestrians who are in or are about to enter the
crosswalk or street.
• Double or triple arrows indicate more than one movement
is permitted.
• Single arrows indicate only one mandatory direction is
3. Stop Lines - White stop lines are
painted on the pavement across
traffic lanes, usually at intersections,
to indicate the vehicle stopping
position, before traffic signs or
signals. (A) If the motorist is
required to stop at the intersection,
the vehicle must be stopped behind
this stop line. If no stop line is
painted on the pavement, all vehicles
required to stop must: (B) Stop the
vehicle before crossing the first line
of the crosswalk (if the crosswalk is
Stop Line (A)
Crosswalk (B)
6. White Crossbuck with RR: A
white crossbuck and the letters RR
are painted on the pavement as a
warning marker for many
railroad/highway grade crossings.
Neither (C)
Chapter 3 – Chapter Sample Test Questions
The page number shown with each question tells where correct
answers can be located. Remember, these are just samples of
possible questions that may be included in your actual test.
You may receive a test with completely different questions in
whole or in part. Here are some sample test questions. Also,
answers to all the study questions can be found in the back of
the book.
The sign at right means:
A. Slow down and yield to traffic
on main road when merging.
B. Always come to a complete stop.
C. Give your turn signal and proceed
into traffic at regular speed.
Page 36
What does a traffic signal with a yellow left arrow
indicate to the driver?
A. Prepare to yield to oncoming traffic.
B. Protected left turn is about to end.
C. Both of the above.
Page 41
The center of the roadway is marked with one solid
yellow line and one broken yellow line. If the broken
yellow line is on the right of the solid yellow line
(your side) it means:
A. You are not allowed to pass in this area.
B. You are in a "passing zone" and it is safe to pass
other vehicles if no oncoming traffic is present.
C. You are only allowed to make right turns in this
Page 43
Section B-4 RULES OF THE ROAD
This chapter highlights key traffic laws and safe driving
principles related to those laws. A more complete discussion of
driving techniques is found in Section C of this manual,
Safety Tips for Safe Driving and Sharing the Road.
you to see persons or vehicles clearly at a distance of
200 feet ahead; and
When rain, mist, snow, or other precipitation requires
constant use of windshield wipers.
Headlights turned on during daylight hours will make your
vehicle easier to see to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
Use headlights when driving at dusk. Even if you can see
clearly, headlights help other drivers see you as much as they
help you see them. Get into the habit of turning headlights on
when using windshield wipers. Remember, using headlights
when wipers are in use is not just a good safety precaution
— it's Tennessee law!
Even on a short trip, you may be faced with many dangerous
driving conditions. Statistics show that half of all vehicle
crashes occur within 25 miles of home. The rules of the road
are those laws, regulations and practices that provide safe
vehicle movement on the roadways: signaling, turning,
passing and stopping.
• Learn the traffic rules and follow them.
• Be willing to yield to other drivers to avoid a crash.
• Always watch carefully for advance warning and
information signs.
• Be a courteous driver.
• Always obey instructions of traffic officers.
• Dimming of Headlights Required: When your vehicle's
high beam headlights are on, you must dim or lower the
beam when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet
(approximately the distance of one city block) or when
you are following another vehicle within 500 feet.
Dimming headlights when following other vehicles is an
important safety step. The glare from your headlights in a
rear view mirror can blind another driver including a
Driving on the Right Side of
the Road
In the United States, Canada and most
other countries, right hand traffic is
the rule. This means we drive on the
right side of the road, and turn right
when going around traffic circles,
roundabouts or town squares.
• Limited Use of Parking Lights or Auxiliary Fog Lights:
The following procedures should be followed when using
these types of lights:
Obeying Officers
You must obey traffic officers at all times. There will be times
when an officer will instruct you to do something that
ordinarily would be a violation of traffic regulations. The
officer will do this only in case of an emergency when it is the
only way to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely. A
common example: A police officer holding up traffic at a
green light and permitting a funeral procession to continue
through a red light.
Coasting Prohibited
While traveling on a downgrade, NEVER coast with the
transmission of the vehicle in neutral. Also, drivers of manual
transmission vehicles must not coast with the clutch depressed.
Driving in neutral and/or with the clutch depressed reduces the
driver's control of the car.
The law requires a vehicle stopped or parked on a
road or shoulder to have parking lights on when
limited visibility conditions exist.
Do not drive a vehicle with only the parking lights on
when driving at night or in inclement weather. The
small size of parking lights may cause other drivers to
think your vehicle is farther away than it actually is.
When there is limited visibility, the use of parking
lights alone is not only unsafe, it is against the law.
It is also illegal to have auxiliary lights or fog lights
on by themselves or on at times when you are
required to dim high beam headlights. These very
bright lights make it difficult for oncoming drivers to
see, and the glare may reflect blindingly in the rear
view mirror of vehicles you are following.
• Daytime Running Lights: Some newer vehicles have
headlights that are on anytime the vehicle is running.
These lights make it easier for others to see the vehicle,
even in daylight. This reduces the likelihood of collisions.
Use of Headlights
• Required Night Use: Your car headlights must be turned
on 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
Litter is an unsightly problem
across the State of Tennessee
creating an eyesore for our
scenic roads and highways.
Throwing cigarette butts, food sacks, tobacco products, papers,
• Required Daylight / Inclement Weather Use: Also, your
car headlights must be turned on:
1. At any time when daylight is not good enough for
cans, bottles or disposing of other material from vehicles are
all forms of littering. Littering not only harms the
environment we enjoy here in Tennessee but also poses a
potential traffic hazard and risk to you and your family.
general safety principle. The BSR does not set an exact speed
limit; instead, it teaches that the speed you may drive is
limited by current conditions. For example, if the posted
speed limit is 65 m.p.h., and you are driving at night on a twolane state highway and it's raining or foggy, 65 m.p.h. is too
fast for those conditions.
Tennessee law requires any motor vehicle transporting litter or
any material, likely to fall or be blown off onto the highway, to
be in an enclosed space or fully covered by a tarpaulin.
To obey the BSR, think about your speed in relation to other
traffic (including pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles), the
surface and width of the road, hazards at intersections,
weather, visibility and any other conditions that could affect
Prevention of littering is a major savings of your tax dollar.
Costly cleanup of litter is required before our roadways can
receive certain maintenance services such as roadside grass
Principles of the Basic Speed Rule:
Littering is against state law. Fines start at $50 and can be
up to $500 based upon the amount of litter. A person
convicted of littering is required to spend up to 40 hours of
public service removing litter and at the discretion of the
court, spend up to 8 additional hours of working in a waste
recycling center. Littering can be very costly. Let's keep
Tennessee clean – don't litter!
1. Your speed must be careful and prudent. Use skill and good
2. Your speed must be reasonable and proper, not too fast and
not too slow, for any conditions including:
• Amount of Traffic - How many cars on the road
• Speed of Traffic - How fast or slow it's moving
• Whether Pedestrians are Present - Especially children in
school zones or neighborhoods
Slow-Moving Vehicles
It is against the law to drive slower than the posted minimum
speed under normal driving conditions. You may drive more
slowly than the minimum speed if you are driving in bad
weather, heavy traffic or on a bad road. If there is no posted
minimum speed, it is still against the law to drive so slowly
that you block traffic.
• Surface of the Road - Rough or smooth, paved, gravel,
• Width of the Road - One-lane, two-lane, four-lane
• Structure of the Road - Straight, curving, bridges, narrow
shoulders, etc.
• Visibility - How far ahead you can see clearly
NOTE: You are considered to be driving a slow-moving
vehicle if you are traveling at a rate of speed that is 10 miles
per hour or more below the lawful maximum speed. If five or
more vehicles are lined up behind you, turn or pull off the
roadway as soon as you can do so safely. Slow drivers, who
block other traffic, cause many accidents.
• Weather Conditions - Rain, snow, ice, fog, etc.
• Your Own Driving Ability
3. Do not drive so slowly that you block, hinder, or interfere
with other vehicles moving at normal speeds.
4. Your speed must be adjusted to conditions so you can stop
within a clear distance ahead.
Remember, slower is not always safer.
Funeral Procession
If you drive at a speed that is unsafe for existing conditions in
any area, you are violating the basic rule. This applies even if
you are driving slower than the posted speed or maximum
In Tennessee, it is a common and accepted practice for
oncoming traffic to pull to the side of the roadway as a sign of
respect when meeting a funeral precession. Tennessee law
instructs the following:
• Vehicles following a funeral procession on a two-lane
roadway may not attempt to pass such procession; and
Example: You are driving in a line of downtown traffic and
the car ahead of you stops suddenly. If you cannot stop in
time to avoid hitting that car from behind, you are either
breaking the BSR - even if you were driving within the posted
speed limit - or you are following too closely.
• No operator of a vehicle shall drive between vehicles in a
properly identified funeral procession except when
directed to do so by a traffic officer.
The Basic Speed Rule
The speed at which you drive determines how much time you
have to act or react and how long it takes to stop. The higher
the speed, the less time drivers have to spot hazards. Judge
the speed of other traffic, and react to avoid the mistakes of
other drivers.
The Basic Speed Rule (BSR) is not a Tennessee law, but it is a
Speed is a major contributing factor that causes fatal accidents
in Tennessee. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on
primary and secondary state and federal highways is 55 m.p.h.
When driving, adjust your speed to flow along with the speed
at which other traffic is moving - provided the other traffic is
traveling within the posted speed limit. Slow drivers are as
likely to become involved in accidents as speeders. If most
vehicles are traveling between 50 and 55 m.p.h., you are least
likely to have an accident if you stay within that speed range.
maintenance or utility work is being done to the road, its
shoulders or any other items related to the roadway. This
includes work, such as underground and overhead utility work,
tree trimming and survey activities. Highway work zones are
easily recognized by the presence
of orange (or yellow-green) signs
and other orange traffic control
devices, flashing lights on
equipment and workers dressed in highly
visible clothing (orange or yellow-green).
Interstate Speed Limits
The maximum speed set by Tennessee law for interstate
highways is 70 m.p.h. This speed does not apply to ALL
sections of the interstate highway system. It may be set as low
as 55 m.p.h. in some larger urban areas where there is more
traffic congestion. The maximum limit should be driven only
in ideal driving conditions. You must reduce your speed when
conditions require it.
Highway workers are trained on how to
set up safe zones with directional traffic signs and
devices. Motorists and pedestrians are responsible for
knowing how to read and react to these directions. Paying
attention and driving cautiously and courteously are the most
important steps to preventing crashes while driving through
highway work zones.
Example: Reduce speed for (1) curves, (2) when the roadway
is slippery (during rain, snow, icy conditions), or (3) when it is
foggy and difficult to see clearly.
Rural Interstate Limits
70 m.p.h. is the speed posted on most of the rural sections of
Tennessee interstate highways.
Urban Interstate Limits
In the more congested urban or metropolitan areas of
Tennessee interstates, the limit is typically 55 m.p.h.
Work zone crashes are preventable. Drivers
must obey the reduced speed limit, and pay
close attention to the ever changing
traffic lanes and detours in the
construction work zone. Law
enforcement also provides increased
patrols in work zone areas. State figures
for 2012 show 12 persons died, 990 injured and
there were 1,996 cases of property damage in
work zone crashes in Tennessee.
NOTE: It is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle less
than 55 m.p.h. in the left most lane of any
Interstate highway, unless traffic congestion
and flow prevent safe driving at such speed.
On the interstates, the minimum speed limit in
the right lane(s) is 45 m.p.h., and under normal
driving conditions, all vehicles must travel at least
this fast so they are not a hazard to other drivers. If the
minimum posted speed limit is too fast for you, use another
Watch for speed limit changes! The state, counties and
municipalities each have the authority to set speed limits for
the roadways/highways under their control. Therefore, you
could see some sections of interstate within some city limits
set at 60 or 65 m.p.h. On the secondary streets
and highways, these limits will change
according to certain zones. Some residential
roads or city streets may have limits as low as
25 or 35 m.p.h. at all times. Watch carefully
and obey speed limit signs in business,
residential and school zones.
Drivers must know and understand the safe and proper braking
procedures for vehicles. This includes the principles of
allowing adequate following distances or "safety cushion"
around your vehicle and the laws of required stops (signs,
signals, railroad crossings, school buses, etc.). It is important
to read the owner's manual of your vehicle to learn the safe
and proper operation of your brake system.
By law, all automobiles must have two separate methods of
applying brakes. Commonly, these are the vehicle's regular
brakes (foot brake) and a parking or emergency brake
(sometimes referred to as a "hand brake"). In this section, we
will focus on use of the regular vehicle brakes. For
information on use of the parking brake,
see the section on backing and parking
that begins on page 64.
Speeding in School Zones: Speed limits in all school zones
are regulated when children are going to or from the school or
during a school recess hour. Exceeding the school zone
speed limit is by law considered to be reckless driving. The
penalty includes an automatic six points added to your driving
record, which automatically results in an advisory letter being
sent to you.
Speeding in Highway Work Zones: Highway work zones
are those portions of a street or highway where construction,
1. Braking: You will encounter numerous driving situations,
such as speed zone changes and merging traffic, that will
require proper braking techniques. (1) You should apply your
brakes slowly and evenly by applying gradual pressure. (2)
Start braking early as a signal to the cars behind you. (3) If
you brake too strong or quickly, you could skid and lose
control of your vehicle. (4) A sudden stop makes it harder for
drivers behind you to stop without hitting your vehicle.
"covering the brake" means the driver's foot needs to hover
over the brake or between the brake and gas pedals for quicker
response time. "Riding the brake" is keeping your foot resting
or slightly pressed down on the brake. This adds much wear
and tear on the vehicle's brake system, and also gives other
drivers the false impression that a stop is imminent. Covering
the brake is often smart and a safe driving practice; Riding
the brake is NOT a safe practice.
2. Following Distances: Obey speed limit laws and know the
proper braking procedures that must be used for maintaining
safe following distance between your car and other vehicles.
IMPORTANT: As a general rule for vehicles without
anti-lock brakes, if the car starts to skid, take your foot off the
brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid;
This is recommended, if you can do so without running off the
road, hitting something, or steering into oncoming traffic.
Tennessee law states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not
follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and
prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and
the traffic upon and the condition of the highway."
• With a standard transmission, you can use the gearshift to
slow down when approaching a stop sign or signal. First,
flash the brake lights to signal any cars behind you. Then,
shift down to a lower gear.
When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react.
Give yourself this time by keeping a "space cushion" around
your vehicle. This space cushion will give you room to brake
and avoid hazards when needed. Good drivers keep this safe
following distance or space cushion to have a better view of
the road. The more space you allow between your car and the
car ahead, the more time you will have to see and react to
traffic hazards or crashes down the road.
• Many of today's cars are equipped with 4 wheel anti-lock
braking systems (ABS). Read the instructions in your
vehicle's owner manual to learn the safe and proper
operation of ABS.
A general overview of ABS braking procedures includes:
Many drivers don't see as well as they should because they
follow too closely (tailgating). The vehicle ahead of them
blocks their view of traffic and road conditions. Rear-end
crashes are very common and most of these crashes are caused
by drivers who are "tailgating."
• When slowing or stopping, apply firm, steady pressure to
the brake pedal. Never pump the pedal with ABS.
• Always brake and steer when using anti-lock brakes -With ABS, you "brake and steer." Push the brake pedal
while steering around hazards and keep your foot firmly
on the brake pedal until the car comes to a stop. Do not
take your foot off the pedal or pump the brakes because
that will disengage the anti-lock system.
The Two-Second Rule
To share the road safely, stay a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of you. Nationally, safety agencies and driver
education programs have tried to define a safe following
distance for drivers to maintain. This has ranged from a two to
four second following distance. Use the following tips to
determine if you are following too closely:
• If you are braking to avoid an emergency or crash,
gradually steer the car around any obstacles. ABS was
designed to prevent vehicles from locking wheels and to
allow drivers to steer when skidding.
• Expect noise and vibration in the brake pedal when
your ABS is in use -- These sensations tell you ABS is
Additional information on ABS begins on Page 96 of this
Regardless of the type of brake system you have, always be
prepared to brake unexpectedly. There are some instances
when drivers should be especially alert, including:
A. As the car ahead of you passes a stationary point on the
road (a sign post, driveway, utility pole, etc.), count the
seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. (In the
illustration below, you are driving the red vehicle.)
• When driving next to parked cars
• When approaching any type of intersection
B. Count to yourself "one-thousand and one, one-thousand
and two," etc. You should NOT reach the same point on
the road before you finish counting to at least "onethousand-two." If you do, you are following too closely.
• When approaching traffic signals and crosswalks
• When driving in a school zone or residential area
• When seeing brake lights of other cars
C. Slow down slightly to increase the space between you
and the other vehicle. Find another spot to check your
new following distance. Repeat this exercise until you
are following no closer than two seconds.
• When driving in heavy, slow moving traffic.
Drivers should know the difference between "covering the
brake" and "riding the brake." In situations listed above,
This principle will hold true at any speed on state and U.S.
highways with moderate speed limits. However, during
inclement weather, interstate highway driving at higher speeds
and night driving, the two-second rule should be increased to
allow for improved visibility. A minimum of four seconds
should allow for better reaction time and a safer space cushion
under these conditions including following a motorcycle.
You need to know how long it takes to stop any vehicle you
drive. Vehicles cannot stop all at once. It
takes long distances to come to a
controlled, safe and complete
3. Stopping Distances: Be alert and know when you will
have to stop well ahead of time. Stopping suddenly is
dangerous and usually indicates that a driver was not paying
attention, was speeding or was not allowing a safe following
distance. Try to avoid panic stops by seeing events well in
advance. By slowing down or changing lanes, you may not
have to stop at all, and if you do, it can be a more gradual and
safer stop. As a rule, it is best to never stop on the road, unless
necessary for safety or to obey a law (stop sign, etc.).
There are three steps in stopping a vehicle:
required for perception of the hazard. According to the
National Safety Council, a lightweight passenger car traveling
at 50 m.p.h. can stop in about 200 feet. The distance required
to stop your vehicle is important in helping you choose a safe
driving speed. These charts can be used as a rough guide, but
your actual stopping distance will depend upon many factors
specific to the situation you encounter.
• Perception time: The length of time it takes a driver to
see and recognize a dangerous situation.
• Reaction time: The time from perception of danger to the
start of braking. The average is 2/3 of a second, as noted
in blue section of charts on the next page.
Tennessee law states: Every driver approaching a stop sign
shall stop before entering the nearest side of a crosswalk, or
stop at a clearly marked stop line. If neither is present, then
(1) stop at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where the
driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting
roadway, and (2) stop before entering the actual intersection.
• Braking time: This depends on the type and condition of
vehicle brakes, as well as vehicle speed.
About .50 second
About .66 second
Varies by speed
See/hear danger
Brain tells foot to
Foot presses brake
pedal until car stops
Tennessee Code defines "stop" as "complete cessation of
• Type and condition of the road/pavement;
You are responsible for knowing the proper stopping
procedures required by this law. At stop signs and right-turnon-red intersections, come to a COMPLETE stop (not a
rolling stop) and go only when traffic is clear. Approaching
traffic should not have to slow down or change lanes for your
• Type and condition of vehicle tires and brakes;
You should:
Stopping distance can vary widely due to many factors:
• Come to a full and complete stop at the stop sign or traffic
signal. Often, a wide white stop line will be painted on
the pavement in line with
the sign. You must stop
your vehicle behind this
• Vehicle design and condition of the shock absorbers;
• Vehicle weight when loaded or towing.
It takes longer to stop than most people realize. Suppose
you're driving on the interstate at night at the maximum limit
of 70 m.p.h. A deer suddenly appears in your headlights. Will
you be able to stop in time?
• If no pavement markings
are present, stop when the
front of your vehicle is
even with the stop sign's
placement on the roadside.
It will take 1.16 seconds for you to see the deer and move your
foot to the brake. Before you even start to brake, you will
have traveled 128 feet. If you're on a good road in good
weather, the braking distance at 70 m.p.h. will be 290 feet.
Your total stopping distance has now reached 418 feet, nearly
the length of one-and-a-half football fields!
• If you cannot see whether
the intersection is clear of
crossing traffic, edge up
slowly until traffic is
clearly visible from both
The chart (top right) shows "average" stopping distances
(based on tests made by the Federal Highway Administration)
for vehicles under ideal conditions. Note: This chart does not
include the distance you will travel in the 1/2 second of time
• If the intersection where
the stop sign/traffic signal is placed has a crosswalk for
pedestrians marked on the pavement, you must stop before
the front of your vehicle reaches the nearest white line
marking the border of the crosswalk.
• There is a better chance of seeing possible hazards,
because the driver who comes to a full stop has a longer
observation period at the intersection.
• If two drivers are traveling at right angles to one another,
and both fail to stop, a collision is almost a certainty.
• Police and insurance companies will hold the driver who
fails to stop completely liable in the event of a crash,
possibly resulting in fines, loss of license, increased
insurance rates or loss of insurance coverage.
• If there are pedestrians in the crosswalk or about to enter
the crosswalk, you must wait for them to cross before
• Once the crosswalk is clear, you may slowly edge forward
to check traffic before crossing the intersection or entering
the roadway.
Stopping for Railroad Crossings
• When stopping behind another vehicle already stopped at
the intersection, make sure you allow adequate "gap"
space between the vehicles so you are not "tailgating."
Railroad crossings have pavement markings that include a
large crossbuck ("X"), the letters "RR", a no-passing zone
stripe and a stop line. Railroad crossing collisions should not
happen. When they do, it usually
means drivers are not paying
attention to signs, pavement
markings and other warnings that
tell when a train is coming.
A basic rule of thumb is that you should be able to see the
license plate and/or the other vehicle's back tire where it
meets the pavement. This "gap" provides a safety zone in the
event that the other vehicle rolls back slightly or stalls. If the
vehicle stalls, you would still be able to maneuver around it
safely. The gap provides a way out in the event of an
emergency, such as another vehicle approaching from behind
so fast that you may need to move to avoid a rear-end
Look Again!
Every motor vehicle should be driven at a rate of speed that
will permit the vehicle to be stopped before reaching the
nearest rail of a railroad crossing. The vehicle should not be
driven over the crossing until all railroad tracks are completely
clear of train traffic. Violations of railroad signals or signs
carry the same penalties as violations of other traffic control
• Once the vehicle in front of you has moved on through the
intersection, you may move forward to the stop line.
Remember, you still must bring your vehicle to a FULL
STOP at the stop line.
• A complete stop is required at a flashing red traffic light,
just as with a stop sign.
When you approach a railroad crossing and a train is coming,
you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad tracks.
• After you have stopped, if there is no traffic from the right
or left, you may proceed. When there is traffic on the
crossroad (right to left) and/or oncoming traffic (heading
toward you) from the other side of the intersection, you
must follow the right-of-way procedures. (Right-of-Way
rules are discussed in depth later in this chapter.)
Wait until the train has
passed and it is safe to cross
before proceeding across the
tracks. The following are
indications that a train is
approaching an intersection:
• The crossing has a
crossbuck sign with
flashing lights to warn drivers when a train is
• You must stop completely when directed to stop by a flag
person at a road construction site or by a police officer
directing you to stop in any situation.
Rolling Stops:
Rolling stops are dangerous and illegal. A rolling stop occurs
when the driver only slows down for a stop sign or traffic
signal and proceeds through the intersection or turn without
bringing the vehicle to a full and complete stop. A complete
stop is required by law. Most law enforcement officers and
driver education instructors agree that a vehicle has not come
to a complete stop until the driver feels the car lurch forward
after all motion has ceased. Rolling stops are grounds for
receiving a traffic ticket AND for failing the driver
examination road test.
• The crossing has a crossing gate that is lowered, blocking
access to the railroad tracks when a train is approaching.
• A human flagger signals drivers that a train is
• Trains are required to signal a horn when they are
approximately 1,500 feet from passing through a railroad
• An approaching train is visible to the driver.
The following are reasons to avoid rolling stops:
• A driver may not see a child or other pedestrian who may
think the car will follow the law and come to a complete
Never drive across a railroad crossing when any of the
above indications of an approaching train are present.
Trains move very quickly. Trying to "beat" a train is
can have tragic results. You must stop and remain stopped
extremely dangerous for the vehicle driver, as well as people
on the train.
• The bus has started moving, OR
Tennessee law requires certain vehicles to stop at all
railroad grade/highway crossings, whether or not any signs
or signals are activated when the vehicle approaches the
crossing. As a driver, you must be aware of this requirement
so you will be prepared to meet or follow these vehicles when
they have stopped at the crossing.
• The driver motions for you to proceed, OR
• The visual signals are no longer activated such as the red
flashing lights go off and/or the stop arm is pulled back.
When the yellow lights on the
front and back of the bus are
flashing the bus is preparing to
stop to load or unload children.
Motorists should slow down and
prepare to stop their vehicles.
The vehicles listed below are required by law to stop before
crossing ANY railroad grade crossing:
• Church or school buses, regardless of whether such buses
are carrying any passengers at the time of crossing;
• Common carriers, such as taxis or other vehicles
transporting passengers for hire;
• Vehicles transporting flammables, explosives or other
dangerous articles as cargo or part of a cargo.
When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is
extended this indicates that the bus HAS stopped and
that children are now
getting on or off the bus.
Motorists must stop their
cars and wait until the red
flashing lights are turned
off, the stop arm is
withdrawn, and the bus
begins moving before they
start driving again.
Buses at a railroad crossing will pull to the right. The side
movement of the vehicle, along with its stoplights, is a very
clear signal, day or night, that the vehicle is preparing to stop.
You must be alert to this type of movement by buses. Tanker
trucks and other vehicles, required to stop at all railroad tracks,
will usually signal such a stop by displaying emergency
flashers of the vehicle to alert other drivers to the impending
The School Bus Stop Law
Meeting A School Bus:
Any driver meeting a school
bus or church bus on which
the red stop warning signal
lights are flashing should reduce his speed and bring the
vehicle to a complete stop while the bus stop signal arm is
extended. The vehicle must remain stopped until the stop arm
is pulled back and the bus resumes motion.
When a school bus is
stopped at an intersection to
load and unload children,
drivers from ALL directions
are required to stop until the
bus resumes motion (as
shown by the red vehicles in
the diagram at right). It is a Class A misdemeanor and the
driver can be fined between $250 and $1,000 for not stopping
for a stopped school bus.
Overtaking A School Bus:
Any driver approaching a
school bus or church bus from
the rear shall not pass the bus
when red stop warning signal lights are flashing. The vehicle
must come to a complete stop when the bus is stopped. The
vehicle must remain stopped until the stop arm is pulled back
and the bus resumes motion.
When driving on a highway with separate roadways for traffic
in opposite directions, divided by median space or a barrier not
suitable for vehicular traffic, the driver need not stop, but
should proceed with caution. A turn lane in the middle of a
four-lane highway is NOT considered a barrier, but a fifth lane
that is suitable for vehicular traffic. Drivers meeting a stopped
school bus on this type of road would be required to stop in
both directions.
School Bus Warning Lights:
It is illegal to pass a
school bus that has
stopped to load or
unload students. Never
pass on the right side of
the bus, as this is where
the children enter or
exit. This is illegal and
Stopping For Police Vehicles
Police vehicles attempting to stop drivers will do so by means
of a visual, flashing blue or flashing blue and red lights, and/or
an audible signal. Remember, a police officer never knows
what to expect when stopping a driver. Do not let your
Approaching Intersections Safely
emotions or sudden unexplained movements (or those of your
passengers) raise tensions or anxiety in the situation.
"Traffic checks" is the process of looking frequently and
carefully for vehicle traffic approaching from each direction.
"Traffic checks" is especially important when merging or
changing lanes AND when approaching and crossing
intersections. Below are five things to remember to navigate
an intersection safely:
Look: Look both ways as you near an intersection. Before
you enter an intersection, continue checking traffic from both
the left and right for approaching vehicles and/or crossing
pedestrians. Bicycles and motorcycles are smaller and more
difficult to see.
A police officer may be more likely to listen to what you have
to say and less likely to feel threatened by you (or your
passengers) if you follow these guidelines:
• Drive as closely as is safely practical to the right-hand edge
or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, stop and park.
• Limit the movements of the driver and/or passengers while
stopping your vehicle.
• Drivers should keep their hands on the steering wheel and
passengers should keep their hands in plain view. Drivers
should advise officers if they have a handgun permit
and if they are armed.
1. The Left-Right-Left Rule: Look first to the left to make
sure cross traffic is yielding the right-of-way. Then look for
traffic from the right. If stopped, look both left and right
just before you start moving. Look across the intersection
before you start to move to make sure the path is clear
through the intersection.
• Provide your driver license and/or vehicle registration
when requested.
• Keep all vehicle doors closed and remain in the vehicle
unless asked to get out.
A. As you enter an intersection,
check again for unusual or
unexpected actions to the
left and right.
• If the stop is made after dark, turn on the vehicle's interior
light before the officer approaches
B. It is also important to watch
for vehicle traffic from the front (oncoming traffic) and
rear (approaching/overtaking traffic) of your vehicle at
intersections. Be especially aware of vehicles behind
you. If the light changes and/or you encounter a vehicle
violating the right-of-way that causes you to stop
suddenly, will the vehicle behind be able to stop? It is
not uncommon for drivers to run red lights or stop signs
resulting in a head-on or rear-end collision.
• If enforcement action is taken against you that you
disagree with, do not argue with the officer at the scene.
Traffic violations and traffic crimes charged against you
are decided in court.
• If you find yourself being directed to pull over and stop
by someone in an UNMARKED police car, you may drive
slowly a short distance to the nearest area where there are
other people, such as the next business parking lot or the
next exit, if on the interstate. This may be important if
traveling at night and/or alone.
C. Look twice for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
2. Control Speed: Be prepared to brake or stop unexpectedly
at intersections if the above traffic checks alert you to a
possible hazard. You should slow down before reaching the
intersection, drive at your slowest speed just before entering
the intersection and gradually increase your speed as you
cross the intersection.
Now that you have studied the effects of speed, following
distances, stopping distances and legally required stops, it is
time to look at the complex issue of intersections. This
includes rules for the right-of-way, pedestrians, right turns, left
turns and turn signals. Intersections are places where traffic
merges or crosses. They include:
3. Use Proper Lane: You should be in the proper lane for the
direction you intend to travel before you reach the
intersection. Do NOT make last minute lane changes as you
start through an intersection. Do NOT pass a vehicle in an
• Cross streets,
• Side streets,
• Driveways,
4. Know and obey:
• Shopping center or parking lot entrances.
• The proper right-of-way procedures for vehicles and
pedestrians at intersections;
More crashes happen at intersections than at any other place.
Intersections constitute a very small part of the rural and urban
street/highway systems, yet they are implicated in 29 percent
of all motor vehicle crashes and 15 percent of all fatal crashes.
There were 182 fatalities in Tennessee in 2011 in intersection
related crashes. Be careful when approaching any intersection
or driveway. Never assume the other driver will yield the
right-of-way to you. Always be prepared to stop.
• The purpose and meaning of pavement markings;
• The purpose and meaning of traffic signals, including stop
or yield signs posted at intersections;
• The proper lane usage and speed at intersections;
• The proper use of your vehicle's turn signals.
feet away until the person is off the roadway. Do not use
your horn, as it could startle the blind pedestrian;
5. Do Not Block: Do not move into an intersection and block
it after the traffic lights have changed. This is not only
common sense, but it's also illegal to block an intersection
after the light has changed. Some intersections have signs
posted nearby (often hanging next to the traffic light)
advising "Do Not Block Intersection." It is always illegal to
block an intersection, whether it is marked or not.
• You must yield to children playing in the streets. In
crowded downtown areas and in suburban residential
neighborhoods, children play in the streets because there
may not be parks or playgrounds nearby. Even
though they have been told not to run into the street,
children won't always put safety ahead of a runaway
puppy or a bouncing ball. Children on bicycles can easily
forget to slow down before entering an intersection or to
signal and look behind before they turn. You are
responsible for driving with extreme caution when children
are present. Slow down near schools, playgrounds, and
residential areas.
2. Yield to Oncoming Traffic: When meeting other traffic at
intersections, or when entering the roadway, make sure the
other driver sees you. Make eye contact whenever possible.
Drive cautiously and defensively. Be a friendly driver.
Remember, the right-of-way is something to be given, not
• When starting from a parked position, wait for all moving
traffic to pass.
• When turning left, you must wait for oncoming traffic
going straight ahead or turning right.
• When entering a main road from a driveway, alley, parking
lot or roadside, you must yield to all vehicles already on
the main road. (The blue car in the graphic below must
yield the right-of-way.)
• When entering a roundabout, traffic circle or rotary (also
known as "town squares"), you must yield to traffic
already in the roundabout.
• When approaching a MERGE
onto a busy highway or
interstate, you must increase or
decrease speed as needed to
avoid an accident and yield the
right-of-way, if necessary, to
the oncoming traffic.
• When approaching a fire station, you should yield to any
emergency vehicle that is about to back into, or is already
in the process of backing into, the driveway entrance to the
Right-of-Way Procedures
Vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet one another where
there are no signs or lights to control traffic. There are rules
on who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell who goes
first and who must wait in different traffic situations.
However, if another driver does not follow these rules, give
him the right-of-way. In all driving situations, think of the
right-of-way as something to be given, not taken. All drivers
should know and understand the rules which determine the
You Must Not Insist On the Right-of-Way: The law does not
really give anyone the right-of-way. It only says who must
yield the right-of-way. A driver must do everything possible to
avoid a traffic crash. Rules for the most common situations
drivers encounter include:
1. Yield to pedestrians crossing the road or your path of
• Pedestrian means any person afoot or using a
motorized or non-motorized wheelchair.
• When pedestrians are in a crosswalk (marked or
unmarked) or when the pedestrian is upon the half of the
roadway upon which your vehicle is traveling or when the
pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half
of the roadway as to be in danger;
• When in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or
flashers are in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop
to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the
roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. The
driver shall remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed
the roadway on which the vehicle is stopped.
• When your car is turning a corner and pedestrians are
crossing with the light;
• When your vehicle crosses a sidewalk while entering or
exiting a driveway, alley or parking lot. It is illegal to
drive on a sidewalk except to cross it;
3. Yielding at Intersections: The right-of-way should be
determined by each driver before entering an intersection. If
you have the right-of-way and another driver yields it to you,
proceed immediately. However, YOU must yield the rightof-way:
• When a blind or visually
impaired pedestrian using a
guide dog or carrying a
cane, which is white in
color or white with red tip,
or a hearing impaired
person with a dog on a blaze orange leash, is crossing any
portion of the roadway, even if not at an intersection or
crosswalk. Take special precautions as may be necessary to
avoid accident or injury to the pedestrian. Stop at least 10
• When oncoming vehicles (including bicycles) are
proceeding straight or making a right turn;
• At intersections where YIELD signs are posted, the driver
must slow down or stop to avoid a crash with oncoming
• To any vehicles already in the intersection, even if you
have the green traffic light; (The red vehicle in the diagram
at right must yield to the green
• At "T" intersections where one
road dead-ends into another
main crossing roadway, the
vehicles on the road ending
must yield to oncoming traffic
from both directions on the
main road;
• When turning left at
intersections, you must yield to
any oncoming vehicle
proceeding straight or turning
right, unless you have a traffic
light where your left turn is on a
protected green arrow; (The red
vehicle in the diagram to the
right must yield.)
• At intersections marked as FOUR-WAY or ALL-WAY
stops, the vehicle reaching the intersection first gets to go
first (of course, ALL vehicles must stop). If more than one
vehicle arrives at the same time, yield the right of way to
the vehicle on the right;
parallel to, and as close as possible to the right hand edge
or curb of the roadway stop. You must remain in that
stopped position until the emergency vehicle has passed or
until you are directed to move by a police officer. You must
still proceed with caution; there may be other emergency
vehicles coming.
• Where roads cross and there are no stop signs or signals,
yield to any vehicle coming at the same time on your right;
There are a few other important details about sharing the road
with emergency vehicles:
• Do not enter an intersection unless you can get through it
without having to stop. You should wait until traffic in
front of you clears so that you are not blocking the
intersection. If your vehicle is left blocking an
intersection (with or without a traffic signal), it prevents
other traffic from proceeding and you could be ticketed.
• If you are in an intersection, drive on through the
intersection before pulling over, or you may block the
emergency vehicle's path through the intersection.
• Do not pull over to the right if it will block a side road or
driveway. The emergency vehicle may need to turn into
that road or driveway to get to the incident scene.
4. Yield to Emergency Vehicles and Transit Buses
• You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire
engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a
siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light.
• If the traffic light is red, stay where you are. If the light
turns green before the emergency vehicle has passed, do
NOT proceed on green. Wait until the emergency vehicle
has passed or turned onto a different street.
• It is against the law for an unauthorized private vehicle to
have a blue flashing emergency light or combination of
blue and red flashing emergency lights installed,
maintained or visibly shown on the vehicle in any manner.
• When yielding to emergency vehicles, get in the habit of
turning down the volume on the radio (if on) so you can
hear any instructions or directions given out over the
emergency vehicle's loudspeaker. Your immediate
reaction to such directions may be critically needed.
Following Fire or Other Emergency Vehicles:
It is against the law to follow a fire truck or other
emergency vehicle responding to a fire alarm or other
You must yield the right-of-way to any transit vehicle (metro
bus) that has signaled and is pulling back onto the roadway
from a bus stop. Generally, this occurs on urban roadways in
areas marked by "bus stop" signs or benches. Occasionally,
you may encounter cross-country commercial buses signaling
to re-enter traffic after allowing passengers to disembark on
rural roadways in smaller communities and towns.
It is also illegal to take your vehicle within the block of
where the emergency vehicle has stopped to take care of
the emergency. If your car passes an emergency site, do not
drive over any unprotected fire department hose unless the fire
department official in command says it is okay.
A. You are not required to stop for, nor forbidden to pass,
transit buses when they are stopped for passenger pick-up
or drop-off as you would be for a school bus in the same
situation. (See "The School Bus Stop Law" section of
this manual for complete details.)
Tennessee law requires that when an emergency vehicle is
approaching, all traffic meeting or being overtaken must
yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position
You should always use turn signals before:
B. Be extremely cautious near stopped buses and be
watchful for passengers (including elderly individuals and
children) attempting to cross the road in these areas.
• Changing lanes or making any movement of your vehicle
to the right or left;
Slowing and Yielding to Stationary Vehicles on the Roadside:
• Turning at an intersection or into a driveway, alley or
parking lot;
Tennessee's Move Over Law requires that when
approaching any stationary vehicles, you must make a lane
change into a lane not adjacent to that of the vehicle, or
proceed with caution by reducing the speed of the vehicle
and maintaining a safe speed for the current road
conditions. This requirement applies only on multi-lane
roadways where there are two or more lanes of traffic moving
in the same direction and the stationary vehicles are along the
roadside in the direction of the driver's travel.
• Entering or exiting the interstate or other controlled access
• Pulling away from a parked position along the curb;
• Pulling over to the curb or roadside;
• Slowing down or stop your vehicle suddenly.
You may use either your vehicle turn signal lights or hand and
arm signals. Make sure your signals can be easily seen by
You are likely to see the following stationary vehicles using
their flashing lights:
A. Hand Signal Tips:
• When you use hand signals, bring your arm in during the
actual turn to keep control of the steering wheel.
• Utility vehicles that provide your electric, phone, natural
gas and water services
• Authorized emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance or
• During non-daylight hours, hand and arm signals are
usually not visible except in well lit areas.
• Highway maintenance vehicles (state, county, city or
vendor vehicles used for road repair, maintenance or
• Recovery vehicles (tow truck or wrecker).
• Hand signals should be used when the sun is shining
brightly. This makes your turn signal light harder for
other drivers to see easily.
• In heavy traffic, a hand signal may be seen by drivers who
are several cars back with an obscured view of your turn
signal light.
The illustration below shows the standard positions for hand
and arm signals. Extend your hand and arm well out of the car
The most common faults when making turns are (A) failing to
signal, (B) not signaling long enough, (C) failing to search for
hazards, (D) turning from the wrong lane and (E) failing to
turn properly. Rules for turning apply at all locations, even
driveways and alleys, not just at intersections.
The first rule of turning is
to turn from the closest
lane in the direction you
are traveling to the closest
legal lane in the direction
you want to go. The law
says which lanes and
positions you must use when
turning, and the required
signaling distances for such
turns. This section expands on those rules and helps you learn
proper procedures for signaling and making safe turns.
window and signal in plenty of time.
B. Electrical Turn Signal Tips:
• Check your vehicle's turn signals often to be sure they are
working properly.
• Be sure that your turn signal lights (front and rear) are
clean and free from dust, dirt, ice or snow.
• When signaling a stop, lightly pump your brakes a few
times to attract attention with your brake lights.
• Be sure to turn off your turn signal light after using it. An
unintended signal still means "turn" to the other drivers.
By leaving it on, you might tempt other drivers to pull out
in front of you.
1. Signaling a Turn: Before making any turn, whether the
turn is into another roadway, a parking lot, another traffic
lane, or leaving a parked position, it is extremely important
that you signal. Unless you signal, other drivers expect you
to keep traveling the path of the roadway, using the lane in
which your vehicle is positioned. Your signal lets other
drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians know your
intentions to make a change in your vehicle's path of travel
and gives them time to react. However, signaling does NOT
give you the right-of-way.
Your signal helps other drivers plan ahead. You should not
assume that all drivers will respond to your signaled
intentions. Also, be aware that some drivers will not signal
their intentions. Therefore, maintain control of your vehicle at
all times and "drive defensively." A surprise move often results
in accidents. As a good driver, you should be alert and
emphasize your intentions to turn by giving the proper signal
or signals.
• As you turn, make sure to check for pedestrians, cyclists
and other traffic. Make the turn correctly, staying in the
proper lane and maintaining a safe speed.
• Finish the turn in the proper lane. Once you have
completed the turn, change to another lane if you need to,
and if traffic is clear.
• At least 50 feet before the turn, you must turn on your
turn signal lights.
• Use your turn signals ONLY to indicate when YOU plan
to turn or change lanes.
• If you are parked at a curb or roadside and about to
re-enter traffic, use a signal long enough to alert oncoming
traffic that you are moving from the parked position back
into the traffic lane.
• Don't turn unless the turn is permitted and can be made
safely. Be aware of signs prohibiting right or left turns at
certain locations.
• If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, do not signal
until you are in the intersection. If you signal earlier,
another driver may think you intend to turn at the
intersection and might pull into your path.
• Don't try to turn from the wrong lane. If you aren't in the
proper lane, drive to the next intersection and make the
turn from the proper lane there. Circle back if necessary.
This may take some extra time and miles, but it is the safe
thing to do.
• Get in the habit of signaling every time you change
direction. Signal even if you do not see anyone else
around. It is the car you do not see that is the most
• Don't "swing wide" or "cut the corner" when making
turns. Don't turn too short so as to cut corners on left
turns or run over the curb on right turns. Turning too
wide or too late, straddling lanes, or turning into the
wrong side of the street will leave you in the wrong lane.
Always follow the white lines in intersections using
multiple turn lanes.
• When you slow down, your brake lights flash as a signal.
Slowing down, itself, acts as a signal.
C. You should NOT use your signals:
• To signal a driver behind you to come around to pass your
• Don't turn your wheels in the direction of the turn while
waiting for oncoming traffic to pass. If you are hit from
the rear while your wheels are turned, the impact can push
you into oncoming traffic. Keep your vehicles wheels
straight until you begin the turn. Wait until you are sure
you can complete the turn before turning the wheels.
• To relay the turn intentions of vehicles ahead of you to
those drivers behind your vehicle.
This is misleading to other drivers. Your brake lights will be
sufficient to warn those behind you to slow down. If you see
someone ahead signaling they are about to turn, do NOT turn
on your turn signals unless you also plan to turn.
• Don't enter the intersection if traffic ahead may keep you
from completing the turn before the traffic light changes.
Stay behind the stop line or crosswalk until you can fully
complete the turn without the risk of blocking the traffic
Proper signaling is a key to safe driving. Failure to
signal is dangerous and inconsiderate. Communication
while driving is a must. Safe drivers are always aware
of surrounding conditions and readily communicate
their intentions of other drivers by using signals
whenever appropriate.
• Don't brake or depress the clutch while actually turning.
• Don't shift gears in the intersection (If you stall you could
cause an accident and/or block the intersection to other
D. Making Turns: Before making a turn, be sure you can do
so safely. Check traffic ahead, behind and to the side.
Become familiar with the following Do's and Don'ts:
2. Left Turns: When you meet another driver at an
intersection and both of you want to turn left, each will turn
to the left of the other. Leave from the left lane or as close
to the yellow center line as possible and enter in the left
lane or as close to the yellow center line as shown in
diagram on page 57. Study the diagram that shows the five
basic steps in making routine left turns from a two-way
street onto another two-way street.
• Use your turn signal at least 50 feet before the turn or lane
• Make thorough traffic checks, looking behind and on both
sides to see where other vehicles are so you can change
lanes and make the turn safely.
A. From a Two-Way Street on to a Two-Way Street
Remember these tips:
• Reduce speed and get into the lane just to the right of the
center line well ahead of time.
• Prior to turning, signal your intentions for at least 50 feet
and approach the turn with the left side of the vehicle as
close to the center line as possible. Failure to signal is
• Move into the correct turn lane as soon as possible. The
faster the traffic is moving, the sooner you should move
into the proper lane. Go from one lane to the other as
directly as possible without crossing lane lines or
interfering with the traffic.
• Select the proper gear before entering the intersection, and
accelerate slightly through the turn.
• Pay close attention to the traffic light cycle. If the light
turns yellow while you are waiting for oncoming vehicles
to clear the intersection, DO NOT proceed into the
B. From a Two-Way Street on to a One-Way Street
Keep in mind the following differences when turning on
one-way streets:
• When making left-hand turns, be alert for "one-way"
street signs on traffic lights,
posts and stop signs.
• Center lines on two-way
streets are yellow.
• Center lines on one-way
streets are white.
• In preparing to turn, make
the proper "two-way"
approach next to the center line.
• Turn sharply into the FIRST lane. Remember, you are
turning onto a one-way street, so both lanes will be
traveling in the same direction. You should turn into the
first lane closest to the left curb.
C. From A One-Way Street Onto A One-Way Street
• Make your approach in the
traffic lane furthermost to
the left curb of the street.
• Turn sharply into the first
lane on the left side of the
one-way street. DO NOT
At intersections that are not
marked for "No Turns on Red,"
you may make a left turn on red when turning from a one-way
street onto a one-way street. You must come to a complete
stop at the light prior to making the turn, the same as right
turns on red.
dangerous, inconsiderate and illegal. Your signal makes it
possible for other cars to complete a turn.
• Look out of your left window for pedestrians and other
traffic in your turn path. Yield to any oncoming cars or
• Begin the turn when you enter the intersection. Keep the
wheels straight until you can turn; turn just before the
imaginary center point in the intersection. Drive just to
the right of the center line of the street you're entering and
be sure to turn into the first lane past the center line. This
avoids conflict with other traffic making either right or
left turns. Never turn "wide" into the right lane. The
right lane will be used by any oncoming vehicles turning
• If the intersection has a lane signed or marked for making
left turns, do not make this turn from any other lane. At
some intersections, you may make turns from more than
one lane. Signs and pavement markings will tell you if
this is allowed. If there are multiple lanes, keep your
vehicle in the lane you start from throughout the turn. Be
alert for signs that may also PROHIBIT left turns at some
D. From A One-Way Street Onto a Two-Way Street
• Make your approach in the traffic lane furthermost to the
left curb of the street.
• Do not start your turn at the crosswalk. Drive into the
intersection and then turn sharply into the first lane to the
right of the yellow line on the two-way street.
• If the two-way street has multiple lanes, you may move
into the right lane ONLY AFTER giving the proper turn
signal and checking traffic to your right.
• You CANNOT make this left turn on a red light.
E. Notes on Multiple Turn Lanes
• A vehicle in the second lane can make the same turn as a
vehicle in the first lane only when a lane use control sign
or marking permits it.
• You will often see white
channel lines and arrows
on the pavement. These
lines help direct you into
the correct lane while
• Well ahead of the turning point, check for traffic behind
and beside your vehicle. Get as close as is practical to the
right curb or road edge without interfering with
pedestrians, bicyclists or parked vehicles.
• Give a signal for a right turn for at least 50 feet.
• Before starting to turn, look to the left and right for cross
traffic on the intersecting street and oncoming traffic that
may also be turning. Always check for pedestrians and
bicyclists before turning. Remember to yield the right-ofway, if necessary.
Right Turns: Making
right turns can be just as
dangerous as left turns. Study the diagram below, named
HOW TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, that shows the four
basic steps in making right turns.
• Move your vehicle around the corner and into the travel
lane closest to the right curb.
• On right turns, avoid moving wide to the left before going
into the turn or as you make the turn. If you swing wide,
the driver behind you may think you are changing lanes or
turning left and may try to pass you on the right. If you
swing wide as you complete the turn, drivers who are in
the far lane will not expect to see your vehicle in that lane
of traffic.
A. Turn Warning: Trucks and Buses Turning Right
When driving in city traffic, pay special attention to the turn
signals of large trucks and buses. Large trucks and buses
MUST make wide turns. Sometimes they must leave an open
space to the right just before the turn. To avoid an accident, do
not pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it
might make a right turn.
B. Turns Permitted on Red
Tennessee law allows a right
turn on red and left turns on
red at certain one-way to oneway intersections, unless
otherwise posted.
• When making a right turn at a red light, you must first
come to a complete stop before reaching the marked or
unmarked crosswalk or stop line. Always yield the rightof-way to oncoming traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists .
• A left turn at a red light or stop signal is permitted at all
intersections where a one-way street intersects with
another one-way street and the traffic is moving in the
same direction into which the left turn would be made.
The same rules for complete stops, yielding, and
observing signs prohibiting turns must be followed as you
would for a right turn on red.
4. Special Turns: Roundabouts and U-Turns
A. Roundabouts: A roundabout is an
intersection control device with
traffic circulating around a
central island. These traffic
circles are usually used to
discourage drivers from
using neighborhood
streets for commuting
thoroughfares, to slow
speeds and to reduce
accidents. Many
Tennessee towns have a
form of roundabout that is
known as the "town square."
• Always travel around a roundabout to the right, in a
counter-clockwise direction.
not cut across the median strip, as this maneuver is also
• On approaching the roundabout, stay in your lane and to
the right of the splitter island or yellow pavement
markings/curbs directing traffic to the right. These islands
are used to prevent vehicles from attempting to travel left
around the circle.
A traffic lane is a part of a roadway wide enough for a car or a
single line of vehicles to travel safely. Most lanes on hardsurfaced roads are marked with white or yellow pavement line
markings. On dirt or gravel roads, some rural roads, private
drives and other roadways (such as parking lot rows and
shopping center perimeter roads), the lanes may not be
marked, but they are there anyway. When driving on a road
without any center line markings, and where vehicles are
coming from each direction, drivers must give others going in
the opposite direction at least half the road.
• Upon reaching the roundabout, yield to vehicles already
within the circulating traffic. Observe the standard rightof-way procedures as with regular intersections controlled
by yield signs. Enter the roundabout when there is a gap
in traffic and once inside do not stop unless directed to do
so by signs, signals or a traffic officer.
• Within the roundabout, proceed at a slower speed (usually
posted at 15 to 25 m.p.h.). Exit the roundabout at any
street or continue around again if you miss the street on
which you wanted to turn.
1. Overview of Lane Usage: "White on your right, yellow
on your left"
This simple statement sums up the principle of "right hand
traffic" under which all traffic must move on American
roadways. If you ever find yourself driving with the yellow
line on to your right, pull over immediately. You are driving
on the wrong side of the road!
Always drive on the right side of a two-lane highway except
when passing. If the road has four or more lanes with twoway traffic, drive in the right lanes except when passing other
vehicles or turning left.
• In a multi-lane roundabout, do not overtake or pass any
vehicles. Remember the roundabout is a low speed traffic
control device. Be prepared to yield to vehicles turning in
front of you from the inside lane to exit the roundabout.
• Exit the roundabout carefully. Always indicate your exit
using your right turn signal. Watch for pedestrians in or
approaching the crosswalk on the street you are exiting
and yield the right-of-way if necessary.
B. U-Turns: A U-turn is a turn within
the road, made in one smooth ushaped motion, so as to end up with
your vehicle traveling in the
opposite/reverse direction as before
the turn. Some towns and cities do
not allow U-turns on streets and
roadways under their control.
Check with local police to be sure.
The center lane of a two-way, three-lane or five-lane
highway is used only for turning left.
Keeping Right: Drive on the right of the road except when:
• Passing another vehicle going
in the same direction as your
Drive in the Proper Lane
• Driving to the left of center to
pass an obstruction in the
road. Whenever possible,
always drive around
obstructions or crashes to the
right side to avoid the
possibility of becoming
involved in a head-on
You may NOT make a U-turn:
• At any intersection where a traffic light or police officer is
controlling the traffic flow.
• At any rural or urban location where you cannot see traffic
coming from both directions for at least 500 feet in each
• At any location where U-turns are prohibited by official
signs or markings.
• A road is marked for one way
• Between intersections in a city. The safest thing to do is
drive around the block.
• You are turning left.
• At or near a curve or the crest of a hill when the driver
cannot see 500 feet or more in each direction. Improper
turns are a major contributor to traffic crashes.
Two Lanes: Two-lane highways have a single broken yellow
center line. You should always drive to the right of the center
line, except to safely pass another vehicle.
• It is illegal in Tennessee for any driver to make a U-turn
on an interstate highway. Emergency crossovers are for
the use of emergency vehicles and highway maintenance
crews only. It is extremely dangerous and illegal to use
them to "turn around" in the event you missed an exit or
are in a traffic jam. Drive on to the next exit ramp. Do
Four Lanes: A four-lane (or more) highway is divided in half
by two solid yellow lines in the center. The two lanes on each
side are divided by a dashed white line. Drive in the extreme
right lane except when passing another vehicle or making a
left turn.
One Way: A one-way highway is
generally composed of two or
more lanes restricted to moving in
one direction. There should not be
any vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on these roads.
3. Dual Use Lanes: These have both a turn arrow and a
straight arrow. You can proceed straight or
make the indicated turn from these lanes as
shown by the pavement markings and/or
signs found at the intersection. Unless the
intersection has a protected arrow for
turning, you must follow the standard rightof-way rules.
2. Divided Highways: Divided highways have two-way
traffic, but the roads for each direction are divided by a
median or barrier. Always use the road on the
right when driving on a divided highway,
such as an interstate, unless directed to do
otherwise. Do not drive within, across
or over any median strip or barrier
separating these roadways. It is only
allowed at an authorized crossover or
intersection, or when you are officially
directed to do so.
4. Shared Center Turn/Two-Way Left Turn Lane: These
center lanes are reserved for vehicles making left turns in
either direction from or into the roadway.
These lanes cannot be used for passing and
cannot be used for travel farther than 300
feet. On the pavement, left turn arrows for
traffic in one direction alternate with left
turn arrows for traffic coming from the
other direction. These lanes are marked on
each side by solid yellow and broken
yellow lines. Enter the shared lane only
when safe to do so.
On a divided four-lane highway, when using a designated
crossover for a left turn (or a U-turn where permitted), treat
the crossover/opening the same as a cross street by keeping
to the right side of the crossover paved area.
If a special lane has been provided for making left turns, do
not make a left turn from any other lane. Enter the shared
center turn lane just before you want to make the turn. If you
enter too soon, you may interfere with another driver's use of
the lane. Wait in the special lane until traffic clears enough to
allow you to complete the desired left turn. Do NOT travel in
the center turn lane to access a left turn lane at an intersection.
A. If a vehicle is already in the crossover waiting for traffic to
clear, remain stopped in the left most lane of the four-lane
highway with your turn signal on until the waiting vehicle
has cleared the crossover.
B. DO NOT "swing" into the left side of the crossover or
"bunch-up" behind the waiting car. This creates a
dangerous situation for any vehicle attempting to use the
crossover for a left turn coming from the opposite direction.
• It leaves your vehicle with its rear-end partially sticking
out in the left traffic lane. In this position, approaching
vehicles coming upon your car are less likely to notice
your turn signal than if your vehicle was fully stopped in
the left lane.
• It places your car on the wrong side of the road in the
crossover and could cause a head-on collision with a
vehicle attempting to turn left in the crossover from the
opposite direction.
You may turn from a side street or driveway into a shared
center turn lane, stop, and wait for traffic to clear before
merging into traffic in the lane immediately to the right. Make
sure the center turn lane is clear in both directions and then
turn into the lane when it is safe.
Remember, such a crossover is PERMITTED ONLY at
paved openings provided on four-lane highways. There are
NO crossovers provided for traffic
on interstates.
Be sure to give the proper signal while waiting to move into
the right lane and also when moving out of the turn lane back
into the right lane of traffic.
If another vehicle is already in the turn lane coming from the
other direction, you may NOT enter if it will interfere with the
other vehicle's intended turn. When vehicles enter the turn
lane from opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane
has the right-of-way.
Driving the wrong way on a one-way
road or street is very dangerous and
illegal. If you see red reflectors facing
you on the lane lines, or red "Wrong
Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs, you are on the wrong side of
the road. Turn off of a one-way street or get into the proper
lane of a two-way street immediately! If you see red reflectors
on the lines on the edge of the road, you are on the wrong
interstate or highway ramp. Pull over immediately! Red
reflectors always mean you are facing traffic the wrong way
and could have a head-on collision.
5. Reversible Lanes: Some travel lanes are designed to carry
traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite
direction at other times. These lanes are called "reversible
applies. For example, "HOV 2" means there must be at
least two people in the vehicle for you to legally drive in
that lane.
7. Changing Lanes: Changing lanes
on a multi-lane highway or interstate
should never be done without
thinking and looking. Absentminded lane changing is extremely
dangerous. Common sense,
alertness and courtesy are all
essential to your safety and the
safety of other drivers.
lanes" and are usually marked by
double-broken yellow lines. Before
driving in them, check to see which
lanes you can use for the direction of
travel at that time. There may be signs
posted by the side of the road or
overhead. Special lights are also often
Use the following steps to help you
make safe lane changes:
• Pay attention to clearance space ahead and behind your
• A green arrow means you can drive in
the lane beneath it.
• Check your rear view mirrors.
• A red "X" means you CANNOT drive
in the lane below.
• Look over your shoulder in the direction you will be
• A flashing yellow "X" means the lane
is only for turning.
• Look behind you to both sides again.
• Signal your intention to change lanes.
• Check your blind spots. As shown above, the driver in
front cannot see the motorcycle or other car just by
checking his mirrors. He would need to physically turn
his head and look over his shoulder in each direction to
see those vehicles next to him.
• A steady yellow "X" means that the
use/direction of the lane is changing
and you should move out of it as soon
as it is safe to do so.
• Change lanes gradually and carefully.
These types of lanes and control devices are usually found in
heavily traveled urban areas where there is a high volume of
rush hour traffic coming in during the morning and going out
during the afternoon.
• Do not cruise in the blind spots of any vehicles ahead of
When a driver ahead of you (in your lane or the lane next to
you) signals a lane change, slow down and leave space for the
change. Do NOT speed up or change lanes yourself until the
other driver has completed his intended movement.
Otherwise, you could interfere with his lane change and
contribute to a dangerous situation or crash.
6. Reserved Lanes: On various roadways, one or more lanes
may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved lanes are
marked by signs stating that the lane is
reserved for special use, and often have a
white diamond posted at the side of the road
and/or painted on the pavement surface. Do
NOT travel in one of these lanes unless
operating the type of vehicle indicated, or
unless you must turn across the reserved lane
in the next half block distance.
Passing another vehicle is a normal part of driving, but it can
be very dangerous. Collisions resulting from improper passing
are often fatal, since the impact is greater in this type of crash.
Before you attempt to pass, be sure you have enough room to
complete the maneuver. If you have to cut back to your lane
too soon, you risk sideswiping the vehicle you are passing. If
you do not cut back to your lane soon enough, you risk a headon collision.
• Transit or buses means the lane is for bus use only.
• Bikes means the lane is reserved for bicycles.
• HOV: High Occupancy Vehicle lanes are reserved for car
pools and vehicles with more than one person in them.
Signs indicate how many people must be in the vehicle, as
well as the days and hours to which the reserved use
It is equally important to know when NOT to pass, as well as
when to pass. The decision of whether or not to pass is
influenced by the knowledge, judgment, attitude and behavior
of the driver. BE PATIENT. Study and learn the following
passing rules and practice them each time you pass another
1. Passing on the left requires the following safety
pass multiple vehicles. It is recommended that you not
even consider passing multiple vehicles unless you:
Know the speed and acceleration ability of your vehicle, and
be able to estimate the speed of the vehicle you are passing,
as well as that of any oncoming traffic. As a rule, if you see
any sign of an oncoming vehicle, it is too close for you to
risk a pass. When in doubt, stay in your lane.
With double
yellow line
With a solid
yellow line
in your lane
A. Are on a straight, level roadway where your vision of
oncoming traffic is excellent; AND
B. Can complete the pass of all vehicles and be safely
returned to the right lane before coming within 100
feet of the no passing markings (solid yellow line,
signs, etc.) and/or any oncoming vehicles approaching
from the opposite direction.
• Take extra precautions during inclement weather and
twilight hours. Some oncoming vehicles may not be
easily visible at these times, especially if they are not
using their headlights, as required.
Car AA
Car A
• Whenever possible, try to avoid passing at night, unless
you are familiar with the road. It is more difficult at night
to see where the passing zone ends. If you are not
familiar with the roadway, a slight hill or curve in the road
ahead could prove deadly.
• Stay well behind the vehicle you want to pass to allow
yourself a better view of the road ahead. Check well
ahead for a NO-PASSING ZONE and on-coming vehicles.
2. Passing on the Right: The driver may overtake and pass
another vehicle on the right only when the conditions permit
passing safely. Passing on the right is never permitted by
driving off the pavement of the roadway. The driver of a
vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another
vehicle only under the following conditions:
• When overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in
the same direction on a two-lane road in the USA, you
should pass only to the left of the vehicle.
• Signal your intended move to the left and check your
rearview and side-view mirrors before changing lanes.
• When the vehicle overtaken has signaled to make or is
about to make a left turn. Never pass on the left of a
driver who has signaled a left turn.
• Do NOT swing out across the center line for a look. If
you need to do this to see, you are either following too
closely or attempting to pass in an area where your sight
distance is too limited to
pass safely.
• Check your blind spot for
any vehicle that may be
starting a pass around your
With a solid
yellow line in
• When the driver is on a street or highway with
unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles,
and such paved roadway is of sufficient width for two or
more lanes of moving vehicles in each direction.
• When the driver is on a one-way street which traffic is
restricted to one direction of movement, where the
roadway is free from obstruction and the road is
sufficiently paved for two or more lanes of moving
vehicles. Use extra care when you pass on the right.
Often drivers do not expect to be passed on the right
unless they are traveling on a multi-lane roadway.
Car A may
pass if way
is clear
• Move to the left (oncoming
traffic lane) ONLY when it
is safe to do so. Pass on the
left at a safe distance and
do not return to the right lane until safely clear of the
overtaken vehicle.
• Do NOT pass on the right using a bike lane or parking
lane at any location, nor in the emergency lane within
sight of a traffic light or stop sign. This situation often
happens at intersections when vehicles are stopped for a
red light.
• Complete your pass as soon as possible. When you can
see the entire vehicle you passed in your rear view mirror,
signal right and return to your lane. Be sure to cancel the
signal light so that you are not driving with your right turn
signal flashing.
For example, a vehicle attempts to pass on the right and one
of the cars ahead starts to make a right turn when the light
changes resulting in a crash. The person passing on the right
will be "at fault" because the vehicle turning right was
properly traveling within the marked lane of traffic.
• As a general rule, it is NOT SAFE to pass more than one
vehicle at a time, although it is not illegal in Tennessee to
3. No Passing: It is not always safe to pass. Make certain the
way is clear. Give the proper signal before changing lanes.
Tap your horn when necessary to avoid surprising the driver
ahead. Avoid cutting in too quickly if you must return to
your original lane. Remember, you may NOT cross the
• The solid yellow line marked on the pavement in a "nopassing zone" indicates that you may NOT cross the
center line to pass. You are allowed to turn across the
center line if you are making a left turn into or coming out
of an alley, intersection, private road or driveway while in
the "no-passing zone".
• Do not weave in and out of traffic by repeatedly passing
on the left, then back to the right and then passing again
on the left. Weaving from lane to lane in an attempt to
move faster than the flow of traffic is extremely
Oncoming Traffic
4. Being Passed by Another Vehicle: When another driver
tries to pass you, there are many chances for a collision.
The other driver may
cut in too sharply. You
may be changing lanes,
or the other driver may
be forced back into
your lane if he/she has
misjudged the distance of oncoming traffic. Keep everyone
safe and help the other driver pass you safely by:
Bridges / Tunnels
center line to pass under the following conditions:
• Do not pass when there is an oncoming car.
• Do not pass when approaching any road-way intersection,
railroad crossing, narrow bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
• Do not cross the center line to pass another vehicle
whenever the solid yellow line is on your side of the
center lane marking.
• Staying in your lane, and moving to the right if being
passed on the left.
• Do not pass unless the pass may be completed without
interfering with the safety of the oncoming vehicle and
before the solid yellow line reappears in your traffic lane.
• Maintaining your speed. DO NOT speed up to keep the
other driver from passing.
• Do not pass a school bus or church bus when the flashing
lights are operating and the stop arm is extended.
• Checking oncoming traffic and adjusting your speed to let
the other driver move back into the right lane as soon as
• Do not pass when approaching a hill or curve.
• Do not pass a car that has stopped for pedestrians in a
marked or unmarked crosswalk. Passing in this type of
situation is a frequent cause of death to pedestrians,
especially if the passing vehicle is traveling at a high rate
of speed.
• Slowing down if you observe a car approaching from the
other direction while you are being passed. By slowing
down, you will allow the passing driver more space to pull
back into the right lane in front of you before meeting the
oncoming vehicle.
Safety Tip: When stopping for a crosswalk on a multi-lane
road, you should stop about 30 feet before the crosswalk so
5. Passing Bicycles
• When passing and overtaking a bicyclist
proceeding in the same direction, do so
slowly and leave at least a distance
between you and the bicycle of not
less than 3 feet. It's the law! Also be
sure to maintain this clearance until
safely past the overtaken bicycle.
• As a driver you should never attempt passing between a
bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road. Slow
down and allow vehicles to pass the rider safely.
you do not block visibility of the crossing pedestrians to
drivers in the other lane(s).
• NEVER pass a bicycle if the street is too narrow or you
would force the bicyclist too close to parked vehicles.
Wait until there is enough room to let you pass safely.
• Do not pass on the right shoulder of the highway. Other
drivers will not expect you to be there and may pull off
the road or turn right without looking.
6. Passing Trucks and Buses: "It amazes me when a car cuts
in front of me and then slows down! Don't they realize I
can't stop an 80,000 pound truck the way they can stop a
3,000 pound car?" This statement is heard often from truck
and bus drivers regarding the actions of drivers of passenger
vehicles passing them on the highway.
• The end of a "no-passing zone" does not mean it is safe to
pass. It means there is increased visibility ahead. It is
still up to YOU to determine if it is safe to pass after
considering all the conditions mentioned above.
In addition to following the guidelines for passing any
vehicle, to safely pass a large truck or bus, there are
additional rules you must learn:
vehicle to be backing toward them and may not realize what
you are doing until it is too late. If you must back your
vehicle, look carefully and move slowly.
• Complete your pass as quickly as possible. DO NOT stay
alongside the truck or bus. This is a common
misunderstanding. Staying beside the truck or bus does
not let the driver know you are there. Instead, it puts you
in the driver's blindspot! If you are traveling alongside a
truck or bus and can look over and see any portion of the
tractor from the driver/passenger door back to fifth wheel
area where the trailer is connected, you are most likely in
the driver's blindspot. The driver's blindspots can be seen
in the following No-Zone Diagram.
Backing is more difficult for
new drivers than traveling
forward because the vehicle
itself blocks your field of
vision. Also, it is harder to
control speed and direction.
You will need a lot of
practice to learn to maintain
absolute control of the
vehicle. Although it is a
small part of the driving skills
test, backing is the maneuver that most often causes new
drivers to fail that test.
• Backing can be dangerous because it is hard for you to see
behind your car. Here are some rules you should follow
whenever you have to back your car:
A. Check behind your vehicle BEFORE you get behind
the wheel. Children or small objects are hard to see
from the driver's seat.
B. Before backing, look to the front, both sides and the
rear. Place your arm on the back of the seat and turn
around so that you can look directly through the rear
window. Do not depend solely on your mirrors.
Avoid opening the door and sticking your head out to
see. This is dangerous.
• An excellent point to remember is that if you cannot see
the side mirrors on the truck or bus you are following,
then the truck or bus driver CANNOT SEE YOU.
This also means that all you can see are the back doors of
the truck or bus, not a good view of the traffic situations
on the road ahead. You are following too closely and
greatly increasing your chance of being in a rear-end
collision with the truck or bus.
C. Back slowly and gradually. Your car is much harder
to control and stop while you are backing. Continue
to look to all sides of the vehicle for hazards while
• Maintain your speed. NEVER pull in front of a truck or
bus (or any type of vehicle) and slow down. This takes
away the safety cushion of the driver you have just passed
and presents a potentially dangerous situation if you must
stop suddenly.
• It is illegal to back into an intersection from a driveway.
A driver must take care when backing to see that such
movements can be done with reasonable safety and are
not interfering with other traffic.
• Backing out of a parking space requires special caution
and attention by drivers. Be aware of the movements of
any cars or pedestrians near or approaching your vehicle.
Be sure to look both directions before and during the
backing maneuver out of the parking space. Be prepared
to stop quickly if any hazard appears.
• Keep in mind the terrain you are traveling on when
passing. On a level highway, it generally takes longer to
pass a truck or bus than a car. On an upgrade, these
heavier vehicles often lose speed, making it easier to pass.
On a down grade, their momentum will cause them to go
faster, so you may need to increase your speed to pass.
Remember, it is illegal to exceed the speed posted speed
limit even when passing other vehicles.
• If you miss your turn or exit, do NOT back up, but go on
to the next turn or exit or where you can safely and legally
turn around. It is illegal to back up on the interstate.
• There is no need to hesitate passing a truck pulling
multiple trailers. Motorists should treat these trucks as
they would any other commercial vehicle and follow the
same rules for sharing the road.
Do not stop in the travel lanes for any reason (lost or
confused about directions, vehicle breakdown, or
letting out a passenger). Keep moving until you can
safely pull your vehicle off the roadway.
Drivers are responsible for making sure that their vehicles are
not hazards when parked. Whenever you park, be sure it is in
Never back a vehicle into any travel lane with the exception of
backing into a parallel parking space. Drivers do not expect a
a place that is far enough from any travel lane to avoid
interfering with traffic and is easily visible to vehicles
approaching from either direction.
All automobiles are equipped with a secondary braking system
commonly called a parking brake (also referred to as an
emergency or hand brake). It is good practice to apply the
parking brake EVERY time you park a vehicle with a standard
or manual transmission. This is particularly important when
• On a downhill without a curb: Turn the front wheels
toward the edge of the roadway (right). Again, this will
prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brake
• On steep hills or inclines;
• Near a crosswalk where children are present, such as a
school or playground;
• Any other area where you feel added security is prudent.
• On an uphill without a curb: Turn the front wheels
toward the edge of the roadway (right). This will allow
the car to roll away from the center of the road if the
brakes fail.
1. Routine Parking Regulations: The following are some
routine rules regulating parking vehicles that every driver
should know:
• Always park in a designated area if possible.
• When parking adjacent to a roadway outside the city
limits, all four wheels must be off the pavement, if
possible. No matter what, you must ensure that you leave
at least 18 feet of road width for other traffic to pass your
parked vehicle. Plus, your vehicle must be visible for at
least 200 feet in either direction (200 feet is a little more
than the width of a football field).
There are many areas where you cannot park. It is illegal to
• In front of a public or private driveway
• On the paved and unpaved portions of the entrance and
exit ramps of the interstate highway, except when the
vehicle is disabled
• Signs or yellow painted curbs usually mark a "NO
PARKING ZONE" in cities and towns.
• Within an intersection
• It is against the law to leave the engine running in a
parked unattended vehicle.
• Within a fire lane
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk or in
the crosswalk marked area
• Remove ignition keys from a parked and unattended
vehicle. It is a good safety habit to lock the doors of your
vehicle when it is left parked and unattended.
• Within 20 feet of a fire station
driveway on the same side of the
street or on the other side of the
street within 75 feet of the fire
station driveway
• A driver must look, signal and yield the right-of-way
when coming out of any type of parking space, including
parallel spaces.
• Always set the parking brake when you park. Leave the
vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission, or in park
if it has an automatic transmission.
• Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or any other
traffic control device
• The "hazard" or four-way flashing directional lights may
be displayed during the hours of darkness when a vehicle
is disabled or otherwise presents a traffic hazard.
• On a sidewalk
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
• Upon any bridge or within a tunnel
• In a parking space clearly identified by an official sign or
pavement markings indicating the space is reserved for
use by a physically handicapped person, (unless you are
• Double parking is prohibited by law.
• On the traffic side of another parked vehicle (double
• On a downhill with a curb: Turn the front wheels
toward the curb (right) and set the parking brake. If the
car rolls, it will roll into the curb, not the roadway.
• On the shoulder of any interstate (except for an emergency
• On an uphill with a curb: Turn the front wheels away
from curb (left). This way, if the car starts to roll back, it
will roll into the curb and stop, instead of rolling into
• Where official signs prohibit stopping or standing.
Other parking restrictions may be indicated by painted curbs.
A painted curb means that you must follow special rules to
park there. The colors on the curbs mean:
traffic has passed, get out quickly and shut the door as soon as
you can. Move to the curb or sidewalk quickly for your safety.
5. EMERGENCY PARKING (Disabled Vehicles)
If it becomes necessary to leave your vehicle parked on a
highway or street, follow these rules:
1. Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.
• Park the vehicle with all four wheels off the traveled
portion of the highway, if possible. Otherwise, pull onto
the shoulder of the road as far away from traffic as
possible. If there is a curb, pull as close to the curb as
2. Stop only long enough to load or unload. Stay with your car.
3. Do not stop, stand or park in this space under any condition.
• If you cannot move the vehicle off the highway, raise the
hood or tie a handkerchief on the left door handle or
antenna to warn other motorists of your stopped vehicle.
Your ability to judge distances while controlling the speed of
your vehicle is the key to completing this parking maneuver.
When parallel parking, be sure to continually check for
oncoming traffic conditions.
• Turn on your car's emergency flasher lights. Set your
parking brake, shift into park or leave the vehicle in gear
and turn off the engine. Lock the vehicle.
• A stopped car on the interstate (even on the shoulder) is
extremely dangerous. Do not stop on an interstate
highway except for an emergency.
STEP 1: Check traffic behind
you, signal and stop, with your
car even with the car in front
of the open parallel space in
which you are going to park. Your rear bumper should be
even with the bumper of the other parked car. Your vehicle
should not be any closer than two feet from the other vehicle.
• Walking on the interstate is both illegal and dangerous.
Except for extreme emergency cases, remain in your
disabled vehicle until a State Trooper, other police officer,
emergency service vehicle or a good Samaritan stops to
offer assistance.
STEP 2: Turn your head to
the right and look over your
shoulder at the space into
which you are going to back.
Frequently scan to the front,
observing your distance from the other parked car. Begin
backing very slowly, turning the steering wheel sharply to the
right until the car is at about a 45-degree angle with the street.
As the front passenger side door passes the rear bumper of the
other car, quickly straighten the front wheels and slowly
continue to back straight.
The handicap parking symbol, which appears on reserved
parking signs, placards and license plates, is the international
symbol of access for persons with a physical disability.
Parking spaces marked with this symbol are only to be used by
vehicles displaying a valid placard or license plate with this
symbol, and only when transporting the person who was
issued the placard or plate.
It is illegal for anyone else to park in these spaces. If you
improperly park in these designated spaces, you will be
committing a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 dollar fine,
and your vehicle could be subject to being towed.
STEP 3: When your front
bumper is even with the other
car's back bumper, turn the
wheels sharply and rapidly to
the left as far as necessary. It
is extremely important to remember to continually check the
space around your vehicle while making this maneuver. Be
especially aware of traffic on the road and the distances
between your vehicle and the other parked cars.
Many public parking spaces are regulated by coin-fed parking
meters. Meter regulations are usually in effect during posted
days and hours. In most areas, a maximum time limit for
parking in those spaces is also posted. If you exceed the limit
or fail to pay the meter fee, you may be issued a parking ticket
and your vehicle may be towed.
STEP 4: Turn your steering
wheel sharply to the right, and
slowly pull forward toward
the curb. Continue adjusting slowly and gradually until your
car is centered in the parking space.
Angle parking is often used in parking lots, shopping centers
and sometimes at curbs.
When you enter an angle parking space on your right:
• Watch for traffic both ahead and behind.
Upon completion of your parallel parking maneuver, the
vehicle should be no farther away from the curb than 18
inches. As you prepare to exit the vehicle, be sure to check the
traffic before opening the driver side door. Wait until any
• Signal and begin slowing down.
• Make sure the rear of your car will clear the parked cars.
• Steer sharply into the parking space. Then straighten the
wheels, centering your car in the parking space.
distance of:
A. 1 foot
• Shift to park or reverse if driving a standard transmission
vehicle and apply the parking brake.
B. 3 feet
C. Safely away from the bicycle.
Before backing out of an angle parking space:
Page 63
• Walk around to make sure nothing is in your way.
• Remember that the front of your car will swing opposite
to the direction of the turn.
• Move your car back slowly. It is hard to see oncoming
traffic. Be sure traffic is clear in the lane where you are
• Maintain a cautious speed so you can yield if necessary to
pedestrians or oncoming vehicles.
• When you can see past the tops of cars parked next to
you, stop and look again. Look back and to each side for
other drivers.
• Back slowly while turning until your left front wheel
passes the rear bumper of the car parked on the left.
• Straighten the wheels as your car comes back into the lane
for traffic.
Chapter 4B - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. The
page number where the correct answer for each question can
be found is shown. Also, answers to all the study questions
can be found in the back of the book.
10. It is illegal to park:
A. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
B. Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
C. Both of the above.
Page 65
11. The two-second rule for following at a safe distance will
hold true at:
A. Speeds up to 30 m.p.h.
B. Any speed.
C. Speeds up to 55 m.p.h.
Page 48
12. Which lane must you be in before making a left turn from
a one-way street?
A. The lane nearest the left curb.
B. The lane nearest the center of the street.
C. The lane nearest the right curb.
Page 57
13. Motorists are required by law when passing a bicycle
traveling in the same direction to allow a minimum
Section B-5 INTERSTATE DRIVING
Unnecessary stopping on interstate on-ramps causes many
rear-end collisions and also obstructs the even flow of traffic.
Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop, or you will not
have enough room to get up to the speed of the interstate
traffic. Drivers behind you will not expect you to stop. If they
are watching the traffic on the main road for space to merge,
you could easily be hit from the rear. If you have to wait for
space to enter an interstate, slow down on the ramp so that you
will still have some room to speed up before you have to
merge. Heavy traffic conditions sometimes create a slowdown
at an entrance ramp. Unless it is absolutely unavoidable, it is
best to keep your vehicle moving at least at a slow pace.
Interstate Highway Driving Is Different!
Traffic on interstates usually moves more safely and efficiently
because access is controlled. There are no stop signs, no
railroad crossings and no traffic lights. Interstates usually
have few steep hills or sharp curves to limit the view of the
road ahead. Limited access or controlled access means that
drivers enter or leave the roadway only at entrances and exits,
called interchanges, without ever crossing the path of other
traffic. Interstates and divided highways have largely removed
the chance of head-on collisions.
Interstate driving requires good skills and habits so you can
safely get where you are going. Safe use of the interstates
demands a complete awareness of a higher speed type of
driving and constant alertness by the driver.
Before Driving on the Interstate
Plan the trip in advance so that you know your entrance,
direction, and exit. Make sure that your vehicle is in good
condition. Check the gas gauge before getting on the
interstate. In rural areas, it may be many miles between exits,
and you could run out of gas before getting to another gas
station. If you cannot or do not wish to drive at or above the
minimum speed limit, do not use the interstate.
Do you know what the difference in the two signs above is?
Both appear to be telling you that traffic is coming into the
main road from the right. However, there is an IMPORTANT
In most driving situations, you slow down or stop before you
enter a busy road, but when entering an interstate, you do the
opposite. You must use the merging or acceleration lane to
speed up and merge with fast-moving traffic already on the
• The "lane added" sign means that there is a new right lane
added to the interstate/roadway for the incoming traffic.
The on-ramp becomes a new lane and the entering traffic
does not need to merge immediately. Traffic on the
interstate should avoid making lane changes to the right at
this location because the entering traffic will not be
expecting vehicles to move into their travel path.
Good judgment and good timing are necessary to merge
smoothly with fast-moving traffic. Upon entering the
interstate on-ramp, stay to the right and increase your speed in
the acceleration lane/entrance ramp. Use the ramp to reach
interstate speed so you can merge smoothly into the travel lane
when the way is clear. Be sure to give the proper left turn
signal to indicate your need to enter the traffic lane. Drivers
already on the interstate should, for their own safety, make
allowance for vehicles attempting to enter. It is your
responsibility to yield the right-of-way to other cars on the
• The regular "merge" sign means that the traffic coming
from the right is going to need to merge into the existing
right hand traffic lane. Drivers on the interstate should be
aware and cautious of this incoming traffic.
Interstates usually have several lanes of traffic traveling in the
same direction. On these roads, leave the extreme left lane for
faster traffic. If you drive at an even speed, you will have less
need to change lanes. Remember, lane-hopping any time is
dangerous, annoys other drivers, increases the risk of a
collision, often contributes to "road rage" and very seldom
saves the driver any significant amount of travel time.
Keep your vehicle in the middle of your traffic lane. You may
change lanes when necessary, but do not weave in and out of
traffic. Do not travel alongside other vehicles at the same
speed or you risk being in the other drivers' blind spots.
Change speed and/or lanes to avoid these situations. Avoid
cars moving in packs and keep a safe space cushion around your
vehicle for emergency maneuvers. If you are going to exit the
interstate, move to the right lane as early as possible to avoid
hasty lane changes, which could result in a dangerous situation
or traffic crash.
• Be alert to merging traffic signs.
• When it is safe to do so, either slow down or move to
another lane to allow space for on-ramp traffic to merge
• Remember, trucks and buses entering the interstate may
need extra time to adjust to traffic patterns. Be cooperative
and give them extra time and space to adjust to the traffic
Stay at least two seconds behind vehicles in front of you, and
increase this space to a minimum of four seconds in bad
weather, night driving and on higher speed rural sections of the
interstate. Scan the roadway ahead and try to watch 15-20
seconds in front of your vehicle for cars braking, entering or
exiting. There are times, especially in major cities, when
interstates get jammed by heavy traffic or tie-ups, caused by
collisions during rush hour traffic. Be alert for any hint that
traffic on the interstate ahead is not moving at a normal pace.
For example, when you see
cars' brake lights ahead,
prepare to slow down. You
may have to slam on your
brakes to avoid a rear-end
crash with the vehicle ahead.
If you spot a tie-up causing
you to slow down or stop,
lightly tap your brake pedal
several times to alert drivers
behind you.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are
specially marked far inside traffic lanes
designated for vehicles with two or more
occupants. HOV lanes are designed to
encourage ridesharing and to reduce the
number of vehicles on the Interstate during
rush hour, while at the same time moving
more people through congested areas.
During high inbound traffic hours (7–9 a.m.) and high outbound
traffic (4–6 p.m.), the HOV lane is reserved for the exclusive use
• Vehicles with two or more persons. (A baby in a car seat
qualifies just like any other passenger.)
• Buses with 2 or more occupants
• Motorcycles occupied by 1 person
"Traffic Flow" and Speed Control on the Interstate
Speeds traveled on rural interstates are higher than on other
roads. There are fewer stop-and-go situations. Try to keep pace
with traffic on the road, but don't be lured into exceeding the
posted speed to "stay with the flow of traffic."
• Emergency Vehicles
• Low emission and energy efficient vehicles with the
necessary decal or sticker.
During these hours of operation, the HOV lane may not be used
• Persons driving alone
• Persons driving alone passing vehicles in adjacent lanes
• Do maintain a constant speed and keep a safe pace with
other traffic.
• Do not speed up and slow down unnecessarily.
• Drive between the minimum (45 m.p.h.) and the maximum
(55-70 m.p.h.) speed limits.
To enter the HOV lane, carefully merge onto the highway as you
normally would and safely merge to the far inside lane. If you
plan to exit the highway before the HOV lane ends, you must
carefully merge over to the exit lane.
• Driving too slowly is against the law because it is
dangerous. A slowpoke on an interstate can be just as
reckless as a speeder.
HOV lane serves as a general purpose lane on weekends and
during non-peak traffic times on weekdays.
• Remember, if you drive at a speed below the flow of traffic,
you must use the right lane.
Drivers found in violation of the HOV lane are subject to a $50
fine and court costs.
• If the minimum speed is too high for your comfort, you
should not use the interstate.
• If you are traveling in the left lane and someone comes up
behind you at a faster speed, move one lane to your right.
• Courteous and safe driving practices require that drivers in
any lane, except the right lane used for slower traffic,
should be prepared to move to another lane to allow faster
traffic to pass.
Interchanges may be different, and it is important to watch for
advance directional signs. Choose the right exit, and be sure you
are in the proper lane well before you exit off the interstate. The
heavier the traffic, the earlier you should move into the proper
lane. Exit signs are usually placed at least one mile ahead of the
exit turn-off.
• By the same token, these practices teach that drivers in the
right lane should adjust speed to allow others to enter the
interstate safely.
To leave the interstate, signal your intention to change lanes,
and move to the lane nearest the exit/off-ramp. Maintain
• Do not tie up traffic in the left lane.
encountered AFTER crossing over or under the interstate.
(3) NEVER MAKE A RIGHT TURN onto a ramp AFTER
crossing the interstate lanes. (4) Never make a left turn onto a
ramp BEFORE crossing the interstate lanes.
Cloverleaf Interchange
speed until you enter the deceleration lane, which is usually
outlined by a series of yellow reflectors. Reduce your speed to
the exit ramp posted speed. Speed should be reduced further
on the exit ramp. Your vehicle should be slowed to the posted
limit for the roadway you will be entering.
At a cloverleaf interchange, all turns are right turns. To turn
right, take the right turn before you get to the overpass. To turn
left, take the right turn just after the overpass. The road will
carry you around to join the crossroad, and you will be going
in the same direction as if you had turned left at an ordinary
intersection. The advantage of such an interchange is that you
do not have to cross the path of traffic to make a turn.
The paved shoulder of the interstate should not be used for
vehicular travel except for deceleration when marked for this
purpose or for an emergency.
It is illegal to park a motor vehicle, whether attended or
unattended upon the paved or unpaved portions of any
entrance or exit ramp of any highway unless the vehicle is
It is also illegal to back up or make a U-turn on interstate
highways. If you miss your exit, you must proceed to the next
exit. It is illegal to cross the median on the interstate.
"Weaving" Interchange
One of the most hazardous lane management situations occurs
when interstate traffic is both exiting and entering at the same
lane. This weaving of vehicles trying to get on or off the
highway at the same time requires the complete attention of all
drivers and quick reactions for a safe maneuver. A weaving
interchange takes maximum cooperation and sensible,
courteous action on the part of every driver in order to work.
Signs and lane markings do their part. Safe drivers have to do
the rest.
It is very important to know how to maneuver on the different
types of interchanges. Two common types of interchanges are
the diamond and the cloverleaf, which are diagrammed and
explained in greater detail in the following paragraphs. There
are various other types of interchanges and methods of
maneuvering. When approaching any type of interchange,
follow the signs telling you how to make the turn you want to
You should follow the routine procedures for entering the
interstate as those used at normal on-ramps. However, you
must be aware that vehicles already on the interstate may be
moving right to enter the exit ramp. This will require both you
and the other driver to yield and share the interchange in an
equal "give and take" manner. If drivers are not paying
attention to the directional signs and lane design, the
movement of exiting traffic can create the potential for a
serious accident. Use extreme caution when using these types
of interchanges.
Diamond Interchange
Traffic using the interstate may gain access to the intersecting
roadway by (1) taking the signed exit ramp, (2) proceeding to
the cross roadway and (3) obeying the traffic sign or signal at
the intersection. Turns may then be made to the right or left as
at any ordinary intersection.
With a diamond interchange, you will always approach the exit
ramp before passing over or under the intersecting roadway.
Traffic using the cross roadway may enter the interstate by
making either a left or right turn onto the appropriate entrance
ramp. (1) The RIGHT TURN entrance ramp will always be
encountered BEFORE crossing over or under the interstate.
(2) The LEFT TURN entrance ramp will always be
1. On the interstate, you may NOT:
• Drive over or across any dividing section or separation
between cars.
(only emergency vehicles and highway maintenance crews
may cross an interstate median).
• Night Driving: Darkness increases driving dangers. On
the basis of mileage driven, night driving is far more
dangerous than day driving. Fatigue and sharply reduced
vision are primarily responsible for this greater danger.
Also, drinking drivers are more likely to be on the road at
• Make a left turn or a U-turn except through an opening
provided and marked for such turns
• Change lanes without signaling.
• Drive in the blind spot of other drivers. Traveling in a
position where the driver ahead of you cannot see your
vehicle can be dangerous. Either stay behind or go
around. Do NOT follow to the side.
Fight Interstate Hypnosis
Continuous interstate driving can become monotonous. A
condition of drowsiness or unawareness can be brought about
by reduced activity and steady sounds of wind, engine, and tire
hum. This is known as interstate hypnosis. All drivers should
be aware of its danger and of the methods for fighting it. Use
the following tips to help you recognize and avoid this
• Drive onto the interstate except through an opening
provided for such entrance.
• Park or stop on the interstate except at areas especially
provided. Parking on the shoulder of the interstate is
prohibited except in cases of emergency. You also cannot
park any motor vehicle on the paved and unpaved portions
of the entrance and exit ramps, unless the vehicle is
• Keep shifting your eyes. When driving, look well ahead,
but avoid staring. Get into the habit of shifting your eyes
left and right and checking your rear view mirror. If you
sit and stare straight ahead, you can almost put yourself to
• Back up if you miss an exit. You must go to the next exit.
2. Always remember these tips for safe interstate driving:
• Quit driving when you are drowsy. Drowsiness is the first
step in falling asleep.
• Drive in a dependable and predictable manner.
• Be a safe and courteous driver.
• Keep your car's interior as cool as possible.
• Always signal your intentions well in advance.
• Stop and refresh yourself at regular intervals. Take a
break and get out of the car at least every two hours, or
every 100 miles or so. Even if you are feeling well, you
should stop, get out of your car and walk around, allowing
your muscles to relax.
• Keep your attention constantly on your driving.
• Make frequent traffic checks by looking in your rear view
and side-view mirrors often.
• Keep a safe following distance between your car and the
vehicle you are following.
• It is safest for you and others if you do not drive more
than eight hours per day.
• Check instruments often for speed and fuel supply.
• Keep pace with traffic, but don't speed illegally just
because other drivers are speeding.
Dynamic Message Signs
Dynamic Message Signs are along Tennessee interstates in
urban areas to provide traffic information to motorists. These
signs are part of the Tennessee Department of Transportation's
SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System. The signs
provide real-time information to motorists of traffic incidents,
weather-related road conditions or road construction ahead, so
drivers can consider alternate routes.
The Dynamic Message Signs
not only improve driver safety
and traffic flow but can also be
used for (1) advance
notification of roadwork
requiring lane closures, (2)
advance notification of special
events that will adversely
• Stay in the right lane if traveling slower than the other
• Be alert to merging traffic signs and vehicles entering the
• When safe to do so, move to another lane to allow onramp traffic to enter the interstate.
3. Special situations to be aware of include:
• Be prepared for the unexpected! When driving on an
interstate highway, look out for pedestrians who may have
had a vehicle breakdown, or animals that may be on the
roadway. It is not impossible for vehicles to be traveling
in the wrong direction on an interstate!
• Lane Wandering: Weaving and wandering are
dangerous. Keep to the right unless overtaking or passing.
Watch mirrors and signal before changing lanes. Don't
cut back until it is safe. Stay aware of surrounding traffic
affect travel either
because of added
traffic generated or the
requirement to close
streets or highways,
and (3) messages
• Maintain Safe Distance: Following too closely is the
cause of many multiple-car collisions. Higher interstate
speeds increase danger and require greater distances
associated with missing child Amber Alerts or other public
safety issues. These signs are normally blank when not in use.
the left most lane as a safety barrier.
ONLY when traffic conditions make it unsafe to make such
lane change is the motorist allowed to respond to this situation
by simply slowing down and remaining in the same lane.
Chronic traffic congestion is often the Tennessee commuter's
biggest headache. Small changes in driving habits could
provide fast relief. Several driving behaviors that sometimes
lead to accidents also contribute to traffic congestion include:
This law applies to all emergency vehicles, utility service
vehicles and maintenance vehicles when the vehicle is
stationary and using its flashing lights. They include:
• Rubbernecking is perhaps the most frustrating of
behaviors. Slowing down to look at crashes or virtually
anything else out of the ordinary is one of the worst
congestion offenders.
• Police or Highway Patrol vehicles;
• Ambulance or Fire Fighting vehicles;
• Utility vehicles that provide your electric, phone,
• Tailgating: Following too closely is common on
Tennessee interstates. This accounts for numerous
crashes, which in turn clog major routes, often for hours.
natural gas and water services
• Tow Trucks or TDOT HELP vehicles;
• TDOT maintenance vehicles or private contractor vehicles
involved in road construction or repair work.
• Unnecessary Lane Changes: Although it produces
virtually NO improvement in arrival or travel times, many
motorists insist on weaving in and out of interstate lanes,
which at best, slows down all traffic and at worst, causes
many crashes.
If you have vehicle
trouble, move to the
right shoulder or
emergency stopping area
as soon as you can. Turn
on your emergency flashers
to warn other traffic. If you
need help, raise your hood and tie
a white cloth to the hood or radio
antenna. If possible, it is better to
stay in or near your vehicle on the side
away from traffic. Walking along the interstate is dangerous.
Keep children away from traffic.
• Inattention: Drivers can be seen eating, grooming in the
rear view mirror, talking on wireless phones, text
messaging, using the personal digital assistant and even
reading newspapers as they drive to work.
Drivers who do not watch the fuel gauge or maintain their
vehicles properly can cause traffic congestion. These vehicles
can simply run out of gas, malfunction or stall on the interstate
or other streets, causing bottlenecks and major slow downs in
traffic flow.
If you avoid these "bad behaviors" and keep them from
becoming part of your driving habits, you will help keep
traffic congestion under control in Tennessee.
If you stay with your vehicle, a law enforcement officer will stop
to help you when they drive by, if they are not on another call. If
you are within one of the major metropolitan areas of Tennessee
(Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga or Knoxville), you may also
receive assistance from one of the yellow Tennessee Department
of Transportation Incident Response Units (HELP Truck). HELP
operators have the authority to "remove or cause to be removed"
any vehicle that is an "obstruction or hazard to traffic". HELP
operators are trained to deal with incident scenes. You should
follow their instructions just as you would those of other police or
traffic control personnel.
Tennessee law requires that
motorists yield the lane
closest to any emergency,
maintenance or recovery
vehicle that is stopped on the
shoulder of the roadway. This
applies to interstates and any multi-lane highway (with four or
more lanes) that has at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the
same direction.
When safety and traffic conditions allow, the motorist must
yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane that
is NOT adjacent to the stationary emergency vehicle. This
requirement to move over applies, regardless of whether the
emergency vehicle is on the right or left-hand side of the road.
• If the emergency vehicle is stopped on the right shoulder,
the motorist merges into the left lane of traffic, freeing the
right most lane as a safety barrier.
• If the emergency vehicle is stopped on the left shoulder,
the motorist merges into the right lane of traffic, freeing
Move It for Safety
If you are involved in a traffic crash on the interstate,
Tennessee law allows you to move the vehicle to help
prevent blocking the traffic flow. If the vehicle is still
drivable and there are NO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES
or deaths, you may pull the vehicle(s) to the emergency lane
and await the arrival of a trooper or police officer to the crash
scene. Never attempt to move a seriously injured crash victim
unless directed to do so by proper emergency personnel.
Never disturb a crash scene
in any manner when a
fatality is involved.
Under Tennessee law, you
must not leave the scene of
any type of crash, and
while remaining at the
scene, you should not
"unnecessarily obstruct
*T H P – A Free Cell
Phone Call for Help
or tire chains
Chapter 5B - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. The
page number where the correct answer can be located for each
question is shown. Also, answers to all the study questions
can be found in the back of the book.
The Tennessee Department of
Transportation has placed signs
along the state's interstate system
reminding motorists to move their
damaged vehicles to the shoulder if
no serious injury has occurred.
14. When entering an interstate highway, you should:
A. Stop, check for cars and enter when safe.
B. Check for cars, reduce speed to 25 MPH before
entering traffic lane.
In the event of a highway
emergency, or if you need to
report a driver who is
violating the rules of the road, you may use your wireless
phone at no charge to directly connect with the nearest
Tennessee Highway Patrol Dispatch Center. Dial:
* T H P (*847) and you will be connected to the nearest
Tennessee Highway Patrol Dispatcher for assistance.
C. Check for cars, increase your speed to match the flow
of traffic and merge when the way is clear.
Page 68
15. Emergency crossovers on the interstate are legal in
Tennessee for:
A. Making a U-Turn when you missed your exit.
Suggested Safety and Emergency Equipment
B. Turning around when no others are present.
The following items should be kept in your car in case of a flat
tire, vehicle breakdown or other roadside emergency. These
items are important for all travel but especially for interstate
C. Emergency vehicles and highway maintenance crews
Page 71
• Spare tire in excellent condition
16. Interstate driving demands require the driver to:
• Jack and tire iron
A. Have a complete awareness of higher speed driving
• Tire Pressure Gauge
B. Constant alertness by the driver
• Can of sealant for small leaks in tire(s)
C. Both of the above.
• Flash light, portable radio and spare batteries
Page 68
• Car Owner's Manual
• Insurance information and car registration
• Paper, pen or pencil
• Three fuses or reflectors for night-time emergencies
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Jumper cables
• Spare bottle of windshield washer fluid
• Empty gas can and an unopened can of motor oil
• Toolbox with screwdrivers, wrenches, small hammer,
scissors, duct tape, etc.
• Bottled water and some simple non-perishable snack
foods (water is important to carry during the summer)
• Emergency phone numbers of family, friends and auto
club or insurance agent
• Cellular phone
• During winter travel, carry a blanket, a small portable
heater, window scraper for iced windows, and snow tires
Section B-6 DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IN INCLEMENT
h. Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights as this
can cause momentary blindness from the glare.
i. Avoid the glare of oncoming lights by watching the right
edge of the road and using the white line or road edge as a
steering guide.
j. Avoid flashing your high beams to warn the other driver
as it might serve as a distraction and interfere with their
driving resulting in a collision.
Night driving presents a serious danger, especially on poorly
lighted highways and country roads. The distance that you can
see clearly is greatly reduced. Dark colored animals, dark
vehicles or objects on the roadside, or people walking or riding
bikes and dressed in dark clothing will be harder to see.
The law requires headlights that will enable you to see clearly
any person on the highway at least two hundred (200) feet
ahead of your car. Since the effectiveness of headlights
diminishes greatly as the distance increases, headlights must
be in good order to meet this requirement. They must also be
accurately aimed, with clean lenses and
a clean windshield inside and out.
The chances of a serious crash are much greater at night, even
though traffic is not as heavy as during the day. Drivers who
do not adjust to light conditions are part of the night safety
• Many more deaths occur while driving at night, than
driving during the day.
• The majority of a driver's reaction time depends on vision.
Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision
are impaired after dark.
Glare and Glare Recovery
The glare from the headlights of
oncoming vehicles causes the pupil of
the eye to contract. After the vehicle has passed it takes an
interval of time for the pupil to readjust to the less intense
light. This is called glare recovery time. During this recovery
period you are virtually driving blind. Glare recovery time is
not based on visual acuity and varies from person to person.
The problem is generally more acute in older drivers and those
in poor physical condition.
• More fatal crashes take place on Friday and Saturday
nights than on any other day.
Drive Slower at Night
The basic rule for safe
night driving is this:
Driving at night is considerably more hazardous and difficult
than daytime driving because your range of visibility is limited
by your headlights.
Prepare to Fight Glare: For maximum glare prevention,
keep every surface between your eyes and the road as clear as
possible – including both sides of your windshield and your
eyeglasses. Clean your headlights and the windows (inside and
Remember to drive safely and defensively you must adhere
to the proper requirements of dimming you lights at night
• Meeting or overtaking vehicles within 500 feet.
• Driving in cities and towns always use your low
• On curves or turns to the right avoid "blasting" an
oncoming car with your high beams.
To cope with oncoming traffic during the hours of darkness you
a. Make sure your stopping distance is less than your sight
b. Reduce your speed at night and adjust to the road and
weather conditions.
c. Adjust your speed so you can stop within the distance you
can see.
d. Consider how powerful your lights are and how responsive
your brakes are.
e. As soon as you see pedestrians, animals, or objects on the
road in front of you, be able to stop before you hit them. If
you are overdriving your lights, you will not be able to
stop in time.
f. Develop the ability to glance well in front of your
headlight beams, looking for dark shapes on the roadway.
g. Glance periodically to the right and left to determine the
location of the edge of the pavement and oncoming
out) at least once a month.
Aim Your Headlights Correctly:
Your properly aligned headlights will help you see the road
better, and will help other drivers to avoid glare. Lights that
shine up or out excessively do NOT help you see objects in the
roadway. They do however contribute to glare and blinding the
vision of drivers in vehicles you are meeting or following.
Check you vehicle owner's manual on how to align the lights
for your car or have them aligned by a mechanic at a reputable
garage or car dealership.
Parking At Night
When parking at night, never leave your headlights on, even if
you plan on being parked for a brief period of time. They are
just as likely to blind approaching drivers when your car is
stationary as they are when it is moving. They may also
confuse approaching drivers as to the exact position of the
road. The danger is increased if you are parked on the wrong
side of the roadway. Whenever you park on or along a
highway at night, leave your emergency and parking lights on.
Parking on the shoulder of the interstate is prohibited except in
cases of emergency. You also cannot park any motor vehicle
on the paved and unpaved portions of the entrance and exit
ramps, unless the vehicle is disabled.
FOG AND SMOKE: Tennessee experiences forest fires at any
time of year, under almost any weather conditions. Where
there is fire, there is ultimately smoke, and smoke does not
mix well with safe driving. Tennessee also experiences airground temperature variances that create fog at any time of the
Unforseen changes in weather may create conditions where
visibility on roadways is seriously impaired. Under these
conditions drivers need to be cautious. The best decision is not
to drive in fog or smoke. If you must drive under these
conditions, there are actions that every driver should take to
protect themselves and their passengers.
Wet pavement can be as treacherous as icy pavement, so
always reduce your speed in wet weather. You will need
additional distance for stopping, and you may skid on sharp
The best advice for driving in fog or smoke is "DON'T". If
you must travel in fog or smoke you should:
• Drive with your lights on low beam. High beams will
impair your visibility. Never drive with just your parking
or fog lights on.
• Slow down at the first sign of rain on the road.
• The pavement is particularly treacherous when it first
begins to rain. Accumulations of dirt and oil will mix with
the water, and create a greasy film on the roadway.
• Reduce your speed.
• Avoid crossing traffic unless absolutely necessary.
• Listen for traffic (keep radio off or turned down low and
do NOT use cell phone while driving in fog).
• This is when most roads are the most slippery and it will
not give your tires the grip they need so you must drive
more slowly than on a dry road.
• Use wipers and defroster as needed for maximum vision.
Have good operating windshield wipers so that they do an
effective job.
Inclement weather creates
vision problems as well as
vehicle control problems.
Keep your windshield
wipers in good condition, and wait a few seconds after rain
starts before you turn them on. There should be enough water
on the windshield for the wipers to clear it, not smear it with
dust and grime.
• Be patient! Stay to the right. Avoid passing.
• Do not stop on any roadway unless absolutely necessary.
However, if you can't see the road's edge, pull off as far
to the right as possible – well out of the traffic lane – and
turn on your emergency flashers.
• If your car stalls or is disabled, move away from the
vehicle to avoid personal injury.
• Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears.
Use the defroster or air conditioner to keep windows and
mirrors clear. If you drive in inclement weather or fog, reduce
speed to make up for the reduced visibility.
• Adhere to warning devices in fog-prone areas.
This gives you better visibility and alerts oncoming cars to
your presence, it is also a requirement of Tennessee law.
Use headlights on low beam so the light will be on the road
where you need it. In fog or mist, never put your headlights
on high beam because the light will be reflected back into your
RAIN: Drivers must change driving habits to adjust to poor
driving conditions caused by weather. Rainy weather calls for:
Slippery When Wet
Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet.
These roads usually have warning signs. Here are some clues
to help you spot slippery roads:
• Slower speed.
• Greater stopping distance.
• Driving with headlights on low beam.
• On cold, wet days, shade from trees or buildings can hide
spots of ice. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
• Use of wipers, defroster as needed for maximum vision.
• An early signal for all turns or lane changes.
• Bridges and overpasses can also hide spots of ice. They
tend to freeze before the rest of the road does.
• Braking well in advance of a stop to warn following
drivers of your intentions.
• If it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be very
slippery for the first few minutes. Heat causes oil in the
asphalt to come to the surface and this makes the road
extremely slippery until the oil washes off.
apply the brake.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, but do NOT jerk
the wheel back toward the pavement suddenly.
• Close to the freezing point, the road is icy and may be more
slippery than at colder temperatures.
3. Brake lightly and briefly. Do NOT slam on the brakes or
hold the brake pedal down. You want to gradually slow the
HYDROPLANING: Slow down when there is a lot of water on
the road. In heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the
roadway due to water or "hydroplaning". A slight change of
direction or a gust of wind can cause your car to skid or spin.
4. Maintain control of the vehicle. Keep steering the vehicle
straight trying to keep the other wheels from getting off
the pavement.
a. If you vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually by
letting up on the gas.
5. Do NOT attempt to steer back onto the pavement until
there are no cars in your immediate vicinity.
b. Don't slam on the brakes.
6. Once oncoming traffic is clear and you have slowed the
speed of your vehicle you can turn back onto the
c. When hydroplaning occurs there is a loss of the traction
needed to steer and brake safely.
d. Stopping distances may be tripled and steering control may
be reduced or lost.
Many of Tennessee's roads and highways are being installed
with Rumble Stripes as part of the repaving project. Rumble
Stripes are a series of indentations where the edge line is
striped overtop the indentations. It has a secondary effect of
the vibration and noise, however, its primary function is to
improve wet-night visibility of the edge line. The indentations
allow water to drain off the markings which improves the
visibility of the line markings especially in wet-night
e. Hydroplaning is more common at higher speeds, although
tires can hydroplane under certain conditions at ANY speed.
This is one reason you must always be extremely cautious
when driving in rainy weather.
Skids: "If Your Wheels Don't Roll - You
Don't Have Control"
Skids are caused when the tires can no
longer grip the road. Skids are caused by
drivers traveling too fast for conditions. If
your vehicle begins to skid:
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any
other thunderstorm related hazard. Many of these casualties are
a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to
navigate flooded roads. Most people fail to realize the force and
power of water. For example, only six inches of fast-movingflood water can knock a person off their feet.
a. Stay off the brake. Until the vehicle
slows, your brakes will not work and
could cause you to skid more.
b. Steer. Turn the steering wheel in the
direction you want your car to go. (For
example: If rear of vehicle is skidding to
the left you want to steer to the left to
bring the front of the vehicle back "in line"
and straighten the direction of motion.)
Does a heavy vehicle equal safety in flood situations? NO!
Many drivers believe their 3,000 to 5,000 pound vehicle will
remain in contact with the road surface…that it is too heavy to
float. Think about that for a minute. Aircraft carriers float don't
they? Vehicles (and ships) float because of buoyancy.
c. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, turn the
steering wheel back the other way. If you do not do so,
your vehicle may swing around in the other direction and
you could start a new skid.
In fact, most cars can be swept away in 18 to 24 inches of
moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only
an additional six to twelve inches of clearance. In moving water,
all that is needed is for a vehicle to become buoyant enough to
allow the water's force to push it sideways, even while the
wheels remain in contact with the pavement.
d. Continue to steer. Continue to correct
your steering, left and right, until the
vehicle is again moving down the road
under your control.
e. The best advice is to do everything you
can to avoid ever skidding in the first
place. Be aware of weather conditions
and slow down well in advance of your
stopping point.
Once swept downstream, a vehicle will often roll to one side or
perhaps flip over entirely. The driver then has only a few
seconds to escape. Many drivers panic as soon as the vehicle
submerges and are found later with their safety
belt intact.
Regaining Control of your Vehicle when
the wheels have gotten off the paved
The solution is simple. TURN AROUND,
1. Stop feeding the gas. Lift you foot off
the gas pedal but do NOT suddenly
Stay out of the flooded roadway. The water
may be much deeper than it appears as the road beds may be
washed out.
Also, respect "Road Closed" barriers posted to warn you of the
danger. If a driver knowingly ignores clearly visible and
adequate flood warning signs or barricades and drives into a
road area that is actually flooded, the driver can be charged
with reckless driving. The driver can also be responsible for
the restitution of funds for the cost of your rescue.
• As the large vehicle passes, accelerate slowly to keep
your trailer pulling in a straight path.
e. If you are driving into a strong head wind (wind blowing
toward your vehicle), you may need to accelerate more, and
steering will be more difficult.
f. A strong tailwind (wind blowing from behind your vehicle)
will increase your speed, so you will have to decelerate and
begin braking earlier to stop.
Keep the following safety rules in mind when driving in severe
Sun Glare - Bright sunlight in the early morning or late
afternoon creates a glare when driving toward the sun. Wearing
sunglasses, keeping windows clean and using the vehicle's sun
visors, can reduce glare. If the sun is behind you, oncoming
drivers may have the glare problem. Be aware that they may not
be able to see your turn signals or your car.
• Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do
NOT attempt to cross a flowing stream.
• As little as six to twelve inches of water may cause you to
lose control of your vehicle and two feet of water will carry
most cars downstream.
Getting Stuck in Mud or Snow – after heavy rains or large
snowfalls a driver may find their vehicle stuck if they get off the
main paved roadway. Follow these tips when trying to get your
vehicle unstuck:
• In your vehicle look out for flooding at highway dips, low
spots and around bridges.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by the
water. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded
roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek
higher ground.
a. Shift to low gear and keep the front wheels straight.
b. Gently step on the gas pedal.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams,
particularly when threatening weather conditions exist.
c. Avoid spinning the wheels. Drive forward as far as
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to
recognize flood dangers.
d. Shift to reverse and slowly back up as far as possible.
Don't spin the wheels.
e. Shift to low gear again and drive forward.
More information on flood safety is available through the
National Weather Service at: www.noaa.gov/floods.htm.
f. Repeat forward - backward rocking until the car rolls free.
g. Put boards or tree branches under the tires in deep mud or
snow. Never do this when the tires are spinning or when
the driver has the vehicle "in gear".
Severe Thunderstorms or Tornados - listen to your car radio
and be alert. If you spot a tornado, DON'T try to outrun it. Get
out of the car, find shelter in a ditch or low-lying area and lie
face down to protect yourself from flying debris.
Most people think of tire chains as a tool only for winter
driving. However you may avoid getting stuck if you always
carry chains in your vehicle. Drive as far as possible to the
right side of the roadway before installing your chains. Put
them on the tires before driving in snow OR mud.
Wind - Strong winds, especially crosswinds, can make it more
difficult for you to control your vehicle. Wind is very
dangerous if you are driving a camper, large recreational
vehicle, or if you are towing a trailer. Lightweight vehicles are
also more difficult to control in strong winds
a. To gain more control over vehicles in a strong wind, slow
The three big errors of most drivers in snow and ice are:
b. If you are approaching an open space after driving in a
protected area, be alert for crosswinds that can push you to
the side or middle of the roadway.
• To over-power and spin the wheels
• To over-brake and slide the wheels
• To over-steer and skid the wheels
c. If you are pulling a trailer, the wind may cause your vehicle
to sway. Be ready to make necessary steering corrections.
Reduced visibility requires that you make every effort to keep
the windshield and all glass clear of snow and ice. The heaterdefroster should be in good condition. Windshield wiper
blades should work particularly well.
d. When you meet large trucks or buses, you may also have to
make steering corrections because of the gusts of wind
these vehicles create.
• When a truck or bus is passing you on the left, move as
far as possible to the right of your lane and slow down.
a. Carry a high quality ice scraper with a brush for removing
snow, frost, and ice from your vehicle's windows,
headlights, brake lights, turn signals and outside mirrors.
• If you are pulling a trailer, wind currents from these larger
vehicles can cause your vehicle to jackknife.
b. Clear snow, ice or frost from ALL windows before
and becomes extremely slippery because of many sliding and
spinning wheels. To some extent, steering to one side or the
other of the packed section will help avoid the slickest surface.
However, great caution should be used when driving on ice
and snow.
c. A good outside rearview mirror is of great help,
particularly if the back window glass tends to fog over.
d. To help others see you, always use headlights when
visibility is restricted by atmospheric or other weather
Hailstorms/Sleet – find shelter by driving under an overpass
or bridge.
Inadequate Traction to Go - Overpowering and spinning the
wheels reduces the available traction. Start your car slowly and
avoid spinning wheels when moving your car on ice or snow.
Chapter 6 - Chapter Sample Test Questions
a. Keep your speed steady and slow – but not too slow.
17. Continuous hard braking on ice and snow often:
b. In deeper snow, it's often necessary to use the car's
momentum to keep moving.
A. Helps you stop faster.
B. Locks the front wheels causing the loss of steering
c. Have good treads on front wheels to improve steering
ability. Snow tires are helpful for winter driving.
C. Keeps the brakes hot and prevents them from freezing.
Page 78
Reduced Ability to Stop and Loss of Steering - Low traction
also makes stopping difficult. When traveling at 20 M.P.H.,
low traction can increase stopping distance to 200 feet or
18. When driving in foggy conditions, do not put your
headlights on high beam because:
A. The light from the fog creates blurry vision on your
a. Use brakes cautiously.
b. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up, which causes
you to lose steering
B. Approaching vehicles won't be able to see your
oncoming vehicle.
c. Apply the brakes firmly, to a point just short of lock up,
and then easing off the brake pedal slightly (not
completely), if the wheels should lock.
C. Low beams provide greater visibility and you can be
better seen by other vehicles.
Page 75
d. Re-apply the brakes to a point just short of lock up and
19. Driving at night is:
e. Do NOT pump the brake pedal, just apply steady pressure.
This will give you the best combination of braking effort
and directional control.
A. Safer because of less traffic and less distractions.
B. More hazardous because your range of visibility is
limited by your headlights.
Remember: Continuous hard braking on snow and ice can
result in the locking of the front brakes causing a loss of
steering. Always maintain a safe speed for these conditions to
avoid excessive braking.
C. Safer and allows you to increase your speed while
adjusting to road conditions.
Page 74
ABS – Antilock brakes are designed to overcome a loss of
steering control. To make antilock brakes work correctly, or
work at all, you should apply constant, firm pressure to the
pedal. During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the
way to the floor, if necessary, even in wet or icy conditions.
Ice on Roads and Bridges – Where Not Expected: The sunny
side of a hill may be wet, the shady side covered with thin ice.
Usually, signs indicate that ice forms on bridges sooner than
on the adjoining roads. In such instances, the car ahead of you
may have crossed the icy part of the road and stopped. But a
long patch of ice behind his car can easily cause you to skid
into him.
Ice and Snow Made Slippery by Traffic – On streets and
highways where there is considerable stop- and- go traffic, it
does not take long after a storm before the snow packs hard
Section B-7 ALCOHOL, OTHER DRUGS AND DRIVING
Rate of Alcoholic Consumption
Drinking three drinks in one hour will affect you more than
drinking three drinks in three hours. Spacing the drinks over a
longer period of time will slow the rate at which you become
intoxicated and indicates responsible drinking habits.
PLEASE NOTE: Tennessee is serious about educating the
public on the tragedies of driving under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. To underscore this, by law, at least 25 percent of
the questions on the knowledge test must consist of questions
dealing with this topic.
Body Weight and Fat
The heavier the person, the more alcohol it takes to raise the
BAC. Be aware of your size when drinking with others. If
you are smaller than your friends and try to drink as much as
they do, your judgment and inhibitions will probably be
affected sooner.
Alcohol and You
Researchers estimate that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and
2:00 a.m., 1 of every 10 drivers is intoxicated. More than onethird of these drivers have been drinking at someone else's
home. Nearly 50 percent of the drivers arrested for driving
under the influence (DUI) are social to moderate drinkers.
Don't think that it won't happen to you. In your lifetime,
there's a high probability that you'll be involved in an alcoholrelated crash.
Body fat also determines how quickly you are affected by
alcohol. Alcohol is able to be absorbed in water, not fat. This
simply means that people with less body fat have more water
in which to dilute the alcohol. So, drink for drink, if people
weigh the same, the one with more body fat will show signs of
intoxication first.
An Overview Of The Effects Of Alcohol
Before you can fully understand why drinking and driving
result in fatalities on the highways, you first need a better
understanding of the effects of alcohol on the body.
Amount of Food in the Stomach
All the alcohol consumed eventually gets into the blood
whether you have eaten or not. Food in the stomach causes
alcohol to be absorbed more slowly, slowing down the rate and
the amount of intoxication.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Alcohol begins to be absorbed into the bloodstream within one
to two minutes after an alcoholic beverage is consumed. As
you consume alcohol, it accumulates in your blood.
Intoxication occurs when you drink alcohol faster than the
liver can oxidize it. As the percentage of alcohol in your
blood increases, you become more intoxicated.
Overall Condition of the Body
Heavy and chronic drinking can harm virtually every organ
and system in the body. The liver is particularly vulnerable to
alcohol's harmful effects since it oxidizes approximately 90
percent of the alcohol in the body. If the liver is damaged or
diseased, the rate of oxidation is reduced, causing the alcohol
to stay in the body longer and the BAC to be higher for a
longer time. Further, the effects of alcohol on the liver can
lead to such diseases as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Once in the bloodstream, the alcohol is distributed to all parts
of the body, including the brain and liver. Upon reaching the
liver, the alcohol immediately begins to be oxidized. However,
the liver can only oxidize about one drink per hour. Contrary
to popular belief, this rate cannot be increased by drinking
coffee, exercising, taking a cold shower or anything else. Only
time can sober a person who's been drinking. And
remember, it is a slow process.
Driving after drinking is a widespread problem. It is estimated
that two in every five Americans (or 40%) will be involved in
an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.
What Is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measurement of the
percentage of alcohol in the blood. The higher the BAC
number, the more impaired a person is. In most states,
including Tennessee, .08 is the level of intoxication which is
always illegal. This means that for every 10,000 drops of
blood in a person's body, there are eight drops of alcohol.
BAC changes with body weight, time spent drinking, and the
amount of alcohol that is consumed.
Each drink drastically increases your risk of having a traffic
crash. Look at the table on Page 80 named Alcohol's Effects
on Driving Ability.
With a BAC of .10 percent, you are seven times more likely
to cause a crash than if you were sober.
Amount of Alcohol Consumption
Each drink consumed within an hour increases the BAC level.
The more you drink in a fixed amount of time, the higher your
BAC will register. This happens no matter what you weigh —
or what kind of alcoholic beverage you drink.
As your BAC increases to .15 percent, your chances of
causing a traffic crash increase to 25 times.
At .17 percent BAC, you are 50 times more likely to cause
a crash.
Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability
Rough Number
of Drinks
Risk of Automobile Crash
u 1 drink within
15 min.
Rises for young adults and others
with low tolerance for alcohol
Stiff penalties for BAC as low as .02 if
driver under age 21
u 2 drinks within
1/2 hour
Definite for anyone with
low tolerance levels
Most people feel high and have some loss
of judgment. You may get louder and have
some loss of small muscle control, like
focusing your eyes.
LEGAL INTOXICATION* — Judgment and reasoning powers are severely
hampered; cannot do common simple acts. Definitely unsafe to drive.
u 4 drinks within
2 hours
u 5-7 drinks
within 3 hours
25 times the normal rate
You have far less muscle control than normal and feel happy, even though stumbling
and acting foolishly.
u 8-12 drinks
within 4 hours
50 times the normal rate
You are confused and need help doing
things, even standing up. Alcohol-related
highway fatalities sharply increase.
Increases 7 times the normal rate
Judgement loss increases. Many people claim they're not
affected anymore, as if they would drink themselves sober
when they are actually being affected more.
*Lower levels are set for younger drivers, commercial drivers, and subsequent offenses, as discussed later in this chapter.
Behavior at each BAC level may differ somewhat with each
individual. ALL people at the .10 percent level are definitely
too impaired to drive safely. Research has proven that
driving skills, good judgment and vision are greatly
impaired at BAC levels as low as .03 and .04 percent,
especially for young drinkers. The above table, named
Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability, describes different levels
of intoxication and degree of behavior impairment at each
Judgment: Ability to Think Clearly and Make Quick
Good judgment decreases with the use of alcohol. The
concern for physical well being also lessens. People under the
influence of alcohol take unnecessary and dangerous risks.
Examples are driving too fast, passing cars without enough
clear distance and speeding around curves. Showing off is
another example of impaired judgment.
Vision: Ability to See Clearly Straight Ahead, to the Side
and at Night
Alcohol's Effects on Driving Ability
Driving involves multiple tasks, and the demands can change
continually. To drive safely, you must maintain alertness, make
decisions based on ever-changing information present in the
environment and execute maneuvers based on these decisions.
Drinking alcohol impairs a wide range of skills necessary for
carrying out these tasks. Fatal injuries, resulting from alcoholrelated traffic crashes, represent a tremendous loss of human
life. In 2011 9,878 deaths nationwide (31% of all traffic
fatalities) were alcohol-related. In Tennessee, 27 percent of all
traffic fatalities (257 deaths) were alcohol-related.
Alcohol decreases clearness of vision. It reduces the ability to
see clearly at night by more than half. Glare vision is poor
because of relaxed eye muscles. Glare recovery is also slowed
by alcohol. Side vision is reduced by about 30 percent at .05
percent BAC. Judging depth or distance is affected because
alcohol causes each eye to get a slightly different picture.
These vision impairments greatly increase the chances of a
head-on or rear-end collision. Eye muscles are relaxed by
alcohol and cannot focus properly. Because the eyes provide
almost 90 percent of the information used in driving, any
restriction in vision can cause disastrous results.
The plain and simple fact is that you cannot drive safely when
you are impaired by alcohol. The two abilities most important
to the driving task are judgment and vision, both of which are
affected by small amounts of alcohol. Your ability to judge
speed, time and distance are altered after only one drink. Each
extra drink greatly affects your driving ability. In addition,
your reaction time and coordination begin to deteriorate, while
your alertness and concentration fade. All of this adds up to a
deadly combination.
Reaction Time and Coordination:
This is the ability to react quickly and safely to an
emergency or hazardous situation—being able to keep
eyes, hands and feet working together.
Reaction and coordination are impaired by alcohol
consumption as low as .02 percent BAC. It takes longer to
react. Coordination skills to control the car with hands, feet
and eyes in response to other vehicles and the road are
drastically reduced as alcohol intake increases.
The defendant's ability to drive when using drugs may be
sufficiently impaired to constitute a DUI violation. A driver
can register a BAC of .00 percent and still be convicted of a
DUI. The level of BAC does not clear a driver when it is
below .08 percent. If a law enforcement officer observes
things, such as erratic driving behavior, or maintaining an
inappropriate speed (too fast or too slow), it would be
sufficient cause for stopping the vehicle to investigate. Further
sobriety checks could lead to the conclusion that the driver
was indeed "Driving Under the Influence" of an intoxicant,
narcotic drug or other drug producing stimulating effects on
the central nervous system, including prescription drugs. If
you have any doubt about your ability to drive, don't get
behind the wheel.
Alertness and Concentration
Being ready to react to changing driving conditions or
situations, keeping your mind on driving and paying
attention to the task at hand.
Alcohol, in any concentration, is a depressant, not a stimulant.
Alcohol slows all nerve impulses and body functions. The
false feeling of stimulation that comes with small doses of
alcohol is caused by the lessening of inhibitions. That's
because the particular portion of the brain controlling this part
of behavior is being relaxed. In reality, alcohol has the effect
of limiting a driver's ability to be alert and to concentrate.
Implied Consent Law
By law, when you drive in Tennessee, you have given your
consent to be tested to determine the alcohol or drug content of
your blood. This test must be administered at the request of a
law enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe
you have been driving under the influence of an intoxicant or
"Every Day" Drugs
One of the most common and most dangerous instances of
drug abuse occurs when people mix alcohol with prescription
and over-the-counter drugs. For example, when alcohol is
combined with another depressant, like tranquilizers or
sedatives, the results are not just added together; they are
multiplied. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect
driving. The effects are much stronger, much more dangerous
and can affect your driving skills.
If you are placed under arrest and a law enforcement officer
asks you to take the test and you refuse, it will likely result in
the suspension by the court of your driving privileges for
twelve (12) months.
If your doctor prescribes a tranquilizer or sedative, make a
point to discuss how the drug will affect your ability to drive
safely. Just because a drug is prescribed, by law, this is NO
defense for driving under the influence of it.
No Refusal Law
The No Refusal law was passed in 2012 and allows law
enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood
samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. The
goal is to help law enforcement deter impaired driving while
reducing crashes and fatalities on Tennessee roadways.
Non-prescription drugs, such as cold tablets, cough syrups,
allergy remedies, etc., purchased over-the-counter may contain
antihistamines, alcohol, codeine and other compounds that can
be especially dangerous for drivers. Read labels and pay
attention to warnings (e.g., "may cause drowsiness," "do not
operate machinery," "caution against engaging in operations
requiring alertness").
Consequences of a DUI Arrest
Drinking and driving poses several problems. One is the
probability of an accident, and another is being arrested for
DUI. The penalties for a DUI arrest are the same whether the
driver was drinking alcohol or taking drugs (even prescription
or over-the-counter drugs). If you are arrested for DUI, the
consequences can be severe.
If you have questions about a particular drug or combination
of drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Penalties Applying to Any DUI Conviction
Regardless of whether the conviction for driving under the
influence is a driver's first or not, several other laws apply:
Studies indicate that marijuana and other drugs also affect
judgment and motor functions. This makes driving under the
influence of drugs other than alcohol dangerous as well. In
Tennessee, it is unlawful for any person to drive or be in
physical control of an automobile or other motor-driven
vehicle on any public street, highway, road or alley, or while
on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment
house complex, or any place frequented by the public while:
1. Under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic
drug or drugs producing stimulating effects on the central
nervous system; or
2. While the alcohol concentration of the operator's blood or
breath is .08 percent or higher.
• IDs with "DUI Offender:" If a person with a license
revoked for DUI applies for a photo identification license
to carry during the period before his or her license can be
restored, the department is required to indicate on the ID
that the person is a DUI offender.
• Litter Removal: A DUI conviction also requires as a
condition of probation, litter pick-up for three eight-hour
shifts. While removing litter, the offender has to wear a
vest or other clothing displaying the message, "I am a
DRUNK DRIVER." If the offender is a Tennessee
resident, the litter pick-up is done in his/her home county.
DUI Penalties
Jail Time
License Revocation
Vehicle Seizure
1st Conviction
48 hours (7 days if BAC
is 0.20% or more)
1 year
Does not apply
2nd Conviction
45 days – 11 months,
29 days
2 years
Vehicle is subject to
seizure and forfeiture
3rd Conviction
120 days – 11 months,
29 days
$1,100 - $10,000
3 -10 years
Vehicle is subject to
seizure and forfeiture
4th or subsequent
(is a Class E felony)
150 days – max allowable
for a Class E felony
5 years [to indefinite]
Vehicle is subject to
seizure and forfeiture
• Vehicle Seizure: A vehicle can be seized if a driver is
charged with driving on a revoked license when his/her
driving privileges are already revoked as a result of a DUI
conviction (first or subsequent).
suffering physical injury or personal losses as a result of
the DUI, if the offender is economically capable of
making restitution.
• The driver's vehicle will be seized if he/she has two DUI
convictions within five years AND both events happened
after January 1997.
• Vehicular Homicide: If you are operating a motor
vehicle under the influence of a drug or alcohol, and you are
involved in a crash resulting in the death of another person(s),
you may be charged with vehicular homicide. If convicted,
you may be fined and sentenced to prison.
Only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition
interlock device (which keeps a car from starting if the driver's
BAC is too high). The restriction can be from six months to
one year for a first offense, up to three years for a second
offense and up to 10 years for third and subsequent offenses
• Aggravated Assault: If you are operating a vehicle under
the influence of a drug or alcohol, and you are involved in
a motor vehicle crash that results in the injury of another
person, you may be charged with aggravated assault. If
convicted, you may be fined and sentenced to prison.
Please note that a person with 2 DUIs in a five year period
MUST operate a motor vehicle with the ignition interlock
device for six months after reinstatement of driving
• Child Endangerment: Known as the Drunk Driving
Child Protection Act, there are added penalties for people
who violate DUI laws when accompanied by a child under
18 years old. There is a mandatory minimum jail sentence
of 30 days, and a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000.
Both of these child-related penalties are added onto any
other incarceration, penalty and fines. If the child suffers
serious bodily injury, the violation is a Class D felony, and
if the child dies, it is a Class C felony of especially
aggravated child endangerment.
Remember, driving while under the influence of drugs—even
prescription drugs—carries the same penalties as for alcohol.
DUI's Are Expensive!
Besides being extremely dangerous and against the law, DUI's
are costly. In addition to the fines and court costs, a person
charged with DUI can be faced with posting bond to get
released from jail, attorney fees, loss of time from work to
attend court hearing(s), loss of time from work to serve time in
jail, fees for alcohol safety courses and possible treatment,
increased insurance premiums, and other expenses. This can
add up to several thousand dollars.
Additional DUI Penalties
In addition to the minimum penalties above, the judge will
also require the following of the DUI offender:
• To undergo a drug and alcohol treatment assessment and
receive treatment, as appropriate, for those who have had
a prior DUI in the five years prior to the current DUI.
Not Just Driving—Riding With Others!
Young people remain especially vulnerable to the threat of
alcohol and other drugs. This is not only from their
own impaired driving, but also from getting in the car
with other drivers who are not sober. TRAFFIC
ALCOHOL RELATED. In a national survey,
nearly half of 10th graders and a third of eighth
• Participation in an alcohol safety DUI school
program, if available; or
• Participation in a program of alcohol or drug
rehabilitation at a treatment facility, if available,
for second and subsequent convictions; and
• The payment of restitution to any person
graders reported having ridden during the past month with a
driver who had used alcohol or other drugs before taking the
Avoiding the Risks
Alcohol-related crashes are not accidents. They can be
prevented. If you are planning a night on the town, decide
before you start drinking that you are not going to drive.
Remember, alcohol affects your judgment. It's a lot more
difficult to make the decision not to drive after one or two
Use the following tips to keep from drinking and driving and
still have a good time:
Crash records indicate that young drivers under the influence
of small amounts of alcohol appear to have more driving
problems than older drivers. Most teenagers are intoxicated at
low BAC levels. The young driver's chance of a crash is much
greater with BAC between .01-.08 percent than older drivers.
This is due to low tolerance of alcohol and limited driving
• Drive to social events in groups of two or more and have
the driver agree not to drink.
• Arrange to ride with a friend who is not drinking.
• Before you start drinking, give your vehicle keys to
someone who isn't drinking and who won't let you drive
after drinking.
Under 21 Laws
In addition to the standard penalties for driving under the
influence of drugs or alcohol discussed previously, there are
three special laws that apply to people under the age of 21:
• If someone offers you a drink and you plan to drive,
simply say, "No thanks, I'm driving."
• 18-20 Alcohol Violations: If you are 18, 19 or 20 years
old and are convicted of purchasing, attempting to
purchase, or possessing any alcoholic beverage, you
will lose your privilege to drive for one year. If it happens
a second time you will lose your license for two years.
The law applies to any alcohol-related conviction, whether
or not you were driving or even in a vehicle.
Did You Know?
1. The amount of alcohol in one (12 ounce) bottle of beer is
about equal to that in a (1 ounce) shot of whiskey.
2. When alcohol is consumed, it quickly reaches the brain
where it short-circuits the parts that control judgment,
emotions and confidence.
• Juvenile Offenders: If you are between the ages of 13
and 17 and are found to have possessed, consumed or sold
either alcohol or drugs, your driving privilege will be
suspended for one year or until age 17, whichever is
longer. Even if you have never been licensed, you could
lose your privilege to drive until you reach age 17. If you
have a second conviction, the suspension is for two years
or until age 18, whichever is longer.
3. The first thing affected after drinking alcohol is a person's
4. Reliable research studies show that two or three drinks of
alcohol in three hours or less impair the driving ability of
most individuals.
5. It takes about one hour to cancel the effects of one drink.
It takes about three hours to cancel the intoxicating effects
of three drinks.
• Under 21 BAC: A person who is at least 16, but is not
yet 21 years old, and who is found: (1) driving with a
BAC of .02 percent; (2) under the influence of alcohol; or
(3) under the influence of any other intoxicant, will be
convicted of underage driving while impaired. Penalties
for this conviction are: losing your license for one year, a
fine of $250 and sometimes, includes public service work.
6. Alcohol-related vehicle crashes are the number one killer
of persons under the age of 40.
7. Many drugs, even legal over-the-counter drugs, can impair
your ability to drive. If you are taking them for a cold,
they make you feel well enough to drive, but they can also
affect alertness, judgment, coordination and vision.
8. The combined use of alcohol and other depressant drugs,
such as antihistamines, may be more dangerous to health
and highway safety than the effects of either the alcohol or
drugs alone.
The best advice, of course, is simply to not drink
when you know you are going to drive. One of
the most successful programs in recent years
has been the designated driver concept,
where friends agree ahead of time which
person will remain strictly sober. Many
night clubs offer the designated driver free
non-alcoholic beverages for the evening. Young
people, who do not want to drink in the first place, are finding
it more socially acceptable to offer to be the designated driver.
We Must Keep Trying
We Are Doing Better
Over the past years, Tennessee has seen a decrease in the
percentage of all fatal crashes involving alcohol. Prior to 1990,
it was common for half of all fatal crashes to involve alcohol.
Since then, there has been a decline. In 2011, the percentage of
alcohol related fatalities was approximately 27 percent. Only
safe driving and adhering to laws that prohibit drinking and
impaired driving will move this percentage down even further.
Let's get this percentage lower!
NOTE: This chapter was written in consultation with the
Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction
Services (TAADAS).
24. Which of the following driving skills are affected by the
use of alcohol and/or drugs?
Alertness and concentration
Reaction time and coordination
All of the above are affected.
Page 80
For further information on the general subject of drug and
alcohol use and abuse, or for referrals for help with such
problems, call the toll-free "Redline" at 1-800-889-9789.
Or, check the TAADAS web site: www.taadas.org
Chapter 7 - Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. Please
note that 25 percent of your test questions will be found in this
chapter. The page number for where the correct answer can be
located for each question is shown.
20. Driving while under the influence of drugs carries:
A. The same penalty as for alcohol
B. A lesser penalty than for alcohol.
C. Absolutely no penalty at all.
Page 81
21. If you have had three beers in the past hour, about how
long will it take for all the alcohol to leave your blood
A. One hour
B. Two hours
C. Three hours
Page 83
22. As the percentage of alcohol (BAC) in your blood
increases, you become:
A. More intoxicated
B. More sober
C. More coordinated
Page 79
23. Implied Consent Law means:
A. If asked, you will take a test to determine alcohol or
drug content in the blood.
B. The laws apply even without any signs, markings or
signals present at an intersection.
C. The owner of the vehicle will carry proper insurance.
Page 81
Section B-8 DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES
8. Manslaughter/vehicular homicide involving the operation
of a vehicle.
Problem Driver Pointer System
The Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) is used by the
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to
search the National Driver Register before issuance of a driver
license. The National Driver Register is a repository of
information on problem drivers provided by all 51 U.S.
9. Two reckless driving violations within 12 months.
10. Drag racing.
11. Habitual recipients of moving traffic violations.
12. Not complying with the terms of a judgment found
against the driver for damages resulting from a motor
vehicle crash.
Based on information received as a result of the National Driver
Register search, PDPS will "point" the Department of Safety
Driver License Examiner to the State of Record(s), where an
individual's driver status and history information is stored.
13. Purchasing or possessing any alcoholic beverage, if
under 21 years old.
14. Failure to comply with child support requirements.
If you apply for a Tennessee license — whether it is your first
license here, or some other transaction such as a renewal —
and you have a problem in another state, we cannot issue you
a license until the matter is resolved.
15. Driving a motor vehicle away from a gas station without
paying for dispensed gas or diesel fuel.
16. Failure to show evidence of vehicle insurance/financial
responsibility to an officer when involved in a crash or
charged with a moving violation.
The National Driver Register contains names and limited other
identifying information about individuals whose licenses have
been canceled, denied, revoked, suspended, or who have been
convicted of certain serious traffic violations. If records
indicate you have a problem in another state, the examiners
will provide you the name of the state reporting the problem
and a telephone number you can use to contact that state to
clear your record there.
17. Possession by a driver of five or more grams of
methamphetamine in a vehicle.
In addition, persons under the age of 18 may lose their driving
privileges for:
• Convictions of any drug or alcohol offense, whether or
not the offense occurred while driving;
• Dropping out of school (which is defined as having 10
consecutive or 15 total days in a semester of unexcused
Please Note: To get specific information about what the other
state has reported to the PDPS system, you will need to
contact the other state. Tennessee does not have this
information. We are only provided with the fact that the other
state has reported a problem.
• Failure to make satisfactory progress in school (which, in
general, means passing three subjects per grading
period); or
• Possession or carrying weapons on school property.
In Tennessee, a driver license may be revoked or suspended
for the following situations:
Whenever a driver license is suspended or revoked, it must
be turned in to the Department of Safety within 20 days of
the suspension or revocation. Any Tennessee Highway
Patrol Office or Driver License Service Center can take
your license and see that you are given credit for returning
it. The license may be mailed to:
1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
including the failure to submit to a test to determine the
blood/alcohol level. (Implied Consent)
2. Allowing unlawful use of a driver license, including
fraudulently altering a driver license or allowing another
individual to use your license or identification.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
3. Mental or physical difficulties that interfere with a
driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle (e.g.,
Alzheimer's disease, seizures and loss of consciousness).
Failure to surrender your license means that you will be fined
$75 in addition to any other fines and costs you may owe.
4. Leaving the scene of a personal injury or fatal crash;
failure to stop and render aid in a vehicle crash.
Before any license is suspended, revoked or canceled, the
department will notify the licensee in writing of the proposed
suspension, revocation or cancellation. If your license is about
to be suspended, revoked or cancelled, the department will
give you an opportunity for a hearing prior to action, except in
5. Perjury, or giving false information on the use or
ownership of a vehicle, or for the issuance of a driver
6. A felony that involves the use of a vehicle.
7. Evading arrest while operating a motor vehicle.
cases of final judgments and convictions.
in court to answer the citation or meet any other requirement
the court may set out to satisfy the citation. If you ignore the
citation — whether it was issued for a traffic violation here or
in another member state, your driving privileges will be
suspended, revoked or canceled. The suspension, revocation
or cancellation remains in effect until the court notifies the
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security that
the citation has been properly disposed of and the proper fees
are paid.
IMPORTANT: If you have a new address, you must report
it to the Department of Safety within ten (10) days of the
change. Although the new address may not appear on your
license until you receive a new/renewed/reinstated license,
your address must be correct on the official Driver License
file. You may make this change:
(a) by internet—www.tn.gov/safety
(b) by letter to: Tennessee Department of Safety and
Homeland Security, P.O. Box 945 , Nashville, TN 37202,
Steps you need to follow to have your driver license reinstated
depend on several factors, including why you lost your license
and what else is on your record. To clear your record, you
must contact:
(c) by completing a change-of-address form available at
any Driver License Service Center
Without your correct address, you may not receive
important information concerning the status of your driver
(Also, you could be "ticketed," if correct address is not on file.)
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Financial Responsibility
P.O. Box 945
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
Phone: (866) 903-7357, or TDD—Telecommunications Device
for the Deaf: (615) 532-2281
Email Address: firstname.lastname@example.com or;
Internet Website: www.tn.gov/safety
Non-Resident Violator Compact
Tennessee is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact.
In a nutshell, this compact means that regardless of where you
receive a citation for a traffic violation, you must either appear
Table: 5.1
Where speed not indicated
1 thru 5 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone
6 thru 15 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone
16 thru 25 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone
26 thru 35 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone
36 thru 45 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone
46 m.p.h. and above in excess of speed zone
Operating without being licensed or without license required for type of vehicle being operated (under suspension)
Driving while license canceled
Reckless endangerment by vehicle — misdemeanor
Reckless driving
Passing school bus taking on or discharging passengers
1st Offense violation of driver license restrictions
Fleeing law enforcement officer
Leaving the scene of a crash (Property damage only)
Signs and control devices — Failure to obey traffic instructions
Improper passing — Passing where prohibited
Wrong way, side or direction
Failing to yield right of way
Careless or negligent driving
Violation of bumper law
Following improperly
Making improper turn
Speed less than posted minimum
Operating without being licensed or without license required for type of vehicle being operated (not under suspension)
Miscellaneous — Failure to maintain control, improper control, etc.
Failure to signal change of vehicle direction or to reduce speed suddenly
Following emergency vehicles unlawfully
Contributing to occurrence of a crash resulting in the death of another person
Failure to Report Crash
Contributing to occurrence of an crash resulting in bodily injury
Contributing to occurrence of an crash resulting in property damage
Construction Zone: 4 pts.
Construction Zone: 2 pts.
Construction Zone: 6 pts.
Construction Zone: 7 pts.
Construction Zone: 7 pts.
Construction Zone: 8 pts.
Construction Zone: 8 pts.
apply for a restricted driver license. The restricted license
permits the driver to operate a motor vehicle for very specific
purposes that are spelled out when the license is issued. The
procedures for applying for a restricted license depend upon
the reason the license was taken away in the first place, as
summarized below:
The Department of Safety keeps records of traffic violations
and crashes for each driver. These records are based on reports
forwarded to the department by the courts, and on reports of
traffic crashes submitted by investigating officers.
Each traffic violation or crash on a driver's record is given a
point value. The assignment of point values for various
offenses is designed to impress upon drivers the importance of
complying with traffic laws and regulations. If they do not
comply, they may establish a bad driving record leading to
suspension of driving privileges.
1. DUI: After the first conviction for DUI, the trial judge may
issue an order for a restricted license to go to and from
work, attend college full time, attend religious services at
their place of worship, drive as part of employment, a
scheduled litter pickup work shift, an outpatient alcohol or
drug program, meeting with probation officer, and a
scheduled interlock monitoring appointment.
See chart on page 86 showing points assigned for violations
and crashes.
This restricted license is not an option for drivers who have a
prior conviction of:
Adult drivers (18 years of age or older) who accumulate 12 or
more points within a 12-month period receive a notice of
proposed suspension. To keep adult drivers aware of the
possibility of losing their driving privileges, an advisory letter
is mailed to any licensee having 6 to 11 points on his/her
driving record within any 12 months.
• DUI or adult driving while impaired within 10 years;
• Vehicular Homicide as the latest result of intoxication;
• Aggravated Vehicular Homicide;
• Vehicular Assault.
Juvenile drivers (less than 18 years of age) who accumulate 6
or more points within a 12-month period receive a notice of
proposed suspension. To keep juvenile drivers aware of the
possibility of losing their driving privileges, an advisory letter
is mailed to any licensee having 1 to 5 points on his/her
driving record within any 12 months.
After the first year of a two-year revocation, drivers may apply
for a restricted driver license if they install an ignition
interlock device on the motor vehicle for the remaining period
of revocation. When applying at the driver license station,
these applicants must submit two (2) copies of the court order
and proof of car insurance/financial responsibility (SR-22 from
their insurance company) and pass appropriate tests and pay
the required fees. Required tests will depend on past driving
record and frequency of convictions.
Drivers may choose to attend a Defensive Driving Course to
avoid license suspension or to reduce the period of suspension.
However, the Defensive Driving Course option is only
available once in any five-year period. After a hearing, the
department will take whatever action is necessary to correct
and improve poor driving habits by education, re-examinations
and/or placing necessary restrictions on the licensee and
probation. If these steps are unsuccessful, the department will
have no other choice than to suspend the person's driving
2. Driver Improvement: Any adult whose driver license has
been suspended for frequent traffic violations may obtain
this type of license by applying to the Driver Improvement
Section of the Tennessee Department of Safety and
Homeland Security. Each applicant will be required to
submit his/her approval letter, present proof of SR-22
insurance and pass appropriate tests and pay the required
fees. Required tests will depend on past driving record and
frequency of convictions.
Frequent Traffic Violations
Frequent traffic violations and crashes are dangerous and
costly. Upon the completion of the suspension time, you must
pay the appropriate reinstatement fees and submit proof of
liability insurance/financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance is
required for adult drivers) with the department before you can
get your regular license.
3. Implied Consent, Drag Racing, Gas Drive-Off: A person
whose license has been suspended by the court for Implied
Consent, Drag Racing or Driving away from the Gasoline
Pump without paying for the fuel, may apply to the trial
judge for a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle for
going to and from work, full-time college, scheduled
interlock monitoring appointment and working at his or her
regular place of employment. At the time of application at
the Driver Service Center, two (2) copies of a court order
and proof of SR-22 insurance must be submitted along with
payment of the required fees.
When a driver license is suspended or revoked, but the driver
depends on his or her driving to make a living or to continue
schooling, there are certain conditions in which the driver may
4. Juvenile: A minor who loses his/her license because of
drug- or alcohol-related charges may apply to the trial judge
for a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle to and from
the educational institution or to and from work. Each
applicant must bring two (2) copies of the court order to a
driver license service center and pass the vision test along
with payment of the required fees.
Although collision insurance is not required by Tennessee law,
the Financial Responsibility Law requires drivers to produce
evidence of financial responsibility. This is required when
charged with any violation or when involved in a motor
vehicle crash without regard to apparent or actual fault.
5. Failure to Satisfy a Citation: A person who failed to satisfy
a citation that resulted in suspension action being taken
against their driver license may obtain a certified order from
any court in any county where they failed to satisfy a citation.
The order allows the person to drive to and from work
only. The order must show payment of the fines and costs
owed to the particular court or a payment plan for the
associated fines and costs along with the date the final
payment is to be made. At the time of the application at the
Driver Service Center, the person must submit two (2) copies
of the court order and pay the required license fees.
Evidence of financial responsibility can be in the form of:
(1) A declaration page of your insurance policy;
(2) An insurance binder;
(3) An insurance card from an insurance company authorized
to do business in Tennessee;
(4) A certificate issued by the Commissioner of the
Department of Safety stating that a cash deposit or bond in
the amount required by statute has been paid or filed with
the Commissioner; or
(5) Proof of qualification as a self-insurer as provided by
When information is received that an individual's ability to drive
is affected by a physical or mental disorder, the driver will be
required to submit (within twenty (20) days of notification) a
medical certificate from a medical doctor. This certificate will
provide the effects of the illness or disability on the individual's
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If the report is
unfavorable, the driving privilege will be suspended until the
condition improves.
If a driver is unable to present evidence and is convicted on the
charge of failure to show evidence of financial responsibility,
his/her driving privileges will be suspended as well as a stop
placed on the renewal of vehicle tags and registration. Before
reinstatement of driving privileges, evidence of financial
responsibility must be presented, along with any other
requirements must be submitted.
Re-Examination of Drivers
If there is information that a driver's ability to safely operate a
motor vehicle is questionable, he or she may be directed to
report to the nearest Driver Service Center to submit to a
complete driver examination. Appropriate corrective action may
be required and certain restrictions may be placed on the license.
A crash is any vehicle collision involving another vehicle,
person or object. Drivers must immediately notify the local
police department if the crash occurs within a municipality,
otherwise to the County Sheriff's office or the nearest Tennessee
Highway Patrol, of any crash involving death, injury or property
damage over fifty dollars ($50). If the driver is physically
unable to give immediate notice, and there is a passenger
capable of doing so, the passenger shall make or cause notice to
be given.
NOTE: Failure to respond to departmental requests for a
medical certificate or submission to a driver license examination
within the prescribed time will result in the suspension of the
driving privilege. This suspension lasts until a satisfactory
medical report is submitted to the department or until the driver
successfully passes the driving tests that are required by the
In addition, certain crashes — called "reportable crashes" —
must be reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety and
Homeland Security. These include any crash within this state in
which any person is killed or injured, or in which damage to the
property of any one person, including oneself, is in excess of
four hundred dollars ($400).
Financial Responsibility
This law is to protect you and the public from financially
irresponsible drivers who become involved in crashes. It also
provides protection from drivers who have repeated violations
and/or obvious disregard for driving laws.
Regardless of who is to blame, the operator and/or owner of a
vehicle involved in a reportable crash in this state must file an
Owner/Driver Report of the crash to the Tennessee Department
of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days. If the driver
received an injury and cannot complete the report, it can be filed
on behalf of the owner/operator. If the crash involved an
unattended vehicle or a domestic animal and you cannot locate
the owner, report the crash to the police.
The best way to protect yourself and your driver license is to have
adequate insurance to cover death, bodily injury and property damage.
First, a few definitions:
Liability insurance provides coverage for damages you
cause to other persons.
Collision insurance provides coverage for damages
sustained by your vehicle.
Uninsured motorist insurance provides for coverage for
the damages uninsured persons cause.
An Owner/Driver report can be obtained 3 different ways. (1)
from the Department of Safety's website: www.tn.gov/safety
(2) Any Highway Patrol office (3) Any local police station or
sheriff's office. Failure to report a crash may result in
suspension of driving and registration privileges.
to wait for emergency fire and rescue personnel to assist
injured persons as well as free persons trapped in a vehicle.
Exchange information with other persons involved in the
crash as soon as possible. Be sure to get the following
• name, address and driver's license number of other
• license plate numbers of other vehicles;
• name and address of anyone who was injured;
• name and address of each witness;
• name, address and insurance policy number of other
vehicle owners.
If there is a reasonable possibility of a judgment being filed in
Court against you, the owner, operator, or both, and a claim is
filed with the Department of Safety by the other party, you are
required to do one of these three things:
(1) Show proof that you had liability insurance at the time of
the crash;
(2) Obtain notarized releases from all parties who file claims
with the department; or
(3) Post cash or corporate surety bond with the department for
the amount of damages received by other parties.
You should notify your insurance company immediately.
If you do not comply with these requirements, your driving
and registration privileges will be revoked.
If You Arrive First at a Crash Scene — Notify the police
immediately by calling 911.
Prior to revocation, you may request an administrative
hearing, provided the request is submitted in writing on or
before the effective date of the proposed revocation.
If you are not professionally trained to render aid, slowly
continue on in your vehicle so not to interfere with the arrival
of police and emergency medical and fire/rescue services.
This will prevent you from being a victim of a secondary
collision at the crash scene. These secondary accidents are a
result of persons "accident gazing" to satisfy their curiosity,
while driving their vehicle near a crash scene.
If your driving privileges are revoked for failure to establish
financial responsibility for a crash, in addition to obtaining
notarized releases from all parties who filed claims with the
Department or posting cash or corporate surety bond for the
amount of claims, you will also be required to pay a
reinstatement fee and have a liability insurance carrier file a
SR-22 form with the Department of Safety before driving
privileges can be reinstated.
If you witnessed the crash occur, pull safely off to the side of
the road and turn on your vehicle's emergency flashers. Notify
the police officer or Tennessee State Trooper that you
witnessed the crash.
Traffic Crashes
Do not attempt to move an injured person from a wrecked
vehicle unless you have the necessary medical and rescue
training or there is an immediate danger such as fire. Unless
you are properly trained, it is best to wait for emergency
rescue personnel to free persons trapped in a vehicle.
If You Are Involved In a Crash — STOP! The law requires
drivers of vehicles involved in a crash to stop immediately at
the scene, or as close to the scene as possible without
obstructing traffic. Turn off the ignition in the damaged vehicle
to prevent a fire. If the car is on fire, help the people out and
take them away from the vehicle to prevent further injury in
case of an explosion.
Chapter 8 Chapter Sample Test Questions
Here are some sample test questions. Because these are just
study questions to help you review, you may receive a test
with completely different questions, in whole or in part. The
page number is shown for where the correct answer can be
located for each question. Also, answers to all the study
questions can be found in the back of the book.
"Notify the police immediately by calling 911." It is very
important to report the crash to the police as quickly as
possible. Motor vehicle crashes involving property damage,
personal injury or death must be reported to the police.
Remain calm and stay at the crash scene.
If you are involved in a traffic crash on the interstate,
Tennessee law allows you to move the vehicle to prevent
blocking the traffic flow. If the vehicle is still drivable and
there are NO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES or deaths,
you may pull the vehicle(s) to the emergency lane and await
the arrival of a police officer or Tennessee State Trooper to the
crash scene.
If involved in a reportable accident, the operator of the
vehicle must file an accident report to the Department of
Safety within:
A. 10 Days
B. 20 Days
C. 48 Hours
Do not attempt to move an injured person from a wrecked
vehicle unless you have the necessary medical or rescue
training or there is an immediate danger such as fire. It is best
Page 88
If you are not the first at the scene of accident and your
help is not needed, what should you do:
A. Slow down to calm your nerves.
B. Stop and look for your own curiosity.
C. Drive on and do not interfere with procedures.
Page 89
A driver license may be revoked or suspended for:
A. Frequent convictions of traffic law violations
resulting in 12 or more "points" within a 12 month
B. Fraudulently altering a driver license
C. Both of the above
Page 85 and 87
Staying Safe After the Test
Learning about driving laws and developing safe driving practices is NOT something that ends when you receive your Tennessee
driver license. It is your responsibility to always be aware of new laws, rules of the road, and improved safety practices throughout
your lifetime as a driver. Remember when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you have control over an object that weighs
thousands of pounds and your inattention or loss of safe control and operation of such vehicle could result in injury (or death) to
yourself and others.
1. Aim High In Steering: Look as far down the road as possible to uncover important traffic information to make appropriate
2. Get The Big Picture: Maintain the proper following distance so you can comfortably determine the true hazards around your
vehicle. Don't tailgate others.
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving: Scan - don't stare. Constantly shift you eyes while driving. Active eyes keep up with changing traffic
4. Leave Yourself an Out: Be prepared. Surround your vehicle with space in front and at least on one side to escape conflict.
5. Make Sure They See You: Communicate in traffic with your horn, lights and signals to establish eye contact with motorists and
pedestrians. Be reasonably sure of people's intentions.
The information covered in the other sections of this manual provided details on becoming "prepared for the driving task". It takes
practice and experience for new drivers to translate these written details into common habits for safe driving. Therefore you should
review this manual frequently.
The purpose of Section C of this manual is to provide you valuable information and advice on safety precautions to help you be the
best possible driver. This is valuable information that all drivers need to remember and utilize daily as we drive with more vehicles
and pedestrians on our streets and highways.
Chapter C-1 DEFENSIVE DRIVING AND
the roadway ahead and doing the "1,001, 1,002" count.
Remember if you reach that point before counting to 1,002
you are following too closely. If this is the case, slow down in
order to lengthen your following distance. Remember on highspeed interstates, when following large commercial trucks or
buses, and in inclement weather or limited visibility
conditions, it is safest to increase this following distance to at
least 3 to 4 seconds.
If every driver always obeyed the rules, and always behaved in
a sensible way, driving would be simpler and safer.
Unfortunately, this ideal situation does not exist. Instead we
frequently encounter drivers who behave unpredictably or
recklessly, and other highway users, such as pedestrians and
bicyclists, who ignore the rules that apply to them.
Scanning the Road and Traffic for Defensive Reactions
Most of what you do as a defensive driver is in response to
what you SEE while driving. When driving, we gather 90% of
the information about the road and our surroundings through
our eyes. Scanning means looking at the entire scene for
anything that might come into your path. As you scan the road,
avoid a fixed stare. Keep your eyes moving and learn to read
the road. Look ahead, to the sides and behind you.
"Defensive Driving" means being constantly aware of
the driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating
dangers and taking the right action so as not to come
in contact with any obstacle or other vehicle.
To protect yourself, you must learn to drive defensively. This
means anticipating errors by others and preparing to
compensate for their mistakes. In addition, you must always
behave in a correct and sensible fashion so that you do not
confuse other drivers.
Scan Ahead – looking ahead will help you see things early
and will allow you more time to react. Defensive drivers try to
focus their eyes 10 to 15 seconds (about the distance of 1 city
block) ahead.
All of us want to avoid collisions that result in personal injury
or even death. But, even when there is no personal injury, a
collision means inconvenience and auto repair costs. It may
also result in a court appearance and fines, as well as increased
insurance rates. You have a great financial stake in your own
good driving record. Driving defensively will help protect
your life and your driving record.
Scan to the Sides – Scan from side to side, checking for
directional signs, cars or people that might be in the road by
the time you reach them.
Watch for Clues – Look for exhaust smoke, brake or back-up
lights and turned wheels on vehicles. Clues like these indicate
that the vehicles may pull into your path.
Courtesy and consideration toward others are the
most important driving attitudes you can develop.
They are the key to safe driving.
Be Careful in Rural Areas – Watch for hidden intersections
and driveways, curves, hills and different road conditions
(pavement changing to gravel or dirt road, narrowing road,
Concentration and Alertness Are Important Elements
Check Left to Right Before Entering an Intersection – At
any intersection, look to the left first, since cars coming from
the left will be closer to you. Then look to the right and take
one more quick look to the left before you drive through.
Concentration is one of the most important elements of safe
and defensive driving. You must develop the habit of keeping
your mind on driving. The driver's safety is no place
for daydreaming, site-seeing or distracting conversations.
Look Behind – Use your rearview mirror to check the traffic
behind you frequently, about every 10 seconds. This will alert
you if someone is moving up too quickly or tailgating you. Be
sure to check the traffic behind you when changing lanes,
backing up, slowing down quickly or driving down a long
steep hill. But don't keep you eyes off the road ahead for more
than a brief look behind.
Drive Alert —The defensive driving rules are simple and easy
to follow. If you follow them, you should be able to avoid
getting yourself into difficult situations. The rules are:
• Use your rearview mirrors. Constantly check the traffic
behind you. Always check mirrors before changing lanes.
• Stay out of another driver's blind spot(s) to prevent
another vehicle from turning into you.
By knowing the speed and position of traffic on all
four sides of your vehicle, you will be better able to
make decisions quickly and safely in most situations.
• Expect the other driver to do the WRONG thing, and have
a plan of action prepared to counter his error.
Communicating with other Drivers
Drive Cautiously
Remember to always use the two-second rule. Periodically test
your following distance by picking out a stationary object on
Communicating means clearly showing other drivers and
pedestrians what you plan to do early enough to avoid a
roadside. Two key rules about space to the side includes:
collision. Any time you plan to change directions, use your
turn signals – whether you are changing lanes, turning at an
intersection, entering an interstate, pulling away from a curb or
pulling off to the side of the road. Develop the habit of using
your turn signals even when you do not see other vehicles on
the road.
• "Split the difference" – between two hazards. For
example, steer a middle course between oncoming traffic
and parked vehicles. However, if one is more dangerous
than the other, leave a little more space on the most
dangerous side. If the oncoming vehicle is a semi-truck,
leave more room on the side that the truck will pass on
instead of the side with the parked cars.
As a driver you will constantly be making
decisions every mile you drive.
• "Take potential hazards one at a time." For example, if
you are overtaking a bicyclist and an oncoming vehicle is
approaching, slow down, let the vehicle pass first so that
you can then safely move to the left to give room to the
Learn to keep a safe driving space or "safety cushion"
around your vehicle
Sharing Space – You must always share the road with others.
The more distance you keep between yourself and everyone
else, the more time you have to react. This space is like a
"safety cushion". The more you have, the safer you will be.
This section describes how to make sure you have enough
space around you when you drive.
Other Sharing Space Tips include:
• MERGING DEFENSIVELY: A minimum four-second
gap is needed whenever you change lanes, enter a
roadway or when your lane merges with another traffic
lane. If you need to cross several lanes, take them one at
a time. NEVER cut across multiple lanes, it can tie up
traffic and even cause you to have a collision or create a
crash between other vehicles trying to avoid your sudden
and unsafe maneuver.
Always drive in such a manner that you are able to control the
space between your vehicle and others. At times this may
mean slowing or increasing your speed (within lawful limits
only). Try to maintain a safety cushion to the front, rear and
each side of your vehicle at all times in order to provide an
area of escape or prevention should an emergency occur.
When you cross traffic, you need a large enough gap to
get all the way across the road. DO NOT BLOCK
INTERSECTIONS or get caught with a portion of your
vehicle left in a traffic lane with approaching vehicles.
Make sure you can safely complete the cross or entering
maneuver before you enter the intersection.
1. SPACE AHEAD: Rear-end crashes are very common.
Rear-end crashes are caused by drivers following too
closely (tailgating) to be able to stop before hitting the
vehicle ahead when it suddenly slows or stops. The best
way to maintain this safety cushion is to follow the basic
2-Second Rule. Also leave extra space when approaching
railroad crossings or when stopped behind another vehicle
on a hill or curve.
• START PASS DEFENSIVELY: Be safe. As a general
rule pass only one vehicle at a time. Remember passing
does NOT entitle you to exceed the speed limit. At 55
M.P.H. you will need about ten (10) seconds to complete
the pass of a single vehicle. That means you need a tensecond gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance to pass.
Do NOT pass unless you have enough space to return to
the driving lane.
2. SPACE BEHIND: It is not always easy to manage the
space behind your vehicle. However, you can help keep a
driver behind you at a safe distance by keeping a steady
speed and using turn signals in advance when you have to
slow down or turn. Every now and then you may find
yourself being followed too closely or being "tailgated" by
another driver. If there is a right lane, move over to the
right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is
clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce your speed.
This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you.
Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater. All that
does is increase your risk of being hit from behind.
• FINISH PASS DEFENSIVELY: Do NOT count on
other drivers to make room for you. You will need enough
room between your vehicle and the other vehicle ("space
behind") to safely return to the driving lane. It's safest not
to return to the driving lane until you can see both
headlights of the vehicle you just passed in the rearview
DEFENSIVELY: Allow space to react to problem drivers
or dangerous actions you may encounter including the
3. SPACE TO BOTH SIDES: You need space on both sides
of your vehicle to have room to turn or change lanes. Avoid
driving in blind spots of other vehicles. When meeting
oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road stay slightly to the
right of your lane so as not to "crowd" the centerline. Be
courteous and move to the left lane on multi-lane roads
when other vehicles are trying to merge into traffic. Keep
extra space between your vehicle and parked cars,
pedestrians and bicyclists (especially children) on the
ß Obstructed vision of yourself or other driver (bushes at
intersection, glaring sunlight, pedestrians with
umbrellas, etc.)
ß Distractions for pedestrians or drivers (talking on cell
phones, roadside attractions, sightseeing tourists, tending
to children, etc.)
ß Confused drivers or pedestrians (weaving in and out of
lanes, looking for road names, reading maps, etc.)
tendency to get irritated and angry behind the wheel, you must
learn to change your attitude and your behavior. Otherwise
you are an accident looking for a place to happen.
• HANDLE DRIVER ERRORS DEFENSIVELY: If
another driver makes a mistake, such as a driver who
passes you without enough room or in heavy traffic, do
not make the situation worse. Take necessary actions to
safely avoid an accident.
ß Slow down and allow room for passing drivers to safely
return to the driving lane
ß Slow down and allow room for drivers merging
suddenly from road hazards, as well as ending lanes or
entering/exiting expressways.
ß Slow down and allow room for drivers about to be
forced into you lane by another merging vehicle, road
construction or emergency vehicles approaching or
stopped on the roadside.
If you always drive defensively and follow these traffic space
and scanning guidelines you will help keep traffic moving
smoothly and safely.
Aggressive driving – tailgating, honking, fist and hand
gestures, yelling, speeding, cutting off other drivers, and more
frightening, the use of firearms- has become a real danger on
America's highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) says about 66% of all traffic
fatalities annually are caused by aggressive driving behaviors,
such as passing on the right, running red lights and tailgating.
Law enforcement and insurance companies are getting much
tougher on aggressive drivers.
Tips to Avoid Road Rage
• Give driving your full attention.
• Obey the law.
• Control emotions so they don't interfere with driving.
• Don't join in the confrontation, even if it is just honking
or glaring.
• Don't tailgate
• Drive defensively
• Give an angry driver plenty space.
• Don't take traffic problems personally. Be polite, even
when someone else is rude.
• Drive relaxed and within the speed limit, passing only
when necessary.
• If a driver follows you, go to a police station or a public
place where you can get help. If you are harassed on the
road, get the offender's license tag number if possible and
report the incident to the authorities.
Because road rage is increasing every year, you must learn to
protect yourself against aggressive drivers. If you have a
Chapter C-2 SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
Here's a short test: Most accidents happen___________
a.) in clear weather
b.) in snow
c.) in rain
d.) in fog
• As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the
brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has
If you picked anything but (a), you're wrong – pretty days can
be deadly too!
While adverse weather conditions certainly create dangerous
driving situations, the purpose of this chapter is to provide you
with a focus on techniques that will help you to avoid crashes
in any weather.
In emergency or slippery
conditions with ABS, wheels
don't lock; car remains stable
and is steerable.
In emergency or slippery
conditions without ABS, all
wheels lock; car begins to skid
and is not steerable.
In emergency or slippery conditions with ABS, wheels DON'T
lock; car remains stable and can be steered around obstacles.
In emergency or slippery conditions without ABS, all wheels
may LOCK; car begins to skid and can not be steered properly.
A defensive driver must always be thinking about what the
other driver might do and be prepared to respond with proper
reactions. However a driver must also be aware of their own
actions and how to deal with common driving "obstacles" and
vehicle maintenance problems, many of which are covered in
this chapter.
2. Turning Quickly
In most cases, you can turn the vehicle
quicker than you can stop it. Evasive
steering: If you are unable to stop in time
to avoid a collision, try to steer around
the vehicle or object. You should consider
turning in order to avoid a collision. Use your brakes only if
When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers panic
and fail to act. In some cases they do act, but do something
that does not help to reduce the chance of the collision. There
almost always is something you can do to avoid the crash, or
reduce the results of the crash.
To be able to turn quickly you need to hold the steering wheel
correctly. Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on
the steering wheel. For most turns, especially quick turns, you
must have your hands on opposite sides of the wheel. It is best
to have your hands at about the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
positions. This will keep your wrists and forearms out of the
main impact area of the air bag located in the steering wheel
should you become involved in a collision.
In avoiding a collision, drivers have three options:
1. Stop 2. Turn 3. Speed Up
The following section will give you vital information relating
to these three reactions.
1. Stopping Quickly
Many newer vehicles have ABS (Antilock Braking Systems).
Be sure to read the vehicle owner's manual on how to use the
ABS. An ABS system will allow you to stop without
To make quick evasive turns to the left:
• Turn the steering wheel to the left as far as necessary
to avoid the obstacle or vehicle. Hand position = right
hand (3 o'clock) swings left toward the 9 o'clock position
as far as needed. Left hand moves toward bottom (6
o'clock) to help steady your grip on the wheel.
With ABS - If you have an antilock braking system and you
need to stop quickly:
• Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep
pressing on it firmly.
• As you clear the hazard, turn the steering wheel back
to the right as far as necessary to get back into your
lane. Hand position = left hand (9 o'clock) swings right
back toward the 3 o'clock position as far as needed. Right
hand now moves toward the bottom (6 o'clock) to steady
your grip.
• You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the
ABS is working. Do NOT let up on the brake pedal. The
ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed
down firmly.
• As you return to your lane, turn the steering wheel left
just enough to straighten the vehicle's path of travel.
Hand position = returning to the basic driving position of
left at 9 o'clock and right at 3 o'clock.
Without ABS - If you must stop quickly and you do NOT have
an antilock braking system:
Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them.
You can cause the vehicle to go into a skid if you brake too
hard or continuously.
To make quick evasive turns to the right, use the same
procedures above, except turn the steering wheel in the
opposite direction at each step.
• If the brakes lock-up, you will feel the vehicle start to
skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal.
Once you have turned the vehicle away from the road hazard
or changed lanes, you must be ready to keep the vehicle under
control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to
end up in another. Always steer in the direction you want the
vehicle to go.
Many of these collisions happen at night but they can occur
any time of day. Collisions with deer are generally the most
dangerous and costly crashes involving animals. No foolproof
way has been found to keep deer or other wild animals off
highways and away from vehicles.
With ABS - One aspect of having ABS, is
that you can turn your vehicle while
braking without skidding. (See
illustration at right >) This is very
helpful if you must turn to swerve, stop
or slow down quickly.
You can help to avoid an unplanned meeting with a deer or
other type animal if you will:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to "deer
crossing" signs.
• Look well down the road and far off to each side.
• At night, use your high-beam lights if possible to
illuminate the road's edges.
Without ABS - If you do not have ABS,
you must use a different procedure to turn
• Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If
you see one deer, there may be several others nearby.
• As you are braking you will need to let up on the brake
pedal and then turn the steering wheel.
• Be particularly alert at dusk and dawn, when these
animals venture out to feed. Scan the sides of the road to
watch for the reflection of your vehicle headlights in the
eyes of deer.
• Braking will slow the vehicle some, and it puts more
weight on the front tires and this allows for a quicker turn.
• If you see a deer, or other animal on or near the roadway
and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your
speed, tap your brakes to warn other drives, and sound
your horn.
• Do not continue braking if you feel the front wheels
"lock-up", or turn so sharply that the vehicle can only
plow ahead.
• Another consideration is that generally it is better to turn
off the road than to crash head-on into another vehicle.
• Deer tend to fixate on headlights, so flashing them may
cause the animal to freeze in the road.
For more information on ABS procedures and safety visit:
• If there's no vehicle close behind you, brake hard but
don't lock wheels causing a skid.
• If a collision seems inevitable, don't swerve to avoid the
animal; your risk of personal injury may be greater if you
do. Keep your vehicle under control and on the roadway
when you hit the animal.
3. Speeding Up
Sometimes it is best or necessary to speed up to avoid a
collision. This may happen when another vehicle is about to
hit you from the side or from behind and there is room to the
front of your vehicle to get out of danger.
• Report the crash to the police if it involves a large animal
such as a deer or farm animal.
Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed. Also
remember to always keep at least a two second (or more)
space cushion between your car and the vehicle ahead in order
to have an emergency out available.
• If the animal is a domestic pet and homes are nearby you
should try to notify the pet's owner if possible.
• Always obey the speed limit and wear your safety belt.
Special Info: Learn to Use Your Anti-Lock Brakes!
While animal-vehicle collisions can happen any time of the
year and with any type of animal (opossum, rabbit, squirrel,
dogs, etc.). Fall is the peak season for deer-car crashes. That's
mainly because Autumn is both mating season and hunting
season, so deer are more active and more likely to roam
beyond their normal territory.
DO: Stomp. Slam that brake pedal. Push hard and hold
the pedal down. You'll feel the pedal pulsate, and you'll
hear noise. Continue to keep you foot firmly on the brake
because those are signals the system is working – and that
you're in a real emergency situation. The sound and feel
often startle people, and their instinct is to let up on the
brakes slightly. Don't – that ruins the advantages of ABS.
DON'T: Pump. Never pump the brake pedal of a vehicle
equipped with ABS, even if the brake pedal is pulsating.
The pulsating feeling is simply the ABS system
electronically "pumping" the brakes much faster than you
could ever do manually.
respect for the rights and safety of others. As a result of poor
driving habits there are approximately 160,000 crashes
reported to the Department of Safety annually.
DO: Steer. Use the nonskid feature of ABS to steer
around the obstacle that made you slam the brakes on in
the first place. Continue steering to a safe place once
you're past the obstacle.
There are three major components to our highway
transportation system that must be considered when driving.
DON'T: Freeze or Jerk. People sometimes get hurt, or
killed, when they jerk the steering wheel suddenly. This
can cause them to run into another object or veer off the
road risking a rollover. Steer normally to avoid the
problem and DON'T freeze at the wheel.
Neglect or inattention to of any one or more of these three will
contribute to most accidents.
DO: Practice. Find a big, empty space, a vacant parking
lot such as a deserted/closed shopping center. Be sure the
lot is a wide open space without curbs or lots of light
poles. Start driving about 20 M.P.H. and slam on the
brakes. Steer to prove to yourself that you still can. Keep
doing this until it becomes habit to steer when you stomp.
When you feel comfortable with this you can set up a
cardboard box as a target. Aim for the box as if it were a
car suddenly stopped in front of you, hit the brakes and
steer around the box and then steer back as you would to
steer back into the normal traffic lane after avoiding the
obstacle. Practice this in various weather conditions: dry,
rain, snow, etc.
Human error is the single most common cause of traffic
crashes. The leading factors in crashes are:
• Excessive Speed
• Lack of Concentration
• Improper Evasive Action
Driving safely is not always easy. In fact, it is one of the most
complex things that people do and one of the few things we do
regularly that can injure or kill us. It is worth the effort to be a
careful driver.
Being a safe driver takes a lot of skill and judgment. This task
is even more difficult when you are just learning to drive.
Every one of the abilities you have can easily be required to
drive safely.
DO: Space. Keep a safe space between your car and
other vehicles. Remember the two second rule for keeping
a minimum cushion of space between vehicles. Allow
more time/space if conditions are hazardous.
DO: Read. Consult the owner's manual for additional
driving instructions on the anti-lock brake system your
vehicle is equipped with.
Your ability to be a safe driver depends on ability to see
clearly, not being overly tired, not driving while on drugs,
being generally health and being emotionally fit to drive. In
other words, being in "shape" to drive safely.
DON'T: Be Aggressive. Never drive an ABS-equipped
vehicle more aggressively than vehicle without ABS.
Driving around curves faster, changing lanes abruptly, or
performing other aggressive steering maneuvers is neither
appropriate nor safe with any vehicle.
Your mental and emotional state, as well as your physical
condition, affects the way you drive a vehicle. Anger, worry,
frustration, fatigue and minor illnesses such as a cold are a few
of the temporary conditions that can make you an unsafe
• VISION: Good vision is a must for safe driving. You
drive based on what you SEE. If you cannot see clearly,
you will have trouble identifying traffic and road
conditions, spotting potential trouble or reacting in a
timely manner.
Crashes Don't Just Happen, They Are Caused
The majority of accidents relate
directly to the driver. A good
driver takes interest and pride
in the care and operation of
his/her vehicle. The driver knows
and observes all traffic laws and
respects the rights and safety of
others. As a result, such drivers have a much better chance of
never becoming involved in a serious traffic crash.
a. Side Vision – You need to use your peripheral vision to
see out of the corner of your eyes. This lets you spot
vehicle and other potential trouble on either side of you
while you look ahead. Because you can't focus on
things to the side, you also must use your side mirrors
and glance to the side occasionally if necessary.
b. Night Vision – It is more difficult for everyone to see
at night than in the daytime. Some drivers have
problems with glare while driving at night, especially
with the glare of oncoming headlights. If you have
The careless driver all too often neither cares for the vehicle
he/she drives, seldom observes traffic laws and has little
problems seeing at night, don't drive more than is
necessary and be very careful when you do drive at
f. Never drive if you are sleepy. It is better to stop and
sleep for a few hours than to take a chance on trying
to stay awake. If you fail to stay awake it could
become a real nightmare.
c. Judging Distances and Speeds – It takes a lot of
practice to be able to judge both distance and speed
effectively. It is especially important in knowing how
far you are from other vehicles and judging safe gaps
between vehicles when merging and when passing on
two-lane roads.
• HEALTH: Many health problems can affect your
driving abilities – a bad cold, infection or virus. Even
little problems like a stiff neck, a cough or a sore leg can
affect your driving. If you are not feeling well and need
to go somewhere, let someone else do the driving.
Some serious health conditions can be very dangerous
such as:
d. Have Your Vision Checked Regularly – because seeing
well is so important to safe driving, you should have
your eyes checked every year or two by an eye
a. Epilepsy – When this condition is under medical
control, epilepsy generally is not an obstacle to
driving. In Tennessee, you may drive if you are
under the care of a doctor and have been seizure free
for a minimum of six months.
If you are required to wear glasses or contact lenses,
remember to:
• Always wear them when you drive, even on very short
b. Diabetes – Diabetics who take insulin should not
drive when there is any chance of an insulin reaction,
blackout, convulsion or shock. These situations
could result from skipping a meal, taking the wrong
amount of insulin or when your doctor is adjusting
your insulin dosage. If you have diabetes you also
should have your eyes checked regularly for possible
night blindness or other vision problems.
• If your driver license indicates you must wear corrective
lenses (Restriction Code 01) you must wear them at all
times when driving. You could be fined and receive a
ticket if stopped while driving without your glasses or
• Keep a spare pair of glasses in your vehicle. If your
regular glasses are broken or lost, you can use the spare
set to drive safely.
c. Heart Condition – people with heart diseases, high
blood pressure or circulation problems or those in
danger of a blackout, fainting or a heart attack should
not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you are
being treated by a doctor for a heart condition, ask if
the condition could affect your driving.
• Avoid using dark sunglasses or tinted contact lenses at
night, they cut down the light you need to see clearly.
• HEARING: Good hearing is a helpful asset to safe
driving. The sound of horns, a siren or screeching tires
can warn you of danger. Drivers who have a hearing
impairment can adjust and compensate by relying more
on their vision to be a safe driver. Statistically the
driving records of hearing-impaired drivers are just as
good as those drivers with good hearing.
• EMOTIONS: Your emotions can have a great affect on
your driving safely. You may not be able to drive well if
you are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry or
depressed. If you are angry or excited, give yourself
time to cool off and calm down. Try to stay focused on
the important task of driving instead of mentally
wandering through issues that may have you upset or
worried. Taking a short walk or listening to music can
be helpful. If you tend to be an impatient person always
plan extra time for your driving trips to avoid speeding
or other unsafe actions should you encounter heavy
traffic or other delays.
• FATIGUE: You can't drive as safely when you are tired
as when you are rested. You do not see as well, nor are
you as alert. It takes you more time to make decisions
and you do not always make good decisions. When you
are tired you could fall asleep behind the wheel and
crash injuring or killing yourself or others. Below are
some tips to help you avoid fatigue when driving:
• ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Driving should always be
a drug and alcohol free zone! If you drink alcohol,
even a little, your chances of being in a collision are
much greater than if you did not drink any alcohol (or
take any drugs). No one, regardless of their skill or
driving experience, can drive safely when "buzzed" or
impaired by alcohol or drugs.
a. Try to always get a normal night's sleep
b. Eat lightly. Do not eat a large meal before you begin
driving on an extended trip.
c. Do not take any medicine that can make you drowsy.
d. Take breaks. Stop every hour or more often if
needed. Walk around, get some fresh air and have
some, water, coffee, soda or juice. The few minutes
spent on a rest stop can save your life.
e. Try not to drive late at night when you are normally
asleep. Your body thinks it is time to go to sleep and
will try to do so.
Driving safety starts with the vehicle you are driving. It is the
duty of drivers to make certain that the vehicles they drive
are safe to operate.
✓ Heater / Defroster – A working heater/defroster keeps the
vehicle's windows free of fog and ice and helps maintain
comfortable driving conditions.
A poorly maintained vehicle can break down or cause a
collision. If a vehicle is not working well, you might not be
able to get out of an emergency situation. A vehicle in good
working order can give you an extra safety margin when you
need it most.
✓ Tires – Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping
distance and make turning more difficult when the road is
wet. Unbalanced tires and low pressure cause faster tire
wear, reduce fuel economy and make the vehicle harder to
steer and stop.
You should follow the recommendations in your vehicle
owner's manual for routine maintenance. However there are
some standard equipment and maintenance issues common to
all vehicles that every driver should be aware of.
• Worn tires can cause hydroplaning, and increase the
chance of a flat tire. Check the tire pressure often with an
air pressure gauge (a good idea is to keep a gauge in your
glove box since they are no larger than your average ink
pen). Check the vehicle manual or the side of the tires for
the proper pressure rate.
✓ Braking System – Only your brakes can stop your
vehicle. It is very dangerous if they are not working
properly. If they do not seem to be working good, are
making a lot of noise, smell funny or the brake pedal goes
to the floor, have a mechanic check them.
• Check the tread with a penny. Stick the penny into the
thread headfirst. If the tread does not come at least to
Lincoln's head (2/32 inch), the tire is illegal and unsafe
and you need it replaced. Don't forget the spare tire!
The spare should be checked and maintained periodically
in case it is needed in an emergency.
✓ Lights – Make sure that turn signals, brake lights,
taillights and headlights are operating properly. These
should be checked from the outside of the vehicle.
✓ Battery – Car batteries tend to run down more rapidly in
cold or damp weather. A neglected battery may leave you
stranded with a vehicle that will not start.
✓ Steering System – If the steering is not working properly,
it is difficult to control the direction you want to go. If
the vehicle is hard to turn or does not turn when the
steering wheel is first turned, have the steering checked by
a mechanic. Never turn your vehicle's ignition to the
"lock" position while the vehicle is in motion. This will
cause the steering wheel to lock in place and you will lose
control of the vehicle.
✓ Jumper Cables – In the event your vehicle's battery
becomes run down, jumper cables may help get you
started. It is a prudent idea to keep a set of cables in your
vehicle. See the vehicle manual for proper use to prevent
vehicle damage or personal injury.
✓ Windshield and Wipers – Damaged glass in a windshield
can easily break in a minor collision or when something
hits the windshield. Have a damaged windshield repaired
or replaced
✓ Suspension System – Your suspension helps you control
your vehicle and provides a comfortable ride over varying
road surfaces. If the vehicle continues to bounce after a
bump or a stop, or is hard to control, you may need new
shocks or other suspension parts. Have a mechanic check
the vehicle for suspension problems.
• Windshield wipers keep the rain and snow off the
windshield. Some vehicles also have wipers for rear
windows and headlights. Make sure all wipers are in
good operation condition. If the blades are not clearing
your windshield, replace them.
✓ Exhaust System – The exhaust system helps reduce the
noise from the engine, cools the hot gases coming from
the engine, and moves them to the rear of the vehicle.
Gases from a leaky exhaust can cause death inside a
vehicle in a very short time. If you ever start to notice
that you and/or your passengers tend to get a sleepy
feeling when driving or riding in your car you may have
an exhaust leak that needs to be repaired immediately.
• Windshield washer solution – Non-freezing windshield
washer fluid is essential for cleaning the windshield of
debris, salt, and grime when driving in inclement
weather. Get in the habit of checking the washer fluid
level with each gas fill-up and/or adding more solution
with each oil change.
• When sitting for prolonged periods in a vehicle with the
motor running (idling), open a window to provide fresh
air. Carbon Monoxide fumes can overcome people in an
enclosed vehicle quicker than most people realize. Some
exhaust leaks are easily heard but many are not – have the
system checked periodically.
It is important that you are able to see clearly through the
windows, windshield and even your mirrors. The following
are things you can do to help:
• Keep the windshield clean. Bright sun or headlights
on a dirty windshield make it hard to see. Get in the
habit of cleaning the windshield each time you stop to
put gas into your vehicle.
• Never run the motor in a closed garage or other situations
where the exhaust (tail) pipe may be obstructed. This
includes a car that is stuck in mud or snow.
• Keep the inside of your windows clean, especially if
anyone using the vehicle smokes. Smoking causes a
film to build up on the inside of the glass. Carry liquid
cleaner and a paper or cloth towel so you can clean
you windshield whenever it is necessary.
• When traveling, if you make an extended stop (rest area,
etc.) do not sleep or sit with the car running.
✓ Engine – A poor running engine may lose power that is
needed for normal driving and emergencies, may not start,
gets poor fuel economy, pollutes the air and could stall
when you are on the road causing you and other vehicles a
traffic problem. Follow the procedures recommended in
the owner's manual for maintenance.
Traffic conditions vary according to many factors:
• Volume of vehicles (rush hour, mid-day, night, etc.)
• Types of traffic control devices (signals, signs, channeling
devices, etc.)
• Accidents or work zones
• Road type (interstate, rural, city, etc.)
✓ Engine Cooling System – Antifreeze/coolant level should
be checked periodically to ensure proper levels as
recommended by your vehicle owner's manual.
Improperly maintained levels can result in overheating in
warm weather or engine freezing during winter. Be
careful to check your radiator ONLY when the vehicle is
cool, not immediately after operation.
• Weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, ice, etc.)
• Speed limits and traffic flow – Vehicles moving in the
same direction at the same speed cannot hit one another.
Collisions involving multiple vehicles often happen when
drivers go faster or slower than other traffic.
✓ Loose Objects – Make sure that there are no loose objects
in the vehicle that could hit someone in the event of a
sudden stop or crash. Make sure there are no objects on
the floor that could roll under the brake pedal and prevent
you from stopping the vehicle. Also check the outside of
the vehicle to ensure that there are no loose parts that
could come off in traffic and create a safety hazard.
❑ BE ALERT for Traffic Trouble Spots – Wherever
people or traffic gather, your room to maneuver is limited.
You need to lower your speed to have time to react in a
crowded space. Some situations where you may need to
adjust speed for traffic conditions include:
• If you see brake lights coming on several vehicles ahead
of you.
✓ Horn – The horn may not seem like it is important for
safety, but as a warning device, it could save your life.
ONLY use your horn as a warning to others.
• Shopping centers, parking lots and downtown areas –
these are busy areas with vehicles and people stopping,
starting and moving in different directions quickly and
✓ Fuel – Be sure your vehicle always has at least a half tank
of gas before starting any trip of significant length.
Running out of gas on the roadway can be dangerous and
could cause traffic jams or accidents.
• Rush hours often have heavy traffic and drivers that
always seem to be in a hurry.
• Narrow bridges and tunnels – vehicles approaching each
other are closer together.
• Schools, playgrounds and residential streets – these areas
often have children present. Always be alert for children
crossing the street, running or riding into the street
without looking.
A safe and defensive driver never really stops learning "the
road". The "road" is a continually evolving portion of the
highway transportation system. In order for a driver to develop
a thorough understanding of the road you must:
• Railroad crossings – you need to make sure that there are
no trains coming and that you have room to cross. Some
crossings are bumpy so you need to slow down to safely
❑ BE AWARE of the various road conditions you may
encounter when driving. Driving safely means obeying
speed limits and adjusting for road conditions. There
are various road conditions where you must slow down
to be safe. For example, you must slow down for a
sharp curve or when the road is rough or damaged.
You also must adjust your driving manner in
construction zones.
❑ BE "ROAD" EDUCATED: Study and learn the rules of
the road and periodically "re-learn" them. Studying this
manual is the first step to accomplishing this task.
However good drivers don't just study for a driving test
and then never pick up a driving manual again. Good
drivers periodically review the manual for the newest law
changes and safety information and study the manual for
any new state they move to whether or not a test is
required to transfer their license to that state.
Again the road condition is a topic that you should never
expect to stop learning about. In all states, the Department of
Transportation is continually improving road designs in
attempts to make driving safer. This means that as new ideas
are implemented (such as HOV lanes or rumble strips) there
will be new conditions regarding the road that drivers will
need to become familiar with and understand.
❑ BE PREPARED for traffic conditions. Traffic is another
factor about the road that is always changing. Chapter C-4
of this manual gives you information on sharing the road
with various types of traffic including road construction
and maintenance vehicles.
Chapter C-3 SHARING THE ROAD SAFELY
The Road Has Many Users
Your Role as a Driver
Drivers should not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red
light or waiting to make a turn. You also should not stop with
a portion of your vehicle over the crosswalk area. Blocking
the crosswalk forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle and
puts them in a dangerous situation.
Our streets and highways are becoming more crowded every
day. Whether you are driving your car, truck, SUV, RV, riding
your bike, or merely walking, you share the road with other
vehicles and drivers. We always need to be aware that we as
drivers are not the only users of our streets and highways and
other people have certain rights and privileges on the highways
of which automobile drivers must be aware and must respect.
We share the road with:
• As a driver it is your responsibility to yield the right-ofway, slowing down or stopping if need be to yield to a
pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when
the pedestrian is upon half of the roadway which you are
traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely
from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
• Pedestrians
• Bicyclists
• Motorcyclists and motor-driven bicycles
• When in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or
flashers are in operation, as a driver you shall stop to yield
the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway
within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no
marked crosswalk. You shall remain stopped until the
pedestrian has crossed the roadway on which your vehicle
is stopped. Remember it's the law!
• Large Trucks and Buses
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
• Farm Machinery
• Animals
As responsible drivers we must know and practice the rules for
sharing the road safely. You should always be aware of the
traffic around you and be prepared for emergency situations.
Use common sense and courtesy with other users of our streets
and highways.
• Be alert to persons entering the roadway or crosswalks at
any location where pedestrian traffic is heavy.
• Be alert to pedestrians to the right of your vehicle and be
especially watchful for pedestrians when you are making a
right turn.
Your responsibility as a defensive driver includes making
allowances for and adapting to the other persons and vehicles
on the road. There are skills and techniques you should use
for sharing the road. Knowing what to do and how to do it
can help you stay alive and avoid damaging your car or
someone else's vehicle or causing bodily injury to other
highway users.
• You must immediately yield to pedestrians as soon as they
step off the curb into the roadway when the pedestrian is
on your half of the road or so close to your half of the
road that they are in a position of danger.
• Always yield to blind pedestrians carrying a white,
metallic, red tipped white cane or using a guide dog.
• Children are often the least predictable pedestrians and the
most difficult to see. Take extra care to look out for
children in residential areas and at times and places where
children are likely to be around. (school zones, school
bus stops, playgrounds, parks, near ice cream or snack
vendor vehicles /carts).
As a driver you must recognize the special safety needs of
pedestrians. Any person afoot or using a motorized or nonmotorized wheelchair are considered a pedestrian by state law.
You should be especially alert for young, elderly, disabled and
intoxicated pedestrians. They are the most frequent victims in
auto-pedestrian collisions.
• Yield to pedestrians walking on the sidewalk when you're
entering or leaving a driveway, public parking garage,
alley or parking lot and your path of travel crosses the
Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all
intersections. There is a crosswalk at every intersection, even
if painted lines and boundaries do not mark the crossing.
Crosswalks are intended to encourage people to cross only at
certain locations. As you know, some people will cross at
locations other than cross walks. As the person controlling the
potentially dangerous machine, it's your job to "play it safe"
where pedestrians are concerned and protect them when you
see they may be in danger. Regardless of the rules of the road
or right-of-way, the law specifically requires YOU, as a driver,
to exercise great care and extreme caution to avoid striking
• Don't honk your horn, rev up your engine or do anything
to rush or scare a pedestrian in front of your car, even if
you have the legal right-of-way.
Your Role as a Pedestrian
Most of us cross streets and highways every day. We take for
granted that we can cross without incident, because most of
the time we do. However, sometimes we aren't so fortunate.
Each year approximately 7,000 pedestrians die and 100,000
are injured in traffic related accidents. Young children and the
elderly are more likely to be killed or injured in a pedestrian
related traffic accident.
Use caution when crossing intersections and streets. You may
think vehicles will stop for you, but they may not see you or
even be able to stop. Remember, trucks, cars, motorcycles and
bicyclists, all have different stopping capabilities. In fact,
trucks can take much more space to stop than passenger
vehicles. Never take a chance with a truck, even if the driver
sees you he may not be able to stop.
While it is easy to blame drivers, they are not always
responsible for these crashes. All too often, pedestrians are the
cause of such accidents. These senseless tragedies don't have
to happen. You can avoid potential injuries and even death by
reviewing the advice for safe street crossing. You too will be a
pedestrian on occasion. So learn and obey the common sense
rules when the roles are reversed.
When you are a pedestrian, do all you can to make yourself
visible and to help prevent crashes.
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at
night. Dressing to be seen will make it safer for you and
drivers. Professional drivers do a lot of driving at night, and
there's a good chance a truck driver will not see you if you
don't make yourself visible. Carrying a flashlight is your safest
bet for being seen at night.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
As a pedestrian, you are at a major disadvantage when
crossing streets, intersections and standing on corners. You are
not always visible to drivers; especially for large truck and bus
drivers and you don't stand a chance if a vehicle hits you.
Pedestrians need to be careful of all vehicles and never take
chances when they are sharing the road with large vehicles,
like trucks and buses. Here are some safety tips that can keep
you safe when walking from one destination to another.
Trucks with wide loads have very limited visibility as well as
difficulty maneuvering. Wide loads are much heavier and take
up lots of room on the road. You need to be aware when
walking near a truck with a wide load, because the driver may
not see you. Trucks with wide loads make even wider right
turns, require more space, and take even longer to stop than
other trucks on the road. Remember to keep your distance
when walking around these large trucks.
Pedestrians must walk along sidewalks when available. It is
unlawful for pedestrians to walk in the road where there are
When there are no sidewalks, always walk on the left side of
the road facing traffic (traffic should be coming toward you),
this allows you to see any sudden dangers coming at you. Two
or more pedestrians should walk in single file and never side
by side of each other.
Before crossing, stop at the curb, edge of the road, or corner
before proceeding.
Look left-right-left, and if it's clear, begin crossing, look over
your shoulder for turning vehicles.
Be alert and ready to move out of the way in case a driver
cannot see you. It is not a good idea to walk or jog along busy
roadways while wearing audio headphones or listening to
portable audio devices. You may not hear the important traffic
sounds that would help you avoid potential dangers.
Continue to check for approaching traffic while crossing.
At intersections with traffic lights and pedestrian signals, it's
important to follow the signals carefully. Pedestrians may
cross on green traffic signal or when you see the WALK
Signal, following the basic rules for crossing.
Walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever possible. It is
important to pay attention to walk signals and keep a safe
distance when standing on street corners. Trucks and buses
make wide right turns and occasionally run up onto the corner
of the sidewalk. It is important for you to be alert and to move
back. Most likely, the truck driver will not see you or may be
distracted and you could be seriously injured or killed if hit.
If you are in the middle of the street and the DON"T WALK
signal starts flashing, continue walking. You will have time to
complete the crossing.
Pedestrians may NOT cross on a red or yellow traffic light, or
on a red-green combines light unless facing a WALK signal.
(This is red for turn(s) while green is for straight traffic or vice
Be careful of the blind spots, or No-Zones, around cars, trucks,
and buses when walking near or around them. Always assume
the driver does not know that you are there. Because of a
truck's large blind spots, a driver may not see, so it is up to
you to avoid a crash. Never walk behind a truck when it is
backing up; truck drivers cannot see directly behind the truck
and could seriously injure you.
On a green arrow, whether alone or accompanied by a steady
red or yellow, you may enter the road ONLY if you can do so
safely without interfering with vehicle traffic.
The WALK signal and the green traffic light indicate that it's
your turn to cross the street, but they do NOT mean it is SAFE
to cross. The WALK signal, the GREEN light means LOOK
and then IF it's safe, proceed to cross.
Although drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the
roadway, pedestrians must not suddenly leave a curb or other
safe waiting place and walk into the path of vehicle traffic if it
so close that it is an immediate hazard. Vehicles cannot stop at
• If you are about to pass a bicycle on a narrow road and
you think the rider doesn't know your coming, tap your
horn gently and briefly as a signal that you're going to
pass. Don't blast your horn or otherwise startle or try to
intimidate the bicyclist.
• The most common causes of collisions are drivers turning
left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right,
across the path of the bicycle.
On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and
responsibilities as other roadway users and in most cases, they
must share the lane. Bicyclists are prohibited on limitedaccess highways, expressways and certain other marked
roadways. Bicyclists are required to travel on the right hand
side of the road and travel in the same direction as vehicles.
They must ride as close to the right side of the road as
practical, while avoiding road hazards that could cause them to
swerve into traffic. When you are sharing the road with
bicyclists, you should always expect the rider to make sudden
moves. Trash, minor oil slicks, a pothole, or crack in the
concrete, a barking dog, a parked car or a car door opening as
well as other surprises can force a bicycle rider to swerve
suddenly in front of you.
• When your vehicle is turning left and there is a bicyclist
entering the intersection from the opposite direction, you
should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the
turn. Also, if your vehicle is sharing the left turn lane with
a bicyclist, stay behind them until they have safely
completed their turn.
• If your vehicle is turning right and a bicyclist is
approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the
intersection first before making a right turn. Remember to
always signal your turns.
• Merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn.
Don't turn directly across the path of the bicyclist.
• Drivers often fail to pick the bicyclist out of the traffic
scene, or inaccurately judge the speed of cyclists making a
left turn.
Similarly, when cyclists are traveling past parked cars, they
tend to move away from the cars, toward the center of the
lane. This is to avoid injuring or being injured by persons
getting out of those cars. In such cases, the bicyclist is
operating the bicycle properly. If possible, give the cyclist the
entire lane. When road conditions prevent this, pass the cyclist
with extreme caution. Cyclists who are not on the extreme
right hand side of the lane are not being careless, but are in
fact attempting to account for traffic conditions and/or
preparing to make a left turn.
• Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without
looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child.
• Most bicyclists maintain eye contact with drivers of
vehicles around them, particularly when the cyclist or
vehicle is making a turn. Before turning, a driver should
attempt to gain and maintain eye contact with the bicyclist
to ensure a safer turn.
Residential Areas are Danger Zones for Bicycles
Bicyclists may ride in the middle of the street and disregard
stop signs and traffic signals. BE CAREFUL in all
neighborhood areas where children and teenagers might be
Bicycles are hard to see. The riders are exposed and easily
injured in a collision. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often
overlooked or its speed misjudged.
When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be
prepared to stop quickly. Use extra caution during rainy and
icy weather. At night, do not use high beams when you see an
oncoming bicycle rider.
Children riding bicycles create special problems for drivers.
Children are not capable of proper judgment in determining
traffic conditions, therefore drivers should be alert to the
possibility of erratic movement and sudden changes in
direction when children on bicycles are present.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
• When passing and overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the
same direction, do so slowly and leave
at least a distance between you and the
bicycle of not less than 3 feet. It's the
law in Tennessee! Also be sure to
maintain this clearance until safely past
the overtaken bicycle.
Watch out for bikes coming out of driveways or from behind
parked cars or other obstructions.
Bicyclists riding at night present visibility problems for
drivers. At night, watch the side of the road for bicyclists.
Bicyclists are required to have proper illumination, a front and
rear deflector, but drivers should be aware that bicyclists are
not easily seen. Lights from approaching traffic may make
them even harder to see at night.
• A driver should never attempt passing between a bicyclist
and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road. Slow down
and allow vehicles to pass the rider safely.
• NEVER pass a bicycle if the street is too narrow or you
would force the bicyclist too close to parked vehicles.
Wait until there is enough room to let you pass safely.
If you see a bicyclist with a red or orange pennant flag on the
antennae attached to the bike, slow down: this is a common
symbol to indicate the rider has impaired hearing.
Lane Positions for Bicycles
Bicyclists are required to ride as far right in the lane as
possible only when a car and a bicycle, side by side, can safely
share the lane. Even then, there are certain times when a
bicycle can take the full lane.
Never assume that all drivers see your hand signals or will
yield for you. Assume you are invisible to other road users and
ride defensively.
Always check your brakes so that you are prepared to stop.
Also remember that a truck requires more space to stop than
you do on your bike. Never assume that a truck will be able to
stop quickly if you get in the way. You may have to get out of
the way to save your own life.
A bicyclist should be allowed full use of the
lane when:
• The rider is overtaking and passing
another vehicle going in the same
• If the lane is marked and signed (as
shown at right) for bicycle use only, drivers must
NEVER use this lane as a turning lane, passing lane
or for parking.
• There are unsafe conditions in the roadway, such as
parked cares, moving vehicles or machinery, fixed
obstacles, pedestrians, animals, potholes or debris.
• The lane is too narrow for both a care and a bicycle to
safely share the lane. In this case it is safest to let the
bicycle take the full lane.
Avoiding a crash is the safest way to ride. Ride on the right
side, with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may cause
you to miss traffic control devices, such as traffic signs and
stop lights. Be especially careful when riding near or around
trucks and buses. Use caution and pay attention to trucks.
Watch for their signals because the driver may not see you or
be able to stop soon enough in an emergency situation.
However, you should to be prepared in case the truck's signals
don't work or the driver doesn't use them. That is why you, as
the bicyclist, need to watch out for yourself. For a bike rider,
the safest bet is to always be aware of the traffic around you.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists
Bicycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road. As
a bicyclist riding in traffic or on the sidewalk, you should take
extra precautions to protect yourself. Vehicles on the road,
especially large trucks and buses, may not see you on your
bike. Crossing the street or making a turn can be dangerous in
traffic if others do not see you or your signals. The tips below
can help keep you riding safely.
Beware of riding too closely to a large truck. Large trucks
have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which
make it difficult for the driver to see around them. If you ride
in these blind spots, truck drivers cannot see you and your
chance for a crash are greatly increased.
To learn more specifics on bicycle riding and safety contact:
The League of American Bicyclists
1612 K Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Tennessee law requires that a bicycle used at night must be
equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light
visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and
either a red reflector or lamp emitting a red light that is visible
from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of
lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
Research shows that two-thirds of car-motorcycle collisions
are caused, not by the motorcyclist, but by the driver who
turned in front of the motorcycle. The drivers didn't see the
motorcycles at all or didn't see them until it was too late to
avoid the collision.
Consideration should also be given to placing reflective
material on the frame of the bicycle to provide additional side
and front visibility of the bicycle in low-light conditions.
Riders are also encouraged to wear bright clothing with
reflective material on both the helmet and clothing.
Why Drivers Don't Always See Motorcyclists
Drivers tend to look for other cars and trucks, not for
motorcycles. The profile of a motorcycle is narrow and the
body is short, making it harder to see and making it harder for
a driver to estimate the cycle's distance and speed.
Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet. It is the best
thing you can do to be safe. Bikes offer no protection in case
of a crash, so you need to wear your protection. Wearing your
helmet may save your life if you are hit by or run into a large
truck or bus. Remember, riding into a truck is equivalent to
hitting a steel wall. Your helmet is your life.
Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movements to adjust
to changing road and traffic conditions.
Motorcycles have the right to the use of the full lane. Riders
need the lane's full width to respond to and handle hazards
such as potholes, shifting traffic blocking them from being
seen or strong winds or blasts of air from passing vehicles.
You must never try to share a lane with a motorcycle, and you
should always respect the cycle's space and position in traffic.
Always be aware of the traffic around you. This is especially
important when riding in traffic with large trucks and buses.
Trucks and buses make wide right turns. Never sneak in
between a truck or bus and the curb or you could get crushed.
Driver Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcycles:
cyclists, and will usually cause them to slow down and
possibly zigzag to cross the tracks.
• Passing- Pass as you would pass a car, and don't pass too
close or too fast as the blast of air can blow a motorcycle
out of control.
• Metal or grated bridges cause a cycle to wobble much
more than a car. An experienced cyclist slows down and
moves to the center of the lane to allow room for handling
the uneven surface. An inexperienced cyclist may become
startled and try to quickly change direction. Be prepared
for either reaction.
• Left turns- Always signal your intention to turn. Watch
for oncoming motorcycles.
• Following Distance - Allow at least a two-second
following distance, so the motorcycle rider has enough
time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Both cyclists
and drivers are more likely to make bad decisions if there
is not enough stopping distance or time to see and react to
• Being aware of these situations and consciously looking
out for motorcyclists can help you share the road safely.
Safety Tips for Motorcycles
Among all motor vehicles, motorcycles are the most
vulnerable on the road. Because motorcycles do not have
safety belts, you can be thrown off your seat in a crash, which
can result in serious injury or even death. Imagine your chance
for survival if a truck strikes you, or if you strike it. Hitting a
truck is like hitting a steel wall. However, your chance for
survival will be increased if you wear a helmet and follow the
safety tips below when riding your motorcycle.
• Check your Blind Spots when Changing Lanes Motorcyclists riding alongside a lane of cars are often out
of view of the driver. An unsuspecting driver may change
lanes and clip or hit a motorcycle.
• Anticipate Motorcyclists' Maneuvers - A cyclists will
change lane position to prepare for upcoming traffic
conditions. Expect and allow room for the rider to adjust
to road hazards that you can't see. At intersections, where
most collisions and injuries occur, wait until the rider's
intentions are absolutely clear (turning or going straight)
before you move into the path of travel. Be even more
careful in difficult driving conditions- rain, wet roads, ice
and heavy winds- when the motorcyclist's braking and
handling abilities are impaired.
Never hang out in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone." Trucks
have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the
truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these
blind spots, which allows for a greater chance of a crash. The
front blind spot is particularly dangerous if you need to stop
quickly. Because of their lightweight and braking system,
motorcycles can stop much faster than trucks. A truck may not
be able to stop as quickly as you do, so you need to take
special precautions to avoid crashes before they happen.
• Pay Extra Attention at Night - You can easily misjudge
distance because the single headlight or single tail light of
a motorcycle can blend into the lights of other vehicles.
Always dim your headlights as you would for other cars
and trucks.
Make sure to always wear a helmet. Beware of helmets that do
not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
Check for the DOT label inside your helmet. Helmets are the
most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding
your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of
protection in a serious crash.
• Drive Aware - Whenever you are on the road or at an
intersection with a motorcycle, use extra caution and care.
Learn to watch for the narrow profile.
Hazards that can affect Motorcyclists' Maneuvers:
Special conditions and situations may cause problems for
motorcyclists which drivers need to anticipate. Drivers should
be aware of these problems, so they can help share the road
safely with motorcyclists. Here are a few examples:
Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road.
Unfortunately they provide virtually no protection in a crash.
Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you
must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious,
paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other
vehicles, especially trucks. However, you still need to be
prepared in the event their signals or lights don't work. Ride
with caution and drive defensively. Even though your
motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the
road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with
another vehicle. Don't instigate aggressive driving with other
motorists; you will only increase your chance of a crash.
• Bad weather and slippery surfaces cause greater problems
for motorcyclists than for cars. The conditions create
stability problems for all vehicles. Allow more following
distance for cyclists when the road surface is wet and
slippery. Also be alert to the problem of glare that rain
and wet surfaces create, especially at night.
• Strong cross winds can move a cycle out of its lane of
travel. Areas where this can happen are wide open, long
stretches of highways and bridges. Large, fast-moving
trucks sometimes create wind blasts which under certain
conditions, can move the cyclists out of their path of
Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each
ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and
a jacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help
• Railroad grade crossings are a particular hazard to
reduce your chance of an crash or the severity of injury if you
are involved in a crash, especially with a large truck or bus.
aggressive drivers when they drive slowly in the passing lane,
ignore trucks brake lights or signals, and create an emergencybraking situation. They also create dangerous situations when
they attempt to do other things while driving, such as using
cell phones. When you are driving, please focus only on the
road. If you need to attend to another matter while driving,
safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.
Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks
and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around
trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the
back of a car or truck will end your riding days.
Aggressive drivers can be dangerous drivers. They put
themselves and others at risk with their unsafe driving.
Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, pulling in front of
trucks too quickly when passing, and making frequent lane
changes, especially in the blind spots of trucks, can create
dangerous and potentially fatal situations on the road. These
situations can lead to road rage not only for the aggressive
driver, but also for others sharing the road.
To learn more about motorcycle safety, pick up a copy of
the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual at any Driver
License Service Center. Additional information and an
electronic copy of this manual is available online at
When driving on the highway you are at a serious
disadvantage if involved in a crash with a larger vehicle. In
crashes involving large trucks, the occupants of a car, usually
the driver, sustain 78 percent of fatalities. In order to keep you
and your family safe when driving around large trucks and
buses, you should be extra cautious. Sharing the road with
larger vehicles can be dangerous if you are not aware of their
limitations. Here are a few tips to help you drive safer to
prevent an accident and minimize injuries and fatalities if one
does occur.
Be careful of trucks making wide right turns. If you try to get
in between the truck and the curb, you'll be caught in a
"squeeze" and can suffer a serious accident. Truck drivers
sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order to safely
negotiate a right turn especially in urban areas. They can't see
cars directly behind or beside them. Cutting in between the
truck and the curb increases the possibility of a crash. So pay
attention to truck signals, and give them lots of room to
If you cut in front of another vehicle, you may create an
emergency-braking situation for the vehicles around you,
especially in heavy traffic. Trucks and buses take much longer
to stop in comparison to cars. If you force a larger vehicle to
stop quickly this could cause a serious, even fatal accident.
When passing, look for the front of the truck in your rear-view
mirror before pulling in front and avoid braking situations!
Drinking and driving don't mix. Alcohol affects a person's
ability to make crucial driving decisions, such as braking,
steering, or changing lanes. Remember, you are not the only
one in danger when you decide to drink and then drive. You
are sharing the road with everyone including large vehicles
and your chances of getting into an accident are greatly
increased. If you get into an accident with a truck, you're out
of luck. The odds of surviving a serious accident with a large
truck are too low. However, if you do live through it without
serious injury, think of your higher insurance rates, your large
legal fees, and other social and professional setbacks it will
cause you. So think before you drink.
Always buckle your safety belt. Safety belts are your best
protection in case of a crash, especially if you get into an
accident with a large vehicle such as a truck. Trucks require a
greater stopping distance and can seriously hurt you if your car
is struck from behind. However, your safety belt will keep you
from striking the steering wheel or windshield, being thrown
around, and from being ejected from the car. Wearing a safety
belt is the single most important thing you can do to save your
life, especially in a crash with a large truck.
You will always be sharing the road with trucks because they
haul more freight more miles than any other form of
transportation. Trucks are the sole method of delivery and
pickup for approximately seventy-seven percent (77%) of
America's communities.
Large trucks have blind spots, or No-Zones, around the front,
back and sides of the truck. Watch out! A truck could even turn
into you, because these No-Zones make it difficult for the
driver to see. So, don't hang out in the No-Zones, and
remember, if you can't see the truck driver in the truck's
mirror, the truck driver can't see you.
A typical tractor-trailer combination, a loaded semi-trailer
hinged and being pulled by tractor unit may weigh up to
80,000 pounds or 40 tons. Depending on the trailer length, the
total length of the combination may exceed 70 feet.
Inattentive drivers do not pay attention to driving or what is
going on around them. They can be just as dangerous as
The number of trucks that were involved in fatal accidents
nationally has increased by 3.2% percent from 2002 to 2006.
When driving on a highway you are at a serious disadvantage
if involved with a larger vehicle. In crashes involving large
trucks, the occupants of a car, usually the driver, sustain 78%
the fatalities.
lane in front of the truck unless you can see the whole front of
the vehicle in your rearview mirror. Complete your pass as
quickly as possible and don't stay alongside the truck. Do
NOT slow down once you are in front of the truck.
Many truck-car crashes could be avoided if drivers know about
truck (and bus) limitations and how to steer clear of unsafe
situations involving large vehicles. Seems obvious, doesn't it?
But the fact is that while most people realize it is more
difficult to drive a truck than a car, many don't know exactly
what a truck's limitations are in terms of maneuverability,
stopping distances, and blind-spots. Remember: Large trucks,
recreational vehicles and buses are not simply big cars. The
bigger they are:
Position your vehicle so you are outside the truck driver's
"blind spots", and be sure the truck driver can see YOU in the
side rearview mirror. If you can't see the truck's mirror, the
driver cannot see YOU. A truck's blind spots are immediate
in front, on either side of the car and up to 200 feet in the rear.
A trucker may not be able to see the road directly in front of
the cab. If the tractor has a long hood, the trucker may not be
able to see the first 10-20 feet in front of the bumper, plenty of
room for a motorcycle or car to slip unnoticed into a
dangerous position.
1. The bigger their blind spots. Trucks have deep blind spots
in front, behind and on both sides. Make sure you position
your vehicle so that the driver of the truck can see you in
the side mirrors of his truck.
If you are stopped behind a truck on an uphill grade, stay to
the left in your lane so the driver can see you. When stopped
in a traffic lane, leave extra space in front of your car in case
the truck rolls back when it starts to move.
2. The longer it takes trucks to stop. A car traveling at 55
MPH can stop in 240 feet however a truck traveling at the
same speed of 55 MPH, takes about 450+ feet to stop.
Pay close attention to the large vehicle's turn signals. Trucks
make wide right turns that require them to swing to the left
before turning right. Always make sure you know which way
the vehicle is turning before trying to pass.
3. The more room they need to maneuver, such as making
right turns. Trucks must swing wide to the left to safely
negotiate a right turn. They cannot see motorcycles or
cars behind or beside them.
Do not linger beside a large vehicle because you may not be
visible to the driver in the wide area the truck needs for
maneuvering a turn.
4. The longer it takes an automobile or motorcycle to pass
When you are near a Commercial Vehicle Weigh Station,
avoid driving in the right lane so slow-moving trucks can
easily merge back onto the roadway.
5. As stated above, the more likely you are to be the "loser" in
a collision.
Truck drivers are always watching for automobiles and smaller
vehicles and working to avoid collisions. There are some
techniques that you can use to help them and yourself share
the road safely and reduce the likelihood of a collision with a
large vehicle.
Dim your lights at night. Bright lights reflected in the mirrors
can blind the driver.
Never underestimate the size and speed of approaching trucks
and buses. Because of their large size they often appear to be
traveling more slowly than their actual speed.
Do NOT enter a roadway in front of a large vehicle. A truck
or bus cannot slow down or stop as quickly as an automobile.
By pulling out in front of these vehicles, you could easily
cause a rear-end collision.
Risky Situations with Large Vehicles
Passing a Large Vehicle: A tractor-trailer or other
combination vehicles take a longer time and requires more
space to get around than a car.
Do NOT drive directly behind a truck or bus. Keep a
reasonable distance between your vehicle and the large vehicle
ahead. This gives you a better view of the road to anticipate
problems, and you will give yourself room for an emergency
• On a two-way road, leave yourself more time and space
when passing these large vehicles. Check to your front
and rear and move into the passing lane only if it is clear
and you are in a legal passing zone.
• If the truck or bus driver blink their vehicle headlights
after you pass, it's a signal that you are cleared to pull
back in front of their vehicle. Move back only when you
can see the front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
Do NOT cut abruptly in front of a large vehicle. If you are
exiting, it will only take a few extra seconds to slow down and
exit behind the truck. Cutting off a large vehicle on the
interstate is particularly dangerous because of the high speeds
being traveled.
• Remember that on an upgrade or steep hill, a large vehicle
usually loses speed.
• Because of their weight, trucks travel faster downhill and
When passing a large vehicle, do NOT pull back over into the
you may have to increase your speed to pass a truck on a
downhill grade. Complete your pass as quickly as
possible and don't stay alongside the truck. After you
pass, maintain your speed. Don't pass a truck, then slow
down, making the truck driver brake while traveling
Hills or Mountain Roads: Beware of dangers caused by
slower moving trucks or buses on steep hills, inclines, or
mountain roads. Watch for slow moving trucks or buses going
both up and down hills. Heavy vehicles cannot maintain
speed when climbing hills and must go slowly down hills to
stay under control. Watch for trucks or buses that might be in
trouble. Smoking wheels or a high speed can be a sign of
brake loss. If you encounter this situation, fall back and DO
NOT pass.
• When a truck passes you, you can help the driver by
keeping to the far side of your lane and reducing your
speed slightly. NEVER SPEED UP AS A TRUCK OR
Runaway Truck Ramps: These ramps are designed to stop
out-of-control trucks or buses going down step downgrades.
Vehicles should never stop or park in these areas.
• When you meet a truck/bus coming from the opposite
direction, keep as far as possible to the right of the road to
avoid being sideswiped and to reduce wind turbulence
between vehicles. The turbulence PUSHES vehicles
APART. It does NOT suck them together.
Learn the "NO-ZONES" for large vehicles:
Many motorists falsely assume that trucks and buses can see
the road better because they sit twice as high as the driver of a
small vehicle. While trucks and buses do enjoy a better
forward view and have bigger mirrors, they have serious blind
spots into which a small vehicle can disappear from view.
The "Right Turn Squeeze": Trucks make wide right turns
and often must leave an open space on the right side. Do NOT
move into that space or try to pass a truck if it might be
making a right turn. If you are between the truck and the curb,
the driver may not be able to see you and your car can be
crunched or sideswiped by the truck's trailer.
The NO-ZONE represents danger areas around trucks and
buses where crashes are more likely to occur.
1. The area approximately up to 20 feet directly in front of a
large vehicle is considered a NO-ZONE. When small
vehicles cut in too soon after passing or changing lanes,
then abruptly slow down, trucks and buses are forced to
compensate with very little room or time to spare.
A Truck Backing Up: When a truck is trying to back into a
loading dock, there may be no choice except to block the
roadway for a short time. Never try to cross behind a truck
when it is preparing to back up. This is a high-collision
situation because you will be in the driver's blind spots. Give
the driver plenty of room and wait patiently for the few
minutes it takes to complete the maneuver.
2. Unlike small vehicles, trucks and buses have deep blind
spots directly behind them. Avoid following too closely in
this NO-ZONE. If you stay in the rear blind spot of a large
vehicle, you increase the possibility of a traffic crash. The
driver of the bus or truck cannot see your motorcycle or car
and your view of the traffic ahead will be severely reduced.
Maintaining a Safety Cushion with Large Vehicles: As
stated previously, trucks and buses need more maneuvering
room and stopping distance than small vehicles. A good safety
strategy is to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and
the larger vehicle, especially in these situations:
3. Large vehicles have much larger blind spots on both sides
than cars do. When you drive in these blind spots for any
length of time, the vehicle's driver cannot see you. When
passing, even if the vehicle's driver knows you are there,
remaining alongside a large vehicle too long makes it
impossible for the driver to take evasive action if an
obstacle appears in the roadway ahead.
If you are driving in front of a truck, keep your speed up so
you maintain a safe distance in front of the truck. Always
indicate your intention to turn or change lanes early enough for
the driver of the truck or bus to prepare for your maneuver.
Avoid sudden moves, slow downs or stops.
4. Truck and bus drivers often cannot see vehicles directly
behind or beside them when they are attempting to safely
negotiate a right turn. If you cut in between the truck or
bus and the curb or shoulder to the right, it greatly increases
the possibility of a crash in this "right turn squeeze'.
Don't cut in front of a truck or bus. You can remove the
driver's cushion of safety.
When following a truck or bus, it is a good idea to add more
following distance.
If rain or water is standing on the road, spray from a truck
passing you, or the truck you are trying to pass, will seriously
reduce your vision. You should move as far away from the
truck as you can, while staying in your lane.
Don't drive too close to trucks that are transporting hazardous
materials, since they make frequent stops, such as railroad
School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation in
the nation-nearly 2,000 times safer than the family car.
Crashes are rare because
school systems and the school
bus contractors work hard to
train drivers to avoid crashes.
The reality of school bus
safety is that more children
are hurt outside a bus than
inside one. Children are at
greatest risk when they are
getting on or off the school
bus. Most of the children
killed in bus related crashes
are pedestrians, five to seven
years old; they are hit by the
bus or by motorists illegally
passing a stopped school bus.
In fact pedestrian fatalities
while loading and unloading school buses account for nearly
three out of every four fatalities. The child who bends over to
retrieve a dropped school paper, or who walks too close to the
bus while crossing the street, needs to be aware that every
school bus is surrounded by a danger zone.
Certain slow-moving farm vehicles, construction equipment
and vehicles drawn by animals may share our roadways. Use
caution and prepare to slow down when approaching and
passing slow-moving vehicles from the rear.
Be alert for slow-moving vehicles, especially in rural areas.
Driving on empty rural highways can be just as dangerous as
driving in heavy city traffic. It is easy to relax your
attention…and suddenly come upon a dangerous surprise.
Animals in the road, farm equipment moving from one field to
another, horse drawn vehicles just over the crest of a hill, or a
low spot covered with water are not unusual hazards in rural
Stay alert, watch for warning signs, and slow down when
approaching curves or hills that block your view of the
roadway ahead. The "slow moving vehicle" emblem, a
fluorescent or reflective orange triangle, must be displayed on
the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, and most farm vehicles
and construction equipment.
Farm Machinery: Watch for tractors, combines, and other
farm equipment moving across the road and traveling on state
highways in rural areas. This type of equipment can be very
large and wide enough to take up more than one traffic lane.
Farm machinery usually does not have turn signals and to
make a right turn, operators of farm machinery may first pull
wide to the left, then turn to the right. In most cases, these
vehicles will be traveling at less than 25 M.P.H. Coming over
the top of a hill at 55 M.P.H. to find a large slow-moving
tractor in front of you is a frightening and dangerous
experience. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to protect
yourself and your passengers.
This Danger Zone is the area on all sides of the bus where
children are in the most danger of being hit. Children should
stay ten feet away from the school bus and NEVER go behind
the bus.
In many of our school systems, children are taught to escape
that zone by taking five giant steps as soon as they exit the
bus. If they must cross the street after exiting the bus, they are
taught to cross at least five giant steps in front of the bus-and
to be sure they're able to be seen by the school bus driver and
can maintain eye contact with the driver.
Horse Drawn Carriages: In some areas of Tennessee you
may be sharing the road with animal-drawn vehicles. They
have the same rights to use the road as a motor vehicle and
must follow the same rules of the road. They are subject to
heavy damage and injury to the occupants if hit by a car.
Warning signs will be posted in areas where you are likely to
find animal-drawn vehicles. Be Alert!
Perhaps the most difficult thing to teach children, especially
young children, is not to go back to pick up items they've
dropped near the bus, or left on the bus.
Parents and other adults must also do their part. For
instance, most drivers need to learn to share the road with
school buses and stop when the bus stops to take on or let off
passengers. If we all do our part- if drivers heed school bus
warning lights, bus drivers drive defensively, parents help their
children learn to ride safely and children learn to avoid the
bus' danger zone- it can be safer still to ride to and from
school in that yellow bus.
Horseback Riders: Horseback riders are subject to, and
protected by, the rules of the road. They also must ride single
file near the right curb or road edge, or on a usable right
shoulder, lane or path. The law requires you to exercise due
care when approaching a horse being ridden or led along a
road. Areas where horseback riding is common will usually be
marked with an advisory sign. You must drive at a reasonable
speed, and at a reasonable distance away from the horse. Do
NOT sound your horn or "rev" your engine loudly when
approaching or passing a horse.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Drivers must be familiar with the Danger Zone. Since
children are taught to take the "five giant steps" from the
school bus for safety, drivers must ensure that they stop far
enough from the bus to allow for this needed safety space.
Closing Speeds
Normal speeds for slow-moving vehicles may range from 5 to
20 mph. When a vehicle traveling at normal highway speed
normally be wearing bright yellow-green apparel such as
shirts, vests or hardhats to ensure they are highly visible.
approaches a slow-moving vehicle from the rear, the speed
deferential will dramatically shorten the time it takes to reach
the slow-moving vehicle.
What do you do when approaching a Work Zone? Watch for
the color orange – it always means: "road work—slow down".
All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background
and black letters or symbols. These signs will be found on the
right side of the road, or on both left and right sides when the
roadway is a divided highway, and they will tell you what (one
lane traffic, uneven lanes, etc.) and how soon (miles or feet
ahead) you will encounter the work zone. Most work zones
also have signs alerting you to reductions in the speed limit
through the work zone.
Turns and Passing
Slow-moving vehicles may make wide turns and may turn
right or left at any time into unmarked entrances. When
approaching from the rear, stay a safe distance behind the
vehicle until it is safe to pass, then be certain the driver has
seen you and is aware of your intent to pass before you begin.
When lights are required for these slow moving vehicles, a
self-luminous red lamp on the rear of the vehicle is normally
visible for 500 feet to the rear. Other devices to identify
slow-moving vehicles may include slow moving emblem
reflectors, as well as rotating or oscillating red or amber lights.
You may see this on slow-moving vehicles such as farm
tractors, machinery, construction equipment or horse-drawn
These speed reductions are necessary for the safety of the
workers and motorists. The reduced speed limits are clearly
posted within the work zone and if there are no reduced speed
limit postings, drivers should obey the normal posted speed
limit. Under Tennessee law, speed violations that occur in the
work zones where the speed has been reduced and where
employees of the Department of Transportation as well as
other construction workers are present, will result in a fine up
to a maximum of $500 dollars. What should you do when
driving through Work Zones? Signing, traffic control devices,
roadway markings, flaggers, and law enforcement officers are
used to protect highway workers and to direct drivers safely
through work zones or along carefully marked detours. As a
driver you should learn and abide by the following safety tips
for driving in work zones:
Lane Usage
Slower traffic must drive in the right-hand lane. The left lane
is for passing and turning. Slow-moving vehicles may be
wider than the lane width. It may be necessary for these wide
vehicles to temporarily move into an adjoining lane to avoid
roadside obstructions.
Slow down and pay full attention to the driving situation!
Drive within the posted speed limits, which are usually
reduced in work zones. If you don't, you'll pay the price. A
car traveling 60 M.P.H. travels 88 feet per second. If you see a
sign that says "Road Work 1500 Feet", you'll be in that
construction zone in 17 seconds!
Work Zone Safety: It's Everybody's Business
Work zones on U.S. highways have become increasingly
dangerous places for both workers and travelers, with the
death rate approaching two per day. Approximately 40,000
people per year are injured as a result of crashes in work
zones. With more than 70,000 work zones in place across
America on a given day, highway agencies are realizing that it
is not enough to focus on improving the devices used in the
work zone areas, but that they must also reach out to the
public in order to change the behavior of drivers so that
crashes can be prevented.
Obey the posted speed limits which are usually reduced in
work zones. Workers could be present just a few feet away. If
you don't, you'll pay the price.
Merge as soon as possible. Motorists can help maintain traffic
flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at
first notice of an approaching work zone. You can be ticketed
and the cause of an accident for being a last chance merger.
What is a Work Zone? A work zone is any type of road
work that may impede traffic conditions. Many work zones
involve lane closures. They may also be on the shoulder or in
the median. Moving work zones such as sweepers, line
painting trucks, or mowing equipment and workers are also
quite common.
Use total concentration when driving through work zones.
Pay attention to your surroundings. This is not the time to use
the cellular phone, look for a new CD, change the radio
station, read the paper, apply make-up, shave, eat or drink or
fill out the expense report.
Highway work zones are set up according to the type of road
and the work to be done on the road. There are a number of
events that make up a work zone. They can be long-term
projects of short term actions. A work zone can also exist at
anytime of the year. The common theme among work zones is
the color orange. Work zone materials such as cones, barrels,
signs, large vehicles, or orange vests on workers give you an
indication that you are either approaching a work zone or are
already in a work zone. In these work zones, workers will
Keep your ears open! Do not wear earphones while driving.
Turn your lights on before you enter the zone! Turn on your
vehicle's headlights to become more visible to workers and
other motorists.
Follow the instructions on the road work zone warning signs
and those given by flaggers. Follow their signals, and don't
change lanes within the work zone unless instructed to do so.
Expect the unexpected! Avoid complacency. Work zones
change constantly. Don't become oblivious to work zone signs
when the work is long term or widespread.
warning, they don't respect the potential for danger; they cross
the tracks without looking, listening, or stopping. Most of the
collisions occur within 25 miles of the driver's home,
suggesting that drivers KNEW the tracks were there and they
were in the habit of crossing without looking.
Use extreme caution when driving through a work zone at
night whether workers are present or not.
If you are on a collision course with a train, only you can
avoid the collision. The train cannot stop in time or swerve
to avoid you.
Calm down. Work zones aren't there to personally
inconvenience you. They're there to improve the roads for
everyone and improve your future ride.
Stopping for Railroad Crossings
Countless people lose their lives or suffer tragic injuries due to
train/vehicle collisions. Invariably, the cause of these
collisions is the disregard, and often willful evasion, of
railroad crossing warnings by drivers.
Watch the traffic around you, and be prepared to react to what
the traffic is doing. Check the taillights/brake lights of vehicles
ahead of you for indications of what is happening on the
road ahead. Be ready to respond quickly.
Railroad Crossing Warning Signs: Railroad
crossing signs signal a driver to slow down,
look, listen and be prepared to stop for a train.
These signs include the round yellow railroad
ahead crossing sign, the railroad cross-buck
sign, pavement markings and at crossings
with significant vehicular traffic, red flashing
lights and crossing gates.
Adjust your lane position away from where the side workers
and equipment are located when possible.
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers,
trucks, construction equipment and workers. Don't tailgate!
Most work zone accidents are caused by rear-end collisions.
Some work zones – like line painting, road patching and
mowing – are mobile. Just because you don't see the workers
immediately after you see the warning signs doesn't mean
they're not out there. Observe the posted signs until you see
the one that says "End Road Work".
Railroad Crossing Stop Signs: If you approach a railroad
crossing at which a stop sign is posted, you must come to a
complete stop and proceed across the tracks only after looking
both ways to make sure a train is not approaching. Never
assume the track is not used or a train is not approaching.
Expect delays; plan for them and leave early to reach your
destination on time.
Avoid road work zones altogether by using alternate routes,
when you can.
Safety Guidelines for Railroad Crossings:
Obey the Warning Signs: Look both ways and LISTEN,
because you may have to stop. Expect a train on any track at
any time. Don't trust a "schedule" because trains can cross at
any time of the day or night. Due to the size of trains, the
actual speed of a train can be very deceiving.
Actually, you don't share the road with trains-you stop and let
them have the right-of-way! You can stop your car suddenly
but a train can't. Drivers must ALWAYS yield the right of
way to trains because IT'S THE LAW.
Don't Attempt to "Beat the Train": Under no circumstances
attempt to race a train to a crossing. If you lose, you will
never race again.
The average car weighs 3,000 pounds and the average loaded
train weighs 12 million pounds!
Don't Try to "Evade the Gates": Never drive around a
crossing gate that has extended down. If the gates are down,
stop and stay in place. It's against the law to drive through
lowered gates. Don't cross the tracks until the gates are fully
raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes a full mile to stop.
You are 30 times more likely to die in a collision with a train
than with a car or even a large truck or bus.
Over half of the train collisions with cars in America happen at
crossroads with lights, bells, or gates and two-thirds of the
crashes happen in full daylight.
When Approaching a Railroad Crossing: Slow down far
enough ahead of the crossing to be certain that you can stop
when you reach the point where a train could first be seen.
Railroad crossings equipped with electric or mechanical signal
devices require the operator to bring the vehicle to a complete
stop within 50 feet, and no closer than 15 feet from the nearest
rail and shall not proceed until it is safe.
Impatience - Drivers don't want to wait the 30 seconds to 2
minutes average time it takes for the train to pass through the
intersection. They try to beat the train.
Negligence - When drivers see a railroad crossing sign or
Avoid Stopping on the Railroad Tracks: Never proceed to
cross the tracks unless you can legally clear all tracks without
stopping. If you are crossing the tracks and the warning lights
begin flashing or the gates start coming down, don't stop.
KEEP MOVING! The warning signals will allow enough
time for you to finish driving through the crossing before the
train arrives. The gate on the far side of the tracks will not
block you in. DO NOT EVER TRY TO BACK UP.
if turning onto the road indicated in the sign.
For more information on Railroad Crossing Safety contact:
Operation Lifesaver of Tennessee
9208 Apache Trail
Brentwood, TN 37027
Federal Railroad Administration
Office of Public Affairs (Stop 5)
1120 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20590
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, all occupants should exit
the vehicle immediately and get off the tracks. If a train is
coming, get away from the tracks and run toward the direction
from which the train is coming. This allows you to be away
from and behind the point of impact, to prevent injury. (See
the illustration immediately below). If no train is in sight, post
lookouts and try to start the vehicle or push it off the tracks. If
you are alone, exit the vehicle and notify local law
enforcement for assistance. Look to see that no train is
approaching the crossing and carefully proceed to have the
vehicle removed from the tracks.
The following safety tips will help prevent crashes, including
rollover crashes in 15-passenger vans, as well as protect you in
case an unavoidable crash does occur.
Safety Restraints
All occupants in 15-passenger vans must wear safety belts at
all times. This is the law in Tennessee, as well as many other
states. As stated previously, NHTSA estimates that 80 percent
of 15-passenger van fatalities were not properly restrained at
the time of the crash. Our research shows that 195 people were
killed in 15-passenger vans in Tennessee between 1994 and
2007, and of the 181 people with known restraint usage, 138
(76%) were not restrained. With this proportion, we can
estimate that 105 lives may have been saved if everyone had
been properly restrained.
Your vehicle is replaceable. You are not!
No Vehicle is worth a human life.
Tire Pressure
Tires need to be inspected and tire pressure checked every
time the van is used. Excessively worn or improperly inflated
tires can lead to a loss of control situation and rollover. Tread
should be checked to insure there is enough grip, and to make
sure there are no signs of tread separation. Also important to
note is that many of these vans have extremely different tire
pressure recommendations for front versus rear tires. Underinflation of the rear tires (especially the left rear) is a major
cause of tread separation.
Watch for Additional Trains: Where there is more than one
track, a driver waiting for one train to pass must make sure
another train is not approaching from the opposite direction.
Once the first train has cleared the tracks, caution should be
taken that a second train is NOT proceeding in the opposite
direction. Don't go across the tracks until you are sure that no
other trains are coming on another track from either direction.
Watch for Vehicles that Must Stop at Highway-Railway
Crossings: School Buses, Passenger Buses and Trucks
carrying hazardous materials must stop at all crossings whether
signals are activated to not. Never attempt to pass these
stopped vehicles on a two-way road. For safety's sake do
NOT pass such stopped vehicles on a multi-lane roadway
unless the crossing is clearly marked with signal lights and/or
gates that are NOT activated. Otherwise the stopped vehicle
in the right lane may block your clear view of the tracks.
Anyone who operates a 15-passenger van should be trained
and experienced, since these machines react much differently
than passenger cars. There are no special endorsements or
licenses needed to operate a 15-passenger van in the State of
Tennessee. Just as important as experience, is attention.
Drivers should be well-rested and should not use cell phones
or other handheld devices, so they maintain focus on the road.
These vehicles require longer stopping distances and do not
turn as easily as passenger cars. As with all vehicles, drugs and
alcohol should not be used by the driver. Since these vans are
bigger and it is often more difficult to see other traffic, it may
be a good idea to use an occupant as a spotter. Nearly 70% of
the fatal 15-passenger van crashes in Tennessee involved two
or more vehicles.
Intersection Warning Signs; Some variation
of the sign shown on the right will be
posted prior to intersections or crossroads
where railroad tracks cross one of the
roadways. Always be alert and pay
attention to these signs as they give you
advance warning that you may encounter a train
Check the Load
Have passengers sit as far towards the front of the vehicle as
possible. With most 15-passenger vans, the rear seat is located
behind the rear axle. This causes an uneven weight
distribution, pushing the center of gravity (CG) further back.
Do not tow any trailers or put cargo on the roof of the van.
These actions also impact the CG, increasing chances of
center of gravity in a RV. Be sure to secure all heavy items.
They can shift during travel and may affect handling, ride
quality and braking. Distributing the weight closer to the
ground and equal on both sides keeps the center of gravity low
and will provide better handling of your RV.
Always wear your safety belt. Make sure all passengers in
your RV wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is in motion.
In case of an accident or sudden stop, passengers who are not
buckled in may be thrown around and seriously injured.
Avoid Conditions that Lead to Loss of Control
This is even more important in 15-passenger vans than any
other vehicle. Most rollovers occur at high speeds as a result of
sudden steering maneuvers. Caution should be used on
interstates and state highways to avoid running off the road. If
the van's tires should drop off the roadway, gradually slow
down and steer back on to the roadway when it is safe to do so.
VEHICLES (RVs)
Recreational vehicles (RVs) can be a great way to travel across
the country. However, to be safe you need to know about safe
operation and maintenance. RVs are very different from cars
and because of their size; they handle more like a large truck.
This also means RVs have some real limitations. In order to
keep your friends and family safe on your next trip, make sure
to read these tips below, and enjoy the view.
RVs are large and have many blind spots. Learning to use your
mirrors and signals properly can help prevent serious
accidents. Your mirrors are very important, but they do not
allow you to see everything on the road, so always be aware.
In addition, trucks have even larger blind spots, and may not
see you; be ready to respond defensively to dangerous
RVs are similar to trucks in that they are heavier than cars, and
require a longer stopping distance. Pay attention to traffic and
to other vehicle's brake lights. Always keep enough room
between your RV and the vehicle in front of you. This will
help prevent accidents in case of an emergency braking
situation. Driving at a safe speed will also ensure your safety
in the event of any sudden stops.
Maintaining proper tire pressure, inspecting tires regularly,
avoiding excess loading, and driving at a safe speed, can help
prevent tire problems. Before each trip, make sure you check
to see if your tires are properly inflated. Maintaining the
correct air pressure and tread depth will ensure their longevity
and your safety.
Weight distribution is very important in maintaining the proper
Chapter C-4 HELPING TEENS AND
If you are trying to teach someone how to drive, the most
important thing you can do is to drive safely yourself. Though
it sounds trite, it is true. Your friend or family member is now
watching more carefully than you can ever dream. How do we
know? Examiners quite often hear, "Well, that's how my
dad/mom does it." Sometimes the young driver is saying this
to defend such things as "rolling stops". Luckily, it is also
often said with pride, when the applicant is giving a parent
credit for their safe driving habits.
opportunities while you are behind the wheel. These are truly
"teachable moments". For example, you can:
Getting a driver license is often referred to as the modern
equivalent of a rite of passage to adulthood for the young, new
driver – and it's certainly a dangerous one. The driving world
they enter is far too intense to tackle without serious
• Practice the "two-second" rule by explaining out loud the
steps you are taking to gauge your following distance.
• Point out tricky road signs, and ask what they mean.
• When a light turns yellow, talk about how you knew
whether it was safe to stop, or safer to continue through the
• Ask the teen/new driver questions about the traffic behind
you or beside you – make them aware that you have to pay
attention to traffic all around you, not just in front of you.
Once you start doing this, you will be surprised at all of the
wisdom you already have. You may also be surprised when it
opens the door for your pupil to offer friendly and constructive
criticism of your own driving habits! Since most of us have
room for improvement, you will, hopefully, be able to accept
with humor any good criticism they have.
As a parent (or concerned mentor) you are the one who cares
most about your teenager's driving ability and safety. This
chapter will help give you some hints and ideas on ways to
participate in the process of educating your teenager (or
inexperienced adult) behind the wheel.
Planning Safe and Informative Practice Sessions
It's important to plan practice sessions. Always decide where
to go and what you are going to do before setting out. Random
driving around during practice sessions can be dangerous. It is
all too easy for the novice driver to get into trouble particularly
in the early stages. Before venturing into traffic for practice
driving, be sure that your teen / new driver has good
coordination with hands and feet. Until the novice is sure of
the pedals, the danger of hitting the wrong pedal in a panic
situation is always present. Nothing substitutes for actual
experience on the road. However you will want to have your
first lessons concentrate on simply gaining control of the
vehicle. Later lessons can build on this, getting increasingly
more challenging. Listed below is some ideas for one approach
you might choose to follow:
Which Comes First, the Book or the Road?
You both will find it helpful to review this chapter, and any
other materials you can find before actually letting the new
driver get behind the wheel. People under the age of eighteen
(18) must have a learner permit for 180 days and qualify under
the GDL program before they can be road tested. This
requirement involves "book learning" before getting on the
road and a minimum amount of "supervised on the road
learning" before getting a license to drive solo. This is a good
principle for people of any age who are just learning to drive.
A SAFE Attitude for Driving and Learning
Attitude determines how the knowledge and skills your teen or
new driver have learned will be used. It determines whether a
driver will be cooperative or competitive in traffic, whether he
or she will accept a high level of risk or put into practice the
concepts of defensive driving.
Phase One: Have the new driver practice controlling the car
itself. Find someplace safe and away from traffic. A large
deserted parking lot is ideal for these initial sessions because it
allows the beginner to concentrate fully on the feel of the
controls and the response of the car. Start by practicing these
basic skills:
Your biggest contribution to your new driver's safety and
effectiveness behind the wheel will be the examples you set.
Patience, courtesy, and a willingness to improve will be your
best assets. Now is the time to review your own driving habits
and offer your teen or new driver the example of courtesy and
consideration for other road users. This may do more than
anything else to ensure your teen's driving safety.
• Buckling up, adjusting the seat and mirrors so that all
necessary controls are within easy reach.
• Operating the gearshift (and clutch if manual
transmission), gas and brake pedals.
• Backing and pulling the car forward. Right and Left turns
while driving in the parking lot.
Verbal Teaching in the "Moving Classroom"
A second helpful thing you can do is to talk out loud while you
are driving. Rather than overload the new driver with
information and advice while he or she is also trying to simply
learn the mechanics of driving, take advantage of teaching
• Staying within an imaginary lane.
Phase Two: Take the driver to a quiet residential area and let
your new driver practice not only the above skills, but also
Research Institute recommends 3,000 miles.
• Pulling into traffic and navigating simple intersections
• Keeping proper lane position and allowing safe
(2- second) following distances.
Each new driver is different, of course, and yours may not
need that many miles to be a confident, competent driver.
Tennessee's GDL program requires a specific number of hours
(50) be driven by minors prior to being eligible to move up to
the Intermediate license level. To keep track of these hours we
suggest either getting a simple spiral ring notebook to keep in
the glove compartment to record your practice sessions – or –
you may choose to make copies of the sample log on page
• Easy lane changes.
Phase Three: After you are satisfied that the basic controls are
fairly well mastered, you are now ready to take the new driver
into heavier traffic. Again, you will practice all of the
above, and add:
• Parallel parking and up / down hill parking
• Navigating multiple turn lane intersections
Driving Contracts: The first year of driving is a high-risk
period for the beginner. Inexperience combined with a lack of
skill means that one in five male 16-year old drivers and about
one in ten female 16-year olds will have a crash during their
first year of driving. Some of the worst accidents occur at
night and with a group of young people in the car. If alcohol or
any other kind of impairment is involved the risk in this
situation is magnified several times. This is one of the reasons
that Tennessee's GDL program places restrictions on these two
areas for new teen drivers.
• U-turns and quick stops (simulating emergency)
Phase Four: When you have confidence the new driver can
handle greater challenges, you should guide him or her to
practice all the above in the following conditions:
• On high-speed multi-lane highways or interstates
• In various weather conditions
• At night in good weather and bad weather
• City driving or heavy traffic areas
As it gets closer to the time when your new driver will be
applying for the Intermediate Driver License, some parents
find it helpful to sit down and spell out just what they expect
when they turn the car over to their teen. It is up to you
whether you would want to have this "contract" written and
signed, or just discussed as a family, but areas you could
consider covering in your agreement include:
Additional hints to help you as a teacher / mentor:
Stay Alert: Anticipate problems and always be ready to react
to help avoid accidents or other unsafe situations.
Communicate Clearly: Give directions well in advance and
try to always use the same terms (don't say accelerator one
time and gas pedal the next, for example).
Don't hit the beginner with everything at once: rather than
taking the new driver to a multi-lane intersection for their first
left turn do this in a calmer traffic area. Remember even a
simple right turn involves several steps (checking mirrors,
signaling, lane use, braking, turning, etc.) To expect a beginner
to follow all of these correctly during the early sessions is
asking too much.
✓ Where they may drive (miles, road types, etc.)
Don't get excited during practice sessions: calmly respond
to errors as needed. Don't "yell and fuss" over every mistake.
This can quickly erode the new driver's confidence and make
performance difficult.
✓ Responsibility for parking tickets or vehicle damage
✓ What hours of the day they may drive
✓ The condition the car should be returned (gas in tank,
clean, etc.) and the consequences if this is neglected.
✓ Who pays for the car's gas and maintenance
✓ What amount they will contribute toward auto insurance
✓ Consequences for moving violations, including speeding
Safe driving is very much a matter of seeing what needs to be
seen and making good decisions, but this is not simple to
achieve. Experience and training play a major role in ensuring
that a driver's eyes will look in the right places at the right
time and that their knowledge of safe and defensive driving
will help them make the proper response to the situation.
Don't overload or distract: Remember everything you say is
also a distraction for the drive. Be sparing in your comments
and, above all, try to avoid letting the beginner get into a
situation he or she isn't ready to handle.
Stop and Discuss: Stop as soon as you can, while a major
mistake is still fresh in the new driver's memory. Then take
time to discuss what happened and what the safest response
should be.
Being a good defensive driver means more than just being
cautious; and mere experience isn't enough either! The good
defensive driver has to work at developing good driving
techniques. And this work does not end with passing the driver
license examination. The novice driver's biggest enemy is the
complacency that comes from early success at learning driving
basics. As parents or mentors your role is to help the teen
overcome that complacency and continue to build driving
skills after licensing.
Two Reference Tools to Consider
Driving Log: Safety researchers have found that the more
supervised miles new drivers have before driving on their own,
the fewer accidents they have. This seems like common sense,
but is there a magic number of miles you should ride with your
student? The University of Michigan's Transportation
Helping Non-English Speaking Beginners
If you have shouldered the task of teaching someone to learn
to drive, whose first language is not English, two areas in
particular deserve special attention. First, make every effort to
ensure that the driver studies the material on traffic signs and
signals thoroughly, and help him or her to "translate" these
while you are out driving together. Second, put yourself in the
role of an examiner, and let the driver practice following
simple instructions in English (for example: "Turn left"; "Slow
down"; "Go straight at the next intersection";, etc.). All
applicants must understand and speak enough English to safely
communicate with the examiner before a road test can be
A Special Final Word to Parents
Remember – a driver license examiner spends less than 30
minutes driving with your child. Just by virtue of the fact that
it is an examination, this is a special trip. Most applicants will
perform at their very best level during the examination. Just
because they perform at the passing level does not necessarily
mean they will always use those safe driving procedures after
the examiner is no longer in the car.
The driver license examiner can evaluate a driver's
competence, but the responsibility of education and teaching
that child to drive rests with the parents or concerned mentor.
This means that it is wise to continue to monitor your teen's
driving performance even after they have been issued a driver
Tips to Help with Your Visit to the Driver Service Center
This manual includes:
• Types of Driver Licenses and Identification Licenses
• Steps to make application for and renew your Tennessee Driver License
• What Necessary Documents you will need to bring
• What Your Fees Will Be
To get location information, days and hours of operation, as well as scheduling your road skills test appointment, go online at:
www.tn.gov/safety or by calling toll-free 1-866-849-3548.
Our Driver Service Centers will typically have an increased volume of customers when we reopen after being closed for a
holiday, so please plan your visit accordingly. You may also wish to consider using our website at: www.tn.gov/safety to
check your eligibility to renew online.
TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) (615)-532-2281
Tennessee Department of Safety. Authorization No. 349313,
120,000 copies, March 2013. This public document was
promulgated at a cost of $.52 per copy.