Tennessee: Minor & Provisional Licensing Questions
15 real, verified Tennessee driving-test questions on minor & provisional licensing, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Minor & Provisional Licensing practice round.
1. How can a Tennessee teen aged 15-17 take the required written knowledge test without visiting a Driver Service Center in person?
Why: Teens 15-17 required to take a written knowledge test can take it online at home under a parent or legal guardian's supervision, using the state's Tennessee Proctor Identification (PID) App.
2. At what age can a Tennessee teen get a Learner Permit (Class PD), and how long must they hold it before applying for an Intermediate Restricted License?
Why: A Tennessee Learner Permit (Class PD) can be issued at 15 after passing the vision screening and knowledge test, and must be held 180 days before the holder can apply for an Intermediate Restricted License.
3. What restrictions apply to a Tennessee Learner Permit holder driving a car?
Why: A Tennessee Learner Permit holder may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and may only drive when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 sitting beside them in the front seat.
4. What does a Tennessee teen need to qualify for an Intermediate Restricted License?
Why: A Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License applicant must be at least 16, have held a Learner Permit for 180 days, and pass the driving skills (road) test.
5. When can a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License holder drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.?
Why: An Intermediate Restricted License holder can't drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or by a licensed driver at least 21 specifically designated in writing by the parent or guardian.
6. How many passengers can a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License holder normally carry?
Why: An Intermediate Restricted License holder may carry only 1 other passenger, unless that passenger is 21+ with an unrestricted license, or is a sibling/step-sibling/adopted or fostered child in the same house with a parent's written permission letter for trips to and from school.
7. What certified driving experience does a Tennessee teen need before moving from a Learner Permit to an Intermediate Restricted License?
Why: Before advancing to an Intermediate Restricted License, a Tennessee teen needs 50 hours of certified driving experience (including 10 hours at night), certified by a parent, guardian, or licensed driving instructor on the state's official SF-1256 form.
8. What happens if a Tennessee teen accumulates 6 or more points on their driving record in the 180 days before applying for an Intermediate Restricted License?
Why: A Tennessee teen with 6 or more points on their record in the 180 days before applying for an Intermediate Restricted License must keep holding the Learner Permit until their record shows fewer than 6 points for 180 consecutive days.
9. What does a Tennessee teen need for an Intermediate Unrestricted License, and what can add 90 more days to the wait?
Why: A Tennessee Intermediate Unrestricted License requires being at least 17 and having held the Intermediate Restricted License a full year, extended 90 more days for 6+ points, an at-fault crash, or a 2nd seatbelt violation during that year.
10. What happens if a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License holder gets a second moving violation?
Why: If a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License holder gets a second moving violation, they must complete an approved driver-education course before advancing to the Intermediate Unrestricted License.
11. What happens to a Tennessee Intermediate Restricted License holder convicted of using a forged letter to claim curfew-exception permission?
Why: A Tennessee teen convicted of using a forged or fraudulent letter to claim curfew-exception permission has their Intermediate Restricted License revoked and is reissued only a Learner Permit until they turn 18.
12. When does a Tennessee teen become eligible for a regular, unrestricted Class D license?
Why: A Tennessee teen gets a regular, unrestricted Class D license at 18, or earlier if they graduate high school or receive a GED first — the word 'Intermediate' comes off, though 'Under 21' indicators remain until 21.
13. Which of these can cost a Tennessee driver under 18 their driving privilege, even though it has nothing to do with driving?
Why: A Tennessee driver under 18 can lose their driving privilege for dropping out of school (10 consecutive or 15 total unexcused absences in a semester), among other non-driving reasons like unsatisfactory school progress, a drug/alcohol conviction, or a weapon on school property.
14. How does Tennessee's point-based license review differ for a driver under 18 compared to an adult?
Why: Tennessee's points system is stricter for minors: a driver under 18 gets an advisory letter at 1-5 points and a suspension notice at 6+ points within 12 months, while an adult gets an advisory letter at 6-11 points and a suspension notice only at 12+ points.
15. How does Tennessee's cell phone rule for Learner Permit and Intermediate License holders compare to the state's hands-free law for adults?
Why: Tennessee bans any cell phone use at all — not just texting — for a driver holding a Learner Permit or Intermediate License, broader than the hands-free law for fully licensed adults. A conviction is a Class C misdemeanor: $50 fine, 6 points, and a 90-day delay in Intermediate Restricted eligibility.
More Tennessee Topics
- DUI Laws & Penalties (8)
- Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones (5)
- Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules (5)
- Other Topics (6)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with Tennessee DOSHSbefore your exam. Take the full Tennessee practice test or check the Tennessee cheat sheet.