Tennessee Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 30
- Passing score
- 80% minimum score
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland…
The Tennessee Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new driver in the state must pass before getting behind the wheel. It's administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is a required step for teens and adults applying for a permit or license.
Overview
The knowledge test covers several core driving topics rather than testing road signs on their own. Traffic signs and signals are one of the required topic areas on the exam, alongside the other required categories.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Rules of the road
- Safe driving practices
- Drugs and alcohol awareness
Because signs are woven into the same 30-question test as these other topics, you'll want to be comfortable recognizing common warning, regulatory, and guide signs alongside the rules that govern how you respond to them.
Exam format
The Tennessee knowledge test consists of 30 questions, and you need a minimum score of 80% to pass. There is no separate road-signs-only test — sign recognition is assessed as part of this single exam.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Tennessee driver knowledge test?
The Tennessee knowledge test consists of 30 questions covering signs, rules of the road, and safe driving practices.
What is the passing score for the Tennessee knowledge exam?
You need a minimum score of 80% to pass the Tennessee knowledge test.
How much of the Tennessee knowledge test covers road signs?
Traffic signs and signals are tested as one of the required topic areas on the Tennessee knowledge test, alongside rules of the road, safe driving practices, and drugs and alcohol awareness.
How much does it cost to take the Tennessee knowledge test?
Testing fees can vary by license type and location, so check the current fee schedule published by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you go.
What happens if I fail the Tennessee knowledge test?
If you don't reach the required score, you'll typically need to wait and can retake the test; specific waiting periods and retake rules are set by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Sources
- 1.Tennessee driver knowledge test — official test description — Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Tennessee driver knowledge test — official test description — Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Driver License Knowledge Permit Test Online - Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland SecurityTennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Securitytn.gov
- Teen/Graduated Driver License - Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland SecurityTennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Securitytn.gov
- Driver License Fees - Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland SecurityTennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Securitytn.gov
- Tennessee driver knowledge test — official test descriptionTennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Securitytn.gov
- Tennessee driver knowledge test — official test descriptionTennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Securitytn.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: