Tennessee Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security · 2026
Tennessee TDOS Test Cheat Sheet
Every number and rule you need to memorize — all on one page. Print this out.
Speed Limits
| Location | Speed (when not posted) |
|---|
| Rural interstate highways | 70 mph (maximum) |
| Urban/congested interstates | 55 mph (typical) |
| Other state highways | 55 mph |
| School zone (when flashing/children present) | Posted — varies by location |
Parking Rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|
| General rule | Park in designated area, as far from traffic as possible |
| Curb parking | Park as close to curb as possible |
| Leaving vehicle | Turn off engine, remove key, lock doors (required by law) |
| Handicapped parking | Must display official permit AND transport disabled person |
| Exiting vehicle | Safest on curb side; check traffic if using street side |
DUI / Alcohol Laws
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| BAC limit (21+) | 0.08% |
| BAC limit (under 21) | 0.02% (Underage DUI at 0.02%+) |
| Aggravating BAC threshold | 0.20%+ (increases min jail to 7 days) |
| Refusing chemical test | 12-month court-imposed license suspension (implied consent law, TN manual p.81) |
| 1st DUI fine | $350–$1,500 |
| 1st DUI jail | 48 hours minimum (7 days if BAC ≥ 0.20%) |
| 1st DUI revocation | 1 year |
| DUI lookback period | 10 years |
| Cannabis | Recreational and medical both illegal in Tennessee. DUI applies to any impairment. |
Teen / GDL Rules
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Permit minimum age | 15 years old |
| Permit hold period | 180 days (under 18); GDL does not apply at 18+ |
| Required practice hours (under 18) | 50 hours (10 at night) |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 (front passenger seat) |
| Intermediate Restricted (under 18) | Age 16+; after 180-day permit + road test; hold 1 year minimum |
| GDL applicability | GDL does NOT apply to anyone 18+ or HS graduates/GED holders |
| Passenger restriction (IR only) | 1 other passenger (Intermediate Restricted phase) |
| Curfew (under 18) | 10 PM–6 AM (learner permit) / 11 PM–6 AM (intermediate) |
| Violation penalty (IR phase) | Adds 90 days to 1-year IR hold period |
Distances & Equipment
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Following distance | Two-Second Rule (minimum 4 sec in adverse conditions) |
| Signal before turning | 50 feet |
| Dim high beams — oncoming | 500 feet |
| Dim high beams — following | 500 feet (same as oncoming — TN unique) |
| Headlights required | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise |
| Passing clearance for cyclists | 3 feet minimum |
| Emergency vehicle — following | Do not follow within 1 block where vehicle has stopped |
| Crash — notify police | Damage over $50 (immediate) |
| Crash report to TDOS | Damage over $400 — within 20 days |
| License valid | 8 years |
| Retake road test after fail | Depends on errors: 1 day (7–9 errors), 7 days (10–12), 14 days (13–15), 30 days (16+) |
Print tip: Press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print this page. Keep it by your desk while studying, then leave it home on test day — you've got this.