Driver's Permit Flashcards (generic )

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What is the minimum age for a Tennessee learner permit?

15 years old.

What tests are required for a Tennessee learner permit?

A knowledge test and vision screening.

Who must be in the front seat when you drive with a learner permit?

A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

How long must you hold a learner permit before applying for an Intermediate Restricted License?

180 days (6 months).

What are the nighttime driving restrictions for an under-18 learner-permit driver?

You cannot drive from 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.

How many hours of supervised driving are required?

50 hours.

How many of the 50 supervised driving hours must be at night?

At least 10 hours.

What is the minimum age for an Intermediate Restricted License?

16 years old.

What must everyone inside the vehicle do?

Wear a safety belt.

Can a Tennessee learner-permit driver use a handheld cell phone while driving?

No.

Is texting while driving illegal?

Yes.

What shape is a STOP sign?

Octagon.

What shape is a YIELD sign?

Downward-pointing triangle.

What shape are warning signs generally?

Diamond.

What shape is a school-zone sign generally?

Pentagon.

What shape is a railroad crossbuck?

X-shaped.

What color are STOP signs?

Red and white.

What color are warning signs generally?

Yellow.

What color are work-zone signs generally?

Orange.

What do regulatory signs generally tell you?

Traffic laws, regulations, or restrictions.

What does a STOP sign require you to do?

Come to a complete stop.

What is a rolling stop?

Failing to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Is a rolling stop considered a complete stop?

No.

Can a rolling stop result in a traffic ticket?

Yes.

Can a rolling stop cause you to fail a road test?

Yes.

What does a YIELD sign mean?

Slow down and yield the right-of-way when required.

What does a red traffic light mean?

Stop.

What does a yellow traffic light mean?

Slow down and prepare to stop when it is safe to do so.

What does a green traffic light mean?

Proceed when the intersection is clear and it is safe.

What does a flashing red light mean?

Stop completely, then proceed when safe.

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What does a green arrow mean?

The indicated movement is permitted when it is safe and legal.

What does a red arrow mean?

Stop and do not make the indicated movement unless permitted.

What do yellow pavement lines separate?

Traffic traveling in opposite directions.

What do white pavement lines generally separate?

Traffic traveling in the same direction.

What does a broken yellow line generally mean?

Passing may be allowed when it is safe and legal.

What does a solid yellow line generally indicate?

A restriction on crossing/passing, depending on the marking.

What does a double solid yellow line generally mean?

Do not cross to pass unless a specific legal movement is permitted.

What does a broken white line mean?

Lanes traveling in the same direction may be changed when safe.

What does a solid white line generally indicate?

Crossing may be discouraged or restricted.

What is the Basic Speed Rule?

Drive at a careful and prudent speed that is reasonable and proper for the conditions.

Does the posted speed limit always mean you should drive that speed?

No. You must slow down when conditions make that speed unsafe.

What conditions should you consider when choosing a safe speed?

Traffic, pedestrians, road surface, visibility, weather, road width/structure, speed of traffic, and your driving ability.

Can you be driving too fast even if you are below the posted speed limit?

Yes, if your speed is unsafe for the conditions.

What should your speed allow you to do?

Stop within the clear distance ahead.

What is the default speed limit on primary and secondary state/federal highways when not otherwise posted?

55 mph.

What is the maximum speed limit on Tennessee interstates?

70 mph unless a lower limit is posted.

What is the typical speed limit on urban interstates?

55 mph unless otherwise posted.

What is the general minimum speed in the right lane(s) under normal conditions?

45 mph.

When can you drive below the minimum speed?

When traffic congestion or traffic flow prevents you from safely maintaining the minimum.

What should you do before changing lanes?

Check mirrors, check your blind spot, signal, and make sure there is a safe gap.

What is a blind spot?

An area around your vehicle that cannot be seen directly through your mirrors.

How should you check a blind spot?

Look over your shoulder in the direction you want to move.

When is passing allowed?

Only when it is legal, safe, and there is enough space.

What should you do before passing?

Check traffic and markings, signal, and make sure you can pass and return safely.

What does a no-passing zone mean?

Passing is prohibited.

Who has the right-of-way at a crosswalk?

Pedestrians when the law requires vehicles to yield.

Should you enter an intersection if traffic is blocking your path?

No. Wait until you can clear the intersection safely.

What should you do before turning?

Signal, check traffic and pedestrians, and make sure the turn is safe and legal.

What should you do before making a U-turn?

Make sure it is legal and can be completed safely.

What direction does traffic travel around a roundabout?

Counterclockwise.

What should you do before entering a roundabout?

Yield as required and enter only when there is a safe gap.

What should you do when approaching a school zone?

Slow down and watch carefully for students and pedestrians.

What should you do when a school bus is stopped with its warning signals activated?

Stop as required by Tennessee law and remain stopped until it is safe and legal to proceed.

What should you do in a work zone?

Slow down, obey posted/reduced speeds, watch for workers and flaggers, avoid distractions, and follow lane instructions.

What color are most work-zone signs?

Orange.

Should you tailgate in a work zone?

No.

Should you change lanes in a work zone whenever you want?

No. Follow signs and lane instructions.

What is the Tennessee fine for violating a posted speed limit in an active work zone?

At least $250 and up to $500.

What should you do at a railroad crossing?

Stop, look, listen, look again, and cross only when the tracks are completely clear.

How far away should you stop if a train is approaching?

15–50 feet from the railroad tracks.

Can you stop on railroad tracks?

Never.

When can you cross railroad tracks?

Only when all tracks are completely clear.

What are signs that a train is approaching?

Flashing lights, a lowered gate, a flagger, a visible train, or a train horn.

About how far from a crossing must trains sound their horn?

About 1,500 feet.

What should your speed be when approaching railroad tracks?

Slow enough that you can stop before the nearest rail.

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with warning signals?

Yield the right-of-way and follow applicable move-over/slow-down requirements.

What should you do around an emergency vehicle stopped on the roadway?

Move over when required or slow down as required and give it as much safe space as possible.

Why is following too closely dangerous?

It reduces your reaction time and stopping distance.

What is a safety cushion?

Space around your vehicle that gives you time and room to react.

What is defensive driving?

Anticipating hazards and mistakes and driving to avoid crashes.

What should you do if another driver is aggressive?

Do not engage; stay calm and create distance.

What is road rage?

Aggressive or hostile driving behavior.

What should you do when driving at night?

Use headlights appropriately, reduce speed as needed, and watch carefully for hazards.

What should you do in fog?

Slow down, increase following distance, and use appropriate headlights.

What should you do in heavy rain?

Slow down, increase following distance, and maintain control.

What is hydroplaning?

When tires lose contact with the road because of water.