Key Tennessee facts: Phones & Distraction
Tennessee's hands-free law (2019) makes it illegal for a driver to hold a phone with any part of the body, to write, send or read texts, to reach for a phone in a way that leaves the seated, belted position, or to watch, record or broadcast video. Section B, Chapter 1, Hands Free Tennessee (p. 30) Texting while driving can bring a fine of up to $50 plus up to $10 in court costs; on-duty police, firefighters, emergency medical and emergency management workers are exempt. Section B, Chapter 1, Texting While Driving (p. 30); Section A, Chapter 3, Texting while Driving is Prohibited (p. 18) Learner permit and intermediate license holders may not use any cell phone while driving; a conviction is a Class C misdemeanor with a $50 fine, 6 points and a 90-day delay for the Intermediate Restricted License. Section A, Chapter 3, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited (p. 18) Drivers 18 and older may not use a hand-held phone while moving through a marked school zone with its flashers on; hands-free use is the exception. Section B, Chapter 1, Operating a Hand-Held Phone in a School Zone (p. 30) Sample Phones & Distraction questions
What is the maximum fine the manual gives for texting while driving in Tennessee?
$1,000, plus jail time $5, with no court costs $500, plus court costs $50, plus up to $10 in court costs Show the answer
$50, plus up to $10 in court costs
Texting while driving can cost up to $50 plus court costs of up to $10.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Texting While Driving (p. 30); Section A, Chapter 3, Texting while Driving is Prohibited (p. 18)
May a Tennessee learner permit holder use a hands-free phone while driving?
No, no cell phone use at all Yes, after six months Yes, hands-free is allowed Only with a parent in the car Show the answer
No, no cell phone use at all
Permit and intermediate license holders may not use any cell phone while driving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section A, Chapter 3, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited (p. 18)
Under Tennessee's hands-free law, which of these is illegal while driving?
Holding a phone with any part of your body Following a GPS map on a dash display Making a hands-free voice call Listening to the car radio Show the answer
Holding a phone with any part of your body
The 2019 law bans holding a phone in your hand, lap or anywhere else on your body.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Hands Free Tennessee (p. 30)
May you reach for your phone while driving in Tennessee if it means leaving your seated, belted position?
Only to answer a call Yes, when moving slowly No, that is not allowed Yes, at a red light Show the answer
No, that is not allowed
The hands-free law forbids reaching for a phone in a way that takes you out of your driving position.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Hands Free Tennessee (p. 30)
Is it legal in Tennessee to record or broadcast video on your phone while driving?
No Yes, on rural roads Yes, if the phone is mounted Yes, below 25 mph Show the answer
No
Recording or broadcasting video is one of the uses the hands-free law bans.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Hands Free Tennessee (p. 30)
A learner permit holder is convicted of using a cell phone while driving. How many points go on their record?
Show the answer
6
The conviction adds 6 points along with a $50 fine.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section A, Chapter 3, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited (p. 18)
Besides the fine, how does a phone conviction affect a learner permit holder's next license?
It has no effect The permit is cancelled for five years Eligibility comes sooner Eligibility for it is delayed by 90 days Show the answer
Eligibility for it is delayed by 90 days
A cell phone conviction delays eligibility for the Intermediate Restricted License by 90 days.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section A, Chapter 3, Cell Phone Usage Prohibited (p. 18)
Who is exempt from Tennessee's texting-while-driving ban while on official duty?
Rideshare drivers with riders Truck drivers on interstates Delivery drivers on a route Police, firefighters and emergency medical workers Show the answer
Police, firefighters and emergency medical workers
Law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical and emergency management workers on duty are exempt.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Texting While Driving (p. 30); Section A, Chapter 3, Texting while Driving is Prohibited (p. 18)
An adult drives through a marked school zone while its flashers are on. What phone use is allowed?
Hands-free use only Holding the phone to talk Texting at low speed Any use under 15 mph Show the answer
Hands-free use only
Drivers 18 and older may not use a hand-held phone there; hands-free mode is the exception.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 1, Operating a Hand-Held Phone in a School Zone (p. 30)
When is the best time to enter a destination into your GPS?
At a green light Before you start driving When traffic is light While driving slowly Show the answer
Before you start driving
Working a navigation system while moving is a distraction. Plan the route first or let a passenger help.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Chapter 4, Distracted driving, PDF p. 37 ; Texas Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 60 ; New Jersey Driver Manual, Chapter 5, Distractions, PDF p. 94 ; North Carolina Driver Handbook, Distracted Driving: Distractions, PDF p. 43 ; Georgia Drivers' Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws, Distracted Driving ; California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued): Distracted Driving ; Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 16, Turning Dials, PDF pp. 94-95 ; Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 2, Safe Driving Practices: Distractions (p. 24) ; Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Distracted Driving (p. iv) ; Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Chapter 8, Driving Hazards and Emergencies, Distracted Driving, PDF pp. 115-116 ; Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Careless/Reckless Driving, Tips to prevent distracted driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27) ; Connecticut Driver's Manual, Chapter 3, Driving Behaviors, Driver Distractions, p. 27 ; Utah Driver Handbook, Section 11, Distractions and Driving Challenges, PDF p. 66 ; Kansas Driving Handbook, Section 3, Driver Distractions, PDF p. 22 ; Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter X, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 58 ; West Virginia Code §17C-14-15, W. Va. Code §17C-14-15(e)(5) ; Maine Driver's License Manual (Rev 4/24), Section 3, Driver Distractions (set navigation before you leave), PDF p. 25 ; Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024), Distracted Driving, PDF p. 19 ; SDCL 32-26-47.1, SDCL 32-26-47.1, subdivision (3) ; DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual (published Dec. 2023), Driver Manual, p. 26 ; RSA 265:79-c, RSA 265:79-c, paragraph I(a) ; Vermont Driver's Manual (VN-007, 2025 edition), Ch. 7, Distracted Driving, PDF p. 56 ; Alaska Driver Manual (REV. 10/2025), Distracted driving, PDF p. 29
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (PDF printing of March 2025 (Authorization No. MT3Q28), information current as of July 1, 2022 per its notice, downloaded 2026-11-08 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
