Key Tennessee facts: Traffic Signals
Tennessee law requires a yellow light to show for at least three seconds before the red. Section B, Chapter 3, Traffic Signals (p. 41) On overhead lane signals, a flashing yellow X marks a lane used only for turns, while a steady yellow X warns that the lane's direction is changing. Section B, Chapter 4, Reversible Lanes (p. 61) A left turn on red is allowed only between two one-way streets; turning left on red from a one-way street into a two-way street is never allowed. Section B, Chapter 4, Left Turns (p. 57); Turns Permitted on Red (p. 58) At a stop sign with no stop line, crosswalk or other pavement marking, stop with the front of the vehicle even with the sign. Section B, Chapter 4, Stops Required by Law (p. 49) Rumble stripes are indentations with the edge line painted over them; their main purpose is to make the edge line easier to see on wet nights. Section B, Chapter 6, Rumble Stripes (p. 76) Sample Traffic Signals questions
May you turn left on red when going from a one-way street to a two-way street?
No, never on red Only between midnight and 6 a.m. Yes, without stopping if clear Yes, after a full stop Show the answer
No, never on red
A left on red is allowed only from one one-way street onto another one-way street.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Left Turns (p. 57); Turns Permitted on Red (p. 58)
Your left-turn arrow is red, but the through lanes have a green light. May you turn left?
Yes, if the way looks clear Yes, after a full stop Only if a WALK signal is lit No, all turns are banned on the red Show the answer
No, all turns are banned on the red
When your arrow or lane light is red, turns are prohibited even if other lanes have green.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 3, Protected Arrows (p. 41)
Painted in your lane are a straight arrow and a turn arrow side by side. Which moves are allowed?
Only turn Change lanes inside the intersection Only go straight Turn the way the curve points or go straight Show the answer
Turn the way the curve points or go straight
A lane with both arrows allows either movement.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 3, Turn Lane Arrow (p. 43)
Which pavement marking warns that a railroad crossing is ahead?
A large X with the letters RR A bicycle symbol A row of white triangles A white diamond Show the answer
A large X with the letters RR
Railroad crossings are marked on the pavement with a big X and RR, plus a stop line.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Stopping for Railroad Crossings (p. 50); Section B, Chapter 3, White Crossbuck with RR (p. 43)
What is the main purpose of the rumble stripes on many Tennessee road edges?
Making the edge line easier to see on wet nights Slowing drivers in school zones Showing where passing is allowed Marking bicycle lanes Show the answer
Making the edge line easier to see on wet nights
The grooves let water drain off the painted line, so it stays visible at night in the rain.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 6, Rumble Stripes (p. 76)
An overhead lane signal shows a flashing yellow X. What does it mean in Tennessee?
The lane is closed The lane is for buses only The lane is for turning only Go straight only Show the answer
The lane is for turning only
A flashing yellow X marks a turn-only lane; a steady yellow X means the lane is changing direction.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Reversible Lanes (p. 61)
Under Tennessee law, what is the minimum time a yellow light must show before turning red?
3 seconds 10 seconds 1 second There is no minimum Show the answer
3 seconds
State law requires the yellow to be shown for at least three seconds.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 3, Traffic Signals (p. 41)
A stop sign has no stop line, no crosswalk and no other pavement marking. Where should you stop?
Wherever traffic allows With your car's front even with the sign Two car lengths before the sign In the middle of the cross street Show the answer
With your car's front even with the sign
With no markings, stop where the front of your vehicle lines up with the sign.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 4, Stops Required by Law (p. 49)
At most Tennessee work sites, what do flaggers hold to direct traffic?
A small red and green light A paddle showing STOP, with SLOW on its back A plain yellow flag only A YIELD sign on a pole Show the answer
A paddle showing STOP, with SLOW on its back
Flaggers usually hold STOP/SLOW paddles; red flags are kept for emergencies.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 3, Highway Flaggers (p. 39)
You are already inside the intersection when your light turns yellow. What should you do?
Continue carefully through it Turn around in the intersection Back up behind the stop line Stop where you are Show the answer
Continue carefully through it
Once you are in the intersection, keep going with caution rather than stopping.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B, Chapter 3, Traffic Signals (p. 41)
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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.
