How Many Questions Are on the Tennessee Motorcycle Test?
Tennessee's motorcycle knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 24 of them correctly (80%) to pass — the same length and threshold as the state's regular permit test.
The official test format
Unlike some states where the motorcycle test is shorter than the regular permit test, Tennessee uses the same 30-question, 80%-passing format for both.
The test is drawn from the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual, covering everything from T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection to countersteering to the SIPDE mental strategy.
Because TDOSHS procedures can change, always confirm the current requirements on the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website before your appointment.
How the questions are distributed by topic
The official exam draws from the full Motorcycle Operator Manual, covering motorcycle controls, braking, cornering technique, and group-riding formation.
Our free Tennessee motorcycle practice tests cover 15 topic areas, including braking, cornering, and road hazards, so you can see which areas need more review before test day.
How our practice tests are structured
Rather than mirroring the exact 30-question format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 100+ original Tennessee motorcycle questions into full-length practice tests, giving you more total repetitions across more topics.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn the reasoning behind the correct answer, not just which letter to pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the motorcycle test shorter than the regular permit test in Tennessee?
No — both are 30 questions with an 80% passing threshold, unlike some states where the motorcycle test runs shorter than the car permit test.
Does Tennessee require a helmet, which is on the written test?
Yes — Tennessee has a universal helmet law covering every rider and passenger of every age, and the written test covers this along with the state's lane-splitting ban.
What happens if I don't pass the motorcycle written test?
Retake policies, including any waiting period, are set by TDOSHS. Check with your local Driver Services Center for current retake rules.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Tennessee motorcycle practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-20