Tennessee Motorcycle Test Sample Questions
Real, Tennessee-specific sample questions from our practice question bank, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. See our national sample questions for topics that apply to every state, or take the full Tennessee motorcycle practice test to test yourself instead of just reading the answers.
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1. What does the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual recommend for maximum-effort braking?
The manual recommends using both brakes together, applying maximum pressure just short of locking a wheel, for the shortest stopping distance.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
2. What is the slow-look-press-roll (SLPR) technique used for?
Slow-look-press-roll is a cornering technique: slow to an appropriate entry speed, look through the turn, press the handlebar to countersteer, and roll on the throttle smoothly through the turn.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
3. Above roughly what speed does countersteering become the primary way to initiate a turn?
The Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual identifies roughly 12 mph as the speed above which countersteering becomes the primary way to initiate a turn.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
4. What does the SIPDE mental strategy stand for in the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual?
SIPDE — Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — is the mental strategy the manual teaches for continuously processing hazards while riding.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
5. What hand signal indicates a left turn when a motorcycle's turn signals aren't working?
A straight, horizontal left arm is the standard hand signal for a left turn when a motorcycle's turn signals are inoperable.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
6. What formation does the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual recommend for group riding?
The manual recommends a staggered group formation, with riders offsetting between the left and right thirds of the lane rather than riding directly behind one another.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
7. Is lane splitting legal for a motorcyclist in Tennessee?
Under TCA 55-8-182, a motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane, but may not pass between two lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction — lane splitting is illegal.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
8. How many lane positions does the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual describe within a single lane?
The manual describes three lane positions — left, center, and right thirds of the lane — that a rider adjusts between for visibility and hazard avoidance.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
9. How many questions are on Tennessee's motorcycle knowledge test, and what's the passing score?
Tennessee's motorcycle knowledge test has 30 questions, and an applicant needs at least 24 correct (80%) to pass, the same threshold as the regular permit test.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
10. What does the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection check?
T-CLOCS is a pre-ride inspection acronym covering Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
11. Who must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a universal helmet law under TCA 55-9-302: every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a DOT-compliant helmet, regardless of age.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
12. What federal standard must a Tennessee motorcycle helmet meet?
Tennessee's helmet law requires compliance with FMVSS 218, the federal motor vehicle safety standard governing motorcycle helmets.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
13. What is the recommended response to a hazard that can't be avoided by braking alone?
When braking alone won't avoid a hazard in time, a quick, controlled swerve around it is the recommended response.
Source: TDOSHS, Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual