DMV Driver Handbook in Tennessee

SUMMARY: Tennessee Driver's Manual

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) has a number of publications to help you become a safe driver. Available DMV handbooks and driving manuals include the TN driver's manual, commercial driver's license (CDL) manual, and motorcycle handbook. For information about TN traffic laws, read the Vehicle Code.

The TN driver handbook is an invaluable resource for drivers in the state of Tennessee. Continue reading this page for links to Tennessee driving manual and DMV handbooks.

TN Driver License Manual

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) provides the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (REV 2022) online. The manual can help you learn how to safely operate a vehicle. Topics covered in this DMV handbook include:

  • Applying for a Tennessee driver's license.
  • Defensive driving.
  • Driver's license exams (vision, knowledge, and driving).
  • Traffic laws and other rules of the road.
  • Safety belt laws.
  • Traffic signs and signals.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

Studying the TN driver's manual is essential to learning the rules of the road in Tennessee, but it can also be a little time-consuming when you need to learn quickly. If you want to ensure passing the written exam on your first try, check out the online practice tests offered by our certified partner.

Motorcycle Operator Handbook

The Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual (REV 2023) provides information to help you learn how to ride a motorcycle safely and get ready for your motorcycle license tests.

Here's what you'll find in the motorcycle drivers manual:

  • How to apply for a motorcycle license in Tennessee.
  • Avoiding an accident.
  • Sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Knowledge and on-cycle skills tests.

The Tennessee DOS offers a few sample questions towards the end of the motorcycle DMV manual. For additional study questions, you can take an online motorcycle practice test. By studying the motorcycle driving manual and utilizing a practice test, you will be well on your way to passing your knowledge test.

CDL Manual in Tennessee

Prior to visiting your local DPS driver's license office to apply for a Tennessee commercial driver's license (CDL), you'll need to study the TN Commercial Driver License Manual (available at driver license stations). In the CDL DMV handbook, you'll learn about:

  • Driving safety.
  • Applying for a CDL in Tennessee.
  • Transporting passengers and cargo.
  • Combination vehicles.
  • Air brakes.
  • School buses.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Basic vehicle control skills test.

To learn all the rules of the road and successfully pass the CDL knowledge test, you should read this CDL drivers manual and take an online practice test.

NOTE: The TN DOS also provides the Tennessee Motor Carrier Manual (REV 2022) online, which details the International Registration Plan, the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, and other regulations and guidelines specific to commercial and fleet drivers.

Tennessee Vehicle Code

The DMV handbooks and driving manuals are not the only resources available to you.

Browse through the TN Vehicle Code for specific details about motor vehicle laws and regulations in Tennessee (refer to “Title 55: Motor and Other Vehicles").

If you've recently received a traffic ticket, reading the code may help you understand why you received the ticket and what charges you may face. To learn how to respond to your traffic citation, visit our Traffic Tickets in Tennessee page. This is important information you might not be able to find in your Tennessee driver handbook.

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