Tennessee motorcycle permit test
Tennessee ties its motorcycle learner permit to a seven mile radius around the rider's home address, a geographic leash that few other states write into permit law, and a sixteen year old holder can trade that permit straight in for a full Class M license without retesting.
- Endorsement
- Class M endorsement
- Questions
- 30 best available figure
- Correct to pass
- 24 24 of 30 (80%)
- Rider questions here
- 130 all free, all explained
Honest note: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security does not publish the motorcycle test format anywhere we could confirm, so the 30 question count and pass mark of 24 are the best available figures rather than verified facts. The riding knowledge below is the same either way. Confirm the format with the agency before your appointment.
The rider course rule. Completing a Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) course waives both the knowledge test and the skills test for a Class M endorsement Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, checked 2026-08-28.
Rider drills
Riding technique does not change at a state line, so these drills are the same wherever you ride. What changes is the paperwork above.
Controls and basic operation
Clutch, throttle, both brakes, the friction zone and starting on a hill.
Gear and the pre ride check
Helmets, eye protection, what to wear, and the checks before you set off.
Lane position and being seen
The three lane positions, following distance and staying out of blind spots.
Surface hazards
Gravel, paint, metal, rail crossings and everything that matters more on two wheels.
Cornering, braking and swerving
Countersteering, entry speed, braking in a curve and choosing swerve over brake.
Passengers, groups and impairment
Carrying a passenger or cargo, staggered formation, alcohol, fatigue and weather.