Free Tennessee Motorcycle Practice Test (2026)
Study for the Tennessee Class M motorcycle license knowledge test: a Tennessee module on the state's helmet, permit and rider-course rules, core lessons on safe riding, instant explanations and a timed simulation.
Tennessee motorcycle license at a glance
Vision screening, a motorcycle rules-of-the-road knowledge test, a motorcycle pre-trip inspection and an on-cycle road skills test; if you do not have a Class D or PD license, you also take the regular knowledge test. The number of questions and passing score for the motorcycle test are not published.
Tennessee motorcycle rules
| Rule | In Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 for a Motorcycle Learner Permit (Class PM); 16 for a Class M license |
| Helmet and eye protection | Tennessee has a universal helmet law: every operator and passenger must wear a helmet meeting federal standard 218 (riders 21+ may use helmets labeled ASTM, CPSC or Snell). Motorcycles must have a DOT windshield, or riders must wear safety goggles or glasses with impact-resistant lenses or a face shield. tn.gov |
| Rider training course | The Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) offers the Basic Rider Course and other courses for riders 14 and up. It is optional, but a Tennessee MREP certificate (valid one year) waives both the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests; an out-of-state MSF course waives only the skills test. Neither waives the regular knowledge test if you have no Class D or PD license. tn.gov |
| Skills test waiver | Yes (both tests) |
Tennessee motorcycle permit restrictions
- The Motorcycle Learner Permit (Class PM) is for 15-year-olds and limits you to motorcycles of 650 cc or less, with no passengers.
- You may not ride on interstate highways, and riding is limited by time of day and distance from home (the department's website lists 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. within 7 miles of home).
- The permit is valid for one year; at 16 you can exchange it for a Class M license with no tests, and the size limits are removed.
How to get a Tennessee Class M motorcycle license
- Study the Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual (plus the Comprehensive Driver License Manual if you have no driver license).
- Consider an MREP Basic Rider Course; the completion certificate can waive the motorcycle tests.
- If you have no Tennessee license, gather proof of citizenship or lawful presence, your Social Security number and two proofs of residency; under 18, a parent signs the Minor/Teenage Affidavit.
- Schedule a knowledge test appointment and pass the vision screening and motorcycle knowledge test.
- Schedule a motorcycle road skills test; pass the pre-trip inspection and skills test wearing a DOT, ASTM, CPSC or Snell labeled helmet.
- Pay the fee (for example, $29 for a Class M license or $6.50 for a motorcycle learner permit under 18).
Tip: Many motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left in front of the rider. Expect questions about being seen, lane position and intersections, in addition to the state rules above.
Sample Tennessee motorcycle questions
1. Who must wear a motorcycle helmet in Tennessee?
- Only riders under 18
- Only riders under 21
- Every operator and passenger
- Only riders on interstates
Show answer
Correct answer: Every operator and passenger. Tennessee law requires every person operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a crash helmet meeting federal standards. Source: tn.gov
2. What is the largest engine size allowed on a Tennessee Motorcycle Learner Permit (Class PM)?
- 650 cc
- 125 cc
- 250 cc
- No limit
Show answer
Correct answer: 650 cc. The Class PM permit limits you to a motorcycle with a maximum cylinder size of 650 cc until you exchange it for a Class M license at 16. Source: tn.gov
3. A licensed Tennessee driver completes an in-state MREP course. Which tests are waived for the Class M license?
- Only the vision screening
- Only the skills test
- None
- Both the motorcycle knowledge test and the skills test
Show answer
Correct answer: Both the motorcycle knowledge test and the skills test. A Tennessee MREP certificate waives both the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests; an out-of-state MSF course waives only the skills test. Source: tn.gov
Topics covered on the knowledge test
- Protective gear: helmets, eye protection and clothing
- Controls, pre-ride inspection (T-CLOCS) and starting out
- Lane position, following distance and being seen
- Braking, swerving and cornering
- Intersections, blind spots and road hazards
- Carrying passengers and cargo
- Group riding, alcohol and fatigue
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wear a helmet if I'm over 21 in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet. The only exception in the manual is riders 18 or older in a parade going no faster than 30 mph.
Will a rider course let me skip the DMV tests?
A Tennessee MREP course certificate waives the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests if you already hold a valid driver license; the certificate is good for one year. An MSF course from another state waives only the skills test.
Can a 15-year-old ride a motorcycle in Tennessee?
Yes, with a Motorcycle Learner Permit (Class PM): no passengers, a 650 cc limit, no interstates, and time and distance limits. At 16 the permit can be exchanged for a Class M license with no tests.
Is this motorcycle practice test free?
Yes. Every lesson, practice round and simulation is free, with no sign-up.
More Tennessee tests
Tennessee DMV practice test Tennessee road signs test Tennessee CDL test DMV handbooks
Official sources
- Official Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual
- Tennessee rider training
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division
The Tennessee rules and questions on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official motorcycle manual, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division website or Tennessee law. When a detail is not published by an official source, we leave it out instead of guessing. Confirm current rules with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division. PracticePermit.us is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.
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