Tennessee DMV Motorcycle Handbook 2024

Download the official TN DMV motorcycle manual PDF or view online


Home to the Appalachian and Great Smokey Mountains, the Volunteer State of Tennessee affords the motorcycle tourist an abundance of prized destinations and unique opportunities.  Lush forests and breathtaking mountains are the norm here and you also have to pay a visit to the home of country music, Nashville.  To the west, you can visit Memphis, and the home of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley and many other great music venues and eateries.  But before you take off, you’ll need a motorcycle license!

Take the first step of the journey toward getting your license by picking up an official Tennessee Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook.  This handbook contains everything you need to help you acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll need to safely cruise the roads of the Volunteer State.

Preparing With the TN Motorcycle Manual

You can get on the road in this state even faster when you take advantage of our Tennessee motorcycle permit practice test.  Used together, these tools will give you a much better chance of passing the motorcycle permit test the first time.  Why wait another day?  Take the first step here and now toward making that dream of riding a reality.

Topics Covered in the Manual

The Tennessee Motorcycle Manual is published by the Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) in partnership with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and covers the following topics:

  • Wearing the Right Gear
  • Understanding Your Motorcycle
  • Know Your Responsibilities as a Rider
  • Riding Within Your Abilities
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • Keeping Your Distance
  • SEE
  • Intersections
  • Increasing Conspicuity
  • Avoiding Crashes
  • Handling Dangerous Surfaces
  • Mechanical Problems
  • Animals
  • Flying Objects
  • Getting Off the Road
  • Safely Carrying Passengers and Cargo
  • Riding in Groups
  • Being in Shape to Ride
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation
  • Alcohol in the Body
  • Alcohol and the Law
  • Minimizing the Risks
  • Fatigue
  • Earning Your License

Think You're Ready for the Tennessee Permit Test?

Find Out Before You Take the Exam.

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