Tennessee Permit Practice Test

What is the correct action when approached by an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

1. Speed up to clear the road

2. Pull over to the right and stop

3. Stay in your lane and continue driving

4. Turn left to avoid the emergency vehicle

The correct answer is: Pull over to the right and stop

When you are approached by an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, the correct action is to pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop. This action allows the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, which is crucial for the safety and efficiency of emergency responses. Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, need to navigate traffic rapidly in order to reach emergencies or respond to incidents. By pulling over, you create a clear path for these vehicles to proceed without delay. Remaining in your lane or speeding up can obstruct their path and could potentially lead to dangerous situations for both yourself and those in need of emergency assistance. Turning left may also block the emergency vehicle's route and can result in confusion or collisions. Therefore, the designated and safest action is to pull over to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.