Tennessee CDL License

Specific Tennessee CDL Information

Where can I take a Tennessee CDL knowledge test?
CDL knowledge tests can be taken at Tennessee Full-Service Driver Service Centers.

How can I schedule a Tennessee CDL skills test?
Tennessee CDL skills tests can be scheduled for any of the Commercial Driver License Road Skills Test locations across the state by calling 615-251-5217 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

Is a temporary Tennessee CDL authorized?
No. The Temporary Driver License is not available to cover any type of commercial motor vehicle.

What documents do I need to bring when I apply for a Tennessee CDL?

Please bring the following documents with you when applying for a Tennessee CDL license.

Valid DOT Medical Card - PLEASE NOTE: Employees of a government entity must have a current, valid D.O.T. medical card if making application for a CDL with a HazMat (H), Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement.
Proof of your Social Security Number
Tennessee driver's license or ID, or a valid driver license or CDL from another state.
Proof of Domicile in Tennessee - Applicants for a CDL or permit will be required to present two proofs of domicile
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Tennessee CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the Tennessee Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE Tennessee CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.

Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles..
Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.

Classes of Tennessee CDL and Required Tests

CDL Class

Tests Required

Possible Endorsements and Required Tests

Class A
(Combination
vehicle endorsement required)

General Knowledge Written Exam

Combination Endorsement Written Exam

Road Exam

H - Hazardous Materials	Written Exam
N - Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
P - Passenger Transport	Written and Road Exam
T - Doubles/Triples	Written Exam
X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
L - Air Brakes	Written and Road Exam
S - School Bus	Written and Road Exam

Class B

General Knowledge Written Exam

Road Exam

H - Hazardous Materials	Written Exam
N - Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
P - Passenger Transport	Written and Road Exam
X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
L - Air Brakes	Written and Road Exam
S - School Bus	Written and Road Exam

Class C

General Knowledge Written Exam

Road Exam

Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one.

H - Hazardous Materials	Written Exam
N - Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
P - Passenger Transport	Written and Road Exam
X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles	Written Exam
L - Air Brakes	Written and Road Exam
S - School Bus	Written and Road Exam

Tennessee CDL Endorsements

Exam	Time Allowed (Minutes)	# of Questions on Exam	# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass
General Knowledge	60	50	40
Air Brakes	25	25	20
HazMat	30	30	24
Tank	20	20	16
Passenger	20	20	16
Doubles/Triples	20	20	16
Combination Vehicles	20	20	16
School Bus	20	20	16

For the most complete and accurate official Tennessee state CDL information, go to the Official Tennessee CDL Website.

WHAT IS A CDL?

A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from your Tennessee "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial vehicles either within Tennessee or outside of Tennessee.

WHAT IS THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86)?

It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Tennessee driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.

WHEN DO I NEED A CDL INSTEAD OF MY REGULAR TENNESSEE DRIVERS LICENSE?

A CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .

A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the operator) or any vehicle carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
A vehicle of any size that carries hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS TO BEING REQUIRED TO HAVE A CDL?

Yes, a few . . .

Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
Farmers . . . in certain cases.
Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non business purposes.

ARE THERE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A TENNESSEE CDL?

You must meet the following requirements to obtain a CDL . . .

You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within Tennessee and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported and if you do not drive double or triple trailer rigs).
Possess a valid medical certificate in accordance with MCSR 49 CFR 391.41.
You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL . . .
- other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to TENNESSEE are covered in detail within the Course.
  THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS TO GET YOUR TENNESSEE CDL. THIS MAY SOON CHANGE.

Access Official Federal CDL Medical Requirements Info

HOW DO I OBTAIN A CDL?

By completing the following items . . .

Show your driver's license from your State of Residence.
Take and pass all written examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.
Show proof of social security number.
Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State of Tennessee.
Fill out an application including certifications.
Show proof that you passed the required written tests, pass a vision screening, and show proof of a valid DOT medical certificate (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued and before you will be allowed to the the skills test).
Pay the Tennessee CDL fees.
Schedule, take, and pass your CDL skills test.

A separate booklet is included with the complete Tennessee CDL Course package which covers information such as fees, locations, contacts, and other items specific to the State of Tennessee for the written and skills examinations for ALL classes of license and ALL endorsements.

What do the terms Class A, Class B, and Class C mean on a CDL?

It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .

CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds when the combined GVWR is over 26,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR, that would normally not require a CDL; except when they are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding. Applicable endorsements are required.

What are Endorsement Codes and when do I need them on my CDL?

Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .

AIR BRAKES endorsement for vehicles with air brakes.

(T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS. For tractors pulling two or three trailers.

(P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver);

(S) SCHOOL BUS. Any vehicle transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.

(N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.

(H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.

(X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (N) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).

Access Official Federal CDL Hazardous Materials Info

I'M OVER 18 YEARS OLDS, BUT NOT 21 YEARS OLD YET. CAN I GET A CDL?

Yes . . . with restrictions. Until your 21st birthday, you cannot drive a commercial vehicle outside the borders of Tennessee. You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding and cannot drive double or triple trailer rigs.

CAN I USE MY TENNESSEE CDL OUT OF STATE?

Yes! If you are 21 years or older it is good throughout the entire United States.

CAN MY CDL BE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED?

Yes, there are MANY reasons that your CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. The Tennessee CDL Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!

SO LET'S SAY THAT MY CDL IS REVOKED. CAN'T I JUST GET A CDL IN ANOTHER STATE?

No!!! Those days are gone. One computer system keeps track of all licenses THROUGHOUT the United States. In a matter of seconds it can be determined if you possess more than one license.

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