Tennessee (TN) CDL Practice Tests

South Carolina (SC) CDL applicants can use this 5-question practice set to sharpen key concepts before taking the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge exam.

Tennessee CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for a Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams that Tennessee Driver Services and other driver service centers use to issue commercial learner permits and CDLs.

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

Pair these practice tests with the Tennessee CDL manual to strengthen your knowledge and more confidently prepare for the official written exams.

Preparing for the Tennessee CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are set statewide by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDOSHS), and align with federal standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

In Tennessee, CDL licensing and testing requirements are published by TDOSHS and administered through full-service Driver Services Centers. Applicants should use the official Tennessee CDL manual as part of their study plan:

• Tennessee Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)

The Tennessee CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Tennessee CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL for intrastate (within Tennessee) driving.
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Valid Tennessee Driver’s License

You must hold a valid Tennessee non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or CDL. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Medical Certification

All Tennessee CDL applicants must complete a DOT physical conducted by a certified medical examiner and submit the Medical Examiner’s Certificate according to FMCSA regulations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements

Required Documentation

To apply for a CDL in Tennessee, you will need to present proof of identity, Social Security number, Tennessee residency, and lawful presence. Specific document requirements are provided by TDOSHS and must be originals. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL subject matter, air brakes (if applicable), combination vehicles, and any endorsements they intend to add. Endorsements commonly include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Tennessee CDL applicants subject to the federal ELDT rule must complete the required classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction with a registered FMCSA training provider before taking the skills test. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks

Certain endorsements (e.g., Hazardous Materials) require a TSA-administered federal background check and fingerprinting before they can be added to the CDL. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Tennessee CDL Application Process

To obtain a Tennessee CDL, applicants generally:

• Pass knowledge tests for the CLP process.
• Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before testing.
• Complete ELDT if required.
• Pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test).
• Submit all documentation and fees to a Driver Services Center. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Tennessee CDL official requirements and application info

Tennessee CDL Fees

Tennessee driver license fee tables are published by the Department of Safety. CDL fees consist of an application fee, annual license cost, and permit processing fees. County clerks may also charge an additional administrative fee. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

• Commercial Learner Permit (CLP): $8/year (PA-Class A Learner) or $7/year (PB/PC Learner) — 1-year permit period. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Class A CDL: $8.00 per year over 8 years — ~$64.00 + $6 application fee = ~$70 total. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Class B or C CDL: $7.00 per year over 8 years — ~$56.00 + $6 application fee = ~$62 total. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Additional endorsement testing and licensing fees apply. Skills testing, third-party testing agency fees, and federal HazMat background check fees are set separately and may vary. Always verify current fees with your Driver Services Center before applying. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

View Tennessee Driver License Fee Schedule