Tennessee CDL Requirements

Tennessee CDL Requirements - Quick Facts

Age Requirements by CDL Class

Tennessee follows federal age requirements for commercial driver's licenses:

18 Years Old (Intrastate Only)

• Can obtain Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL
• Restricted to driving within Tennessee only
• Cannot transport hazardous materials or passengers
• Cannot drive school buses

21 Years Old (Full Privileges)

• Interstate commercial driving across state lines
• Hazardous materials (H) endorsement
• Passenger (P) endorsement
• School bus (S) endorsement
• All endorsement combinations

CDL Fees and Costs

Note: Third-party testing facilities may charge additional fees for skills tests. Always verify current fees on the Tennessee Department of Safety website before applying.

Knowledge Test Requirements

All Tennessee CDL applicants must pass written knowledge tests based on the Tennessee CDL Driver License Manual.

Required Tests

• General Knowledge: Required for all CDL classes
• Air Brakes: Required to operate vehicles with air brake systems
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A CDL

Endorsement Tests

• T - Double/Triple Trailers: Knowledge test only
• P - Passenger: Knowledge + skills test required
• N - Tank Vehicles: Knowledge test only
• H - Hazardous Materials: Knowledge test + TSA background check
• X - Tanker + Hazmat: Combination endorsement
• S - School Bus: Knowledge + skills test (must hold P endorsement)

Test Topics Covered

General Knowledge covers:

• CDL rules and regulations
• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Basic vehicle control and shifting
• Speed and space management
• Hazard perception and emergency procedures
• Railroad crossings and cargo securement
• Hours-of-service regulations

Air Brakes covers:

• Air brake system components and operation
• Dual air brake systems
• Inspection procedures
• Proper braking techniques

Skills Test Requirements

The Tennessee CDL skills test consists of three parts and must be completed in a vehicle representing the CDL class you're seeking.

Three-Part Skills Test

1. Vehicle Inspection (Pre-trip): Demonstrate thorough knowledge of vehicle inspection and explain what you're checking
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Backing maneuvers including straight line, offset, alley dock, or parallel parking
3. Road Test: On-road driving including turns, lane changes, speed control, railroad crossings, and proper use of mirrors and signals

Skills Test Requirements

• Must hold a CDL learner permit (CLP) for at least 14 days
• Test vehicle must match the CDL class and endorsements sought
• Can be taken at state Driver Services Centers or certified third-party locations
• Appointment scheduling required for most locations

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Since February 7, 2022, federal ELDT requirements apply to Tennessee CDL applicants.

Who Needs ELDT

• First-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• First-time Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement
• First-time Passenger (P) endorsement
• First-time School Bus (S) endorsement

ELDT Provider Requirements

• Training must be completed through an FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) listed provider
• Provider electronically submits completion to FMCSA
• Tennessee will not schedule skills tests until ELDT completion is verified

Medical Certification Requirements

Tennessee enforces federal DOT medical certification requirements for CDL holders.

Medical Certificate Requirements

• Non-Excepted Interstate: Valid DOT medical certificate required
• Non-Excepted Intrastate: Valid DOT medical certificate required
• Excepted Interstate/Intrastate: No medical certificate required

Medical Examiner Requirements

• Must be conducted by a National Registry certified medical examiner
• Certificates typically valid for up to 24 months
• Some drivers may receive shorter certification periods
• Must be submitted to Tennessee Driver Services Division

Maintaining Medical Certification

• Submit medical certificates via upload, mail, fax, or in-person
• Failure to maintain current certification results in CDL downgrade
• Renewal required before expiration to maintain CDL privileges

Special Tennessee Requirements

Proof of Citizenship/Lawful Presence Update

Tennessee is currently updating older CDL records to comply with federal requirements:

• Approximately 8,800 CDL holders are receiving letters requiring document verification
• Must present acceptable documents (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate) in person
• Failure to respond by deadline results in CDL downgrade
• Contact CDL.division@tn.gov for questions about this requirement

Hazmat Endorsement Special Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident required
• TSA Security Threat Assessment (background check and fingerprinting)
• Background check must be completed before endorsement issuance

School Bus Endorsement

• Must already hold Passenger (P) endorsement
• Additional background and child-related disqualification standards apply
• Specific school bus skills test required
• Enhanced screening for child safety

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Tests

• Available at designated Tennessee Driver Services Centers statewide
• Online appointment scheduling recommended
• Bring required identification and residency documents

Skills Tests

• State Facilities: Selected Driver Services Centers offering CDL skills testing
• Third-Party Testers: Approved CDL schools and testing facilities
• Online scheduling system available
• Must have valid CLP before scheduling

Required Documents

• Valid identification documents
• Proof of Tennessee residency
• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
• Social Security verification
• Medical certificate (if required)

CDL Reciprocity and Transfers

Tennessee participates in the federal CDL reciprocity system:

Out-of-State CDL Transfers

• Valid out-of-state CDLs can be transferred to Tennessee
• Must surrender previous state's CDL
• Meet Tennessee identification and residency requirements
• Generally no retesting required for equivalent license class
• Additional testing may be required for new endorsements

Tennessee CDL Recognition

• Tennessee CDLs valid in all 50 states and D.C.
• Subject to any restrictions noted on the license
• Endorsements recognized nationwide

Disqualification and Penalties

Tennessee enforces strict CDL disqualification rules:

Serious Traffic Violations

• Multiple violations can result in CDL suspension
• Enhanced penalties for violations in commercial vehicles
• Some violations in personal vehicles affect CDL status

Out-of-Service Violations

• Driving while out-of-service results in immediate disqualification
• Length of disqualification increases with repeat violations

DUI/Alcohol Violations

• Lower blood alcohol limit (0.04%) for CDL holders in commercial vehicles
• Any alcohol-related conviction affects CDL privileges
• Lifetime disqualification possible for repeat offenses

How to Apply for Your Tennessee CDL

Step 1: Prepare for Knowledge Tests

• Study the Tennessee CDL Driver License Manual
• Take practice tests online
• Review specific endorsement materials if needed

Step 2: Obtain CDL Learner Permit

• Visit a Driver Services Center with required documents
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay CLP fee ($14-$20)
• Complete self-certification for medical requirements

Step 3: Complete ELDT Training (if required)

• Enroll with an FMCSA-approved training provider
• Complete both theory and behind-the-wheel training
• Ensure provider submits completion to FMCSA

Step 4: Schedule and Take Skills Test

• Hold CLP for minimum 14 days
• Schedule skills test appointment
• Bring appropriate test vehicle
• Pass all three parts of skills test

Step 5: Receive Your CDL

• Pay CDL license fee ($54)
• Pay endorsement fees if applicable
• Receive temporary license and wait for permanent card
• Maintain medical certification as required

Contact Information:

• CDL Division Email: CDL.division@tn.gov
• Driver Services Website: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services.html
• CDL Information: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license.html