Tennessee CDL Study Guide
Tennessee issues commercial driver licenses through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The state follows federal CDL rules in its Commercial Driver License Manual. You can drive a commercial vehicle inside Tennessee at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
Key Tennessee numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Tennessee General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a CDL knowledge or skills test in Tennessee, you may schedule a retake at a Driver Services Center. Additional fees may apply. See the Department of Safety's CDL page for current retake details.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Tennessee?
You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside Tennessee. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long must I hold my Tennessee CLP before the skills test?
You must hold your Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.
How much does a Tennessee CDL cost?
A Class A CDL is $70, a Class B or C CDL is $62, the Class A CLP is $14, and each endorsement adds $2.50.
Do I need to take Entry-Level Driver Training in Tennessee?
Yes. If you are getting your first Class A or B CDL, or your first H, P, or S endorsement, you must complete federal ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider.
Do I need a DOT medical card to get a Tennessee CDL?
Yes. You must complete a DOT medical exam and submit your Medical Examineru0027s Certificate to the Department of Safety.
What is the official Tennessee CDL manual?
The Tennessee Commercial Driver License Manual is the official study guide. You can download it free from tn.gov.
Free practice
Start a Tennessee General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Tennessee CDL Manual (PDF, May 2022) Tennessee Department of Safety Commercial Driver License page Tennessee Driver License Fees Tennessee Required Documents to Apply for a CDL