How to Get a CDL in Tennessee: A Detailed Guidelines for Drivers

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Tennessee involves a structured procedure that is important to all who have the passion to engage in this field of career service. Be it driving a semi-truck, a bus, or any other large vehicles, the process of getting a CDL in Tennessee is tailored to ensure you are mastered in both skills and knowledge to maneuver such vehicles safely and responsibly. Hence, we bring a comprehensive guide on how to get a CDL in Tennessee, from knowing the specific requirement for the state to passing your written and skills tests. Whether you’re new to commercial driving or looking to upgrade your license, this guide provides the expert advice and resources you need to succeed.

What are the Tennessee CDL requirements?

To be issued a CDL in Tennessee, you must meet numerous significant requirements are as follows:

1. Age requirements: You should not be less than 18 years of age for an intrastate or in-state CDL and at least 21 years of age to drive interstate.
2. Valid Tennessee Driver’s License: You are required to have a valid Tennessee non-commercial driver’s license before you apply for a CDL. This just makes sure you have some background in driving before getting into a commercial vehicle.
3. Medical certification: You must undergo a physical exam and get a DOT medical card. The test is to show you are in good enough health in terms of vision, hearing or heart problems,… to operate a large commercial vehicle out on the roads.
4. U.S. citizenship or legal residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of Tennessee. This will be required in order to establish your eligibility to get a commercial license under both state and federal statutes.
5. Proof of Tennessee residency: You are required to submit proof of your identity, like a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Tennessee residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. These documents shall serve as support for proving your identity and legal status.
6. Clean driving record: An applicant needs to have a clean driving record to apply for a CDL. The state of Tennessee will check your driving history, and major violations such as DUIs, reckless driving, or having multiple traffic offenses may disqualify you from being issued a CDL.
7. Commercial Learner’s Permit: You must first obtain a CLP before you are allowed to take the skills test. With a CLP, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle accompanied by a qualified licensed CDL holder.
8. Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT): Beginning in February of 2022, FMCSA requires all new CDL applicants to obtain ELDT before taking the skills test in a CDL skills testing vehicle to ensure the fundamental elements of safety on the operation of a commercial vehicle.

Check it all carefully with our Tennessee CDL requirements. By meeting these, you’ll be ready to move forward with the next steps in the CDL application process in Tennessee.

How to get a CDL in Tennessee

The process of obtaining a CDL in Tennessee is broken down into several key steps which are passing knowledge tests, passing skills tests and obtaining your physical CDL. Let’s explore each one in detail.

Take the CDL written knowledge tests

The first step toward getting a CDL is passing the written knowledge tests, which will assess the candidate’s understanding of the various rules and regulations regarding commercial driving. The number of tests absolutely depends on your CDL Class and endorsements.

General knowledge test

The general knowledge test is an important part of obtaining your CDL in Tennessee. It assesses your grasp of key concepts all commercial drivers need to know for safe, efficient operation of their vehicle. The broad scope of subjects regarding the operation of vehicles, safety, and regulations that it covers makes this an integral part of the whole application process.

The test is a multiple choice test administered via computer or on paper at an approved Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security testing center.

You need to score a minimum of 80% (40 out of 50 questions) correctly to pass the general knowledge test. You should study the Tennessee CDL Manual combined with online practice tests to be able to understand the concepts and be adequately prepared for the test.

Take the Tennessee CDL general knowledge practice test now!

Endorsement test (if applicable)

You will have to take additional tests for endorsements for driving special vehicles and transportation of specific types of cargo. These tests are meant to ensure that you adequately know how to handle vehicles with special needs and manage cargo with specifications. Each endorsement has its unique field of experience and importance to drivers in those fields.

You can see in the table below to get insight each endorsement’s requirements:

Air brakes test (if applicable)

You will need to take the Air brakes test if you intend to drive any commercial vehicle with air brakes, such as big trucks and buses. The test is meant to make sure that you know how air brake systems work and how to use them properly and safely. It is a critical requirement for drivers of vehicles with this braking system.

The test is written and comprises multiple-choice questions numbering 25 questions in all. The questions concern the mechanics of air brake systems and their operations. You should accurately answer a minimum of 20 questions for you to obtain the 80% required pass mark.

Read the section on air brakes in the Tennessee CDL Manual, and get a feel for the types of questions through the practice tests. Pay close attention to the mechanical aspects of the air brake systems themselves and their safe operation.

Take the Tennessee CDL air brakes practice test now!

Combination vehicle test (if applicable)

Passing the combination vehicle test is the condition to drive combination vehicles. The test will determine that you know enough and are able to safely drive a vehicle with a tractor and one or more trailers.

The combination vehicle test is a written test that consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. The questions will cover the unique characteristics of combination vehicles. You must answer at least 80% correctly to pass, this means you need to answer at least 16 questions correctly.

Study for the combination vehicle section of the Tennessee CDL Manual and take practice tests to get a feel for the format and the types of questions you will be asked.

Take the Tennessee CDL combination vehicles practice test now!

Take the CDL skills tests

Once passing the written knowledge tests and having your Commercial Learner’s Permit, taking the CDL skills tests is the next step in the process of getting your CDL in Tennessee. The three components of the skills tests assess different skills to determine the qualification of an individual in specific areas:

1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection

• This section of the exam will test your knowledge of how to inspect a commercial vehicle to make sure it is safe to operate.
• You will be asked to identify and describe the purpose of various vehicle components including brakes, lights, tires, and coupling devices.
• You’ll also have to identify any potential problems and describe how you would handle them during your pre-trip inspection.

Take the Tennessee CDL pre-trip inspection practice test now!

Basic vehicle control skills test

• This section will test your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled area, such as a testing yard or closed course.
• The common exercises include straight-line backing, offset backing to either the left or right, and alley docking.
• You will be tested on your control of the vehicle: spacing, not hitting any cones or boundaries.

On-road driving test

• This on-road test is on the assessment of your safety capabilities as a commercial driver on road.
• During this test, you will be checked on various skills, including but not limited to: turning, lane changes, merging, following distances, and following traffic signs and signals.
• The examiner will also observe your use of mirrors, proper signaling, and keeping within

You must pass all three components of the CDL skills tests in order to successfully obtain a CDL. You will be required to re-test if you fail any part of this test.

Receive the physical Tennessee CDL license

Once you have passed the Tennessee CDL knowledge written tests and the skills tests you will be issued an actual CDL. This would be the final stage, licensing you as a commercial driver to operate a class or type of vehicle that you were tested for.

FAQs

1. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Tennessee?

Yes, you can get a CDL in Tennessee with a DUI on your record, but under specific conditions and restrictions:

• A DUI conviction will result in a period of disqualification from having a CDL. These are typically one year for a first offense and lifetime disqualification for a second offense, although sometimes it is possible for lifetime disqualification to be reduced under certain conditions.
• Once the disqualification period has ended, you can reapply for a CDL, but all the usual requirements must be met, and you will perhaps be scrutinized more closely.
• Some employers have their own rules in hiring a driver with a DUI record; it becomes pretty frustrating for job opportunities.

2. How long does it take to get a CDL in Tennessee?

On average, the time required to get a CDL in Tennessee will take about 6 to 10 weeks in total, depending on the individual preparation and training that driver undergoes. Some key steps are as follows:

• CDL training: If you attend a CDL school, the program will last for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on whether it is full-time or part-time.
• Learner’s permit waiting period: You must wait at least 14 days after receiving your CLP before you take the skills tests.
• Testing and licensing: After successfully passing the skills tests, you will be granted your CDL in a couple of days, give or take processing.

Access our post on How long does it take to get a CDL in Tennessee to get your detailed timeline.

3. How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Tennessee?

You can expect a total of $3,500 to $8,000 to get a CDL in Tennessee and it varies depending on several factors including training, testing, and fee costs. Here’s a breakdown of main categories:

• CDL training school: Programs can range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the school and program length.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $14.50
• Written knowledge test: Covered under the CLP fee.
• Skills test: This will typically cost $70-$100, depending upon testing location.
• Obtain actual: CDL license $52-$84 depending on the class and endorsements.

For more information on cost estimates, click here.

4. Can I get a CDL without going to school in Tennessee?

Yes, you can get a CDL in Tennessee without attending a formal school, but only if you qualify for certain exemptions. However, if you do not qualify for an exemption, you will have to undergo the training of Entry-Level Driver Training as stated by federal law. This means that the requirement of ELDT applies to all new applicants of CDLs, thus mandating them to undergo training by a registered provider before the test of skills. This will make the drivers perform skillfully in their job.

5. What do you need to get a CDL permit in Tennessee?

To apply for a CDL permit in Tennessee, you must meet the following:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age for intrastate driving and 21 years of age for interstate driving and hazardous materials endorsements.
• Driver’s license: You must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
• Proof of identity: You must show your proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency by providing your birth certificate, passport, or green card.
• Medical certification: Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical).
• Pass the written tests: Pass the general knowledge test plus any applicable tests.
• Pay the fee: The CLP fee in Tennessee is $14.50.

Final thoughts

Getting your CDL in Tennessee means opening the doorway to a very outstanding career in the commercial driving industry. Understanding how to get a CDL in Tennessee, from meeting all the requirements within the state, completion of Entry-Level Driver Training, along with passing the sections of knowledge and skills tests, you certainly show the ability to operate commercial vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. With a CDL in hand, you can begin now and take that first step into the successful and promising career of being a commercial driver in Tennessee!