Navigating the process of getting your CDL in Tennessee can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to figure out which class of license you need, but you’ll also need to be able to show proof of identity and residency, meet certain medical requirements, and have a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that can be used to take your CDL test.

The first step in getting your CDL is knowing exactly what class you will need, as well as which endorsements may be required for your purposes.

Tennessee CDL classes

In Tennessee, there are three classes of commercial licenses: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Let’s take a look at what each of these means:

Class A: Applicable to any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 pounds in which the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds

Class B: Applicable to single vehicles or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle is at least 26,001 pounds, as long as the vehicle being towed is less than 10,000 pounds GVWR

Class C: Applicable to single or combination vehicles that are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or are used to transport hazardous materials

Class A vehicles include tractor-trailers like semis, truck and trailer combinations, livestock carriers, and some flatbeds. Class B vehicles might include school buses, delivery trucks, and dump trucks with trailers. Class C vehicles might also include buses, as well as HazMat vehicles and double trailers. With certain endorsements, Class A and Class B licenses may authorize you to drive certain vehicles from a less comprehensive class, as well.

Endorsements

There are five types of endorsements for Tennessee CDLs that make a difference in the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive.

T: Double or Triple trailers

P: Passenger

N: Tank vehicle

H: Hazardous materials

S: School bus

To get any of these endorsements, you will have to take and pass a knowledge, a skills test, or both. To earn the S endorsement, you will also have to be at least 25 years old.

Minimum age requirement

The minimum age requirement for a CDL depends on where you will be driving and the type of vehicle (in some cases).

Those only looking to operate their commercial vehicle within the state need to be 18 or older. However, if you’re looking to cross state lines and do interstate driving, you will have to be 21 years of age or older.

As we mentioned earlier, the only endorsement with a specific age requirement is the S endorsement, for driving school buses. You have to be at least 25 years old to be eligible for an S endorsement in Tennessee.

Medical requirements

There are also some medical requirements that drivers in Tennessee need to meet to get their CDL license. Those include:

Vision in both eyes, each being at least 20/40; glasses or contacts to help meet these requirements are allowed

The ability to distinguish colors

The ability to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet

Blood pressure of 160/100 or better; prescription medication to help meet this requirement is allowed

Blood sugar cannot be higher than 200

Diabetes (if applicable) must be controlled through diet or medication, and not reliant on insulin injections

No use of Schedule 1 drugs, amphetamine, narcotics, or any habit-forming drugs

Those who are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease will need to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test and a note from a physician stating that they are capable of driving a CMV

You will need to have a valid D.O.T. medical card if you are employed by a government entity to drive a vehicle with a HazMat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement.

New ELDT requirements

As of February 2022, drivers trying to get a Tennessee CDL for the first time will need to follow new regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

The ELDT regulations are the minimum Federal requirements for training that entry-level drivers must complete before they can take certain commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills or knowledge tests. New applicants will have to find a registered training provider in

FMCSA’s registry

to:

Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time

Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A

Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time

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How to apply for a CDL in Tennessee

Now that you know which kind of CDL you need, you can get ready to start the application process.

First and foremost, you will need a valid

Class D Tennessee driver’s license

, which is the basic license you need to operate a car. You also will need to have a relatively

clean driving record

Traffic violations—especially major ones—can impact your CDL eligibility. You will not be approved if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled while applying for your CDL. You will also be banned from obtaining a CDL If you have multiple DUI offenses or have ever used a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony.

Before applying for your CDL, you will first need to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a knowledge test. This test will cover general knowledge, as well as information needed for any endorsements you are applying for.

You’ll need to provide the following documents when applying for your CLP:

Valid DOT Medical Card

Your Social Security Number

Tennessee driver’s license or ID, or a valid driver's 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); these may include your most recent utility bill, vehicle registration, or voters registration card

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence

If you are applying for hazardous materials endorsement (H), you must first be submitted for a fingerprint-based background check.

Bring these documents to your

local driver’s license office

, along with $14 for the Class A permit and $13 for a Class B or C permit. You can then schedule and complete your knowledge test at a Tennessee Full-Service Driver Service Center. Every Knowledge Test covers 20 general sections as laid out in

49 CFR 383.111

and incorporate 30 questions.

There are separate knowledge tests for drivers looking to operate vehicles with air brakes, and those looking for certain endorsements. These tests are made up of multiple-choice questions, as well as matching questions. You will need a score of at least 80% to pass. You’ll also get your fingerprints and picture taken, and be required to pass a vision exam.

You’ll need to hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take your skills exam and get your CDL. The permit only allows you to practice on public roads with a qualified Tennessee CDL holder who is at least 21 sitting next to you. Permits are valid for up to one year.

To get your CDL, you will need to make an appointment at your local driver service center, and bring all the same documents you brought to get your permit. There will be an additional fee for your CDL, which will depend on which type of license you are looking for. The fee for a Class A license is $70, while a Class B or C will cost $62.

Some endorsements are an additional fee as well.

Tanker Endorsement: $8.50

School Bus Endorsement: $26.00

Hazardous Material Endorsement: $8.50

Double & Triple Trailer Endorsement: $8.50

The last step of the process is the skills test, which can be scheduled either at a Driver Services Center location or with a certified

CDL Third Party Program Participants

. You will need to bring your vehicle to the test, which will be subject to a pre-trip inspection for safety.

Then, there will be a test of your knowledge of basic vehicle control, as well as a road test to show your skills. The test will include:

Starting the vehicle

Parallel parking

Off-set backing

Straight-line backing

Lane change

Merge

Use of lanes

Right-of-way

Traffic signs and signals

Left and right turns

Intersections

Railroad crossings

Curves

Roadside stop/start

Upshifting and downshifting (if applicable)

If you complete all the requirements and pass the skills test, you’ll have earned your Tennessee CDL.

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How long is a CDL valid in Tennessee?

A Tennessee Class A CDL is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Class B and Class C CDLs are valid for five years. Renewal fees for your CDL are the same as the fees for first-timers: $70 for a Class A license, and $62 for a class B or C. If you are renewing your endorsements, those original fees will apply as well.

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