Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) regulates the issuance of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapter 50. To operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, drivers must secure a Tennessee CDL. The process involves a tiered system of knowledge and skills tests that align with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) Part 383, ensuring all operators meet unified safety standards for interstate and intrastate commerce. Applying for a Tennessee CDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examiner's certificate, and a Social Security number. DispatchTool helps Tennessee-based owner-operators maintain compliance by organizing electronic logging device (ELD) data and IFTA reporting across state lines. Drivers can utilize the platform to manage load documentation and trip expenses once their credentials are valid. You can create a DispatchTool account to streamline your fleet's record-keeping and regulatory filings.

Basic Eligibility and Age Requirements

To apply for a CDL in Tennessee, applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate operations and 21 years old for interstate commerce or for transporting hazardous materials. Under T.C.A. § 55-50-401, drivers between 18 and 20 years old are restricted to driving within Tennessee borders and will have a 'K' restriction placed on their license. Applicants must possess a valid Class D Tennessee driver's license before upgrading to a commercial class. Verification of domicile in Tennessee is required, typically through two utility bills or mortgage statements dated within the last four months.

Medical Certification and Self-Certification

Tennessee drivers must self-certify their type of operation and provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). The four categories include Non-Excepted Interstate, Excepted Interstate, Non-Excepted Intrastate, and Excepted Intrastate. Most long-haul truckers fall under Non-Excepted Interstate, requiring a DOT physical performed by a professional on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Failure to maintain a current medical certificate on file with the TDOSHS results in a downgrade of the commercial license to a Class D within 30 days of expiration.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Process

Before taking a skills test, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days. The CLP application fee is $2.00, and the permit itself costs $13.00. Applicants must pass the General Knowledge test, which consists of 50 questions, with a score of 80% or higher. Additional written tests are required for specific endorsements such as Tanker (N), Double/Triple Trailers (T), or Air Brakes. Under Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules enforced since 2022, applicants must complete a theory training program from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking these tests.

CDL Skills Testing and Fees

The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing maneuvers), and an on-road driving test. In Tennessee, the CDL skills test fee is $20.00, but third-party testers may charge significantly higher administrative fees, often ranging from $150.00 to $300.00. The license itself varies in price: a Class A license costs $70.00, Class B costs $62.00, and Class C costs $46.00, all valid for eight years. If you fail any portion of the skills test, you must wait at least seven days before attempting that specific portion again.

Endorsements and Restrictions

Endorsements allow drivers to operate specialized equipment and are critical for higher-paying freight. The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement requires a background check through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), costing approximately $86.50, and a written knowledge test. The Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements require both knowledge and skills tests. Common restrictions include the 'L' restriction for vehicles without air brakes and the 'E' restriction for those who tested in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, prohibiting them from operating manual transmission CMVs.

Disqualifications and Safety Violations

Tennessee strictly enforces the Commercial Driver License Act regarding traffic violations. A first conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) while operating a CMV results in a one-year disqualification of driving privileges. If the CMV is transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to three years. A second conviction for a major offense results in a lifetime disqualification. Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit) or following too closely, result in a 60-day disqualification for two offenses within a three-year period, according to TDOSHS records.

Sources

Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (2024) — https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license.html Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (2024) — https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license Tennessee General Assembly - T.C.A. § 55-50 (2023) — https://casetext.com/statute/tennessee-code/title-55-motor-and-other-vehicles/chapter-50-uniform-classified-and-commercial-driver-license-act

Frequently asked

How much does a Class A CDL cost in Tennessee?

The total state fee for a Class A CDL is $70.00 for the license, plus a $2.00 application fee and a $13.00 permit fee. Third-party skills testing fees are separate and typically range from $150 to $250.

What is the minimum age to get a CDL in Tennessee?

The minimum age is 18 years for intrastate driving within Tennessee. You must be at least 21 years old to cross state lines (interstate) or to transport hazardous materials.

Do I need to attend a school to get a CDL in Tennessee?

Yes, per FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, all first-time CDL applicants must complete training from a registered provider before taking their skills test. This applies to Class A, Class B, and certain endorsements like Hazmat.

How long is a Tennessee CDL valid?

A standard Tennessee CDL is valid for 8 years. However, the medical examiner's certificate must be renewed every 24 months, or more frequently if specified by a physician for health conditions like hypertension.

Can I keep my out-of-state CDL when moving to Tennessee?

No, you must transfer your CDL to Tennessee within 30 days of establishing residency. You generally do not have to retake knowledge or skills tests for Class A or B, but a new Hazmat knowledge test is required if you hold that endorsement.