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Tennessee · TN
Tennessee CDL
Knowledge Test
Everything you need to pass the Tennessee CDL knowledge test. The same FMCSA-standardized questions used across all 50 states.
Total CDL fee
$52
CLP wait
14 days
Min age
18+
To pass
80%
CDL Test Sections
The CDL knowledge test is administered by section. Passing score for all sections is 80%.
✓
General KnowledgeREQUIRED
50 questions · Pass with 40+
A
Air Brakes
25 questions · Pass with 20+
C
Combination Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
H
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
30 questions · Pass with 24+
D
Doubles & Triples
20 questions · Pass with 16+
T
Tanker Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
P
Passenger Transport
20 questions · Pass with 16+
S
School Bus
20 questions · Pass with 16+
What to Know About CDL in Tennessee
Tennessee CDL fees: approximately $52 total (CLP $26 + CDL $26)
Nashville and Memphis are top US logistics hubs — Memphis is home to FedEx World Hub
Tennessee has Amazon, Dollar General, and AutoZone distribution centers — massive CDL demand
I-40, I-65, and I-24 create a major central US freight network through Tennessee
CDL holders must hold CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
Tennessee DOSHS driver service centers provide computerized CDL knowledge tests
Legal notice
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Requirements can change. Always verify with Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DOSHS) for the most current information.
How to Get Your CDL in Tennessee
The steps to earn a commercial driver's license in Tennessee, from your DOT medical card to your CDL.
- 1
Get your DOT medical card
Visit a certified medical examiner, pass the DOT physical, and keep the certificate on file with Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DOSHS).
- 2
Study and pass the knowledge test
Cover General Knowledge plus any endorsements you need (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat). Practice every section on Koydo until you're scoring 80%+.
- 3
Get your CLP
Pass the Tennessee knowledge test at a Tennessee DOSHS Driver Service Center and pay the ~$26 permit fee to receive your commercial learner's permit.
- 4
Hold your CLP for 14 days
Federal rules require a minimum 14-day wait while you practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
- 5
Pass the skills test
Schedule the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test with Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DOSHS) (or an approved third-party tester).
- 6
Get your Tennessee CDL
Pay the ~$26 CDL fee and you're licensed to drive commercially.
Tennessee CDL — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CDL cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee CDL fees come to about $52 total — roughly $26 for the commercial learner's permit (CLP) and $26 for the CDL itself, paid at Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DOSHS). Testing and endorsement fees can add to this, so always confirm current amounts with Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DOSHS).
What score do I need to pass the Tennessee CDL knowledge test?
You need 80% on each CDL knowledge section. Tennessee uses the same FMCSA-standardized question pool as every other state, so General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and the endorsement tests are federally consistent.
How old do I have to be to get a CDL in Tennessee?
Tennessee issues a CDL at 18 for driving within the state (intrastate) and 21 for driving across state lines (interstate) or hauling hazardous materials.
How long must I hold a CLP before the Tennessee skills test?
At least 14 days. You pass the knowledge test first to earn your CLP, hold it for 14 days while practicing with a licensed CDL holder, then take the behind-the-wheel skills test.
Where do I take the CDL written test in Tennessee?
At a Tennessee DOSHS Driver Service Center. The knowledge test is computerized. Practice every section on Koydo before you go so you walk in ready.
Is the Koydo CDL practice test accurate for Tennessee?
Yes. Koydo's questions follow the FMCSA CDL standard that Tennessee tests on, plus state-rule practice — with no ads, and your first 15 questions a day are free.
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