Tennessee CDL practice tests
Tennessee runs its own state administered CDL road skills test through a dedicated scheduling phone line at Full-Service Driver Services Centers, while also certifying separate third party testing organizations spread across multiple counties, so applicants can choose between two distinct testing paths.
The written exams themselves are federal. Tennessee decides the permit rules, the fees and who runs the skills test, but the knowledge you are tested on comes from 49 CFR Part 383 and is the same in every state, which is why the 145 questions here work wherever you apply.
What changes in this state
Commercial learner permit
Tennessee CDL learner permit holders must wait at least 14 days before they are eligible to take the CDL skills test.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, checked 2026-08-28
Fees
Tennessee charges CDL and permit fees by year of validity: a Class A commercial learner permit runs 8 dollars per year and a Class B or C permit runs 7 dollars per year, plus a 6 dollar application fee and a 4 dollar county clerk administrative fee, and a full 8 year CDL costs 64 dollars for Class A or 56 dollars for Class B or C before those same add on fees.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, checked 2026-08-28
Where you test
Knowledge tests are given at Full-Service Driver Services Centers, and the road skills test can be scheduled with the state through a dedicated phone line or taken through one of Tennessee's certified CDL third party testing organizations.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, checked 2026-08-28
Every knowledge area
General Knowledge
Required of every applicant: inspection, control, space and speed management, hazard perception, emergencies and hours of service.
Air Brakes
Fail this and an L restriction bars you from any vehicle with air brakes, which is most of them.
Combination Vehicles
Coupling, the fifth wheel, off tracking and trailer swing. Needed for Class A.
Hazardous Materials
Placards, shipping papers, segregation and the security threat assessment.
Tank Vehicles
Liquid surge, baffles, outage and why a tanker rolls over so readily.
Doubles and Triples
Rearward amplification, converter dollies and coupling a second or third trailer.
Passenger Transport
Bus inspection, standee lines, passenger supervision and railroad crossings.
School Bus
Danger zones, loading and unloading, student crossing and evacuation.