TN Commercial Drivers (CDL)

Large truck operation is a bit more challenging than operation of a standard vehicle; thus, you can expect greater measures to obtain your commercial driver’s license to operate these larger vehicles. You can expect to take a different driver’s test, both written and on-road, with different costs and different stipulations as well. You will also require a physician statement in regards to the TENNESSEE state CDL regulations.

First Step: Commercial Driver Manual

The first thing you want to do to prepare for commercial licensing in TN is to obtain the state issued commercial driver manual, which you can obtain in the office, through phone request, or you could possibly download the CDL handbook online.

The commercial driver’s handbook contains a great deal of information that includes:

  • Commercial Driver’s License Classes and Rights
  • Commercial Vehicle Classes and Explanations
  • Driving Safety
  • Passenger Transport
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles and Triples
  • Cargo Transport
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes
  • School Buses
  • Pre-Trip Testing
  • Driver’s Testing/Basic Vehicle Control Skills Testing

Apply for TN Commercial License

You will follow the state required steps to obtaining your commercial driver’s license before you are able to operate any type of commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and trailers. There are simple requirements that you must first complete before taking the ultimate driver’s test to obtain the license.

  1. First hold valid and updated standard driver’s license in TENNESSEE.
  2. Complete Commercial Driver Licensing Application. Contact the TN DMV to determine the best and most convenient method to do so.
  3. Pay your permit and license fee, listed on the application, with any other licensing fees assessed by the DMV upon submission of the application.
  4. Complete your knowledge test, which is the commercial driver’s written exam.
  5. Hold your CDL permit for the length of time specified by the DMV.
  6. Complete the over-the-road exam.
  7. Receive photo license.

Commercial Licensing in TENNESSEE with Out-of-State Standard License

If you aren’t from TN but would like to obtain your TENNESSEE CDL, you can follow the steps above, but you will be required to also complete these additional steps:

  • Show and surrender out-of-state license
  • Show your Social Security number
  • Provide your proof of identification as well as proof of TENNESSEE residence
You can check with the DMV office to determine what steps to take or what requirements you must complete if you are transferring a commercial license from another state. In most states, you will likely only be required to provide the paperwork and complete the vision exam and any endorsement tests before your new TENNESSEE CDL is issued.

TENNESSEE CDL Road Testing

You will be required to schedule your road exam with the TN DMV before you report to the office to take the test. Once you arrive, you will vehicle registration, your learner’s commercial driver permit, and proof of TN auto insurance. The test will include:

  • Pre-trip commercial vehicle inspection
  • Off-road maneuvers
  • On-road driving and maneuvering
You can contact the DMV in person or by phone to find out just what your options and steps will be, with 4DMV.com offering a great deal of important information you may want before you start.