Checked against official Tennessee sources on Oct 7, 2026
Tennessee CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Tennessee follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Tennessee source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Tennessee CDL facts
| What | What Tennessee says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | CDL applicants must be at least 18. If they are under 21, they are restricted to driving only within Tennessee. | Official page |
| Class A CLP fee | $14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| Class B or C CLP fee | $13.00 total ($7.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| Class A CDL fee | $70.00 total ($8.00 per year for 8 years = $64.00, plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| Class B or C CDL fee | $62.00 total ($7.00 per year for 8 years = $56.00, plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| Tanker, Passenger, Hazmat, Double and Triple endorsement fee | $8.50 each ($2.50 plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| School bus endorsement fee | $26.00 ($20.00 plus $6.00 application fee) | Official page |
| County Clerk office extra fee | $4.00 administrative fee at County Clerk offices | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | Not listed separately on the official fee page | Official page |
| CLP validity | 365 days. If you do not convert the CLP to a CDL before it expires, all knowledge and skills tests become null and void. | Official page |
| Minimum age (CDL manual version) | The manual (Section 1.6.1) says CLP or CDL applicants must be at least 21. It adds that since July 1, 2022, people 18, 19 or 20 may drive a Class A or B CMV inside Tennessee (intrastate) if they do not need any endorsements. The manual file inside is marked July 2017 although the file name says May 2022. | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest rule | If you fail a knowledge test, you may retake it the next day. Applicants caught cheating are told by the DSC manager when they may retest. | Official page |
| Wait before skills test | Hold the CLP at least 14 days and finish all required training | Official page |
| No-show for skills test | If you fail to show for a scheduled test at a DSC, you must wait 45 days to reschedule | Official page |
| Where knowledge tests are given | At full-service Driver Services Centers (DSCs). Neither the state CDL page nor the manual offers online CDL knowledge testing. | Official page |
| Time to plan for testing | At least an hour for the general knowledge test, plus 20 to 30 minutes for each additional test | Official page |
| Medical card | A valid DOT medical card (MSCA-5876) is needed before you can take a test or go on in the CDL process, unless a restriction exempts you. No exemption if you have a passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement. | Official page |
| Permanent resident CDL | Starting 1/1/2026, a CDL issued to someone with a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card is issued as a Temporary CDL. | Official page |
| School bus endorsement paperwork | You must give the DSC a Certificate of Eligibility (Form 2C, SF-1641) from the school system whose students you will drive. Contractors cannot fill out the form for themselves. | Official page |
| CDL license period | A basic CDL is issued for 8 years | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Tennessee CDL page before you go. Read the official Tennessee CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Tennessee manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.