Tennessee CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. You need at least 80% to pass. That's the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135 (Tennessee does not publish its own number).

Last updated Oct 16, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Tennessee CDL manual on October 16, 2026

Scott Wilder on X | scottwilderhq.com

FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC. It offers free exam-style practice tests built from the official CDL manual. 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 permit facts

What	What Tennessee says	Source
General Knowledge pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Tennessee does not publish its own number.	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
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
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
Test languages	The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.	Official page

20 question General Knowledge practice test

1. A driver has drinks faster than the body can get rid of them. What happens?
1. A. More alcohol stays in the body and driving is more affected
2. B. The extra alcohol leaves the body right away
3. C. Driving skills stay the same
4. D. The body speeds up its removal of alcohol
Show answer
Answer: A. More alcohol stays in the body and driving is more affected
Drinks faster than the body can remove them leave more alcohol in the body, so driving is more affected.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.1.
2. You turn off the engine to check the lights during an inspection. What should you do with the key?
1. A. Leave it in the ignition
2. B. Take it with you
3. C. Leave it on the dashboard
4. D. Give it to a bystander
Show answer
Answer: B. Take it with you
The manual says to take the key with you.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.5.
3. Dialing a phone while driving a CMV makes a crash, near-crash, or lane deviation how many times more likely?
1. A. 2 times
2. B. 6 times
3. C. 12 times
4. D. 23 times
Show answer
Answer: B. 6 times
Research shows the odds are 6 times greater for CMV drivers who dial while driving.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.9.4.
4. You drive a dry bulk tank. How should you go around curves and sharp turns?
1. A. Fast to keep the load moving
2. B. The same as an empty truck
3. C. Extremely cautious, slow and careful
4. D. Without slowing down
Show answer
Answer: C. Extremely cautious, slow and careful
The manual says to be extremely cautious, slow and careful, around curves and sharp turns.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.4.1.
5. How far ahead do most good drivers look?
1. A. 3 to 5 seconds
2. B. 6 to 8 seconds
3. C. 12 to 15 seconds
4. D. 20 to 25 seconds
Show answer
Answer: C. 12 to 15 seconds
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.4.1.
6. In a manual transmission vehicle, when should you push in the clutch as you stop?
1. A. When the engine is close to idle
2. B. As soon as you touch the brake pedal
3. C. Only after the vehicle has fully stopped
4. D. Before you start braking at all
Show answer
Answer: A. When the engine is close to idle
The manual says to push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.2.3.
7. Why should you inspect your vehicle the same way every time?
1. A. It lets you skip steps on vehicles you know well
2. B. It makes the written report unnecessary
3. C. It cuts the inspection time in half
4. D. You learn all the steps and are less likely to forget something
Show answer
Answer: D. You learn all the steps and are less likely to forget something
A routine order helps you learn every step so you do not forget one.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.5.
8. How do you stop heavy bleeding?
1. A. Pour water on it
2. B. Move the person quickly
3. C. Wait for the police
4. D. Apply direct pressure to the wound
Show answer
Answer: D. Apply direct pressure to the wound
Direct pressure on the wound stops heavy bleeding.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.20.3.
9. You start a new medicine. Its label has a warning about driving. What should you do?
1. A. Ignore it if you feel fine
2. B. Pay attention to the warning label and doctor's orders
3. C. Drink coffee and then drive
4. D. Take the medicine only while driving
Show answer
Answer: B. Pay attention to the warning label and doctor's orders
You must pay attention to warning labels and doctor's orders about possible effects.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.2.
10. A BAC of .10 means what part of your blood is alcohol?
1. A. 1/10 of 1 percent
2. B. 1 percent
3. C. 10 percent
4. D. 1/10 of 1 percent of your body weight
Show answer
Answer: A. 1/10 of 1 percent
A BAC of .10 means 1/10 of 1 percent, or 1/1000, of your blood is alcohol.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.1.
11. Your personal vehicle license is suspended for an alcohol violation. What happens to your CDL?
1. A. You lose your CDL for 1 year
2. B. Nothing, since it was not a CMV
3. C. You can keep driving a CMV if you do not carry hazmat
4. D. You lose your CDL for only 24 hours
Show answer
Answer: A. You lose your CDL for 1 year
An alcohol suspension in a personal vehicle costs you your CDL for 1 year.
From the official CDL manual, section 1.3.
12. Your drive wheels spin on ice from too much power. What should you do?
1. A. Take your foot off the accelerator
2. B. Brake hard
3. C. Accelerate more to regain traction
4. D. Turn the wheel sharply
Show answer
Answer: A. Take your foot off the accelerator
Letting off the accelerator stops a power skid.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.19.1.
13. What is the most a driver can be fined in civil penalties for violating the texting prohibition?
1. A. $500
2. B. $1,000
3. C. $2,750
4. D. $11,000
Show answer
Answer: C. $2,750
Drivers face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each violation.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.9.5.
14. Which of these is a tensioning device for tie-downs?
1. A. A header board
2. B. A tarp
3. C. A winch
4. D. A false bulkhead
Show answer
Answer: C. A winch
The manual lists winches, ratchets, and clinching components as tensioning devices.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.3.2.
15. How can you learn what speeds are safe on a steep grade you do not know?
1. A. Talk to drivers who know the grades
2. B. Wait to see how fast others go
3. C. Use the highest speed limit sign
Show answer
Answer: A. Talk to drivers who know the grades
Plan ahead and talk to drivers familiar with the grades.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.16.
16. What is the only thing that will sober you up after drinking?
1. A. Black coffee
2. B. Time
3. C. A cold shower
4. D. Fresh air and a short walk
Show answer
Answer: B. Time
The liver removes alcohol at a fixed rate, so only time sobers you up.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.1.
17. In the daytime you are about to pass a bicyclist. What can you do when it is legal?
1. A. Flash the lights from low to high beam.
2. B. Tap the horn lightly.
3. C. Hold the horn down.
4. D. Pass without any warning.
Show answer
Answer: B. Tap the horn lightly.
A light tap on the horn lets them know you are there.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.5.2.
18. Only your tractor has ABS. What is a benefit?
1. A. The trailer cannot swing out
2. B. You can brake harder than normal
3. C. You do not need to watch the trailer
4. D. You should keep steering control and have less chance of jackknifing
Show answer
Answer: D. You should keep steering control and have less chance of jackknifing
With ABS on the tractor only, steering control is kept and jackknifing is less likely.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.18.5.
19. An aggressive driver wants to pass you. What should you NOT do?
1. A. Move out of the way
2. B. Avoid eye contact
3. C. Speed up to challenge them
4. D. Ignore their gestures
Show answer
Answer: C. Speed up to challenge them
The manual says not to challenge them by speeding up or holding your own in your lane.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.10.3.
20. Which hazard class includes hydrochloric acid and battery fluid?
1. A. Class 3, Flammable
2. B. Class 5, Oxidizers
3. C. Class 6, Poisons
4. D. Class 8, Corrosives
Show answer
Answer: D. Class 8, Corrosives
Hydrochloric acid and battery fluid are examples of Class 8 corrosives.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.23.3.

Tennessee CDL General Knowledge questions

What score do you need to pass the Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test?

You need at least 80% to pass. That is the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135. Tennessee does not publish its own number.

Is the Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test the same as other states?

The General Knowledge test is built on the same federal knowledge standards in every state, so the topics match the CDL manual. Tennessee uses its own handbook: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Tennessee?

Class A CLP fee: $14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee).

What languages is the Tennessee CDL knowledge test offered in?

The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 1.3; 2.1.5; 2.10.3; 2.16; 2.18.5; 2.19.1; 2.2.3; 2.20.3; 2.22.1; 2.22.2; 2.23.3; 2.4.1; 2.5.2; 2.9.4; 2.9.5; 3.3.2; 3.4.1

General Knowledge practice test in nearby states