Tennessee · Driver Services

How to get your CDL permit in Tennessee

In Tennessee you take your CDL knowledge tests at a Driver Services Center to get a CLP, which costs $13–$14 and lasts one year. If you don't upgrade to a CDL before it expires, all your test results are lost.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official Driver Services sources

Start the free Tennessee permit classroom Official Tennessee CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in Tennessee only, no endorsements) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $14 (Class A) · $13 (Class B or C)
Permit valid for: 1 year
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a Tennessee driver license or a valid license from another state, and be at least 18.
2Study the Tennessee CDL Manual for your class and endorsements.
3Fill out the Self-Certification Affidavit (SF-1480) and get a DOT medical exam if you need one.
4Gather proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, your Social Security number, and two recent Tennessee residency documents.
5Visit a Driver Services Center, pass the vision test and your knowledge tests, and pay the permit fee.
6Practice for at least 14 days with a qualified CDL holder beside you.
7Before your skills test, finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
8Call Driver Services to schedule your road skills test, and finish before your CLP expires.

What to bring

Your Tennessee driver license or ID, or a valid license from another state
Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) or a valid Permanent Resident Card
Proof of your Social Security number
Two original proofs of Tennessee residence issued within the last 4 months, such as a utility bill or lease
Your completed Self-Certification Affidavit (SF-1480)

Medical card

You pick one of four commerce types on the Self-Certification Affidavit (SF-1480), which you can upload online or bring to a Driver Services Center. Since June 2025, your medical certificate is sent to Tennessee electronically, and paper medical cards are no longer accepted as proof.

Fees

Class A learner permitCounty Clerk offices add a $4 administrative fee.	$14
Class B or C learner permitCounty Clerk offices add a $4 administrative fee.	$13
Class A CDL (8 years)Includes a $6 non-refundable application fee.	$70
Class B or C CDL (8 years)Includes a $6 non-refundable application fee.	$62
Endorsement (Tanker, Passenger, HazMat, Doubles/Triples)School Bus is $26.	$8.50 each

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with Driver Services before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsements as needed

Testing in Tennessee

Knowledge tests are taken in person at Driver Services Centers. There is no online testing.
If you fail a knowledge test, you can retake it the next day.
A vision test is required.
Road skills tests are scheduled by phone at 615-502-4179, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central.

Study for these tests in the Tennessee classroom

Good to know in Tennessee

If your CLP expires before you get your CDL, every knowledge and skills test result is void and you start over.
Drivers 18 to 20 can drive Class A or B trucks only inside Tennessee and can't hold endorsements.
If your residency documents aren't in your name, you may be able to use a close relative's Tennessee license instead.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Non-domiciled applicants

Tennessee does not issue non-domiciled CDLs. You must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence.

Confirm with Driver Services before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in — confirm with Driver Services.
Whether you can renew your CLP.
Whether knowledge tests or retests have their own fee.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests.
The exact vision standard.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services. Rules and fees change, so always check with Driver Services before you apply.