A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Tennessee to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Tennessee CDL fees start at $55 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Tennessee CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment required. Valid 5 years.
Required for bulk liquid or gas tank vehicle operation.
Required for vehicles designed for 16+ passengers including driver.
Requires P endorsement. Tennessee requires additional school bus training and background screening.
Class A CDL required.
TSA background check required.
ELDT required per 49 CFR Part 380 for first-time Class A or B applicants and H, P, S endorsements. Must use an FMCSA-registered provider at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Tennessee →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to Tennessee DOS. Intrastate CDL drivers must meet Tennessee's intrastate medical standards.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Tennessee Driver Services Center with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Tennessee residency. Pass the applicable knowledge tests, complete ELDT training through an FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the skills test. CDL fee is approximately $55 for 5 years.
Tennessee CDLs are valid for 5 years. DOT Medical Certificates must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for most interstate drivers.
Tennessee is a major freight corridor. I-40 runs east-west from Memphis to the North Carolina line. I-24 connects Nashville to Chattanooga and Atlanta. I-75 and I-81 carry heavy north-south traffic. Nashville and Memphis are significant distribution centers.
Yes. Tennessee provides CDL exemptions for farm vehicles operated within 150 air miles of the farm for agricultural transport. These intrastate exemptions don't apply to for-hire hauling.
A standard Class A CDL is sufficient for operating a reefer (refrigerated trailer) combination in Tennessee — no special endorsement is required unless you're also hauling HazMat. The tractor-trailer combination must meet the Class A GCWR threshold of 26,001 lbs.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Tennessee on TruckRadar.
Tennessee CDL fee is approximately $55 for a 5-year license. Knowledge test included. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at tn.gov.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Tennessee TN Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026