How To Get Cdl In Tn

Landlocked Tennessee is far from boring - on the contrary, the state is home to some of the most interesting roads and scenery in the world. Home to the Grand Ole Opry, the beautiful Smoky Mountains, and of course, Graceland, Tennessee is an exciting mix of cosmopolitan cities and quiet rural byways. Driving truck throughout the state means drivers experience some of the best and most notable roads on the planet. For an easy, scenic drive, many motorists enjoy the 10-state-long Great River Road along the mighty Mississippi River, sometimes called the Blues Highway, which leads travelers back into early American blues history. Most notably, however is Tennessee's 489-curve, 33-mile cruise on Highway 421 in the Cherokee National Forest. Known as 'The Snake' - it's a road that keeps truckers on high alert due to the level of skill it requires. While Tennessee's other claim to road-fame is open to CDL drivers, it's even more dangerous, with tight hairpin turns and blind corners. Starting in Deal's Gap, Tennessee, Highway 129 is also known as the 'The Tail of the Dragon,' - with less mileage and less curves, it's still more treacherous overall and has global fame.

What CDL Licenses are Available in Tennessee?

Individuals who want to become commercial drivers in the state of Tennessee are subject to a different set of regulations once the commercial motor vehicle or combination of vehicles weighs more than 26,000 pounds, or transports passengers regardless of weight. Below are Tennessee's license classes.

Tennessee has an exception to the Class A licensing: for drivers who do not require a Class A license but who nonetheless haul trailers that weigh more than 10,001 pounds, they may require an A/57 license. Common examples of this type of situation include heavy pick-up trucks that tow a construction or other trailer, or a service maintenance vehicle that tows other machinery from job site to job site.

CDL Class A

Class A vehicles are combination units. In combination, the 'tractor' and 'trailer' must weigh more than 26,000 pounds, with the trailer portion weighing not less than 10,000 pounds. Most long haul truckers possess Class A licenses.

CDL Class B

Class B vehicles are single vehicles with a total or gross weight of greater than 26,000 pounds. Often this includes cube and delivery vehicles and may include construction vehicles. Any rear or towed portion must weigh less than 10,000 pounds. Commonly, short haul truckers that stay in their state of origin possess Class B licenses.

CDL Class C

Class C vehicles are vehicles that have been designed to carry a driver and 15 or more people, like a bus or other similar passenger transport vehicle. The weight of the vehicle is not a determining factor in this case.

If a vehicle that would ordinarily be Class A or Class B but requires a placard for carrying hazardous materials, it is reclassified as a Class C vehicle and additional endorsements or restrictions may apply.

Class D License

Class D license is Tennessee's standard motor vehicle operator license. Tennessee CDL drivers who already possess a valid Class A, B, or C license are able to legally operate a Class D vehicle and allows them to operate all personal passenger and recreational vehicles.

CDL Eligibility in Tennessee

Over the last few decades, the U.S. Department of Transportation has been continually improving legislation and practice that relate to CDL driving, vehicles, and legislation in order to make the nation's roads safe and accountable to all. The nationwide scope of changes from the mid-1980s onward means that it is easy for each state, and Tennessee among them, to carefully enforce federal laws and standards. Federal laws are a nationwide minimum expectation and Tennessee exceeds this standard. Interstate drivers are responsible to be familiar with how laws vary from state to state.

License and Permits

A Tennessee Class D license or a CDL or driver's license from another state is required to begin the application process.

Age

Intrastate (generally Class B) drivers must be 18 years of age or older. Interstate (generally Class A or C HME) drivers must be age 21 or older.

Proof of Residence in Tennessee

Proof of domicile or residence is required before the CDL process can begin. Applicants require two proofs of domiciliary address in order to continue the application.

Proof of U.S. citizenship may include one of the following:

Current and valid U.S. Passport.
Certified birth certificate filed with the state of birth
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)
Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)

CDL Requirements for Tennessee Residents

In order to begin the CDL process, Tennessee residents must present the following documents:

Tennessee driver's license, or
Valid driver license or CDL from another state
Valid Department of Transportation Medical Card
Social Security Number
2 proofs of Tennessee domicile
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Tennessee CDL Requirements for Out-of-State Residents and Transfers

CDL transfers from state to state are rigorous and designed to help our nation avoid fraudulent and dangerous conditions, and Tennessee is no different. CDL truck drivers from out-of-state who wish to begin the transfer process to Tennessee CDL truck drivers should arrive prepared to show any and all of the following original documentation to substantiate their identity and credentials.

Original personal identification including out-of-state personal or CDL driver's license
Proof of date of birth (non-hospital issued)
2 proofs of domiciliary address showing Tennessee
Social security number
Valid Department of Transportation Medical Card

Non-U.S. Citizen Requirements for Tennessee CDL

Individuals who were born outside the country and who wish to legally obtain employment by first attaining their Tennessee commercial driver's licence, are required to produce substantive documentation to support their dual claims for citizenship and CDL issue. Tennessee's legal immigrants are advised to bring any or all of the following:

Current and valid U.S. Passport
Certified birth certificate filed with the country of birth
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350 or FS-545)
Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 or N578)
Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, issued by USCIS or INS

Additionally, immigrant CDL applicants will provide:

Personal identification
Proof of date of birth (government issued)
2 proofs of domicile in Tennessee
Social security number

Do I Need a CDL?

Are you a member or former member of the military, National Guard or reserves who is active or who has been honorably discharged within the last year? You may be apply to waive the basic road skills test portion of the Tennessee CDL. Tennessee is proud of the service that military individuals provide for our country and upholding the new federal regulation eliminates the need for applicants to provide a commercial vehicle for testing.

In order to apply, military and former military must provide:

Proof of Tennessee domicile
Tennessee driver's license, or
Eligibility for a Tennessee driver's license
Proof of military operator's permit provided by CO
Attestation provided by CO that the applicant has relevant driving experience within the last two years
Proof of discharge in one of the following documents:
- U.S. Military I.D. Card
- DD-214
- WD-AGO
- DD-256
- NGB-22

To apply, obtain a copy of Tennessee's form entitled 'CDL Skills Test Military Waiver Application' either online or at any DMV office.

Being exempt from the Tennessee CDL road skills test is not exemption from the Tennessee CDL knowledge test; prepare for the knowledge test by studying the Tennessee CDL Handbook.

Medical and Physical CDL Requirements

Applicants are required to have a valid DOT Medical card in good standing,

To begin the process, drivers must attest whether they intend to drive inter- or intrastate, and whether they will drive in excepted or non-excepted circumstances. A list of excepted circumstances are found below.

Tennessee commercial drivers are required to complete an online re-attestation of medical status. It is the CDL driver's sole responsibility to ensure that they are in good standing at all times.

Background Check for CDL Applicants

Any applicant that wants to transport placarded (hazardous) materials is subject to a fingerprint background security check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Varying slightly from state to state, Tennessee CDL applicants are encouraged to inquire about timelines while applying.

CDL Testing in Tennessee

To obtain your CDL in Tennessee, there are both a knowledge test and a practical test that must be successfully passed in order to having a CDL issued to you. There are a number of CDL offices throughout the state, including Elizabethton, Trenton and Paris, and a CDL-only Driver Service Office in Maury County. Due to the volume of customers who visit the offices, it is encouraged to arrive early with your arranged vehicle ready for the practical portion of the test.

CDL Knowledge Tests

For all classes of CDL, Tennessee commercial drivers are required to pass a General Knowledge test.

CDL Skills Tests

After successfully passing the General Knowledge test, applicants can book a time for practical testing at the state's accredited facility in Maury County. Ensure that you arrive with the same class of vehicle that you wish to drive professionally.

Depending on the class of license, CDL drivers might need to add specific endorsement modules to their practical testing.

Schedule your road skills test here - https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/

Tennessee CDL Office Locations

Full Service Locations

Oak Ridge Driver Services Center - Anderson County
475 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865) 220-6520

Shelbyville Driver Servcies Center - Bedford County
1304 Railroad Avenue
Shelbyville, TN 37160
(931) 680-2540

Maryville Driver Services Center - Blount County
318 Home Avenue
Maryville, TN 37801
(865) 981-2359

Elizabethton Driver Services Center - Carter County
206 Cherokee Park Drive, Suite 3
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 547-5886

Tullahoma Driver Services Center - Coffee County
307 Industrial Blvd.
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 461-7850

Crossville Driver Services Center - Cumberland County
136 Dooley Street
Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 484-1360

Nashville/Hart Lane Driver Services Center - Davidson County
624 Hart Lane
Nashville, TN 37216
(615) 532-9780

Hickory Hollow Driver Services and Reinstatement Center - Davidson County
5216 Hickory Hollow Parkway
Antioch, TN 37013
(615) 770-5701

Dickson Driver Services Center - Dickson County
114 West Christi Drive
Dickson, TN 37055
(615) 441-6218

Dyersburg Driver Services Center - Dyer County
180 Highway 51 Bypass North
Dyersburg, TN 38024
(731) 286-8325

Oakland Driver Services Center - Fayette County
160 Beau Tisdale Drive
Oakland, TN 38060
(901) 465-6576

Trenton Driver Services Center - Gibson County
2211 Highway 45 Bypass SOuth
Trenton, TN 38382
(731) 855-7826

Greeneville/Greene County Driver License Reinstatement Center - Greeneville County
1210 Hal Henard Road
Greenville, TN 37743
(423) 638-3285

Morristown Driver Services Center - Hamblen County
2567 Buffalo Trail
Morristown, TN 37814
(423) 587-7044

Chattanooga/Bonny Oaks Driver Services Center - Hamilton County
6502 Bonny Oaks Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37416
(423) 634-3127

Chattanooga/Red Bank Driver Services Center - Hamilton County
4873 Dayton Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37415
(423) 875-4611

Savannah Driver Services Center - Hardin County
60 Brazelton Street, Unit 10
Savannah, TN 38372
(731) 926-1581

Paris Driver Services Center - Henry County
1120 Tyson Avenue
Paris, TN 38242
(731) 641-8863

Knoxville/Strawberry Plains Driver Services Center - Knox County
7320 Region Lane
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865) 594-6399

Fayetteville Driver Services Center - Lincoln County
4110 Thorton Taylor Pkwy
Fayetteville, TN 37334
(931) 438-1915

Jackson Driver Services Center - Madison County
100 Benchmark Circle
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-6622

Jasper Driver Services Center - Marion County
4950 Main Street
Jasper, TN 37347
(423)634-2180

Athens Driver Services Center - McMinn County
150 Plaza Circle
Athens, TN 37303
(423) 744-2812

Clarksville Driver Services Center - Montgomery County
220 West Dunbar Cave Road
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 648-5596

Union City Driver Services and Reinstatement Center - Obion County
1604B West Reelfoot Avenue
Union City, TN 38261
(731) 884-2133

Cookeville Driver Services Center - Putnam County
4600 South Jefferson Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38506
(931) 528-5669

Rockwood Driver Services Center - Roane County
1070 North Gateway Avenue
Rockwood, TN 37854
(865) 717-7609

Springfield Driver Services Center - Robertson County
4676 Highway 41 North, Suite C
Springfield, TN 37172
(615) 384-1885

Murfreesboro Driver Services Center - Rutherford County
1035 Samsonite Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 898-8036

Sevierville Driver Services Center - Sevier County
1220 Graduate Drive
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 429-7016

Memphis/East Shelby Dr. Driver Services and Reinstatement Center - Shelby County
3200 East Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 367-3639

Millington Driver Services Center - Shelby County
5019 W. Union Rd.
Millington, TN 38053
(901) 745-7020

Memphis/Summer Avenue Driver Services Center - Shelby County
6340 Summer Avenue
Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 543-7920

Blountville Driver Services Center - Sullivan County
3769 Highway 11-W
Blountville, TN 37617
(423) 279-3250

Gallatin Driver Services Center - Sumner County
855 North Bluejay Way
Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 230-2995

Covington Driver Services Center - Tipton County
220 Highway 51 N., Suite 1
Covington, TN 38019
(901) 475-2517

McMinnville Driver Services Center - Warren County
594 Vervilla Road
McMinnville, TN 37110
(931) 506-2190

Johnson City Driver Services Center - Washington County
4717 Lake Park Drive
Johnson City, TN 37615
(423) 926-4911

Franklin Driver Services Center - Williamson County
3830 Carothers Parkway
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 790-5515

Lebanon Driver Services Center - Wilson County
204 Maddox Simpson Parkway
Lebanon, TN 37090
(615) 443-2757

For additional details about each full service location check out - https://www.tn.gov/safety/article/dllocationserv#full

CDL Skills Test Location

Columbia Driver Services Center - Maury County
1701 Hampshire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 380-2584
https://www.tn.gov/safety/article/maury
PLEASE NOTE - This location is also full service

Tennessee CDL Endorsements

In order to quickly share accurate information to CDL departments and law officials, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees endorsements and professional qualifications of a truck driver. They are:

Private School Bus
Cargo Tanker
For Hire*
Passenger Transport
Public School Bus
Multiple Trailer (Double/Triple)
Cargo Tanker plus Hazardous Material

Taxi and shuttle service drivers, couriers, delivery services, and emergency medical drivers are groups of people that require a special condition under Tennessee's 'for-hire' endorsement but who do not require a full CDL license. Please inquire at the nearest state licensing office and of your employer to determine if you meet the 'for-hire' endorsement criteria.

Every driver is different, and the state of Tennessee is committed to ensuring that people of different abilities are able to meet state CDL guidelines, however, many limitations must be noted on the CDL. Below are the most common restrictions:

Contact Lenses or Glasses
Outside Mirror Required
Medical Condition
Insulin-Dependent Diabetic
Alcohol Interlock Device
Special Exam Successfully Passed
Daylight Only
Custom Controls Required
Seat Cushion Required
Automatic Transmission Only
Knob/Power Steering
Special Restriction Order
School Bus Driver Test Successfully Passed
Hearing Impairment
Active Military
License does not expire while in service
No Air Brakes
Except Class A Bus
Except Class A and Class B Bus
Except Tractor Trailers
Intrastate Only
Intracity Zone Only
Intrastate Only, Medical Limitation

Tennessee CDL Disqualifications

Police officers and state troopers throughout Tennessee are responsible for CDL road law compliance. Violating road laws may result in having your license suspended or revoked. Fines may be issued by the state, and additional penalties might be imposed by your employer. These offences include the following:

Tennessee General Driving Laws

If you are disqualified for any reason, you may not operate a commercial vehicle in Tennessee.

Tennessee 'Under the Influence' and 'Leaving the Scene' Laws

Your CDL may be suspended or worse for these offenses and those of a similar nature not listed here:

Leaving the scene of an accident that your commercial vehicle (CMV) was involved in
Felony acts committed in or with a commercial vehicle
Testing over or acting as though you are over the legal blood alcohol level
Refusing to take a roadside BAC test 'breathalyzer'
Testing over or acting as though you are over limit for other controlled substances
Traffic violations committed in a personal vehicle

Careless Driving Laws and 'Out of Service' Laws

Operating without a commercial driver's license in a commercial vehicle
Operating a commercial vehicle while CDL is suspended
Driving in a manner that is hazardous or reckless, including speeds greater than 15 mph over the legal speed limit
Not wearing a seat belt at all times

Railroad Laws

Violation of any crossing approach laws as they apply to different classes of crossings, CDL, endorsements and restrictions

Additional Laws

Laws pertaining to illegal residency in the United States or in Tennessee, as well as fraud related to CDL possession or felonies and outstanding charges will result in the disqualification of your CDL.

Tennessee CDL Salary, Employment, and Prospects

National economic forecasts predict that all demographics of CDL drivers in Tennessee are poised to have a record decade for growth. Look below for salary, employment and job prospects for this growing career path in the state and beyond.

Heavy Trucks

Forecasted to grow by 12% - double the national average - over the next 10 years, the long haul heavy truck industry is growing in Tennessee. Economists predict that approximately 1,600 new interstate trucking jobs will open each year until the 2020s, and that the median salary for experienced truckers will gross over $38,000 annually, or about $18 per hour. The top 10% of earners in Tennessee can expect to make a third more than that figure at almost $60,000 per year.

Light Trucks

Light truck and delivery driving positions are forecasted to grow by 8% over the next ten years - 5% faster than national averages, meaning that about 550 new jobs will open every year in Tennessee alone, with about 17,000 opening each year nationwide - a rapid field for growth. 75% of drivers earn more than $25,000 each year, with Tennessee's 'for-hire' drivers with experience earning close to the higher end of the salary range at over $50,000 per year.

Passenger Vehicles

School bus drivers in Tennessee are experiencing strong and stable growth that is on par with the rest of the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that bus driver jobs are expected to expand year by year by about 5%, resulting in over 200 new job openings every year throughout the state. The entry wage for school bus drivers throughout the state is over $16,000, while drivers with tenure, experience, and extra credentials earn over $35,000 per year.

Resources for Tennessee CDL Requirements

Tennessee State CDL Page
Tennessee CDL Manual Page
Tennessee Military CDL Waiver Form

Learn more about Tennessee trucking schools.

Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee

Location	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Annual Salary
United States	$31,270	$48,330	$38,700
Tennessee	$29,650	$48,170	$38,130
Chattanooga, TN-GA	$30,400	$44,600	$35,910
Clarksville, TN-KY	$23,590	$38,610	$31,510
Cleveland, TN	$26,130	$43,620	$29,760
Jackson, TN	$28,550	$38,990	$34,280
Johnson City, TN	$26,880	$37,330	$30,920
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA	$27,140	$46,770	$39,540
Knoxville, TN	$33,950	$52,720	$43,870
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	$31,110	$52,740	$40,900
Morristown, TN	$39,530	$46,190	$42,860
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN	$30,830	$48,530	$37,630

Table data taken from 2015 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm)