Tennessee's state fees are modest compared to many states, but training costs vary significantly between the state's TCAT system and private schools. Here's the real breakdown.
CLP fees are confirmed by two independent sources. The endorsement fee figure is based on a single source and should be confirmed directly with TDOSHS before your visit, since fees are periodically adjusted.
Skills Test Fee Structure
The skills test is free if state-administered through TDOSHS, or roughly $150-250 if you use a third-party examiner instead. This dual-path structure is worth understanding before you schedule, since your total cost can vary significantly depending on which path you choose.
Training Program Costs
Tennessee offers a genuine lower-cost public alternative through its TCAT (Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology) system, part of the Tennessee Board of Regents, with 14 locations offering truck driving programs, including TCAT Memphis, TCAT Knoxville, TCAT Shelbyville, TCAT Nashville, TCAT Covington, and TCAT Upper Cumberland. These programs can often be funded through Tennessee Promise or Tennessee Reconnect.
Private schools generally range $3,000-$7,500, with total costs including ELDT and any retests reaching $3,700-$8,800. These figures are reasonably consistent across available sources, though individual program pricing varies.
Study While You Compare Programs
The knowledge tests are the same no matter which school you choose. Practice free now.