How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test?

50 questions, with 40 correct (80%) needed to pass.

How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL Air Brakes test?

25 questions, with 20 correct (80%) needed to pass.

How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL Combination Vehicles test?

20 questions, with 16 correct (80%) needed to pass. Required for Class A CDL.

Must I pass General Knowledge before taking endorsement tests in Tennessee?

Yes, per the sequencing rule confirmed on TDOSHS's official site: General Knowledge must be passed before any endorsement tests can be added.

Tennessee CDL Test Questions 2026: What to Expect

📅 Updated July 2026 📌 Source: TDOSHS ⏱ 6 min read

Exact question counts and passing scores for every core Tennessee CDL knowledge test, plus a key sequencing rule that catches some applicants off guard.

Question Counts and Passing Scores

The General Knowledge Sequencing Rule

Test	Questions	Passing Score
General Knowledge	50	40 correct (80%)
Air Brakes	25	20 correct (80%)
Combination Vehicles	20	16 correct (80%)

The General Knowledge test must be passed before any endorsement tests can be added, a sequencing rule confirmed directly on TDOSHS's official site. Plan your study order accordingly — General Knowledge first, then Air Brakes or Combination Vehicles as needed for your CDL class.

Testing Language

Tennessee CDL knowledge tests are given in English only, with no interpreters or exceptions. This standing policy hasn't recently changed and is worth planning for ahead of your test appointment.

What Each Test Covers

General Knowledge covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, driving safety, transporting cargo, hazardous materials awareness, night and adverse conditions, emergency procedures, speed management, seeing and communicating, and Tennessee-specific rules.

Air Brakes covers air brake system basics, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, using air brakes correctly, spring brakes and parking brakes, and malfunctions and emergencies. Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Combination Vehicles covers coupling and uncoupling, inspecting combination vehicles, off-tracking and steering, rollover prevention, skid control and jackknifing, doubles and triples, antilock brakes, and Tennessee-specific rules. Required for Class A CDL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions on General Knowledge?

50 questions, 40 correct (80%) to pass.

How many questions on Air Brakes?

25 questions, 20 correct (80%) to pass.

How many questions on Combination Vehicles?

20 questions, 16 correct (80%) to pass. Required for Class A.

Must I pass General Knowledge first?

Yes, before any endorsement tests can be added.

What language are tests given in?

English only, with no interpreters.