Tennessee does not accept I-94 work authorizations for CDL applicants — you must have full U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. The CLP hold is the standard 14-day federal minimum, and your CLP is valid for a full 365 days. Skills tests can be scheduled by phone at 615-502-4179 or by email at DI.CDL.CSTIMS@tn.gov.
500
Practice Questions
3
Knowledge Modules
80%
Pass Threshold (All Tests)
14 Days
CLP Hold Before Skills Test
Tennessee CDL Practice Tests
All three modules required for a Tennessee Class A CDL, mapped section by section to the official state manual.
General Knowledge
Required for all CDL classes. Covers vehicle inspection, basic controls, safe driving, cargo, hazmat basics, and Tennessee-specific rules.
Start Practice
Air Brakes
Required for any vehicle with air brakes. Covers system basics, inspection, and emergency procedures.
Start Practice
Combination Vehicles
Class A CDL requirement. Covers coupling, jackknife prevention, off-tracking, and rollover prevention.
Start Practice
How Tennessee CDL Requirements Compare
Tennessee follows the standard 14-day federal CLP hold, with a longer-than-typical 365-day CLP validity period.
| Feature | Tennessee | North Carolina | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLP hold before skills test | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| CLP validity | 365 days | 180 days + 1 renewal | 180 days + 1 renewal |
| Skills test scheduling | Phone or email | Phone only | Varies |
| Non-citizen work authorization | I-94 not accepted | Not specified | Not specified |
Tennessee CDL Study Guides
How to Get a CDL in Tennessee
Full step-by-step process through TDOSHS
Tennessee CDL Test Locations
Driver Services Centers statewide
CDL Cost in Tennessee
Real fee breakdown, honestly caveated
Free CDL Training Tennessee
TCAT, Tennessee Promise, and sponsored programs
DOT Physical Exam Tennessee
Medical certification and submission process
CDL Drug Test Tennessee
FMCSA Clearinghouse and TN CDL holders
CDL Trucking Schools Tennessee
TCAT campuses, private schools, and costs
How Long Does a Tennessee CDL Take?
Full step-by-step timeline
What to Bring to Tennessee CDL Test
Full document checklist for both appointments
Tennessee CDL Test Questions
50 GK, 25 Air Brakes, 20 Combo, what each test covers
Tennessee CDL Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test?
50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass.
How long must I hold a Tennessee CLP before the skills test?
14 days, the standard federal minimum.
How long is a Tennessee CLP valid?
365 days (12 months) from the date of issue.
How much does a Tennessee CLP cost?
$14 for Class A, or $13 for Class B or C.
How do I schedule a skills test?
By phone at 615-502-4179, or by email at DI.CDL.CSTIMS@tn.gov.