How To Get Your Tennessee CDL

Getting a Tennessee CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.

• The first step is to get a free copy of the Tennessee CDL Manual - TN CDL Handbook. The manual is available in their field locations, downloaded from their website and printed. Each state has its own processes to getting your Tennessee CDL.
• The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
• There are 3 classes of Tennessee CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each types of Tennessee CDL and endorsement requires you pass a skills test and in some cases a written test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.

Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic steps to getting a Tennessee CDL:

A Tennessee Commercial Learners Permit (TN CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified Tennessee CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the Tennessee CLP. Reading and following the instructions found in your specific Tennessee CDL Information will streamline the process.

You are required to possess the Tennessee CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test. Some states require the successful completion of Tennessee CDL training prior to testing. Regardless, it is highly recommended that you practice the inspection tests and maneuvers in the Tennessee CDL Manual that you will be tested on with a qualified individual before showing up for the test. You must pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their "training aid" to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the Skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.

Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some states will give you the Tennessee CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later.

• Possess current valid regular driver's license in Tennessee.
• Show proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll check stub, W-2 Form).
• For interstate driving, submit proof of DOT Medical Certificate. For intrastate driving, complete an application which includes a statement certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications. If you have had any change in your physical condition since your last driver license renewal which may affect your ability to drive, you may need a special form from the branch office for your physician to fill out before you can apply for your license.
• Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by your Tennessee DMV office personnel.
• Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required knowledge tests to obtain a Tennessee CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP). This allows you to practice driving under supervision of a driver who has a CDL for the type of vehicle you wish to drive. A Tennessee CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) is also required for taking the TN CDL skills tests. If you do not pass a knowledge test on your first attempt, you must wait one day to retake the test. There is a one-day wait period for any subsequent retest.
• Pay your Tennessee CDL fees.
• Schedule your Tennessee CDL skills test.
• Upon successfully passing your Skills Tests, return to the Tennessee DMV office.
• Receive your Tennessee CDL.