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Tennessee CDL Practice Test
10 Tennessee-specific questions + General Knowledge · Updated July 12, 2026
The Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test runs 50 questions at the federal 80% standard (miss up to 10). Tennessee administers the CDL knowledge test in English only (as most states now do). This practice set leads with 10 questions specific to Tennessee — the state licensing rules (CLP validity, fees, intrastate age) that generic CDL prep skips — then fills with General Knowledge from the federally standardized material.
Tennessee's real CDL exam sections. Also take the Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles practice tests.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. In Tennessee, a commercial driver who is under 21 years old is restricted to:
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Correct answer: Operating a commercial motor vehicle only within Tennessee (intrastate)
Tennessee issues a CDL at 18, but a driver under 21 is restricted to intrastate operation — driving a CMV only within Tennessee. Interstate operation (across state lines) requires you to be at least 21 (49 CFR 391.11).
2. What is the minimum age to apply for a Tennessee CDL?
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Correct answer: 18 years old
You must be at least 18 to apply for a Tennessee CDL. Until you turn 21 you are limited to intrastate driving; interstate driving requires age 21.
3. Before Tennessee will issue your commercial learner permit (CLP), you must first:
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Correct answer: Pass the CDL general knowledge test
To obtain your Tennessee CLP you must first take and pass the CDL general knowledge test at a Driver Services Center. The permit then lets you practice before the skills tests.
4. How long is a Tennessee commercial learner permit (CLP) valid?
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Correct answer: One year
A Tennessee Class A commercial learner permit is issued for one year — the federal maximum for a CLP (49 CFR 383.25). You must hold the CLP at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
5. In Tennessee, a Class A CDL is required for any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of:
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Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds
Tennessee Class A covers any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. It is the only class that permits the largest tractor-trailer combinations.
6. A Tennessee Class C CDL is required when a vehicle is designed to transport:
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Correct answer: More than 15 passengers (including the driver), or is used to carry hazardous materials
Tennessee Class C applies to a single vehicle or combination designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), or used to transport material found to be hazardous, that does not otherwise meet the Class A or Class B weight definitions.
7. A Tennessee Class B CDL is required for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of:
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Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more (it may also tow a unit up to 10,000 pounds)
Tennessee Class B covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer that does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR. Towing a heavier unit pushes you into Class A.
8. A Tennessee driver who does not need a Class A CDL but hauls loads of 10,001 pounds or more may be required to hold:
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Correct answer: An A/57 license
Tennessee uses an A/57 license for drivers who do not require a Class A CDL but who haul an excess of 10,001 pounds or more. Match your credential to the weight you actually pull.
9. As part of qualifying for a Tennessee CDL, you must obtain a:
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Correct answer: DOT medical examination (physical) from an FMCSA-certified medical provider
Tennessee CDL applicants must pass a DOT physical performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry and keep the medical certificate current to stay qualified.
10. Since February 7, 2022, a first-time Tennessee Class A or Class B CDL applicant must, before taking the CDL skills test:
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Correct answer: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
Effective February 7, 2022, entry-level CMV drivers are not eligible to take the CDL test until they complete the required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel instruction from a school listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
11. A Class B CDL is required to drive:
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Correct answer: A single vehicle rated at 26,001 lbs. or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit not over 10,000 lbs.
Class B covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, or such a vehicle towing another not over 10,000 lbs. GVWR. Towing a heavier unit pushes you into Class A.
12. A Class C CDL is required for a vehicle that does not meet Class A or B weights but:
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Correct answer: Is designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver), or carries hazardous materials requiring placards
Class C covers vehicles that do not meet the Class A or B weight ratings but are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver) or that must be placarded for hazardous materials.
13. How should you think about a CDL knowledge study manual or practice test?
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Correct answer: As test preparation — it is not a substitute for formal truck-driver training
The manual states it is not a substitute for a truck-driver training class. Formal, hands-on training is the most reliable way to learn to safely operate a large commercial vehicle.
14. What is the minimum age set by federal rule to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce?
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Correct answer: 21 years old
Federal rules require a driver to be at least 21 to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Drivers aged 18–20 are generally limited to intrastate driving; the exact intrastate rule varies by state.
15. What is the minimum age to hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP)?
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Correct answer: 18 years old
A CLP holder must be at least 18 years old. You must hold a CLP before taking the CDL skills (driving) test.
16. Which knowledge test must every CDL applicant take, regardless of vehicle class or endorsements?
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Correct answer: The general knowledge test
The general knowledge test is taken by all applicants. Other knowledge tests — air brakes, combination, and endorsement tests — depend on the class of license and endorsements you need.
17. When must you take the air brakes knowledge test?
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Correct answer: If the vehicle you will drive has air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes
You must pass the air brakes test if the vehicle you intend to drive is equipped with air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes. Failing or skipping it results in a no-air-brake restriction.
18. The combination vehicles knowledge test is required if you want to:
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Correct answer: Drive combination vehicles (a Class A CDL)
The combination vehicles test is required to drive combination vehicles. Passing it is part of qualifying for a Class A CDL.
19. After passing the required knowledge tests, which three general skills are tested on the CDL skills test?
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Correct answer: Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
The skills test covers three areas: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take it in the type of vehicle for which you want to be licensed.
20. What score must you achieve to pass each CDL knowledge test section?
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Correct answer: At least 80 percent
Federal rule sets the passing mark at 80 percent for each section of the CDL knowledge test, and this standard is the same in every state.
📱 PermitPal in your browser has the full 356-question CDL bank plus Tennessee's state unit — mock exams in all three real sections (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination) at the federal 80% standard. Free to start, $29.99 once. Also on the App Store and Google Play.