Tennessee CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Tennessee starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Tennessee included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Tennessee CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

50general knowledge questions
80%passing score on every test
8knowledge tests covered
TNpick your state once in the app

Free Tennessee CDL practice quiz

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Tennessee Class A applicants take first. Tap an answer to see if you were right and read the explanation.

0 of 5 right0 of 5 answered

Compared with an empty rig, a fully loaded tractor-trailer is about how much more likely to roll over in a crash?
"Rearward amplification" (the crack-the-whip effect) means that:
A trailer jackknife is most likely when:
"Off-tracking" means:
When making a tight right turn with a combination vehicle you should:

Every CDL test for Tennessee drivers

Each page has a free ten-question quiz, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Tennessee CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Tennessee; the current ones from Tennessee DOSHS are in the next section. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Tennessee CDL fees and rules

In Tennessee the CDL is issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services. The figures below are taken from its own pages and were last checked on 2 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the agency before you go.

Study from the state's own book: Tennessee CDL Manual. PassRig's questions are written from the same FMCSA manual it is based on.

What	TN	Source
Learner's permit fee	$14.00 for a Class A permit, $13.00 for Class B or C; valid 1 year	tn.gov
CDL fee	$70.00 for Class A, $62.00 for Class B or C; valid 8 years	tn.gov
Permit valid for	365 days	tn.gov
Minimum age	18; under 21 restricted to driving within Tennessee	tn.gov
Appointment	Appointment recommended (book online) or arrive as early in the day as possible	tn.gov
If you fail	Next day after a failed knowledge test	tn.gov
Test languages	Paper test or computer read-aloud in English may be available	tn.gov
Medical certificate	Current, valid DOT medical card required before you can take a test, renew or get a duplicate	tn.gov
Entry-level driver training	All new applicants must complete ELDT with a registered training provider	tn.gov
Also worth knowing	CLP must be held at least 14 days, with all required training done, before booking the skills test	tn.gov

3 official pages from Tennessee DOSHS were read for this section. Nothing on it is estimated.

Tennessee CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL test?

The Tennessee CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Tennessee CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Tennessee?

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services gives the test. Appointment recommended (book online) or arrive as early in the day as possible The test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

How much does a CDL permit cost in Tennessee?

Tennessee DOSHS lists the commercial learner's permit fee as $14.00 for a Class A permit, $13.00 for Class B or C; valid 1 year. If you fail a knowledge test: Next day after a failed knowledge test

Does PassRig have Tennessee CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Tennessee in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.