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Get your Tennessee CDL — government fees ($60), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$60
TOTAL GOV FEES
$1,300-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Driver Services Center with required identification and Medical Examiner's Certificate. Pass vision screening and CDL knowledge test(s) including general knowledge, air brakes, and applicable endorsement exams. Pay the CLP fee.
CLP valid for 12 months
Fee: $14 (Class A) / $13 (Class B/C)Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Tennessee technical colleges (TCATs) offer affordable training programs
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule skills test at a Driver Services Center or through a third-party tester. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Schedule state tests by calling 615-502-4179 or emailing DI.CDL.CSTIMS@tn.gov
Fee: $0 (state) / $150–$250 (third-party)Receive Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and endorsement fees at a Driver Services Center. Receive your CDL.
Additional $4 County Clerk administrative fee may apply
Fee: $46 (Class A) plus $2.50 per endorsementCommercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($14) + CDL ($46) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
State technical colleges ~$1,300 (before financial aid); private schools $3,500–$7,000
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
State Driver Services Centers do not charge for skills tests; third-party testers charge separate fees
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing available through TCATs and other certified testing organizations
Third-party fee: $150–$250 (Varies by provider; e.g., TCAT Shelbyville charges $200 initial, $75 retake)
Scheduling Note
Call 615-502-4179 (Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm CT) or email DI.CDL.CSTIMS@tn.gov to schedule at a Driver Services Center
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Tennessee for at least 30 days (30-day requirement does not apply to permits)
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $2.50 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $5 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $20 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$14
Class PA permit; Class PB/PC is $13
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$46
Class A renewal; Class B/C is $41; plus $2.50 per endorsement. Actual term may be 4-7 years under 'Drive for Five' law.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Tennessee licenses are renewed every 8 years from date of issuance (not birthdate). CDL holders must renew in person at a Driver Services Center and provide current valid Medical Certification. County Clerk Partners charge an additional $4 administrative fee.
Regulatory Board
Visit a Driver Services Center with valid out-of-state CDL, required identification, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and proof of Tennessee residency (30 days). Surrender out-of-state license. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$46
Class A CDL; includes $6 application fee and $40 license fee
Timeline
After 30 days of Tennessee residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required if transferring H endorsement
Tennessee's Highways for Heroes program allows qualifying military service members to have their CDL skills tests waived. Knowledge tests are still required.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Tennessee.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Tennessee range from $1,300 to $7,000. State technical colleges ~$1,300 (before financial aid); private schools $3,500–$7,000
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Tennessee
Tennessee's 'Drive for Five' law means licenses are issued for a period evenly divisible by 5 relative to your birthday, resulting in actual terms of 4 to 7 years. School bus endorsements cost significantly more ($20) than other endorsements ($2.50 each). CDL skills tests at state Driver Services Centers are free, but third-party testers charge $150-$250.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#7 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$46,130
25th percentile
Median
$55,610
-3% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$70,600
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
63,130 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial Driver License | Tennessee Department of Safety
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Driver License | Tennessee Department of Safety
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Driver License | Tennessee Department of Safety
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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