Free Tennessee CDL practice test online
Take a free Tennessee CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Tennessee Driver Services.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Tennessee is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Tennessee CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Tennessee Driver Services is Tennessee’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Tennessee Driver Services (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Tennessee licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Tennessee non-commercial knowledge test runs 30 questions and needs 24 correct, with permits issued from age 15.
Tennessee permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Tennessee CDL practice questions
Try these Tennessee sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. Uranium and plutonium shipments are Hazard Class:
- A1
- B5
- 7 (radioactive)
- D8
Answer: 7 (radioactive). Class 7 radioactive packages may show a transport index that limits how many can ride in one vehicle.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Hazardous materials — hazard classes
2. On slippery roads, when first starting out you should:
- ASpin the drive wheels to clear snow
- Start gently and slowly to get the feel of traction
- CUse full throttle in the highest gear
- DRely on the retarder immediately
Answer: Start gently and slowly to get the feel of traction. If it is very slippery, do not drive at all—stop at the first safe place.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Driving in winter — slippery surfaces
3. A driver vehicle inspection report is normally completed:
- ABefore every trip only
- At the end of the driving day
- COnce a week
- DOnly after a breakdown
Answer: At the end of the driving day. The post-trip report records defects found that day so they can be repaired or certified as not needing repair before the vehicle is used again.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Vehicle inspection — inspection reports
4. The air-system safety relief valve is usually set to open at about:
- A100 psi
- B125 psi
- 150 psi
- D200 psi
Answer: 150 psi. It protects the first tank and the rest of the system from too much pressure. If it releases air, something is wrong and needs repair.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Air brakes — safety valve
5. If a school bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-highway crossing, the driver must:
- AKeep students on the bus and wait for the train
- Evacuate the bus
- CMove students onto the tracks away from traffic
- DOnly call dispatch and remain seated
Answer: Evacuate the bus. A stalled bus on the crossing is a mandatory evacuation situation.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — mandatory evacuations
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Tennessee just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
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Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.