Tennessee CDL Requirements

How to get a CDL in Tennessee through the Department of Safety, including fees and training.

CDL Classes, Testing, and Fees

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security issues CDLs. CDL costs $52 for a 5-year license. CLP is $22, valid for 180 days. Knowledge tests at driver service centers statewide. Skills tests at state or third-party sites ($150-$350). Tennessee has approximately 40 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers. CDL training at Nashville State CC, Southwest Tennessee CC (Memphis), and Chattanooga State CC costs $2,000-$5,000. Most in-demand endorsements: T (Double/Triple for FedEx/Memphis intermodal), H (Hazmat), N (Tank). FedEx, J.B. Hunt, and Werner have major Tennessee operations offering company-sponsored training.

FAQs — Tennessee CDL Requirements

Tennessee CDL is $52 for 5 years. CLP is $22. Skills testing runs $150-$350. Community college programs cost $2,000-$5,000. FedEx and other major carriers offer company-sponsored training from Tennessee locations.

Double/Triple (T) is essential for FedEx World Hub and Memphis intermodal operations. Hazmat (H) for chemical distribution along the Tennessee River corridor. Tank (N) for fuel distribution. FedEx is the state's largest private employer and heavily recruits T-endorsed drivers.