Do All Truck Drivers Need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Tennessee?

By Rocky McElhaney | August 21, 2024

Do All Truck Drivers Need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Tennessee?In Tennessee, as in most states, truck drivers typically need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they are operating vehicles that fall into specific categories. Generally, a CDL is required for:

  • Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
  • Combination vehicles with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds
  • Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
  • Any size vehicle used in the transportation of hazardous materials requiring placarding under regulations

There are different classes of CDL (Class A, B, and C) based on the type of vehicle being driven and its weight. Additionally, certain endorsements may be required for specific types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.

However, there are exemptions for certain types of drivers. For example, farmers driving farm vehicles, military personnel operating military vehicles, and firefighters operating emergency vehicles might not need a CDL under certain conditions.

Who Needs a Commercial Driver’s License in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for drivers who operate certain types of vehicles. The specific requirements are as follows:

  • Class A CDL: Required for operating a combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, if the vehicle being towed weighs over 10,000 pounds. Examples include tractor-trailers and truck and trailer combinations.
  • Class B CDL: Required for operating a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Examples include large buses (city, tourist, and school buses), segmented buses, and box trucks like delivery trucks and furniture trucks.
  • Class C CDL: Required for operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carrying hazardous materials that require placarding under federal regulations. Examples include small HAZMAT vehicles, passenger vans, and small school buses.

Endorsements

In addition to the CDL classes, certain endorsements are required for specific types of vehicles or cargo:

  • T: Double/triple trailers
  • P: Passenger vehicles
  • N: Tank vehicles
  • H: Hazardous materials
  • X: Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials

Exemptions

There are exemptions for specific groups of drivers, which means they may not need a CDL under certain conditions:

  • Farmers: Operating farm vehicles within 150 miles of their farm
  • Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Operating emergency vehicles
  • Military Personnel: Operating military vehicles
  • Recreational Vehicle Operators: Driving RVs for personal use

What are Tennessee’s Requirements to Obtain a Commercial Truck Driver’s License?

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Tennessee, applicants must meet several requirements and go through a specific process. Here are the eligibility requirements:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state (intrastate) and 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate), transport hazardous materials, or drive a school bus
  • License: Must hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license
  • Residency: Must be a resident of Tennessee

Applicants must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate to ensure that they are physically capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle.

To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), applicants must complete the following:

  • Age and residency verification: Provide proof of age and Tennessee residency.
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit: Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. The CLP allows the driver to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder
  • Knowledge test: Pass the General Knowledge test and any additional tests for specific endorsements (air brakes, passenger, hazardous materials)

CDL training

While not always mandatory, completing a CDL training program from a recognized truck driving school can be highly beneficial. Some companies and schools offer training that may help prepare for the skills test.

Skills test

  • Basic control skills test: Demonstrate basic vehicle control skills
  • Road test: Demonstrate the ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely on public roads
  • Vehicle inspection test: Demonstrate the ability to inspect a commercial vehicle

Documentation and fees

  • Documents: Submit the necessary documentation, including the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security Number.
  • Fees: Pay the applicable fees for the CDL application, knowledge tests, and skills test.

If applying for a hazardous materials endorsement, applicants must undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. Once all tests are passed and requirements are met, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue the CDL.

Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Disqualifications

In Tennessee, certain actions and offenses can lead to disqualification from holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here are the main disqualifications:

Major Offenses

  • Alcohol and Controlled Substances:
    • Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under the influence of alcohol
    • Driving a CMV under the influence of a controlled substance
    • Refusing to undergo testing for alcohol or controlled substances
    • Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher
    • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV
  • Felonies:
  • Using a CMV to commit a felony.
  • Using a CMV to commit a felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances.

Serious Traffic Violations

  • Driving a CMV without a CDL
  • Driving a CMV without possessing a CDL
  • Driving a CMV minus the appropriate class of CDL and/or endorsements
  • Following another vehicle too closely
  • Improper or erratic lane changes
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding excessively (15 mph or more over the posted limit)
  • Traffic offenses committed in a CMV that result in a fatality

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Violations

  • Failure to slow down and check that the tracks are clear
  • Failure to stop before driving onto the crossing if the tracks are not clear
  • Failure to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing
  • Failure to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance

Out-of-Service Violations

  • Violating an out-of-service order while driving a CMV

Disqualification Periods

  • First major offense: Disqualification for at least one year (three years if transporting hazardous materials)
  • Second major offense: Lifetime disqualification, which may be reduced to 10 years under certain conditions
  • Serious traffic violations: Disqualification for 60 days if two serious violations occur within three years, and 120 days for three serious violations within three years
  • Railroad-highway grade crossing violations: Disqualification for 60 days for the first violation, 120 days for the second violation within three years, and one year for a third violation within three years
  • Out-of-service violations: Disqualification for at least 180 days for the first violation, two years for the second violation within ten years, and three years for the third violation within ten years

Additional Considerations

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) in a non-CMV: A DUI conviction in a personal vehicle can also lead to CDL disqualification.
  • Traffic violations in personal vehicle: Repeated serious traffic violations in a personal vehicle can result in CDL disqualification.

CDL holders need to maintain a clean driving record and adhere to all traffic laws and regulations to avoid disqualification. For the most up-to-date and specific information, refer to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or consult their official website.

Truck accidents account for a large number of highway fatalities in Tennessee. Rocky McElhaney Law Firm advocates on behalf of victims injured in trucking accidents throughout the state. To set up an initial consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys, call us in Nashville or fill out our contact form today.

Posted in Truck Accidents