
If you're planning to drive a commercial vehicle in Tennessee, you'll need to obtain a CDL permit. The cost of a CDL permit in Tennessee is $6.25 for a new permit and $6.25 for a duplicate permit.
To apply for a CDL permit, you'll need to submit an application to the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application process typically takes 1-2 business days to complete.
You can apply for a CDL permit online or in person at a local DMV office. To apply online, you'll need to create an account on the Tennessee DMV website and follow the prompts to submit your application.
The required documents for a CDL permit application include proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
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CDL Permit Costs
The cost of getting a CDL permit in Tennessee can vary depending on the type of permit you need. The Commercial Learner's Permit Class A costs $14, while the Commercial Learner's Permit Class B or C costs $13.
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To get a CDL permit, you'll also need to pay for endorsements, which cost $2.50 each. If you need to replace your CDL, the first replacement costs $12, and subsequent replacements cost $16.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for getting your CDL permit in Tennessee:
- Commercial Learner's Permit Class A - $14
- Commercial Learner's Permit Class B or C - $13
- Endorsements - $2.50 each
- 1st Replacement CDL - $12
- 2nd or subsequent replacement - $16
It's worth noting that the cost of getting a CDL permit in Tennessee is relatively low, with the most expensive option being the Commercial Driver's License Class A, which costs $70.
CDL Requirements
To get a Tennessee CDL, you must meet certain requirements. You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Tennessee CDL and drive a commercial vehicle within the state of Tennessee.
You'll also need to meet the medical requirements, which include having vision in both eyes as well as each eye individually of 20/40, with visual improvement devices like glasses or contacts allowed. You must also be able to distinguish colors, perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet, and have a maximum allowable blood pressure of 160/100.
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Here are the medical requirements in more detail:
Core CDL Requirements
To get a CDL in Tennessee, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements. You must have a valid DOT Medical Card if you're applying for a CDL with a HazMat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement.
You'll also need to provide proof of your Social Security Number, a Tennessee driver's license or ID, or a valid driver's license or CDL from another state. Additionally, you'll need to show proof of domicile in Tennessee and proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status.
You'll need to be able to speak and read the English language to get a CDL in Tennessee. This is a requirement, so make sure you're comfortable with the language.
Here are the basic requirements for getting your CDL in Tennessee:
You can't have more than one driver's license, and your driving privileges must not be suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified in Tennessee or any other state. You'll also need to meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
CDL Physical Requirements

CDL Physical Requirements are a crucial aspect of obtaining a Commercial Driver's License in Tennessee. The state requires a medical certification status, which is recorded in the Commercial Driver's License System (CDLIS) record.
To meet the medical requirements, you'll need to have vision in both eyes as well as each eye individually of at least 20/40, with visual improvement devices like glasses or contacts allowed.
You'll also need to be able to distinguish colors and perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet.
Blood pressure is another important factor, with a maximum allowable blood pressure of 160/100, and the use of prescription medication to achieve this threshold is permitted.
If you have diabetes, you're allowed to apply if it's controlled through diet or medication, but diabetes controlled through insulin injections is not permitted.
Additionally, you'll need to pass a medical examination, which may include a stress test if you have a cardiovascular disease such as collapse, congestive cardiac failure, or cardiac insufficiency.
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Here's a summary of the medical requirements:
- Vision: 20/40 in both eyes, with visual improvement devices allowed
- Color perception: necessary
- Forced whisper: can be perceived at a distance of at least 5 feet
- Blood pressure: 160/100 or less, with prescription medication allowed
- Diabetes: controlled through diet or medication, but not insulin injections
- Cardiovascular disease: requires a stress test and note from your physician
Self Certification
Self certification is a crucial step in obtaining a commercial learner's permit or CDL in Tennessee. You'll need to let the DMV know what type of CDL driving you intend to engage in.
There are four classifications to choose from, each with its own requirements. You'll need to select one that matches your driving plans.
To get a Non-excepted Interstate (NI) permit, you'll operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and be required to maintain federal medical certification. This means you'll need a Medical Certificate/Card.
A Non-excepted Intrastate (NA) permit is for those who operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and meet FMCSA driver qualification requirements. Again, a Medical Certificate/Card is required.
Excepted Interstate (EI) permits are for those who operate in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify them for exception from federal medical certification requirements.

Excepted Intrastate (EA) permits are for those who operate only in a city, county, state or federal vehicle and are exempt from FMCSA driver qualification requirements.
Here are the four classifications summarized:
- Non-excepted Interstate (NI): Interstate commerce with federal medical certification required.
- Non-excepted Intrastate (NA): Intrastate commerce with FMCSA driver qualification requirements.
- Excepted Interstate (EI): Interstate commerce with exception from federal medical certification.
- Excepted Intrastate (EA): Intrastate commerce with exemption from FMCSA driver qualification requirements.
CDL Process
To get your CDL in Tennessee, you need to go through a multi-step process. First, you must be at least 18 years old to hold a Tennessee CDL and drive a commercial vehicle within the state of Tennessee.
The process starts with meeting the basic requirements, which include being at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines, carrying hazardous materials, or transporting passengers. You must also not have more than one driver's license and have a valid Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, or Green Card to prove citizenship and permission to work in the US.
To obtain your Tennessee Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), you must pass a set of written exams. These exams can be studied for using programs like our High Road CDL Training Program. You must also be able to speak and read the English language.

Here's a quick rundown of the basic requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Tennessee CDL.
- You must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines.
- You must not have more than one driver's license.
- You must meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
- You must pass a set of written exams to obtain your Tennessee Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
- You must prove citizenship in the state of Tennessee and have permission to work in the United States.
- You must certify that you are not subject to any of the CDL disqualifications for drivers.
- You must be able to speak and read the English language.
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