Tennessee, like all states, has special requirements for drivers of trucks, buses and other commercial motor vehicles. An applicant seeking a career as a commercial driver generally must obtain a Tennessee CDL license. The Department of State Health administers the testing and licensing program for drivers. Applicants first obtain knowledge of a CDL permit. Once permitted and hands on CDL training is complete, applicants can then take the proficiency test to obtain a Tennessee commercial driver’s license.
I step:
Go to the Department of Driver Safety Services Center to obtain a Tennessee CDL manually. Or, study online by going to Tennessee.gov/safety/publications/CDLManual09.pdf. Several online resources also provide valuable CDL materials to help you prepare for the Tennessee CDL test. Do a search for “driving study” and “CDL practice test” to find these resources.
Step 2:
Get a copy of the federal CDL physical fitness exam forms at Fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/forms/649f.pdf. The doctor will give you a medical certificate if you pass this physical. You must present this card when taking the test at the Department of Health Driver Services< /a> Center.
Level 3;
Use the Tennessee CDL manual and online resources to study for the literature knowledge test. Once you pass this test, you can learner’s CDL permit to actually practice and drive commercial vehicles.
When studying for the CDL test, you should study the general portions of the manual plus any sections on the signatures for the signature tests you will be taking. For example, a school bus driver must pass “school bus” and “passenger bus” signatures. The manual describes vehicles or goods that require a signature test. Study the entire manual if you want to have a license without restrictions at all.
Step 4:
Get Tennessee CDL training when you get your Tennessee CDL approved by the Department of Safety Driver Services Center. Examples of CDL-ready training include training for car drivers, employers like Greyhound for passenger drivers, training with trucking companies and truck drivers training schools. You can get a list of schools that offer truck driver training from the Truck Driver Institute at Ptdi.org/schola/schools.aspx.
Step 5:
take a skills test at the Tennessee Department of Health Driver Services Center. If you pass this second skills/examination test, you can get a Tennessee CDL license and commercial services in Tennessee. Licensees who are at least 21 can also drive interstate with a commercial.
When testing for a CDL license, you will need to provide your vehicle or use a third party testing service. Contact the local testing office for contact information for third party testing. If you need a vehicle, common sources of vehicle testing include training schools, employers or rental agencies.
Noted drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials first checked the group and then signed the HAZMAT test. Go to Hazprints.com to get the ball rolling on background check.
Sources:
Tennessee CDL Manual
Welcome to the Truck Driving School With Certification
