How to obtain a Tennessee CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit)
Getting Started . . .
Getting a Tennessee CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency
requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
- The first step is to get a free copy of the Tennessee CDL Manual - TN CDL Handbook. The Tennessee manual is available in the Tennessee field
locations, downloaded from the Tennessee website and printed. Tennessee has
its own process to get your Tennessee CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit).
- The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what
kind of driving you want to get the CDL for.
- There are 3 classes of Tennessee CDLs with endorsements
for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank
trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each type of Tennessee CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) and endorsement
requires you to pass written tests and in some cases a 3-part skills test in a representative type vehicle. It
is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having
restrictions on your license.
Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic
steps to getting a Tennessee CDL:
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Tennessee
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which TN CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Step 1: Get the Tennessee Commercial Learners Permit (TN CLP)
A
Tennessee Commercial Learners Permit (TN CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public
roads with a qualified Tennessee CDL holder
sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing
all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make
sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10
years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in
the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified.
Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a
DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see
to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the
Tennessee CLP. Reading and following the instructions
found in the specific
Tennessee CDL Information will streamline the process.
Step 2: Get the Tennessee Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
You are required to possess the Tennessee CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test.
Some states require the successful completion of Tennessee CDL training prior to
testing. Regardless, it is highly recommended that you practice the inspection
tests and maneuvers in the Tennessee CDL Manual that you will be tested on with a
qualified individual before showing up for the test. You must pass all 3 parts
of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test,
and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their "training aid"
to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the
Skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.
Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the
counter for processing. Some states will give you the Tennessee CDL that same day,
while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything
is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing
if you find a mistake later.
Checklist . . .
- Possess current valid regular driver's license in Tennessee.
- Show proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll
check stub, W-2 Form).
- For interstate driving, submit proof of DOT Medical Certificate. For
intrastate driving, complete an application which includes a statement
certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications. If you have
had any change in your physical condition since your last driver license
renewal which may affect your ability to drive, you may need a special
form from the branch office for your physician to fill out before you
can apply for your license.
- Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by your
Tennessee DMV office personnel.
- Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required
knowledge tests to obtain a Tennessee CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).
This allows you to practice driving under supervision of a driver who
has a CDL for the type of vehicle you wish to drive. A Tennessee CDL Temporary
Instruction Permit (TIP) is also required for taking the TN CDL skills
tests. If you do not pass a knowledge test on your first attempt, you
must wait one day to retake the test. There is a one-day wait period
for any subsequent retest.
- Pay your Tennessee CDL fees.
- Schedule your Tennessee CDL skills test.
- Upon successfully passing your Skills Tests, return to the Tennessee DMV
office.
- Receive your Tennessee CDL.
Are YOU ready to get YOUR Tennessee CDL?
Prepare for YOUR Tennessee CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the Tennessee CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Tennessee CDL and in the free Tennessee CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
Tennessee CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Tennessee CDL written exams to get your Tennessee CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Tennessee CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight Tennessee CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three Tennessee CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice Tennessee CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
"Because of test anxiety, I procrastinated until I only had three days left before I needed my CDL permit before purchasing from you. I am holding my CDL permit. I wish I found your web site sooner. Thanks!
" - R.K., Hamilton, OH
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" - C.H., Mesa, AZ
"I just want to thank you for your program. Much better than expected. I got my Class B permit on my first try. I am now studying your CDL skills tests material before I start my hands-on training.
" - M.K., Lakeland, FL
"A little thank you note. I normally hate studying for tests. Not this time! It was interesting, straight forward and had TONS of different study and practice options. Keep up the good work!
" - P.A., Bloomington, MN
