Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 3
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
(The Class D license is the ordinary driver's license.).
- 7
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to obtain unrestricted licenses or license endorsements.
- 8
An applicant can qualify for a class B license, restricted to interstate, driving at age 18 or a class A license, restricted to interstate driving, at age 19.
- 9
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS.
- 10
Visual examination, test on knowledge, and skills test in vehicle appropriate to class, are required.
- 11
An additional written and skill test are required for endorsement authorizing driving vehicles with air brakes.
Exam and processing details
- pass examinations
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Safety • Division of Driver License Issuance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,610 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to obtain unrestricted licenses or license endorsements.; An applicant can qualify for a class B license, restricted to interstate, driving at age 18 or a class A license, restricted to interstat...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass examinations.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Safety~Division of Driver License Issuance and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $55,610, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $57,440. Tennessee ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$55,610Hourly estimate
$26.743% below national median
Difference: -$1,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#31 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $55,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $55,590 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $54,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,580 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $56,570 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $50,120 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $50,700 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $49,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| Missouri | $50,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| North Carolina | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Safety • Division of Driver License Issuance
1150 Foster Av, P. O. Box 945, Nashville, TN, 37202
Phone: 6152535221
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $119,330 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,580 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Tennessee is $55,610. Salaries range from $38,380 (10th percentile) to $80,000 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Tennessee earn 3% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $55,610.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 63,130 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Safety / Division of Driver License Issuance. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.