TENNESSEE CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Tennessee CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Tennessee CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual TN general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. When you are driving very slowly you should:
stay in the left lane.
avoid braking.
use the 4-way emergency flashers.
not use any lights.
2. In cool weather, as the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt:
traction will increase.
it is safe to drive.
black will makes the road look wet.
the road will become more slippery.
3. If a vehicle is equipped with ABS, when you start the engine:
the trailer emergency brakes will come on.
the wheels will lock up.
the spring brakes will come on.
the ABS indicator light on the dash should come on and then turn off.
4. If driving a heavy vehicle, you should:
avoid braking.
stay in the right lane.
stay in the left lane.
try to pass other vehicles going uphill.
5. When the temperature drops, which of the following surfaces will become icy first?
Curves
Off-ramps
Underpasses
Bridges
6. Engine oil pressure should come up to normal within _________ after the engine is started.
two minutes
five minutes
ten minutes
seconds
7. You should not use your horn unnecessarily. Why?
The horn on a vehicle wears out very quickly
On vehicles possessing air brakes, it uses up air pressure you may need to be able to stop
The horn can startle other drivers, which could be dangerous.
All of the above.
8. When switching gears, if you remain too long in Neutral:
you may have difficulty putting the vehicle into the next gear.
the vehicle will speed up.
the brakes won't work.
the ABS won't work.
9. How should you brake if your vehicle loses ABS?
Step on and off the brake pedal several times
Pump the brake repeatedly
Stay off the Brake
Brake as you always have.
10. When driving, you should be alert for:
sleepy drivers late at night.
people who are distracted.
drivers whose vision is blocked.
All of the above.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class D driver license in Tennessee are established by the four steps of the Graduated Driver License Program:
  • For a learner permit, you must be 15 years old.
  • For an intermediate restricted license, you must be 16 years old and have held the permit for 180 days.
  • For an intermediate unrestricted license, you must be 17 years old and have held an intermediate restricted license for one year.
  • For a regular driver license, you must be 18 years old or have completed high school or obtained a GED.
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirements do not apply to emancipated teens (due to active duty military service, marriage, or court order), individuals under 18 who have finished school, or individuals who are 18 or older.

Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 can take the DMV written test online under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian registered on the PID (Proctor Identification) App. Alternatively, it is possible to schedule an appointment for permit tests at a Tennessee driver services center. First-time applicants should complete the application before visiting the center.
You'll need to bring the following documents:
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence (in case of a name change, documentation must be provided).
  • Two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a home utility bill or bank statement).
  • Proof of full Social Security Number.
If you are under 18, you'll also need:


The DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. Additionally, individuals who speak another language may also utilize translation dictionaries. For applicants with learning disabilities or those unable to read, oral tests are available by appointment. In case the applicants are deaf, an interpreter will be provided to assist them during the oral exam.

To prepare for the DMV written test, study the Tennessee Driver's Handbook thoroughly. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find practice questions to help you verify your knowledge of traffic laws. You can also find additional practice tests on DMV Premium to further improve your preparation.

The DMV written test in Tennessee consists of 30 multiple-choice questions based on the driver's manual. These questions cover topics such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam.

You can make up to 6 mistakes on the Tennessee DMV written test. To pass, you need to answer at least 24 questions correctly, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. Take your time to read each question accurately.
If you have a learner permit:
  • You must drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front seat.
  • Driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is not permitted.

If you have an intermediate restricted license:  
  • You are allowed to have only one passenger in the car with you unless they are licensed drivers aged 21 or older, or if transporting siblings.
  • Driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. is prohibited unless under the supervision of a parent/guardian, or someone designated by the parent/guardian, or for school or work activities. Exceptions also apply for driving to/from hunting or fishing between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. with a valid hunting or fishing license.


You must wait 1 day before another attempt. However, after a second online failure, you will need to go to a Tennessee driver services center to retake the DMV written test in person. If you were caught cheating, the test will automatically fail and you have to wait 30 days before retaking it.

TN CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
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