Tennessee General Knowledge Test
From the flat delta in Memphis to the mountain grades on I-40 near the Smokies, this test covers what you need to know for Tennessee roads.
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This is the Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test. You need 40 out of 50 to pass — same as the real thing.
Key Topics
- •Vehicle inspection
- •Basic control
- •Road rules
About the Tennessee General Knowledge Test
Topics Covered
- ✓Vehicle inspection – Tennessee examiners expect you to know the seven-step inspection cold. They've seen too many drivers skip checking brakes before hitting I-40's downhill grades.
- ✓Basic vehicle control – Shifting, turning, and backing matter on tight Nashville loading docks and narrow mountain roads. You'll get questions on how to handle a long trailer in close quarters.
- ✓Communicating with other drivers – On I-24 near Chattanooga, traffic mixes with tourists and 18-wheelers. Knowing when to signal and how to use your horn can prevent wrecks.
- + 3 more topics
📘 Study Tips & State Info
Tennessee DMV examiners love the pre-trip inspection. They'll quiz you on every step. Don't just memorize the list — understand why you check each part. For example, why do you check the brake chambers for air leaks? Because a leak on I-40's downhill could cost you your brakes.
Air brake questions are heavy on the Tennessee test. The manual has a whole section on brake fade and stopping distance in hot weather. Study that. Also, Tennessee includes questions about hazardous materials placards even for the General Knowledge test — they want every driver to recognize a hazmat load when they see one.
Practice with our simulator until you can score 90% consistently. The real test gives you 60 minutes for 50 questions. That's more than enough time if you know the material. Use the extra time to double-check your answers.
Tennessee administers the CDL knowledge test at Driver Service Centers across the state. You don't need an appointment at all locations, but it's strongly recommended. Walk-ins wait longer, especially in Nashville and Memphis. The test fee for a Commercial Learner's Permit is $36.50 as of 2025. You'll need to bring your Medical Examiner's Certificate and proof of Tennessee residency.
After you pass the General Knowledge test, you can take endorsement tests the same day. Tennessee allows you to add endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker later, but you'll have to pay the fee again. The skills test is done by third-party testers at approved locations — the DMV doesn't do the road test anymore.
One thing Tennessee does different: they require a vision screening at the time of application. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Your vision must be at least 20/40 with correction. They'll also check your knowledge of Tennessee-specific traffic laws, like the state's move-over law for emergency vehicles.
About the Tennessee General Knowledge Test
The Tennessee CDL General Knowledge test is the first step for anyone getting a commercial driver's license. It covers vehicle inspection, basic control, and traffic laws. You'll take it at any Tennessee Driver Service Center. The test is 50 questions, and you need 80% to pass.
Tennessee's roads aren't all the same. You've got I-40 cutting through the Smokies with steep grades and tight curves. You've got I-24 through the plateau where fog can drop visibility to zero. Down in Memphis, I-40 and I-55 merge into one of the busiest trucking corridors in the country. The test reflects that variety.
Weather here changes fast. Summer humidity makes brakes fade quicker. Winter ice on I-65 north of Nashville catches drivers off guard. The General Knowledge test asks about these conditions. It's not just book stuff — it's how you keep your rig safe on actual Tennessee pavement.
Topics Covered
Study Tips
Tennessee DMV examiners love the pre-trip inspection. They'll quiz you on every step. Don't just memorize the list — understand why you check each part. For example, why do you check the brake chambers for air leaks? Because a leak on I-40's downhill could cost you your brakes.
Air brake questions are heavy on the Tennessee test. The manual has a whole section on brake fade and stopping distance in hot weather. Study that. Also, Tennessee includes questions about hazardous materials placards even for the General Knowledge test — they want every driver to recognize a hazmat load when they see one.
Practice with our simulator until you can score 90% consistently. The real test gives you 60 minutes for 50 questions. That's more than enough time if you know the material. Use the extra time to double-check your answers.
Tennessee Specific Information
Tennessee administers the CDL knowledge test at Driver Service Centers across the state. You don't need an appointment at all locations, but it's strongly recommended. Walk-ins wait longer, especially in Nashville and Memphis. The test fee for a Commercial Learner's Permit is $36.50 as of 2025. You'll need to bring your Medical Examiner's Certificate and proof of Tennessee residency.
After you pass the General Knowledge test, you can take endorsement tests the same day. Tennessee allows you to add endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker later, but you'll have to pay the fee again. The skills test is done by third-party testers at approved locations — the DMV doesn't do the road test anymore.
One thing Tennessee does different: they require a vision screening at the time of application. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Your vision must be at least 20/40 with correction. They'll also check your knowledge of Tennessee-specific traffic laws, like the state's move-over law for emergency vehicles.