Back to Tennessee TestsNot Tennessee? Change state

Tennessee Passenger Test

Tennessee’s I-40 traffic isn’t like anywhere else – prepare for it here.

60
Questions
80%
To Pass
25
Minutes

60 questions · 25 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Tennessee CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Tennessee Passenger Test

Tennessee’s roads vary from flat farmland to steep mountain passes. You’ll run into fog in the valleys, sudden rain on the interstates, and snow in the eastern hills. That’s why the state’s passenger test focuses on real-world conditions you’ll face every day.

This test isn’t just about rules—it’s about keeping people safe. You’ll learn how to handle emergency exits, secure wheelchairs, and manage crowded stops. Each question targets a skill you’ll need behind the wheel.

Our practice test matches the official Tennessee DMV format. Use it to find your weak spots before you walk into the testing center. No fluff, just the stuff that counts.

Topics Covered

✓Passenger safety procedures – critical for school buses on Tennessee’s rural roads.
✓Emergency exits and evacuations – know how to get everyone out fast.
✓Pre-trip inspection – catch issues before you climb into the driver’s seat.
✓Loading and unloading – handle curbs, ramps, and student behavior.
✓Dangerous driving conditions – fog, rain, and snow affect Tennessee drivers daily.
✓Weight and balance – keep your bus stable on tight mountain curves.

Study Tips

Start with the Tennessee CDL manual. It’s free online and covers every rule you’ll be tested on. Then take our practice test to see where you stand. Don’t just memorize answers – understand why each rule exists.

Schedule your appointment at a Tennessee DMV testing site early. Some locations book up weeks in advance. Bring your medical certificate and current license. You’ll pay a $12 endorsement fee on top of the $90 skills test fee.

Tennessee Specific Information

Tennessee offers CDL passenger testing at DMV sites in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and many more. You must schedule an appointment online at tn.gov. Walk-ins aren’t allowed.

The fee for the passenger endorsement knowledge test is $12. You can add it to your CDL permit test or take it later. Bring proof of residency and your social security card. Most sites require you to show up 15 minutes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate test for the Passenger endorsement in Tennessee?
Yes, you must pass a specific knowledge test for passengers after you get your general CDL knowledge test done. It’s a 20-question exam.
Can I drive a school bus with just a Passenger endorsement?
No, you also need a School Bus endorsement (S). That requires an additional knowledge test and a skills test. The passenger endorsement covers other passenger vehicles like coaches and vans.
How many questions do I have to get right on the Tennessee Passenger test?
You need 16 correct out of 20 to pass – that’s 80%. The test is timed at 25 minutes, so don’t rush but don’t linger too long on one question.
Do I need a DOT medical card for a passenger endorsement?
It depends. If you drive passengers for hire or across state lines, you need a valid DOT medical card. For intrastate school bus drivers, check with your school district – Tennessee has its own requirements.
Where can I take the passenger test in Tennessee?
You can take it at any CDL testing DMV location. Book your appointment online at tn.gov. Popular spots include Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, but smaller offices work too.
JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content