Tennessee General Knowledge Test

About the Tennessee General Knowledge Test

Tennessee's CDL General Knowledge test covers everything you need to drive a commercial vehicle safely on our roads. You'll face questions about vehicle inspection, basic control, and state-specific laws. The exam has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to get 80% right to pass.

Our roads are diverse. You'll drive I-40 through the Smoky Mountains, I-24 through Chattanooga's winding valleys, and flat stretches of I-55 near Memphis. Tennessee's weather adds challenges too – fog in the Cumberland Plateau, ice on bridges in winter, and heavy spring rains that cause flash flooding.

Trucking is huge for Tennessee's economy. Memphis is home to FedEx's global hub. Nashville's distribution centers keep music and retail moving. Agriculture from West Tennessee cotton and soybean fields requires careful hauling. You can't afford to guess on the test.

Our practice test helps you spot weak areas before you spend the $30 testing fee. Study the Tennessee CDL Handbook alongside these questions. Focus on Tennessee-specific rules like school bus stop laws and hazmat restrictions on I-65.

What This Test Covers

• Vehicle Inspection – Tennessee's varied terrain from the Mississippi Delta to the Appalachian foothills means your pre-trip check must catch issues before they cause a breakdown.
• Basic Control – You'll need to navigate steep grades on I-40 near the North Carolina border and tight curves on I-24 outside Chattanooga.
• Communication – Tennessee's construction zones on interstates require clear signaling with hazard lights and flashers.
• Speed Management – Know Tennessee's speed limits: 70 mph on rural interstates, 55 mph on most two-lane highways, and lower limits in school zones.
• Space Management – Leave extra room on I-65 around Nashville where traffic merges from multiple ramp lanes.
• Night Driving – Many Tennessee rural roads lack streetlights; watch for deer and slow-moving farm vehicles after dark.

Study Tips

Visit your local Tennessee Driver Services Center early – appointments fill up fast. Bring your medical examiner's certificate, current license, and proof of residency. Study the Tennessee CDL Handbook's chapter on state-specific laws, especially the 'Move Over' law and school bus passing rules.

Use our practice test to identify which areas you need to review. Don't just memorize answers – understand the rules behind them. When you're ready, schedule your test online at tn.gov. Bring a valid form of payment for the $30 test fee.

Tennessee DMV Information

Tennessee offers CDL knowledge testing at all Driver Services Centers across 95 counties. Major locations include Nashville (Hart Lane), Memphis (5270 Pleasant View), Knoxville (7105 Maynardville), and Chattanooga (5705 Uptain Road). You can also test at many county clerk's offices. Schedule an appointment online – walk-ins aren't guaranteed.

The General Knowledge test costs $30 per attempt. You'll need a valid Tennessee driver's license, Social Security card, two proofs of Tennessee residency, and a current DOT medical certificate. If you don't pass, you can retake the test the next day. No limit on retakes, but each attempt costs the $30 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Other Tennessee CDL Practice Tests

Test Details

• State: Tennessee
• Test: General Knowledge Test
• Questions: 140
• Passing Score: 80%
• Time Limit: 60 minutes
• Cost: Free

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