Behind every shipment that keeps Tennessee’s economy moving, there is a commercial driver who has earned the right to operate some of the largest vehicles on the road. But with that responsibility comes a complex web of federal regulations, licensing requirements, and legal obligations. Whether you are considering a career in commercial driving or you have been affected by a truck accident, here is how the CDL system works in Tennessee.
Contact a truck accident attorney in Knoxville today to pursue compensation.
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee issues three classes of CDLs, each designed for specific vehicle types and weight classifications:
- Class A CDL: This license covers combination vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. If you want to operate tractor-trailers or other heavy combination rigs, this is the license you will need.
- Class B CDL: This applies to single vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds, or those towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. You will often see Class B drivers operating box trucks, dump trucks, and certain buses.
- Class C CDL: This license covers vehicles that do not fit into Class A or B categories but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials requiring placards.
How to Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License in Tennessee
To obtain a CDL in Tennessee, you must be at least 18 years old, or 21 if you want to drive interstate or haul hazardous materials. You will also need a valid Tennessee driver’s license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate from an approved Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
First, you will take written knowledge tests to earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This permit allows you to practice driving commercial vehicles under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule your skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving evaluation. Pass that, and you will receive your Tennessee CDL.
What Responsibilities Do CDL Drivers Have?
Commercial drivers are held to strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules govern hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. When accidents occur, these regulatory standards often become central to determining liability.
Investigators will examine whether the driver violated hours-of-service limits that could have led to fatigue, whether the trucking company kept up with required maintenance schedules, and whether proper pre-trip inspections were conducted. Electronic logging devices, drug test results, and training records can all serve as evidence. If a driver or their employer cut corners on any FMCSA requirement, that negligence can establish fault—and strengthen an injury victim’s case for compensation.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Tennessee Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, you need an attorney on your side. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of professionals working to protect their interests, and you deserve someone fighting just as hard for yours.
The Knoxville personal injury attorneys of Brown & Roberto will help you navigate this process. Our Tennessee truck accident attorneys know how to investigate these complex cases and prove your right to fair compensation. Call (865) 391-6254 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case today.