- Updated for January 2025
- Based on 2025 TN commercial driver's license manual
Free Tennessee CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025
Truck drivers should find plenty of work in the great state of Tennessee because of its agriculture and manufacturing sectors and the state’s role as a major regional logistics hub. The largest manufacturing sector is automotive manufacturing. Hundreds of automotive suppliers are also represented. Other large manufacturing sectors are chemicals and food and drink production. FedEx is located here; its Memphis hub processes over 180,000 packages per day. One of the largest employment sectors is research and development, leveraging the Oak Ridge science complex. Numerous high-tech firms need truck drivers to deliver equipment and supplies to them. The Port of Memphis is the fifth largest inland port in the country, equipped for heavy intermodal transportation. Seaports, like airports, have secure areas. You’ll need a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card to pick up cargo there.
Tennessee is also the 11th most visited state in the country. Tourists flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Tennessee River Valley, Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Memphis, and other points of interest, creating a demand for bus drivers.
Several highways support Tennessee’s role as a regional logistics hub: Interstate 40 starts in southern California, goes through Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, and then terminates in North Carolina. Interstate 65 runs from northern Indiana through Nashville and then south to Mobile, Alabama. Interstate 75 runs from northern Michigan at the Canadian border through Knoxville and Chattanooga and then south to suburban Miami, Florida.
To practice commercial driving under supervision, you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You must meet several requirements, including passing an official knowledge test on commercial driving theory. You should read the official Tennessee Commercial Driver License Manual (Tennessee CDL Handbook 2025) because the official knowledge test is based on it. However, the manual isn’t that easy to learn from. Some aspiring drivers read the manual but failed the knowledge test anyway. We can help, just as we’ve helped thousands of aspiring drivers pass their knowledge tests.
This free Tennessee CDL permit practice test is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of January, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as driving techniques, emergency preparedness, following distance, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, this free Tennessee CDL permit practice test comes with our automated assistant, which can help you out with a question by giving you a hint and an explanation of the correct answer. What this practice test doesn’t have is a time limit. Take your time to improve your chances of passing the test while learning as much as you can from the experience.
- Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
- Triple-checked for accuracy
What you need to know
What to expect on the actual TN DMV exam
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
Helpful links
List of questions (classic view)
- You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you are convicted of two serious traffic violations involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) within a three-year period. Such violations include which of the following?
- The minimum tire tread depth for all tires except the front tires is
- What is the main reason to perform a vehicle inspection?
- How do you test a vehicle's hydraulic brakes for leaks?
- Which of the following is NOT a key steering system component?
- Which of the following should you check during your trip?
- You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
- Which of the following are parts of the suspension system?
- How many reflective warning triangles must you carry with you for emergencies?
- Always try to back toward the driver's side because
- The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
- Why should you use a helper when you are backing?
- Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
- In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
- If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, when should you select a low range?
- You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
- How can you start moving without rolling backward?
- Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
- When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
- Total stopping distance equals
- Which of the following are safe ways to communicate your presence?
- Do empty trucks have the best braking?
- If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
- How many tiedowns are required for a 20-foot load?
- It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
- Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
- What is the best way to check what is going on behind and to the sides of your vehicle?
- What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
- If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
- What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
- What is the definition of a hazard?
- If you are being tailgated, you should do all of the following EXCEPT
- If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
- You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
- What are the main differences between aggressive driving and road rage?
- If your brakes get wet, they may
- Letting the air out of hot tires
- If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
- If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
- Your emergency kit does NOT need to include
- Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
- When you're about to start down a steep downgrade, what should you do?
- How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
- An antilock braking system (ABS) will
- How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
- Which of the following is most likely to cause a vehicle fire?
- On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
- What will help a drunk sober up?
- How many hours of sleep per night does the average adult need?
- To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
- Alabama: Test 1 / Test 2
- Alaska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arizona: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arkansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- California: Test 1 / Test 2
- Colorado: Test 1 / Test 2
- Connecticut: Test 1 / Test 2
- Delaware: Test 1 / Test 2
- District of Columbia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Florida: Test 1 / Test 2
- Georgia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Hawaii: Test 1 / Test 2
- Idaho: Test 1 / Test 2
- Illinois: Test 1 / Test 2
- Indiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Iowa: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kentucky: Test 1 / Test 2
- Louisiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maine: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maryland: Test 1 / Test 2
- Massachusetts: Test 1 / Test 2
- Michigan: Test 1 / Test 2
- Minnesota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Mississippi: Test 1 / Test 2
- Missouri: Test 1 / Test 2
- Montana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nebraska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nevada: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Hampshire: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Jersey: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Mexico: Test 1 / Test 2
- New York: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Ohio: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oklahoma: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oregon: Test 1 / Test 2
- Pennsylvania: Test 1 / Test 2
- Rhode Island: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Tennessee: Test 1 / Test 2
- Texas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Utah: Test 1 / Test 2
- Vermont: Test 1 / Test 2
- Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Washington: Test 1 / Test 2
- West Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wisconsin: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wyoming: Test 1 / Test 2
Your go-to, trusted source
Experience the Driving-Tests differenceOur commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests
Explore our rigorous, multi-tiered verification process that ensures each question mirrors the official manual for unparalleled accuracy.
At Driving-Tests.org, we understand the importance of reliable and accurate practice tests to help you prepare for your DMV exam. That's why we've developed a meticulous process to create and continually update our practice questions, ensuring they reflect the most current driving laws and regulations.
Here's an inside look at how we maintain the highest quality in our practice tests.
Content Creation and Verification Process
- Alignment with Official Manuals:
Every question we develop is based on the most recent version of each state's official driving manual. Our team regularly monitors each state DMV's website for the latest updates to ensure our practice tests are always aligned with the most current information. - Community Feedback Integration:
We leverage feedback from our vast community of users to understand which topics are most frequently tested. This helps us focus on the areas that are most relevant and beneficial for your preparation. - Expert Content Creation:
Our in-house editor, Steven, who has extensive experience in driver education, crafts each question with precision. He conducts a thorough review of each question against the official manuals to ensure accuracy. - Rigorous Review Process:
Once Steven has finalized a set of questions, our team conducts a joint review session. This second level of scrutiny involves content accuracy, proofreading, and fact-checking to eliminate any errors. - User Feedback Mechanism:
After a question goes live on our site, we keep the lines of communication open. Each question features a feedback button, inviting users to report any issues or errors. This continuous feedback loop allows us to address and rectify any concerns promptly. - Responsive Updates:
In line with our commitment to accuracy, we quickly update our practice questions to reflect any changes in the DMV manuals. Additionally, we update the free electronic copy of the state's driver's license manuals on our site, typically within a few days after the DMV publishes them.
Our thorough quality control process ensures that you have access to practice tests that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We believe in the power of well-prepared drivers and are dedicated to providing you with the best study tools to help you succeed on your DMV exam.
Get your ELDT certificate and pass CDL exams the first time. Guaranteed.
Get full access to our 3-in-1 program, starting at $79. CDL schools charge $3,000-$4,000 for that.
All 1,500 TN exam-like questions
Pass Guarantee: pass your permit exam, or get your money back
ELDT certification included
Official FMCSA-approved provider, instant completion reporting
Industry-leading 99.06% success rate
Compare with the average US passing rate of 49%
Trusted by over 1.15 Million customers
The only program recommended by DMVs
