tennessee
CDL Practice Test

This is a practice test site for helping you earn your CDL in Tennessee. Rules and regulations covered on these practice tests are based on the Tennessee CDL Manual. You can take these practice tests as many times as you like as the site is free to use. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

How should you know when to shift?

engine speed and road speed

every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed

road speed and wind speed

engine speed and the shift indicator light

2 / 40

Where are the two main places where the hazardous material identification number appears?

On the shipping papers and on the package.

On the shipping papers and on a secret document in the driver's wallet.

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping point of origin.

On the package and on paperwork at the shipping destination.

3 / 40

If you are driving a 100-foot truck with double trailers at 30 mph in dry conditions, how many seconds of space should there be between your truck and other vehicles?

4 / 40

Select the true statement about emergency steering and tankers:

None of the answers listed.

Have a firm grip on the steering wheel before making quick movements of the steering wheel.

Do not apply the brakes when making quick movements of the steering wheel.

It is easier to counter steer than other vehicles.

5 / 40

These tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches.

Donut tires

Drive axle tires

Steering axle tires

Non-steering axle tires

6 / 40

Should your air compressor stop working:

there will be no affect to your brakes

there will still be air pressure left in the air tanks

the brakes will lock up on you immediately

you will lose your ability to brake immediately

7 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to if a glad hand on the blue air line is missing a seal.

you should remove one from the red air line to use as a temporary replacement

there may be an emergency line air leak

it is not a big problem

there may be a service line air leak

8 / 40

What is the earliest way to notice a trailer skid?

you can see it in your mirrors

you can feel it pulling your steering wheel

you can feel a jerk in the back of the tractor

you can hear the tires squealing

9 / 40

When would a drive-wheel skid result in a jackknife when pulling doubles?

when the tractor brakes lock up

when the trailer slides to the right into the shoulder

when the trailer pushes the towed vehicle sideways

when the tractor spins around

10 / 40

Select the statement of what you should not do if you are required to drive through flowing water or deep puddles.

increase engine rpm

drive at a high speed

quickly turn the steering wheel side to side

shift into a lower gear

11 / 40

Front wheel brakes are good under what kind of conditions?

any weather conditons

ideal weather conditions

they are not ideal

icy or wet conditions

12 / 40

A vehicle placarded for Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives:

May be left unattended in a safe haven.

May never be parked on private property.

May never be left unattended under any condition.

May not be parked on the cosignee's property.

13 / 40

If there is no traffic light or attendant, how far from the draw of a drawbridge must you stop?

5 feet

100 feet

30 feet

50 feet

14 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to brake drums or discs:

they are not allowed to have any cracks

the linings should fit loosely around the brake shoe

they should not have cracks that are longer than half the width of the friction area

they should always be kept well-greased up

15 / 40

If students must cross the street, when they get off the bus, which statement is true?

For crossing, students should make eye contact with the bus driver and wait for the driver's signal that it is safe to proceed.

The student should wait to cross the street until the bus continues on its route.

When the driver signals that it is safe to proceed, the students must run across the street to reduce the exposure to danger.

If the bus is equipped with the crossing gate, the danger of running over the child is eliminated.

16 / 40

Select the statement that best explains the "crack-the-whip" effect.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the rear half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the rear trailer tends to swing out. The force of the rear trailer becomes amplified, which will cause it to roll over (rearward amplification).

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the front half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the tractor tends to rock and sway. The velocity of the rearmost trailer forces the tractor to roll over before the trailer.

17 / 40

Where can you find a shipper’s certification?

It is a separate document that all hazmat drivers must keep in their vehicles.

There is no such thing.

On the original shipping paper.

On all packages.

18 / 40

The system that needs to be checked for signs of leaks with rust or carbon soot and damage is the _____.

fifth wheel

none of the answers listed

air brake system

exhaust

19 / 40

How do you check the power steering fluid?

Undo the oil fill cap and check the level.

By looking through the reservoir sight glass.

Via indicator light on the dashboard.

Via the power steering fluid dipstick.

20 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

if the tread depth on your front tires is less than 4/32 deep

all of these answers are correct

when there are broken valve stems

when the tread separates

21 / 40

How should the pintle hook be when backing a dolly under the second trailer?

removed from the dolly

in a halfway open position

in the latched position

in the unlatched position

22 / 40

A drawbridge does not have a traffic light showing green or a traffic control attendant. How many feet before the draw of a bridge must a bus driver stop?

At least 25 feet.

At least 100 feet.

At least 50 feet.

At least 75 feet.

23 / 40

What should you do if the low air pressure warning comes on for only one system in a truck or bus that has a dual air brake system?

decrease your speed and test the other system

stop and safely park your vehicle only continue once the issue has been resolved

decrease your speed and head to the closest mechanic

continue on with your trip

24 / 40

Check to ensure that____when inspecting the coupling.

the electrical cable is unplugged

there is minimal slack in the air lines

the landing gear handle is free to hang down

there is no slack at all in the air lines

25 / 40

When transporting hazardous waste, you must:

Sign a uniform hazardous waste manifest.

Have the word "waste" before the name of the material on the bills.

All of these answers are correct.

Carry a uniform hazardous waste manifest in the truck.

26 / 40

Remember to_____when steering to avoid a crash while driving doubles.

keep your foot off the brake while turning

be prepared to counter-steer

all answers listed

have both hands on the steering wheel

27 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

Lengthen stopping distance.

Are not available in mosst busses.

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

28 / 40

What do yo need to do before supplying air to the air tanks of the second trailer?

close the shut off valves at the back of the first and second trailer

open the shut off valves at the back of the second trailer and close the shut off valves at the back of the first trailer

close the shut off valves at the back of the second trailer and open the shut off valves at the back of the first trailer

open the shut off valves at the back of the first and second trailer

29 / 40

At what "cut out" level does the governor stop pumping air?

100 psi

125 psi

150 psi

75 psi

30 / 40

While completing the 1st component of the air brake check you are required to fully push down on the foot brake and _____.

see if the air pressure drops more than 4 lbs in a minute while holding it down for a full minute in a combination vehicle

both of the answers listed

none of the answers listed

see if the air pressure drops more than 3 lbs in a minute while holding it down for that full minute in a single vehicle

31 / 40

How should the hand valve be used?

only when the trailer is loaded to its maximum weight

only when accompanied by the service brakes

to test the trailer brakes

only when accompanied by the foot brake

32 / 40

How can you check slack adjusters?

by pulling hard on each slack adjuster

by frequently checking the pressure gauge

it is not possible to check manually

by using a fixed wrench

33 / 40

In what position should the converter dolly air tank drain valves and pintle hook be in?

closed and latched

open and latched

open and open

closed and open

34 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a basic step to be taken at a crash scene?

protect the area

care for the injured

gather the contact information of all the drivers involved

notify authorities

35 / 40

Which of the following types of emergency equipment must you have on your bus?

Fire extinguisher, spare electric fuses, and reflectors.

Reflectors, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

Hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, and signal flares.

Spare electric fuses, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

36 / 40

The average person requires how many hours of sleep per 24 hour period?

7 or 8

6 or 7

5 or 6

8 or 9

37 / 40

Which of the following three hazard classes should NOT be placed into a temperature-controlled trailer (one with a heater/air conditioner unit)?

Classes 1, 3, and 6

Classes 1, 4, and 51

Classes 1, 3, and 4

Classes 1, 21, and 3

38 / 40

Select the correct description for a bulkhead tank.

It is one large tank.

They are divided down into smaller tanks.

They are divided with holes to allow liquid to flow through controlling surge.

None of the answers listed.

39 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the load secure

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

40 / 40

Secure baggage and freight in ways that avoid damage and:

All of these answers are correct.

Allow the driver to move freely and easily.

Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency.

Protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.

Your score is

The average score is 37%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A tennessee Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in Tennessee, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within Tennessee only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of Tennessee).

Tennessee CDL applicants must be medically certified that they are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(Form MCSA-5876) Medical Examiner’s Certificate (This document must be completed by an FMCSA-certified physician.)
(SF-1438) Self-Certification Form

Interstate non-excepted (drivers who do not work for the state or federal governments) must meet federal DOT requirements. Intrastate non-excepted drivers must meet the state requirements. Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in Tennessee. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses. Tennessee CDL applicants will conduct a driving record check of the past 10 years in all 50 states.

Tennessee CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer

Hit the Open Road

tennessee CDL License Test Tips

All Tennessee CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. This test consists of 50 questions. To pass the Tennessee test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The Tennessee skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements. To qualify for a waiver, applicants must be currently enlisted in the military and:

Be a Tennessee resident with a valid Tennessee driver’s license or eligible for a Tennessee license.
Possess a military operator’s permit.
Have a minimum of 2 years of experience operating the same type of vehicle as the applicant is applying to drive.
Have been discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit (Form SF-1507) CDL Skills Test Waiver Application. The commanding officer must sign this document within 90 days of the CDL application.

Additional Information

Information on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commercial Driver License Division administers CDL license regulations and testing in Tennessee. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license.html

Phone: 615.253.5221

Additional Tennessee CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access Tennessee CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of Tennessee.

tennessee CDL Practice Test