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

Select the true statement about convex ("spot") mirrors.

you do not need to look at them as often as flat mirrors

they are against the law in the majority of states

they make things look farther away and smaller than they actually are

they make things closer and larger than they really are

2 / 40

You do not have to stop at railroad crossings, but must slow down and carefully check for other vehicles:

All of these answers are correct.

Where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic.

At crossings marked as "exempt" or "abandoned".

If a traffic signal is green.

3 / 40

Commerical vehicles typically have this type of brake.

rectangle brakes

drum brakes

S-Cam brakes

stab brakes

4 / 40

This item should not be rusted, bent, or damaged and centered over evenly spaced tires and dual wheels.

Frame

Lug bolts

Spacers

Fifth wheel

5 / 40

Vehicle handling can become unsafe if the weight is not properly balanced. Hard steering can be caused by:

too much weight on the steering axles

too little weight on the driving axles

high center of gravity

under loaded front axles

6 / 40

When does your vehicle's single brake system need an adjustment?

when the pressure builds from 85 to 100 psi in less than 1 minute

when the governor stops between 75-90 psi

if the pressure builds from 50 to 75 psi in less than 3 minutes

if the compressor cuts out at between 70 and 90 psi

7 / 40

Which of the following factors is NOT used to determine your safe speed when going down a long steep downgrade?

total weight of the vehicle and cargo

weather

time of day

length and steepness of grade

8 / 40

There must be a hazardous materials identification number on the ______ and on the ______.

package, trailer

trailer, packages

invoice, shipping papers

shipping papers, package

9 / 40

When you discharge an unruly passenger, you must choose a place that is:

Off the regular route.

The next stop.

As safe as possible, or the next stop.

Dark and poorly lighted.

10 / 40

After coupling with a trailer, what position should the front trailer supports be in before driving away?

none of the answers listed

in the fully raised position with the crank handle secured to its bracket

raised to the top and then taken 3 cranks down and the crank handle stored in its bracket

raised half way with the crank handle stored in the cab

11 / 40

The longest crack that brake or disc drums can have is:

1/2 the width of the friction area.

None of the answers listed.

Cracks are not permitted.

1/2 inch across in a straight line.

12 / 40

While driving on a clear night with low beam headlights, you should be able to stop within:

2 lengths of your vehicle.

The distance you will travel in the next 20 seconds.

Half of a football field.

The distance you can see ahead of you.

13 / 40

How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with ABS?

look for wheel speed sensor wires that are coming from the rear of your brakes

check for yellow abs malfunction lamps on the instrument panel

check if your vehicle was manufactured after March 1, 1998 (they are required to have the panel light)

all of these answers are correct

14 / 40

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

when the tractor spins around

when the trailer pushes the towed vehicle sideways

when the trailer slides to the right into the shoulder

when the tractor brakes lock up

15 / 40

What does the amount of liquid allowed in the tank depend on?

All answers listed.

The legally allowed weight limits.

Whether and how much the liquid will expand during the trip.

The size of the tank.

16 / 40

A tractor should not be backed under a trailer until the whole air system is:

is at half of the maximum pressure

at a normal pressure

is between 40 and 60 psi

is between 50 and 80 psi

17 / 40

The CDL manual indicates the last step on picking up students at the bus stop is as follows:

Make a final check to confirm all traffic stops before opening the bus door and signaling students to approach.

Activate the amber flashing caution lights to warn vehicles that the bus will stop to load passengers soon.

Open the service door just enough to activate the alternating red light when traffic is in a safe distance from the bus.

Place transmission in park or neutral and set parking brake.

18 / 40

When would you lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position?

For fresh air

First day of spring

Never

Whenever you enter a tunnel

19 / 40

Select the statement that tells you how you can check the low pressure warning signal.

Turn the electrical power on and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease the air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank.

Turn the electrical power on and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to increase air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure increases to more than 60 psi in the air tank.

Turn the electrical power off and apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 30 psi in the air tank.

The low pressure warning signal is only testable by the factory.

20 / 40

When driving tank vehicles you should:

Maintain the posted speed limit as you enter the curve.

None of the answers listed.

Come to a stop before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

Decrease your speed before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

21 / 40

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

the linings should fit loosely around the brake shoe

they should always be kept well-greased up

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

they are not allowed to have any cracks

22 / 40

Select which is not a mandatory emergency equipment:

6 fuses, 3 red reflective triangles, or 3 liquid burning flares.

Extra electrical fuses.

Tire changing equipment.

A rated and properly charged fire extinguisher.

23 / 40

The air leakage rate for a combination vehicle should not exceed ____psi a minute.

24 / 40

You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class when:

You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more table 2 hazard classes, requiring different placards.

Both of these conditions must be met.

You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any table 2 hazard class material at any one place (you must use the specific placard for this material).

The correct answer is not listed.

25 / 40

What should you hear when you test the trailer brakes by opening the service air line at rear of trailer with the hand valve on?

the service brakes will move to a fully applied position

you should hear air escape from the open valve

none of the answers listed

the emergency air line will release air

26 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to managing the space to the sides:

you should always keep your vehicle to the right side of the lane

you should drive down the center of both lanes over the pavement markings

you should try to avoid driving next to others when possible

high wind gusts will not cause any issues for doubles or triples

27 / 40

How much space should you see between the lower and upper fifth wheel when checking the coupling of a converter dolly?

1/2 to 1 inch

it depends on how heavy the load is

none

1 to 1 1/2 inches

28 / 40

Select the definition for outage:

It is loss of power to the headlights.

It is the process of liquid expansion as it becomes warm.

It is the liquid that must be drained off to meet legal carry limit.

It is how much power is lost to the hydraulics.

29 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

30 / 40

What is the purpose of a baffle?

It stops side to side surging.

It makes it easier to clean the tanker out.

It controls the surge of liquid forward and backwards.

It allows you to haul loads that are mixed.

31 / 40

It is important to know the outage required for the liquids you carry because:

None of these answers are correct.

Some of the denser liquids don't need any.

Tank baffles may not always be permitted with outage.

Some liquids will expand more than others when warm.

32 / 40

An emergency escape ramp should be used _____.

only when not carrying a load

any time the truck experiences a significant loss of braking power

only in ideal conditions

only when it is raining

33 / 40

How do you check the air flow to the last trailer?

watch the brake lights as you step on the brake pedal

pull the vehicle forward and then step on the brakes

while on an level surface, test the emergency brake lines

listen for escaping air after opening the emergency shut off valve

34 / 40

You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

half way down a hill

before going down a hill

at the bottom of a hill

none of these answers are correct

35 / 40

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because:

it could damage the starting mechanism

someone could start and move the truck

someone could steal the truck

all of these answers are correct

36 / 40

Which of the following about the front tires on a commercial bus is true?

Must not have recapped or regrooved tires.

Can be regrooved or recapped as long as they have 4/32 tread depth.

Can be recapped, but never regrooved.

Must not be recapped, but can be regrooved.

37 / 40

Select the true statement about slack adjusters:

they do not ever need to be adjusted

they should move a minimum of 2 inches from the push rod attachment

they can be adjusted automatically or manually

they should only be adjusted by a mechanic that is certified in slack adjusters

38 / 40

What should you hear when you have the hand valve on and are testing the trailer brakes by opening the service air line at the back of the trailer?

air leaving the open valve

the service brakes more to a fully applied position

the engine brake to kick on

the emergency line valve to release air

39 / 40

Select the action that is not recommended when driving on slippery roads:

use a speed retarder or engine brake

keep other drivers out of your side space

use a light pressure with the the brake and accelerator pedals

none of the answers listed

40 / 40

Before backing under the trailer after connecting the air lines you should:

supply air to the trailer system and then pull the air supply knob out

have a random pedestrian direct your path of travel

double check to make sure the trailer brakes are off

take a walk around the vehicle to make sure it is clear of obstructions

Your score is

The average score is 0%

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

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A tennessee Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

tennessee CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Additional Tennessee CDL Helpful Links

tennessee
CDL Practice Test