Tennessee CDL Manual
Read the official manual from TN DOS directly. Download the PDF for offline study or read it online.
Official Resource
This handbook is sourced directly from TN DOS.
Testing at a Glance for Tennessee
Once you've read the handbook, here's what to expect at the TN DOS knowledge test.
30
70%
60 min
Documents You'll Need When You Take the Tennessee Test
One proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, one proof of SSN, and two proofs of Tennessee residency.
Tennessee-Specific Rules Covered in This Handbook
Rules unique to Tennessee that TN DOS weights heavily in the knowledge test — you'll see these in the handbook chapters.
- gavel Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. 55-8-199): illegal to hold a cell phone or device while driving
- gavel Slow Poke Law: prohibits left-lane driving on multilane highways except for passing ($50 fine)
- gavel Move Over Law (T.C.A. 55-8-132): must move over or slow for emergency, tow, maintenance, solid waste, utility vehicles
- gavel GDL: age 15 must pass knowledge test and hold learner permit 6 months before intermediate license
- gavel At-home proctored knowledge test available for ages 15-17 via Tennessee Proctor ID App
After You Pass: Tennessee License Renewal
8 years
$28
Courtesy renewal notices are mailed approximately 8-10 weeks before the credential expires
More Tennessee Driving Resources
Tennessee Handbook FAQ
Is this the official Tennessee CDL handbook?
Yes. The handbook mirrored above is the same document TN DOS publishes on its official website — we host it here for faster mobile loading and cleaner reading.
How often is the Tennessee driver handbook updated?
TN DOS typically publishes a new edition once a year, though major legislation (e.g., hands-free laws, GDL changes) can prompt an off-cycle refresh. The date on the cover indicates the current edition.
After I pass, how often will I need to renew my Tennessee license?
Tennessee licenses are valid for 8 years. See /learn/how-to-renew-license/tn for online eligibility, REAL ID upgrade steps, and vision-test rules.
Can I read the Tennessee handbook on my phone?
Yes. Both the official PDF and our mirrored HTML version work on mobile. HTML loads faster on cellular and is easier to search — use the reader above for study sessions on the go.
Is there an audio version of the Tennessee handbook?
TN DOS does not publish an official audio edition. You can use a device text-to-speech reader on the PDF/HTML — most work well, though sign images obviously don't get spoken.
Is the Tennessee driver handbook free to download?
Yes. TN DOS publishes it free as a PDF. If a website is charging to "download" the handbook, it's a scam — the state's official version is always free.
How is the Tennessee knowledge test administered after I finish reading?
30 multiple-choice questions, minimum 80% (24/30) required to pass.
Do I have to read the whole Tennessee handbook to pass the test?
The TN DOS test has 30 questions and you need 21 correct (70%) to pass. All questions come from the handbook, but strategic readers focus on Signs, Right-of-Way, and Signaling first — those chapters carry the most test weight.