What to Expect on the Tennessee CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide

Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Tennessee is a critical step toward launching your career in the trucking industry. The final step in the licensing process is the Tennessee CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) and authorized third-party testers. This exam is designed to evaluate your ability to inspect, control, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under real-world and Tennessee-specific conditions.

At CDL eXpert, we help you prepare with the CDL Skills Exam course, led by veteran CDL examiner Al Hanley. This course breaks down the entire test format, explains scoring, and walks you through what examiners look for—so you can pass with confidence.

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Below, you'll find a breakdown of what to expect on the Tennessee CDL skills test, what makes it unique, and how our course helps you prepare effectively.

What’s on the Tennessee CDL Skills Test?

The skills test in Tennessee includes three required sections:

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

• On-Road Driving

You must pass each section to move forward with your CDL.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

This portion of the test evaluates your ability to determine whether the vehicle is safe to operate. You’ll need to identify vehicle parts, describe their function, and explain how you would inspect them.

What to Expect

You’ll be asked to inspect components such as:

• Engine compartment and fluid levels

• Brake system and air components

• Suspension and steering systems

• Tires, wheels, and rims

• Lights, reflectors, and emergency equipment

• Coupling devices (if applicable)

If your vehicle has air brakes, a full air brake system check is required. This includes:

• Static pressure and applied pressure tests

• Low air warning signal

• Emergency spring brake engagement

You must describe each part using clear, examiner-approved terminology like:

• “Properly mounted and secure”

• “Not cracked, bent, or broken”

• “No leaks, in safe working condition”

Tennessee-Specific Requirements

Tennessee examiners use a pass/fail system for this section—omitting key inspection items can result in automatic failure. You must complete the inspection from memory, without assistance, notes, or prompts once testing begins. The Tennessee CDL Manual provides the complete inspection checklist required for your vehicle class. Failing the air brake check disqualifies you from receiving the air brake endorsement, so accuracy is critical.

Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

This portion of the exam tests your ability to maneuver the vehicle safely in tight spaces. You’ll complete a series of controlled backing maneuvers in a closed lot.

What to Expect

Tennessee examiners typically select three of the following maneuvers:

• Straight-Line Backing

• Offset Backing (Left or Right)

• Parallel Parking (Driver-Side or Conventional)

• Alley Dock

Each maneuver is scored based on control, cone/contact violations, and whether you stay within boundaries.

Tennessee-Specific Requirements

Parallel parking is required for most CDL applicants in Tennessee. There is a limit on the number of allowed pull-ups—exceeding that limit may result in deductions or failure. Striking cones or crossing boundaries results in point deductions or immediate failure depending on severity. All test sites in Tennessee follow the AAMVA model layout, but the space and surface conditions may vary—practice in multiple conditions.

On-Road Driving

This section tests your ability to safely operate your vehicle on public roads. It includes urban, rural, and highway segments and is scored based on safety, compliance, and decision-making.

What to Expect

You’ll be evaluated on your performance in the following areas:

• Lane usage and vehicle positioning

• Use of mirrors, signals, and blind spot checks

• Shifting gears properly (if using a manual transmission)

• Following road signs, signals, and speed limits

• Making turns, navigating intersections, and yielding right of way

• Approaching school zones, work zones, and railroad crossings

Tennessee-Specific Requirements

You must stop completely at all railroad crossings, regardless of train activity. Speeding or rolling through stop signs—especially in school zones or construction areas—results in automatic failure. Examiners watch closely for safe decision-making, smooth control, and legal compliance throughout the entire route. Tennessee road test routes include a mix of city traffic, residential streets, and highway segments.

Tennessee CDL Testing Locations

The CDL skills test in Tennessee is administered by TDOSHS CDL testing centers and third-party testers throughout the state. Appointments are required and must be scheduled in advance.

Common testing locations include:

• Nashville

• Memphis

• Knoxville

• Chattanooga

• Jackson

• Johnson City

Third-party testers may offer flexible scheduling but follow the same scoring standards as state-run centers.

How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare

Our CDL Skills Exam course is built to help you pass the Tennessee CDL skills test with confidence. Led by a seasoned examiner, this course teaches you exactly how to avoid the most common mistakes and master every section.

What’s Included?

• Full Pre-Trip Inspection tutorials (standard and AAMVA legacy formats)

• Backing maneuver walk-throughs with setup strategies and correction tips

• On-road driving instruction that mirrors real test routes and expectations

• Air brake test procedures and terminology explained clearly and step-by-step

Course Details

• $29.95

• 2.5 hours of focused video lessons

• 37 instructor-led lessons

• Free preview available

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This course is ideal for first-time test-takers and those preparing for a retest.

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee CDL skills test is a serious but manageable challenge if you prepare properly. With the CDL Skills Exam course, you’ll gain the knowledge, structure, and real-world insight needed to pass confidently and move forward in your career.

From detailed inspections to safe driving and precise backing, we help you walk into your test day fully prepared.

Good luck on your Tennessee CDL skills test!