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Tennessee CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Tennessee starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Tennessee included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. The Tennessee driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Tennessee CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

Free Tennessee CDL practice questions

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Tennessee Class A applicants take first. Show the answer to read the explanation.

  1. Compared with an empty rig, a fully loaded tractor-trailer is about how much more likely to roll over in a crash?

    • Equally likely
    • Twice as likely
    • Five times as likely
    • Ten times as likely
    Show answer
    Answer: D. Ten times as likely

    A loaded combination has a high center of gravity and rolls over far more easily. Keep the load low and centered, and slow down well before curves and ramps.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.1 (Rollover Risks)

  2. "Rearward amplification" (the crack-the-whip effect) means that:

    • The trailer brakes apply before the tractor brakes
    • A quick steering move at the tractor is magnified at the rear of the trailer, which can tip it over
    • The rear axle carries more of the load
    • The engine loses power going uphill
    Show answer
    Answer: B. A quick steering move at the tractor is magnified at the rear of the trailer, which can tip it over

    A small, sudden lane change at the front becomes a much larger swing at the back of the rig. Steer gently and smoothly; a jerk of the wheel to dodge something can roll the trailer.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.2 (Steer Gently)

  3. A trailer jackknife is most likely when:

    • The trailer is empty and the road is dry
    • The trailer wheels lock up and the trailer slides sideways
    • The tractor is in a low gear
    • You are driving uphill
    Show answer
    Answer: B. The trailer wheels lock up and the trailer slides sideways

    If the trailer wheels lock, the trailer loses grip and swings around toward the tractor. The fix is to release the brakes so the wheels roll and grip again. Empty or lightly loaded trailers lock up most easily.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.3 (Brake Early and Trailer Skids)

  4. "Off-tracking" means:

    • The tractor drifts out of its lane on a straight road
    • The rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels in a turn
    • The trailer brakes release late
    • The fifth wheel slides forward
    Show answer
    Answer: B. The rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels in a turn

    In a turn the trailer wheels cut inside the path of the tractor wheels. The longer the vehicle and the sharper the turn, the more the rear tracks inside, which is why right turns need extra room.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.4 (Turn Wide)

  5. When making a tight right turn with a combination vehicle you should:

    • Swing wide to the left before the turn so the trailer clears the curb
    • Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb and swing wide as you complete the turn
    • Make the turn as fast as you can
    • Turn from the left lane
    Show answer
    Answer: B. Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb and swing wide as you complete the turn

    Swinging wide before the turn invites cars to slip into the gap on your right. Instead, keep the trailer close to the curb and steer wide as you finish the turn, the "button hook". If you must swing wide, do it as you turn, not before.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.4 (Turn Wide)

Every CDL test for Tennessee drivers

Each page has ten free sample questions, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Tennessee CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Tennessee and change over time, so check the state driver licensing agency before you go. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Tennessee CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee CDL test?

The Tennessee CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Tennessee CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Tennessee?

At the Tennessee state driver licensing agency (the DMV, DOT or equivalent). Check its website for locations, appointments and current fees; the test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

Does PassRig have Tennessee CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Tennessee in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.

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