CDL Cost in Tennessee 2026: Permit, License, Training & Test Fees
Tennessee CDL costs for 2026: official Class A/B/C permit and license fees, endorsement fees, third-party testing costs, and training funding.
Tennessee publishes the state licensing fees clearly, but those are only one part of the real cost. Training, the DOT physical, and any certified third-party skills-test charges can cost more than the license itself.
Current Tennessee state fees
- Class A learner permit: $14 total on the current state fee schedule ($8 license cost plus $6 application fee).
- Class B or C learner permit: $13 total ($7 license cost plus $6 application fee).
- Class A CDL: $70 total for the standard eight-year credential ($64 license cost plus $6 application fee).
- Class B or C CDL: $62 total for the standard eight-year credential ($56 license cost plus $6 application fee).
- Most CDL endorsements add a state charge; for example Tanker, Passenger, HazMat, and Double/Triple are listed at $8.50 total when processed as an endorsement transaction, while School Bus is listed at $26.
Third-party skills testing can add another cost
Tennessee offers CDL skills tests through qualifying Driver Services Centers and through certified third-party testing organizations. The state explicitly warns that third-party organizations may charge additional skills-test fees. Ask whether a school tuition quote includes the test and test vehicle or whether those charges are separate.
Training costs vary by institution
ELDT does not set a federal tuition price or a required number of classroom hours. Registered providers set their own program structure and tuition. Tennessee has public technical-college options through the TCAT system as well as private schools and employer-sponsored programs, so compare what is actually included rather than only the sticker price.
Funding can change the out-of-pocket total
Eligible adults attending a qualifying TCAT certificate or diploma program may be able to use Tennessee Reconnect as a last-dollar grant, while eligible recent high-school graduates may use Tennessee Promise at participating institutions. Funding eligibility applies to the student and the program; confirm both before enrolling.
Build a complete budget
- State permit and CDL fees.
- DOT physical and any medical follow-up.
- ELDT tuition and behind-the-wheel training.
- Skills-test and test-vehicle charges if not included.
- HazMat TSA fees if you pursue the H endorsement.
- Retest, transportation, lodging, or missed-work costs.
Official sources checked
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security fee schedule, CDL and appointment guidance, Tennessee Reconnect/Tennessee Higher Education Commission resources, and FMCSA ELDT rules. Last verified October 6, 2026.