Tennessee CDL Test Locations 2026: State & Third-Party Skills Tests
Where to take Tennessee CDL tests in 2026: Full-Service Driver Services Centers, state road-test scheduling, certified third-party testers, and how to find the right location.
Tennessee uses different location rules for CDL knowledge and road testing. Knowledge tests are handled through Full-Service Driver Services Centers. Road skills tests are available at qualifying state CDL Skills Test Centers and through certified third-party testing organizations.
Knowledge tests: Full-Service Driver Services Centers
Tennessee says the CDL General Knowledge test and required exams such as Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Tanker, Multiple Trailer, Passenger, and School Bus are taken at a Full-Service Driver Services Center. The state's location search lets you filter by service, which is safer than assuming every kiosk, county clerk, or express site offers CDL testing.
State CDL road tests: schedule by phone
For a road skills test at a Tennessee Driver Services Center, the current instruction is to call 615-502-4179 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central. Do not use the ordinary noncommercial online road-test scheduler for a CDL appointment.
Certified third-party testing is another option
Tennessee publishes a current list of certified CDL third-party organizations and shows which license classes or endorsements each examiner can test. Third-party testers schedule directly with applicants and may charge additional fees. Check the current state list immediately before booking because provider status and testing scope can change.
How to choose a testing location
- Confirm the location can test the exact class and endorsement you need.
- Ask about the first available appointment before paying a nonrefundable fee.
- Confirm whether you provide the vehicle or whether the tester offers one, and what that costs.
- Check whether the vehicle will create air-brake, manual-transmission, or other CDL restrictions.
- Ask for the retest and cancellation policy in advance.
Official sources checked
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security CDL guidance, Driver Service Locations and Appointments, and the current Certified CDL Third-Party Testing list. Last verified October 6, 2026.