Tennessee Class A CDL Practice Test (TN) 8

4.9 out of 5 (47 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
Dive into your eighth Tennessee CDL practice test, a pivotal tool for aspiring Class A commercial drivers in Tennessee. This DMV practice test is meticulously crafted to mirror the real permit test in 2026, providing a comprehensive platform to hone your skills. With 50 DMV test questions to tackle, a score of 40 or more is your ticket to moving forward. This TN CDL permit practice test encompasses a wide array of topics essential for every Class A CDL applicant, including pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, gear shifting nuances, navigating hills and downgrades, effective communication on the roads, speed management, and vital drug and alcohol regulations. Our Tennessee class A CDL practice test stands out with its customizable features, allowing you to focus on areas needing extra attention. Repeated attempts are encouraged to boost your confidence and score, all at your preferred pace. Post-test, you'll receive a detailed summary pinpointing areas of improvement, ensuring each session is a step toward mastery. Crafted by seasoned driving instructors, each CDL question is a product of extensive experience and dedication to helping thousands secure their licenses. These professionals bring their on-road and classroom expertise directly to your preparation, ensuring you're receiving guidance that's both practical and proven. The design of this Tennessee DMV CDL practice test also reflects the latest changes and updates in CDL regulations and practices, ensuring you're studying the most current and relevant material. It's not just about passing the test; it's about preparing you for real-world driving scenarios that you'll face as a professional driver. By covering a broad spectrum of subjects, from vehicle maintenance to advanced driving techniques and legal compliance, this TN DMV permit practice test aims to build a solid foundation for your driving career. Additionally, engaging with this TN DMV practice permit test offers the opportunity to develop your test-taking strategies, enhancing your ability to work under timed conditions and make well-informed decisions quickly. This holistic approach to preparation not only aims to help you pass your Tennessee CDL permit test in 2026 but also to instill a deep sense of responsibility and safety as you embark on your journey as a Class A commercial driver. With each sample DMV test question, each practice test, you're not just getting closer to your license; you're becoming a more skilled, knowledgeable, and confident driver!
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Sample Tennessee CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

If you are assisting an injured person at a crash scene, which actions are appropriate?

  1. A Move a severely injured person only when fire or passing traffic creates danger
  2. B Control heavy bleeding by applying direct pressure
  3. C Help keep the injured person warm
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Tennessee’s CDL guidance lists all three actions when qualified help is not already providing care. Do not move a severely injured person unless fire or passing traffic makes movement necessary. Apply direct pressure to control heavy bleeding and help keep the injured person warm while awaiting emergency assistance.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.20.3, “Care for the Injured”

Question 2

How should cargo weight be balanced from the front to the rear of a commercial vehicle?

  1. A Distribute it to avoid placing too much or too little weight on any axle
  2. B Place as much weight as possible near the front
  3. C Concentrate the weight near the rear
  4. D Place most of the weight on one side

Correct answer: A – Distribute it to avoid placing too much or too little weight on any axle

Cargo should be distributed so axle loading remains properly balanced. Excessive weight on the steering axle can make steering difficult and damage the axle or tires. Moving too much weight rearward can leave the steering axle too lightly loaded for safe control, while insufficient drive-axle weight can reduce traction.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 3.2.4, “Balance the Weight”

Question 3

What is the main safety benefit of an antilock braking system?

  1. A It permits higher speeds and shorter following distances
  2. B It prevents every type of skid
  3. C It guarantees a shorter stopping distance
  4. D It helps prevent wheel lockup and maintain control during braking

Correct answer: D – It helps prevent wheel lockup and maintain control during braking

ABS helps keep wheels from locking during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain better vehicle control. It may help the driver steer around an obstacle while braking and reduce skids caused by overbraking. ABS does not guarantee a shorter stop, and drivers must still use safe speed, following distance, and braking technique.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.18.4, “How ABS Helps You”

Question 4

In a Tennessee locality that has adopted the funeral-procession protections, when may a driver move between vehicles in a properly identified procession?

  1. A Whenever an emergency causes a delay
  2. B Whenever the driver otherwise has the right-of-way
  3. C Whenever the opening appears large enough
  4. D Only when following the specific direction of a traffic officer

Correct answer: D – Only when following the specific direction of a traffic officer

The adopted provision makes it unlawful to knowingly drive or attempt to drive between vehicles in a properly identified funeral procession unless complying with a traffic officer’s specific order. It also prohibits a driver following such a procession on a two-lane road from passing or attempting to pass it. An apparently open space does not create an exception.

Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-183(c)(1)(B)–(C), (c)(4) — Funeral Processions

Question 5

Which pair is identified as a cause of tire fires?

  1. A High road speed and ordinary braking
  2. B Overinflated tires and sharp turns
  3. C Vehicle weight and rough pavement
  4. D Underinflated tires and dual tires that touch

Correct answer: D – Underinflated tires and dual tires that touch

Underinflation allows excessive tire flexing and heat buildup. Dual tires that touch can also create damaging friction and heat. Both conditions can lead to tire failure or fire, making proper inflation and adequate spacing between dual tires important parts of the vehicle inspection.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.21.1, “Causes of Fire”

Question 6

For a first conviction of driving a non-hazardous-materials CMV under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, how long is the CDL disqualification?

  1. A 6 months
  2. B 2 years
  3. C 1 year
  4. D 3 years

Correct answer: C – 1 year

Under 49 CFR § 383.51, a first conviction for driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance results in a one-year CMV disqualification. The same period applies to operating a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater or refusing a required alcohol test. A Tennessee CDL holder receives a three-year disqualification when the CMV is transporting hazardous materials.

Source: Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 1.3.2, “Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony”, 49 CFR § 383.51(b), Table 1 — Disqualification of Drivers

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