Other Licenses & Endorsements in Tennessee
Who Needs a Commercial License?
You'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you intend to drive any of the following:
- A combination of vehicles whose actual, registered, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,001 lbs. (Class A license)
- A vehicle whose actual, registered, or GVWR is over 26,001 lbs. and is not towing another vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs. (Class B license)
- A single vehicle designed to either transport at least 15 passengers (in addition to the the driver) or carry hazardous materials (Class C license)
Certain driving professions require special endorsements in addition to a CDL, while others don't even require a CDL. We'll sort out some common scenarios below.
School Bus Drivers
Those seeking to transport children in a school bus need a CDL. If so, you'll also need to obtain a passenger ("P") and a school bus ("S") endorsement. You must be at least 25 years old to receive a school bus endorsement in TN.
Chauffeurs
Chauffeurs should obtain the standard Class D license in addition to a for-hire ("F") endorsement.
To receive the endorsement, applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet the eligibility requirements, pass a vision test, and pass a specialized knowledge test.
The endorsement costs $2.50.
Shuttle Bus Drivers
Shuttle buses not only come in a variety of styles and sizes, but are used in many different ways.
Drivers may need to obtain a CDL, along with a passenger ("P") or other endorsements. In some cases, a for-hire ("F") endorsement may suffice, without the CDL.
Check with your potential employer to find out what you need for the particular situation.
Sport Vehicles
You do not need a special license to operate an all-terrain or off-highway vehicle in Tennessee.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers should obtain the standard Class D license in addition to a for-hire ("F") endorsement.
To receive the endorsement, applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet the eligibility requirements, pass a vision test, and pass a specialized knowledge test.
The endorsement costs $2.50.