License Classifications
- 1/19License class used for regular passenger cars in Tennessee
A Class D license is required for operating private vehicles under 26,000 lbs. It is the most common license for daily personal use including cars, Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)s, and light trucks.
Type of vehicle permitted under a Class M license
Class M is Tennessees motorcycle license. It covers motorcycles, mopeds, and similar two or three wheeled vehicles and requires a separate skills and knowledge test.
Combination vehicle license category
Class A is used for heavy combination vehicles, such as tractor trailers, where the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds. It falls under Commercial Driver License (CDL) regulations.
Single commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs operated under this license
Class B allows operation of a single commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs. Common examples include buses, delivery trucks, and dump trucks with no heavy trailer attached.
License required to drive a vehicle for pay without a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
A Class D drivers license with an “F” (For‑Hire) endorsement permits operation of personal passenger vehicles such as taxis, shuttles, or delivery vans for compensation without needing a CDL.
Minimum age to apply for a full Class D driver license
Drivers can apply for a Class D license at age 16 after meeting all permit and testing requirements. Parental consent and school enrollment may also apply.
Restricted license issued in hardship situations to minors
A Class H license may be issued to minors between ages 14 to 16 under proven hardship. It comes with strict usage limits and typically requires court or school approval.
License used for school bus operation
School bus drivers must have a Class C Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with an “S” endorsement. Drivers must pass specialized knowledge and behind the wheel skills tests, and hold a Passenger (“P”) endorsement before obtaining the S endorsement
Minimum age for a Tennessee learners permit
Under Tennessees Graduated Driver Licensing program, applicants must be 15 years old to receive a Learner Permit (Level I) after passing vision and written tests
License required to legally transport hazardous materials
Any driver hauling hazardous cargo must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and pass additional testing for the “H” endorsement. This includes fingerprinting and a background check.
Tanker and hazardous material combination endorsement
The “X” endorsement is a combination of “H” for hazardous materials and “N” for tank vehicles. It is required for transporting dangerous liquids like gasoline.
Vehicle classification that allows driving smaller buses and vans for hire
A Class C Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a “P” (Passenger) endorsement is used to operate vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers. It includes transit vans and shuttles.
Endorsement required for operating a tank vehicle
Drivers transporting liquids or gases in tanks must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with an “N” endorsement. These materials can shift weight and require special handling skills.
Non commercial license used to operate mopeds under 50cc
Mopeds with an engine under 50cc do not require a motorcycle license. A regular Class D license or Provisional Driver (PD) permit is enough, but safety regulations still apply.
Special classification that allows temporary visitor driving
Tennessee issues a Temporary Driver License (TDL) to non citizens with lawful presence. These licenses expire with the immigration status and cannot be renewed without updated documents.
Purpose of the “K” restriction on a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) license
A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a “K” restriction means the driver is allowed to operate only within Tennessee. This applies to those with medical or legal limitations under state only rules.
Age and requirement for driving emergency vehicles like ambulances
Emergency vehicle operators often use a Class D license with additional employer provided training. The vehicles may require equipment specific instruction.
Type of license needed for towing multiple trailers
A Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is required when towing a unit over 10,000 Pounds (lbs) with a combined vehicle weight over 26,000 Pounds (lbs). This includes tractor trailers or Recreational Vehicle (RV)s with additional trailers.
Primary license used for personal vehicle operation in Tennessee
Most Tennessee residents use a Class D license to legally drive personal vehicles, including cars, vans, and light pickups not used for commercial or for hire purposes.