Minimum Requirements For Getting A CDL In Tennessee:

• Valid DOT Medical Card - Employees of a government entity must have a current, valid D.O.T. medical card if making application for a CDL with a HazMat (H), Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement.
• Proof of your Social Security Number
• Tennessee driver’s license or ID, or a valid driver license or CDL from another state.
• Proof of Domicile in Tennessee (Applicants for a CDL or permit will be required to present two proofs of domicile).
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status
• Under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act, rules of the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Service Centers may not issue a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) until the applicant has first submitted to a fingerprint-based background check. TSA must determine that the applicant does not pose a security threat before the HME can be issued. No person applying for a first-time INITIAL, current RENEWING or current out of state TRANSFERRING HME after February 20, 2013, may be issued an HME until the TSA background check has been completed. The background check must have been completed within the last ninety days.

Tennessee Disqualifications The following major offenses will serve CDL disqualification for 1 year, or 3 years if transporting hazardous materials for the first violation. A second violation will face CDL disqualification for life with a possible reinstatement after 10 years.

• Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher
• Refusing a breath or blood test
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using the commercial vehicle to commit a felony, this includes the manufacturing and distributing of a controlled substance.
• Negligent CMV operation resulting in a fatality
• Operating a commercial motor vehicle while you have a disqualified, suspended, or revoked commercial driver's license. If you drive without a valid CDL, you may be subject to steep penalties – possible fines of up to $5,000, and even jail time imposed by the court. Employers who allow or require drivers to drive a CMV without a valid CDL may also face fines or jail time.

The following Serious Traffic Violations will serve no disqualification for the first violation. The second will receive CDL disqualification for 60 days if it was committed within three years of the first violation. A third violation or any subsequent violations within three years will serve CDL disqualification for 120 days. Reckless driving or excessive speeding Improper lane changes Driving too closely behind other vehicles Violating any motor vehicle traffic control law that results in a fatal accident Operating a CMV without a CDL or a commercial endorsement. Serious violations committed while driving in a non-commercial vehicle are not included UNLESS the violation leads to the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of your TN driver's license or regular (non-commercial) driving privileges. The following Railroad Highway Grade Crossing violations will face a minimum of 60 days for the first violation, a minimum of 120 days for a second violation within three years, and a third violation within three years will result in a disqualification for one year.

• Failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear
• Failing to stop when required
• Driving across the tracks when there isn't sufficient space for the commercial vehicle.