Tennessee Driver’s License Classes – And How to Get Each One

Will you drive a sedan? 

A motorcycle? 

Or maybe you’re planning on operating a commercial vehicle?

Your answer determines which driver’s license class you need.

You read that right! 

There’s more than one kind of driver’s license in Tennessee — and knowing which one you should get is essential.

So, if you need a crash course, you’re in the right place.

Here, we’ll go over the Tennessee driver’s license classes. Plus, we’ll also give you the details on how to get each one.

Are you ready to begin?

Let’s go!

What Are the Driver’s Licenses Classes in Tennessee?

Tennessee has 7 driver’s license classes. 

It seems like a lot, but you can categorize them into two — commercial and non-commercial.

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses	Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Class D Class H Class M	Class D with an F endorsement Class A CDL Class B CDL Class C CDL

But how do you know which one you need?

Let’s go over each class…

Class D

When you hear the word “driver’s license”, you probably have a Class D license in mind. This is the most common license class there is. 

Now, Class D allows you to drive various vehicles, as long as they don’t weigh over 26,000 pounds, and are only for private use.

These may include sedans, trucks, SUVs, and pickups.

Class M

A Class M driver’s license allows you to operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle with an engine displacement of at least 51 ccs.

If you plan on driving a regular vehicle AND a motorcycle, then you can add an M endorsement to your Class D license. 

Class H

Class H is considered a hardship license. 

This allows 14-year-olds to operate a Class D vehicle or a motorcycle (or both) during daylight hours. 

Know that this license is only issued to families that face hardships. 

Plus, the minor must undergo an evaluation to see if circumstances meet those that merit a hardship license.

The locations where they can drive to and from are also specified.

Class D with F endorsement

Although this is a Class D driver’s license, its F endorsement (For-Hire) makes it a credential for commercial drivers.

You need this driver’s license class to operate a cab or become a shuttle service driver in Tennessee. The same applies to couriers or those who work in delivery services.

Ambulance drivers also need a Class D with an F endorsement.

Class A CDL

You use a Class A CDL to operate large combination commercial vehicles (such as semis, big rigs, and tractor-trailers). These have weight ratings exceeding 26,000 pounds and tow units heavier than 10,000 pounds.

What’s more, since it’s the highest CDL class, you can use it to operate Class B and Class C commercial vehicles. 

Class B CDL

Not all large commercial vehicles are combination vehicles. 

There are some that are heavy and straight, such as dump trucks and box vans. 

This is what requires a Class B CDL. 

To be more specific, it should be a straight commercial vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds. And, if towing a unit, it should weigh fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

Class C CDL

You must have a Class C CDL to drive a vehicle transporting 15 or more passengers. 

The same applies if your load contains hazardous materials in quantities that require you to display a placard.

What’s more, the commercial vehicle should weigh fewer than 26,000 pounds, and tow units fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

How to Get a Class D License in Tennessee

Since a Class D driver’s license is the most common in Tennessee, let’s cover it first.

Get a learner’s permit (required for teens 15-17 years old).

1. Apply for a learner’s permit online through Tennessee’s e-service portal. 

2. Download the Tennessee Proctor Identification App (PID) and take the knowledge test online.

NOTE: You can also choose to take the knowledge test at a Driver Services Center. You can schedule for it here.

3. Prepare the following documents and submit them to a Driver Services Center:
   1. Proof of identity (one primary and one secondary), lawful presence (citizenship or permanent residence), residence in Tennessee, and Social Security Number
   2. A printed-out application form
   3. Supporting documents for name changes (if applicable)
   4. A Minor/Teen Affidavit filled out and signed by your parents at the Service Center
   5. Proof of School Attendance/Progress (completed and signed by your school’s director, principal, or authorized official) 

4. Pass the following tests:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Knowledge test (unless you already took it online)

5. Pay the $10.50 permit fee.

6. Get your learner’s permit.

NOTE: If you’re under 18, you must hold your permit for at least 180 days and accumulate at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be after sunset. You can schedule a road test when you turn 16 years old.

Get a restricted intermediate license.

1. Fulfill the learner’s permit requirements (mentioned above) and have no traffic offenses adding to 6 points. 

2. Schedule a road test through the DSD e-Services page.

3. Go with a licensed driver to your appointment and submit the following:
   1. Proof of identity (2), lawful presence, Tennessee residence, and Social Security Number 
   2. A filled out and signed SF-1256 Form (Certification of 50 Hours Behind The Wheel Driving Experience)
   3. A registered and insured car for your driving test

NOTE: Click here for a complete list of acceptable documents.

4. Pass the road test. 

5. Pay the $24.50 license fee.

6. Get your restricted intermediate license.

Get an unrestricted intermediate license.

1. Fulfill these requirements:
   1. Be at least 17 years old
   2. Hold your restricted intermediate license for a year
   3. Don’t have more than 6 points on your license
   4. Don’t have an at-fault accident 
   5. Don’t have more than one seat belt violation 

2. Upgrade your restricted intermediate license to an unrestricted one in the e-service portal. 

3. Pay the $2 fee.

Get a Class D license.

1. Meet these requirements:
   1. Be at least 18 years old
   2. Don’t have more than 6 points on your record
   3. Don’t have more than 2 seat belt violations

2. Upgrade your unrestricted intermediate license to a Class D license online. 

3. Pay the $10 Class D license fee. 

4. Receive your Class D license. 

(Optional) Get an F endorsement.

You must get an F endorsement to drive a cab, join a rideshare company, or operate a for-hire Class D vehicle. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Meet these eligibility requirements:
   1. Be at least 18 (or 16 if the for-hire vehicle is for a family business).
   2. Have at least 2 years of driving experience.
   3. Drive a Class D vehicle.

2. Go to a Driver Service Center and do the following:
   1. Apply for an F endorsement
   2. Pass a vision screening
   3. Pass a written test specifically for the for-hire vehicle
   4. Pay the $30.50 fee

3. Have the F endorsement added to your Class D license. 

To know how to get a license if you begin the process after turning 18, you can check out our article on how to get a driver’s license in Tennessee.

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Tennessee

Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea of getting a commercial license.

Yes — there may be more requirements, but that doesn’t mean it’s a complicated process.

Best of all, regardless of your preferred CDL class, the steps are the same!

So let’s go over the steps…

Get a CDL permit (required for everyone, regardless of age). 

1. Meet the requirements for commercial drivers. These include:
   1. Be at least 21 years old (or 18, if you only intend to drive within state lines)
   2. Be an American citizen or a permanent resident of the US
   3. Be a resident of Tennessee
   4. Have a Class D license with active driving privileges
   5. Comply with the FMCSA’s medical standards
   6. Determine your CDL class and endorsement (if any)

2. Upload a filled-out Form MCSA-5876 (Medical Examiners Certificate) and SF-1480 (CDL Holder Self-Certification Affidavit) to the DSD online portal. 

3. Prepare these documents:
   1. Proof of lawful presence, Social Security Number, and (2) Tennessee residence
   2. Your current and valid Class D license
   3. A DOT Medical Card (if necessary)

4. Make an appointment for your CDL written exam using the online ticketing system.

5. On your visit, complete the following:
   1. Submit the document you gathered in Step 3
   2. Pass the CDL knowledge test and any endorsement knowledge test (if applicable)
   3. Pay the appropriate fee (see table below)

Application fee:	$6
Class A CDL permit:	$8
Class B or C CDL permit:	$7
Application fee per endorsement:	$6
School bus endorsement:	$20
Passenger endorsement:	$2.50
Tank endorsement:	$2.50

6. Get your Tennessee CDL permit.

Get a CDL.

1. Meet the requirements to take the CDL skills test:
   1. Hold your CDL permit for 14 days or longer.
   2. Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training program.

2. Contact any Commercial Driver License Road Skills Test location or a certified CDL Third Party Testing Program participant to schedule your CDL Skills test.

3. Bring the following to your appointment:

1. Your valid CDL permit and Class D license
2. A CMV to use

      4. Pass all parts of the CDL skills test.

      5. Research and complete any H, T, or X endorsement requirements. 

      6. Get an e-ticket to a Driver Service Center and bring the following:

1. If provided, your CDL skills test score 
2. Your valid CDL permit and Class D license
3. Proof of lawful presence, Social Security Number, and (2) Tennessee residence
4. Any required documents for a T, H, or X endorsement (if applicable)

7. While there, do the following:
   1. fill up an application form 
   2. Submit the required documents
   3. Take a vision screening (only if you’re getting an H endorsement)
   4. Take and pass the T, H, or X endorsement test (if applicable) 
   5. Pay the appropriate fee (see table below)

Application fee:	$6
Class A CDL:	$64
Class B or Class C CDL:	$54
Application fee per endorsement:	$6
H, T, and/or X endorsement:	$2.50 each

8. Get your Tennessee CDL with endorsement (if applicable).

To learn more about CDL requirements, such as a detailed description of endorsements, check out our guide on how to get a CDL in Tennessee.

How to Get a Class M License in Tennessee

If you want to drive a motorcycle in Tennessee, you must have a Class M license or endorsement. 

Now, getting one is straightforward, but the required tests vary depending on whether or not you already have a Class D license.

Let’s break that down into steps.

1. Attend a Tennessee Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP).

2. Prepare the following documents:
   1. Proof of (2) identity, lawful presence, Tennessee residence, and Social Security Number
   2. A Minor/Teen Affidavit filled out and signed by your parents (if under 18)
   3. Proof of School Attendance/Progress from your school (if under 18)

3. Go to a Driver Service Center and pass the following tests:
   1. A vision test
   2. The standard rules of the road test (for those without a Class D license)
   3. The written exam for a Class M license
   4. A motorcycle pre-trip inspection
   5. A driving/skills test

NOTE: Presenting your MREP completion certificate may allow you to waive the following: Both written and skills tests (if you already have a Class D license) The written exam (if you don’t have a Class D license)

4. Get a motorcycle permit for $6.50 if you’re 15. You can return to a Driver Service Center when you turn 16 and have it exchanged for a motorcycle license without retaking any tests.

NOTE: A permit allows you to operate a motorcycle but requires you to observe several restrictions: You cannot drive a bike with an engine displacement higher than 650cc. You cannot have any passengers. You cannot be on interstate highways or marked roadways. You can only drive during daylight. You can only operate your motorcycle within a 20-mile radius of your home.

5. Pay the required license fee:
   1. Class M (Motorcycle only) – $29
   2. Class M endorsement – $55

6. Get your motorcycle license.

How to Get a Class H License in Tennessee

Under specific circumstances, 14-15-year-olds can drive a Class D vehicle or a motorcycle (or both) using a hardship (Class H) license.

Before anything else, it’s crucial to understand that a hardship license isn’t the same as a restricted intermediate one. 

Class H is typically for teens who must drive to school or work if no other way is available due to their circumstances.

To get a Class H license, here are the steps involved:

1. Download an Application for Hardship/Temporary Hardship Driver License form, complete it, and mail it to this address:

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security 

Driver Services Division-Hardship License

1150 Foster Avenue

Nashville, TN 37243 

NOTE: The DSD will send the original copy of the form with an Authorization Letter if they approve your application. It will indicate what you must bring to a Driver Service Center.

2. Attend a state-approved driver’s education program if you’re 14 or you’ve had your learner’s permit for less than 3 months.

3. Go to a Driver Service Center and bring the following:
   1. Proof of (2) identity, lawful presence, Tennessee residence, and Social Security Number
   2. A Minor/Teen Affidavit filled out and signed by your parents 
   3. Proof of School Attendance/Progress from your school 

4. Pass the following tests:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Knowledge exam
   3. Driving test

NOTE: If you want to drive a motorcycle, you must take the knowledge and skills test for a Class M license on top of those for a Class D.

5. Pay the appropriate fee, which varies depending on your age.

NOTE: Hardship licenses cost $3.50 per year, so at most, you’ll spend $7 because it expires when you turn 16.

6. Get your Class H license.

Because the DSD only issues it to select individuals, carrying a hardship license means observing the following restrictions:

• You can only drive between 5:00 am to 7:00 pm and only to and from pre-authorized locations
• You cannot have passengers except for family members
• You cannot tow another vehicle or trailer

The Wrap Up

And there you have it! 

Everything you need to know about the Tennessee driver’s license classes.

Now you know what you need and how to get it!