✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Tennessee for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	No driver ed required for under-18 license. Instead: 180-day learner permit and 50 hours driving (10 at night).source 1
Supervised practice (teens)	50 hours (10 at night), certified by parent, guardian or driving instructor; hold learner permit 180 days.source 1
New adult drivers	None stated. Adults 18+ pass a vision screening and the Class D knowledge test.source 2
Who licenses driving schools	Dept of Safety licenses driver training enterprises and instructors (rule 1340-01-06).source 3
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	State rule adopts federal ELDT: theory and behind-the-wheel (range and public road) from an approved FMCSA training provider since Feb 7, 2022. No state hours.source 4
CDL schools: state license	Yes. THEC authorization for private postsecondary schools (T.C.A. 49-7-2001 et seq.; THEC Rule 1540-01-02). Dept. of Safety Rule 1340-01-06 also requires a Safety license for any business that charges for driver training, and it names truck training. No source says either license replaces the other.source 5 · source 6 · source 3
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No state hours; state rule adopts federal ELDT. THEC caps truck-cab student-to-teacher ratios at 4:1 (Class A) and 2:1 (Class B).source 4 · source 5
CDL schools: instructor rules	THEC: instructors need documented proficiency and practical experience in the trade. Certificate-level programs need a HS diploma or GED, a relevant postsecondary certificate and 3 years' experience in the last 7 (THEC Rule 1540-01-02-.16(5)). Dept. of Safety Rule 1340-01-06 requires a Safety instructor license for anyone giving driver training for hire. That rule (2001) asks for a Class D license with a for-hire endorsement and does not mention CDLs.source 5 · source 3
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt if given by or for an employer at no fee to its employees or future hires (THEC Rule 1540-01-02-.05). Payroll deductions, minimum-employment terms or leave-early fees count as fees.source 5 · source 7
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No state hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 4
Carriers: instructor rules	THEC instructor standards do not reach a no-fee employer program, which is exempt from the rules; federal 380.605 applies.source 5
New school bus drivers	New school bus drivers must complete a training program before transporting students, based on standards set by the Depts. of Education and Safety, run by the district transportation supervisor or trainer. No hours stated (T.C.A. 49-6-2107, Public Chapter 289 of 2017).source 8 · source 9 · source 10
School bus refresher	4-hour state driver safety training every year (Highway Patrol Pupil Transportation); missing it costs the S endorsement.source 11 · source 12

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Tennessee, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driver's manual

Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services · Information current as of July 1, 2022; printing 'Authorization No. MT3Q28, 100,000 copies, March 2025' · 135 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Teen and parent guides

Certificate of 50 Hours Behind the Wheel Driving Experience (SF-1256)

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security · SF-1256 (02/13) · 1 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Mature and senior drivers

Decisions for Tennessee's Senior Drivers - It's a matter of safety

Tennessee Department of Transportation / Governor's Highway Safety Office (Tennessee Coalition for the Enhancement of Senior Drivers) · 23 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Mature and senior drivers

Driver Safety for Tennessee Seniors - A resource for family members and caregivers

Tennessee Department of Transportation / Governor's Highway Safety Office · 15 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

School bus

Entry Level School Bus Driver Training Documentation of Completion Form

Tennessee Department of Education, Student Transportation · February 2018 · 6 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

School bus

School Bus Safety Tips For Transportation Supervisors and Bus Drivers

Tennessee Department of Education, Student Transportation · January 2019 · 2 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Motorcycle and moped

Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th edition, with TN section) · Printing 'Authorization No. 349234, 80,000 copies, March 2023' · 96 pages

Open on the state siteCopyright Motorcycle Safety Foundation, so it opens on the state's site.

Driving jobs in Tennessee

64,890heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed (May 2025)

$58,620median yearly pay (May 2025)

7,660projected openings each year, 2024 to 2034

11.1%projected job growth, 2024 to 2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Tennessee, May 2025 Projections CentralLong-Term Occupational Projections (2024-2034)

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

See all states