Driver License Parser Definition

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To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). These licenses, however, are not all created equal.

The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your CDL classification, and vice versa. Classes for commercial driver licenses are:

The International Driver Examiner Certification (IDEC) program was designed as a result of the growing responsibilities being placed on driver licensing personnel. In 1980 AAMVA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began the development of an examiner certification program and in 1982, the Certified Driver Examiner.

  • Class A.
  • Class B.
  • Class C.

Each CDL classification is distinguished by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) among other items. Keep in mind that the CDL classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, but also which endorsements you may be required to obtain.

Here is a breakdown for each CDL classification and the examples of vehicles you may be allowed.

What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.

While your towing allowances will depend on which endorsements you obtain, a few of the vehicles you MAY be able to drive with a Class A CDL (with proper endorsements) include:

  • Tractor-trailers.
  • Truck and trailer combinations.
    • Double and triple trailers.
  • Tractor-trailer buses.
  • Tanker vehicles.
  • Livestock carriers.
  • Flatbeds.

In addition, a Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.

What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B commercial driver license is required to operate:

  • A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier.
    AND/OR
  • Any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing UP TO 10,000 lbs.

As with Class A licenses, you may be required to possess specific endorsements to operate some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be allowed to operate (with the right endorsement) include:

  • Straight trucks.
  • Large buses, including:
    • City buses.
    • Tourist buses.
    • School buses.
  • Segmented buses.
  • Box trucks, such as:
    • Delivery drivers.
    • Couriers.
    • Furniture delivery.
  • Dump trucks with small trailers.

In addition, a Class B license may allow you to operate some Class C vehicles if you possess the correct endorsements. For more information, visit our guide to CDL endorsements.

What is a Class C License?

A Class C commercial driver's license may be required if:

  • The vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria described for either a Class A or Class B license.
    AND
  • Is meant to transport EITHER:
    • At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).
      OR
    • Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.

Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include:

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  • Small HAZMAT vehicles.
  • Passenger vans.
  • Combination vehicles not described in class A or B.
    • EXAMPLE: A small truck towing a trailer.

Change of Address

It is important to notify the Department of Safety if your address changes. If your residence address changes (even though you may not have moved) you are required by state law to notify the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within ten (10) days of this change. This includes when you move as well as address changes made by the United States Postal Service or your local 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District when you have not physically relocated. Notifying the post office of an address change will not provide the information to us. By failing to notify us, you could miss the renewal date of your license, or other important correspondence from the Department of Safety. The law does not require the address to be changed on your actual license, just on our files. The easiest way to update your record is go online to: https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/

You may also notify the Department of your change of address by writing to us and giving us your name (as it appears on your license), driver license number, date-of-birth, your address as it appears on your current license and a good daytime phone number in the event we need to contact you. If you wish to write to us, please mail to:

TN DEPT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
DRIVER LICENSE RECORDS
PO BOX 945
NASHVILLE TN 37202

You can also go to a Driver Service Center and request to have your address updated. Mail-In Change-of-address forms are also available at any Driver Service Center.

If you want a new license issued that reflects your new address, you may also go to a driver license service center, pay the appropriate fees, and have a new license issued with your new address. You may visit our website at https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/ to see if you are eligible to apply online for a duplicate with your new address.

When giving us your new address, remember that by law, your license must show your legal residential address: a house, and/or apartment number and the street, road or highway.

Please note at this time you will not be able to complete a change of address using the self-service kiosk due to a new, enhanced voter registration application process. If you need to change your address, please use our online services or visit any driver services center location to process the address change.

The inability to change your address using the kiosk is temporary and will be restored once an address verification program is installed.

Handgun Carry

As a reminder, customers are prohibited from bringing firearms on Driver Services Centers’ premises.

The mission of the Driver Services Division is to promote safe, knowledgeable, and competent drivers in the State of Tennessee. Using diversified program offerings, the Division is able to provide various services to Tennessee Citizens. The Driver Services Division is responsible for testing and issuing driver licenses as well as offering voter registration and issuance of driving records

Required Documents

PLEASE NOTE: All documents are subject to verification with the issuing agency or source. Documents subject to verification may delay the issuance of your permit, driver license or identification only license.

No photocopies will be accepted!

  • Proof of any Name Changes if Different than name on Primary ID
  • Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current. Must be dated within last 4 months.)
  • A Social Security Number or sworn affidavitif no Social Security number has been issued.

Road Test Skills Appointments

To make an appointment for a non-commercial road skills test, please click Online Driver Services or contact our Call Center at 866-903-7357, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

Senior Drivers

  • Driver Safety for Tennessee Seniors

Helpful Links

  • Other State Driver License Programs

Forms and Publications

  • Medical Waiver for Seatbelt Usage
  • Driver Data Information Request
    NOTE: Data Purchasing Policy & Procedures Attached
  • Graduated Driver License 50 Hour Certificate (Behind the Wheel Driving Experience)
    NOTE: If your learner permit was issued prior to July 1, 2004, a certified birth certificate will be required upon exchange of permit to an Intermediate Restricted License.
  • Order for Restricted License
    NOTE: This type restricted License is only issued for frequent traffic violation suspensions. If you have a suspension/revocation/cancellation for any other reason, you must have your license reinstated before you can apply for this restricted license. If you qualify for a restricted license, our Frequent Traffic Violationspage provides a list of additional documentation you need to provide and additional requirements that must be met in order to apply for the restricted driver license. Please review all requirements thoroughly before submitting your application. For other types of restricted licenses provided for under the law and requirements, view Restricted License Information.
  • Request for Driver Record (MVR)-Authorized Requestor
    Requestor for Authorized by Driver Privacy Protection Act
  • Request for Driver Record (MVR)-Individual Authorization
    Driver's Authorization Required