Tennessee CDL — General Knowledge practice
Tennessee CDL — General Knowledge: Penalties & Licensing practice test
The point system, license suspension, provisional-license rules, insurance requirements, and other licensing basics.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. After the first check, how often must cargo securement be re-inspected on the road?
Correct answer: Every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first
After the initial check, re-inspect the cargo every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first, and after each break.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)
2. No matter how small a flatbed load is, at least how many tie-downs are required?
Correct answer: Two tie-downs
No matter how small the cargo, it must have at least two tie-downs.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)
3. How long must you have held your CLP before you may take the CDL skills test?
Correct answer: At least 14 days
The CLP must be in your possession for at least 14 days before you can schedule and take the skills test.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Eligibility / Applying)
4. For how many days is a Tennessee commercial learner permit (CLP) valid?
Correct answer: 365 days
A Tennessee CLP is valid for 365 days; if you don't convert it to a CDL before it expires, your test results become void.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Eligibility / Applying)
5. How many tie-downs does the manual require based on the length of a load?
Correct answer: One tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo
You need at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, with a minimum of two overall.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)
6. Which of these counts as a serious traffic violation for a CDL holder?
Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit
Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, and following too closely.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)
7. Within how many miles of starting a trip must you first re-inspect the securement of your cargo?
Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles
You must inspect the cargo's securement within the first 50 miles of the trip and adjust it as needed.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)
8. How many red reflective warning triangles satisfy the emergency-device requirement?
Correct answer: Three reflective triangles
Three red reflective triangles satisfy the rule; the alternatives are 6 or more fusees or 3 flares that burn liquid fuel.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)
9. How long are you disqualified for a first out-of-service order violation?
Correct answer: At least 90 days
A first out-of-service order violation results in loss of the CDL for at least 90 days.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Out-of-Service Orders)
10. Which three kinds of emergency equipment must a commercial vehicle carry?
Correct answer: A fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and warning devices like reflective triangles
You must carry a fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle has circuit breakers), and warning devices such as three reflective triangles.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)
11. What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than the front steering tires?
Correct answer: 2/32 inch
Tires other than the front ones must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)
12. What is the minimum tread depth required on the front (steering) tires of a commercial vehicle?
Correct answer: 4/32 inch
Front tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove.
Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)
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