(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

Ask a traffic law question, get an answer ASAP!
Thousands of highly rated, verified traffic lawyers.
Parking violations, accidents, DUI/DWI, licensing, registration, and more
Protect your vehicle and your rights with expert legal help now
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 55-50-416

  • Bus: means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than fifteen (15) passengers including the driver and operated for the transportation of persons. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • CDL: means a license issued by the department in accordance with the standards contained in 49 C. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • CLP: means a permit issued to an individual by the department that, when carried with a valid driver license issued by the department, authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by a holder of a valid CDL for purposes of behind-the-wheel training. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • Driver: means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a highway or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • Driver license: means a license issued by the department to an individual that authorizes the individual to operate a motor vehicle on the highways. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • FMCSA: means the federal motor carrier safety administration, an agency within the United States department of transportation. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • Hazardous materials: means any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • School bus: means every motor vehicle operated for the transportation of children to or from school or school-related activities and is operated for compensation. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • State: means :
    (A) For the purposes of commercial driver licenses, a state of the United States and the District of Columbia. See Tennessee Code 55-50-102
  • Year: means a calendar year, unless otherwise expressed. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(1) “Approved FMCSA training provider” means an entity that is listed on the FMCSA training provider registry; and
(2) “Entry-level driver training” means training that a driver receives from an entity listed on the FMCSA training provider registry prior to the driver:

(A) Taking a skills test required to receive a Class A or Class B driver license for the first time;
(B) Taking a skills test required to upgrade to a Class A or Class B driver license;
(C) Taking a skills test required to obtain a passenger (P) endorsement for the first time;
(D) Taking a skills test required to obtain a school bus (S) endorsement for the first time; or
(E) Taking a test required to obtain a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
(b)

(1)

(A) Prior to being issued a Class A or Class B driver license for the first time or upgrading to a Class A or Class B driver license, an applicant must complete entry-level driver training that includes driving theory and behind-the-wheel instruction on an open range and on public roads.
(B) Prior to being issued a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time, an applicant must complete the entry-level driver training appropriate for that endorsement.
(C) Except for a driver seeking a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time, the theory instruction and the behind-the-wheel instruction portions of the driver’s entry-level driver training must be completed within one (1) year of each other.
(2) The following applicants are not required to comply with the requirements of subdivision (b)(1):

(A) An applicant who is eligible for a skills test waiver pursuant to § 55-50-322(b)(2); and
(B) An applicant who is seeking to remove a restriction in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 383.135(b)(7).
(3) An applicant for a CDL, CLP, or an endorsement for a CDL or CLP must comply with the requirements of 49 CFR § 380.600 et seq. in addition to other federal or state regulations, and all subsequent amendments promulgated, approved, and adopted by the FMCSA.