What an F Endorsement Is and Who Needs It

An F endorsement on a Tennessee commercial driver's license authorizes you to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This is the passenger endorsement. You cannot legally drive a full-size transit bus, school bus, or charter coach without it, even if you hold a CDL. The F endorsement is separate from your base CDL class and requires its own testing and background clearance.

Tennessee issues the F endorsement only to drivers who already hold a valid CDL (Class A, B, or C). You cannot test for F without a CDL in hand. The endorsement appears on your license as a letter code and remains valid for the same renewal cycle as your CDL — typically eight years for most drivers, or five years if you are over 65.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Tennessee CDL before you can test for the F endorsement; you cannot obtain F as a standalone credential.
  • The F endorsement requires passing a written knowledge test covering passenger safety, boarding procedures, and emergency evacuation, plus a skills test in an actual bus.
  • You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) before the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue the endorsement.
  • Tennessee does not require a separate training course for the F endorsement, but many employers require or strongly prefer that you complete one before testing.
  • The written test costs money and the skills test fee varies by testing location; bring your CDL, proof of medical clearance, and a bus for the driving portion.

Medical Clearance and the Medical Examiner's Certificate

Before you schedule any F endorsement test, you must obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is not optional. Tennessee will not issue or renew an F endorsement without proof that you passed a medical examination within the past 24 months. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, diabetes screening, and a review of medications and medical history.

You can find a certified medical examiner through the FMCSA National Registry at fmcsa.dot.gov. Search by your zip code to locate examiners near you. The exam typically costs between $75 and $150, depending on the provider. Once you pass, the examiner will issue your MEC on the spot or within a few days. Bring this certificate with you when you go to the DMV to test.

If you already hold a valid CDL with an F endorsement, your MEC must still be current. If your MEC expires before your CDL does, you lose the right to drive passenger vehicles until you renew it, even though your CDL itself remains valid.

The Written Knowledge Test for F Endorsement

The F endorsement written test in Tennessee covers passenger transport safety and procedures. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test includes questions about pre-trip inspections specific to buses, passenger boarding and seating rules, emergency evacuation procedures, and how to handle disruptive passengers.

You take the written test at a Tennessee DMV office or an approved third-party testing location. Bring your current CDL, your Medical Examiner's Certificate, and a valid photo ID. The test fee is set by the state and does not vary by location. You will receive your score when ready after completion. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait before scheduling another attempt — check with your local DMV office for the exact waiting period, as it may vary.

Tennessee does not require you to take a classroom course before the written test, but many employers — especially school districts and transit agencies — will not hire you or allow you to test without proof of completion of a passenger safety course. If your employer requires training, complete it before you test; the course certificate may be required at the DMV.

The Skills Test and Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation

After you pass the written test, you must pass a skills test conducted by a Tennessee DMV examiner. This test has two parts: a pre-trip inspection and an actual driving test in a bus. You must provide the bus yourself — the examiner will not supply one. This is a major practical requirement: you need access to a full-size passenger bus that meets federal safety standards.

The pre-trip inspection portion requires you to walk around and through the bus, checking brakes, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and passenger seating. The examiner will ask you to identify and explain the function of specific components. You must demonstrate that you understand how to inspect a bus safely and know what to look for.

The driving portion takes place on public roads and may include highway driving, turns, backing, and emergency stops. The examiner will observe your control of the vehicle, your awareness of passenger safety, your mirror checks, and your ability to handle the size and weight of a bus. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate smooth, safe operation. If you fail the skills test, you can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment and bring the bus again.

Timeline and Fees

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your medical exam and DMV appointments. The medical exam can usually be completed within a week. The written test can often be scheduled within two to three weeks at most DMV offices. The skills test may have a longer wait, especially in busy urban areas — some locations have a four to six week backlog.

Tennessee charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the skills test. The exact amounts vary slightly by DMV office and testing provider, but expect to pay roughly $50 to $100 for the written test and $100 to $200 for the skills test, depending on location. The medical exam is separate and typically costs $75 to $150. Bring cash or a card accepted by the DMV; not all locations accept all payment methods.

Once you pass both tests and submit your paperwork, the endorsement is usually added to your CDL within one to two weeks. You will receive an updated license in the mail or can pick it up at the DMV office where you tested.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistake is showing up to test without a current Medical Examiner's Certificate. The DMV will turn you away, and you will have to reschedule. Get your medical exam done first, before you schedule any DMV appointment.

Another common error is failing to bring a bus to the skills test. You cannot borrow one on the day of the test or use a smaller vehicle. If you do not have access to a bus, contact your employer or a local transit agency to see if they will allow you to use one for testing. Some employers provide buses for employee testing; others do not.

A third mistake is not studying the written test material. The test is not difficult, but it covers specific rules and procedures that differ from regular CDL knowledge. Review the Tennessee CDL manual section on passenger endorsements before you test. Many people fail on their first attempt because they underestimate the specificity of the questions.

Finally, do not assume that a classroom course is optional just because Tennessee does not require it. If your employer requires one, you must complete it before testing or you will not be hired, even with a valid F endorsement. Check with your employer before you schedule your written test.

Renewing Your F Endorsement

When your CDL is due for renewal, your F endorsement renews at the same time if your Medical Examiner's Certificate is current. You do not have to retake the written or skills test to renew — you straightforward renew your CDL as usual and the F endorsement carries over.

However, if your MEC has expired or will expire before your CDL renewal date, you must obtain a new one before you renew your license. If you let your MEC lapse, you will lose the F endorsement until you pass a new medical exam and reapply. The reapplication process is the same as the initial process: written test, skills test, and medical clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an F endorsement if I have a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Possibly. The medical examiner will evaluate your condition and any medications you take. Many drivers with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure pass the medical exam. The examiner looks at whether your condition is stable and managed, not whether you have the condition itself. If you are denied, you can request a second opinion from another certified examiner or appeal through the FMCSA.

Do I need a Class A CDL to get an F endorsement, or can I use a Class B or C?

You can obtain an F endorsement with any class of CDL — A, B, or C. The class of your CDL determines what other vehicles you can drive; the F endorsement only authorizes passenger transport. However, some employers require a Class A CDL in addition to the F endorsement, so check your employer's requirements before you test.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test after a waiting period set by your local DMV office. You must bring the bus again and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money and requires scheduling. Many people pass on the second attempt after practicing with the bus and reviewing the examiner's feedback.

Can I test for the F endorsement in a different state if I live in Tennessee?

No. You must test in the state where your CDL is issued. If you hold a Tennessee CDL, you must pass the Tennessee written and skills tests. You cannot transfer an F endorsement from another state; you must obtain it in Tennessee.

How long does the F endorsement stay on my license if I stop driving passenger vehicles?

The F endorsement remains on your license for the full renewal cycle — typically eight years — as long as your Medical Examiner's Certificate stays current. You do not have to use it or maintain it through employment. However, if your MEC expires, the endorsement becomes invalid until you renew the certificate.