What an F Endorsement Does

An F endorsement on your Tennessee CDL allows you to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This is the passenger endorsement — without it, you cannot legally drive a full-size charter bus, transit bus, or any other commercial passenger vehicle, even if you already hold a CDL. The F endorsement is separate from your base CDL and requires its own testing and background clearance.

Tennessee issues the F endorsement only after you pass a written knowledge test and a skills test specific to passenger vehicle operation. You must also pass a medical examination and a background check. The state does not issue F endorsements to drivers under 21, and federal law requires you to be at least 21 to operate a commercial bus across state lines.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Tennessee CDL before you can add an F endorsement to it.
  • The F endorsement requires passing a written test on passenger vehicle rules, a pre-trip inspection test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner.
  • You must be at least 21 years old and pass a medical examination and background check through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
  • The written test covers passenger safety, loading procedures, emergency equipment, and how to handle passengers with disabilities.

Step 1: Verify You Have a Valid Tennessee CDL

Before you can test for an F endorsement, you must already hold a valid Tennessee Commercial Driver's License. If you do not yet have your CDL, you will need to obtain it first through the standard CDL testing process — written test, pre-trip inspection test, and skills test — before the state will allow you to test for any endorsement.

Check your current license to confirm it shows "CDL" and that it has not expired. If your CDL is expired or suspended, you cannot add an endorsement until it is restored to valid status. You can verify your license status online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or by visiting a driver services center in person.

Step 2: Study the F Endorsement Written Test Material

The Tennessee CDL manual contains a dedicated section on passenger vehicle operation. This section covers passenger safety rules, how to load and unload passengers safely, emergency equipment requirements, procedures for passengers with disabilities, and how to handle disruptive passengers. You must study this material before taking the written test — the test is not open-book, and you will need to demonstrate knowledge of these topics.

The written test for the F endorsement typically includes 20 questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. Questions focus on real-world scenarios: what to do if a passenger becomes ill, how to find wheelchairs, where emergency exits must be located, and how to conduct a safe pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security provides the official CDL manual free online, and many driver training schools also offer study materials and practice tests.

Step 3: Schedule Your F Endorsement Tests

Once you feel ready, contact a Tennessee driver services center to schedule your F endorsement tests. You will need to schedule both the written test and the skills test (pre-trip inspection and behind-the-wheel driving test). Some centers allow you to take the written test and schedule the skills test on the same day; others may require separate appointments. Call ahead or check the center's website to learn their scheduling process.

Bring your valid Tennessee CDL, a form of identification, and any required medical documentation. If you have not had a medical examination within the past two years, you will need to complete one before the state will issue your endorsement. The medical examination must be performed by a certified medical examiner on the federal FMCSA list — your doctor may be on this list, or the driver services center can provide referrals.

Step 4: Pass the Written Test

The written test is administered at a Tennessee driver services center. You will sit at a computer or paper test station and answer questions about passenger vehicle operation. The test is in English, and you must answer at least 16 of 20 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you may have to wait a set period before your next attempt — check with your local driver services center for their retake policy.

The test covers topics like passenger boarding and exiting procedures, wheelchair securement, emergency equipment location and use, how to recognize and respond to mechanical problems, and passenger conduct rules. You are not allowed to use notes, phones, or other materials during the test. If you pass, you will receive a score report, which you will need when you schedule your skills test.

Step 5: Pass the Pre-Trip Inspection and Behind-the-Wheel Tests

After passing the written test, you must pass two practical tests: a pre-trip inspection test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. Both are conducted by a Tennessee-certified CDL examiner, usually at a driver services center or an approved testing facility. The pre-trip inspection test requires you to walk around a passenger bus, identify key safety components, and explain what you are checking and why — mirrors, lights, brakes, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and passenger seating.

The behind-the-wheel test involves driving a passenger bus on public roads or a closed course while the examiner observes. You will be evaluated on your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, make safe turns, back up safely, and handle the bus smoothly with passengers aboard (or simulated passenger weight). The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, awareness of the vehicle's size and blind spots, and proper use of mirrors and signals.

Step 6: Complete Your Background Check and Medical Clearance

Before the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue your F endorsement, you must pass a background check. This check screens for disqualifying criminal convictions, particularly those related to passenger safety, drug trafficking, or violent crime. You will be asked to provide personal information, and the state will conduct a records search. If you have questions about whether a past conviction might disqualify you, contact the department before testing.

You must also have a current medical examination on file. The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive — such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — disclose it to the examiner. Some conditions require special certification or may result in restrictions on your endorsement.

What Happens After You Pass All Tests

Once you have passed the written test, the pre-trip inspection test, the behind-the-wheel test, and cleared the background check and medical examination, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will issue your F endorsement. Your new CDL will be mailed to you or you can pick it up at the driver services center where you tested. The endorsement will appear on your license and will remain valid for the same period as your CDL — typically eight years, or five years if you are over 60.

Your F endorsement allows you to operate any bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers. You are still subject to all CDL rules, including hours-of-service regulations, medical certification requirements, and vehicle inspection standards. If your CDL expires or is suspended, your F endorsement is suspended with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an F endorsement if I have a disqualifying criminal conviction?

Federal law disqualifies certain convictions related to passenger safety, drug trafficking, and violent crime. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security before you test to learn whether a specific conviction will prevent you from obtaining the endorsement. Some convictions may result in a waiting period before you become may be able to access.

What if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?

You can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the testing fee again. There is usually a waiting period between attempts — check with your local driver services center for their specific retake rules. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice.

Do I need to take a passenger safety course before testing?

Tennessee does not require a formal passenger safety course, but many employers and training schools offer them. Taking a course can help you study for the written test and prepare for the skills test, especially if you have never driven a bus before. Some courses are offered online, while others are in-person.

How long does it take to get an F endorsement after I pass all the tests?

Once you pass all tests and clear the background check and medical examination, the state typically issues your endorsement within two to four weeks. Your new CDL will be mailed to your address on file, or you can pick it up at the driver services center. If you need the endorsement urgently, ask the center whether you can pick it up in person.

Can I drive a bus in another state with a Tennessee F endorsement?

Yes, your Tennessee CDL with an F endorsement is recognized in all other states. However, if you move to another state, you will eventually need to obtain a CDL from that state. Federal law allows you to drive with an out-of-state license for a limited time, but you cannot establish residency in a new state and continue using a Tennessee license indefinitely.