What an F Endorsement Does

An F endorsement on your Tennessee commercial driver's license lets you operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Without it, you cannot legally drive a full-size transit bus, school bus, or motorcoach for hire, 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 after you pass a written knowledge test and a skills test specific to passenger vehicles. The state also requires a medical examination and a background check. You must already hold a valid Tennessee CDL (Class A, B, or C) before you can add the F endorsement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Tennessee CDL before you can test for an F endorsement; you cannot get both at the same time.
  • The F endorsement requires passing a written test on passenger vehicle rules and a behind-the-wheel skills test in an actual bus.
  • Tennessee requires a medical examination (FMCSA Form 649) and a background check before the endorsement is issued.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to hold an F endorsement in Tennessee, though some employers require 21.
  • The endorsement costs a fee that varies depending on how long you want it valid; you can check current fees at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Step-by-Step Process for Adding an F Endorsement

Start by scheduling an appointment at your local Tennessee Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Tennessee residency, and a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk you want to add an F endorsement. They will give you a packet with the written test information and tell you when you can take it.

Study the Tennessee CDL Manual, focusing on the passenger vehicle section. The written test covers rules specific to buses: how to load and unload passengers, emergency procedures, passenger safety, and vehicle inspection points unique to large buses. You can take the written test at the same office where you applied.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule a skills test. You must bring a bus (or have the testing facility provide one) and demonstrate your ability to perform a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving in a passenger vehicle. The examiner watches for safe handling, proper mirror checks, smooth braking, and correct passenger safety procedures.

After you pass both tests, submit your medical examination form (FMCSA Form 649, completed by a certified medical examiner) and allow time for the background check. Tennessee will then issue your F endorsement, which appears on your renewed or updated CDL.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

Bring your current Tennessee CDL and a valid photo ID to your first appointment. You will also need proof of Tennessee residency—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address works. If you have changed your name since your CDL was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The medical examination must be completed by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. This is not your regular doctor; you must find an examiner who is certified for commercial driver medical clearances. The exam costs money (typically $50 to $150, depending on the examiner), and you pay the examiner directly, not the state.

The F endorsement itself has a fee paid to Tennessee. The amount depends on the validity period you choose (usually 4 or 8 years). Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website or call your local Driver Services office for the current fee.

Written Test Content and Study Tips

The F endorsement written test has 20 questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. The test covers passenger vehicle operation, emergency procedures, and safety rules that differ from regular truck driving. You will see questions about how to handle a bus fire, what to do if a passenger becomes ill, how to find wheelchairs, and how to inspect air brake systems on a bus.

The Tennessee CDL Manual is free and available online from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Read the entire manual, but pay special attention to the "Passenger Vehicles" section. Many test questions come directly from the manual's wording, so study the exact language used.

Take practice tests if you can find them through your local Driver Services office or online resources. Focus on the rules that are different from regular CDL driving: passenger loading procedures, evacuation routes, and the specific safety equipment buses must have. If you fail the written test, you can retake it, but you must wait before your next attempt (check with your local office for the waiting period).

The Skills Test: What to Expect Behind the Wheel

The skills test takes place in an actual bus and lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform a pre-trip inspection first, pointing out specific parts of the bus and asking you to identify them and explain what you are checking. You must know where the emergency exits are, how the wheelchair lift works (if the bus has one), and how to check the air brake system.

During the driving portion, you will navigate city streets, highways, and parking situations. The examiner watches for smooth acceleration and braking, proper use of mirrors, safe lane changes, and correct handling of the bus's size and weight. You must also demonstrate that you understand passenger safety—for example, not moving the bus until all passengers are seated.

If you fail the skills test, you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they practice with a bus beforehand. Ask your employer or a local bus company if you can practice in their vehicle before your test date.

Medical Examination and Background Check Requirements

Tennessee requires all F endorsement holders to pass a medical examination using the FMCSA Form 649. This form checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to operate a large passenger vehicle. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without glasses) and be able to hear a whisper from five feet away.

The medical examiner will also review your medical history for conditions that might make you unsafe to drive a bus—severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or seizure disorders, for example. If you have a condition that concerns the examiner, they may require additional testing or clearance from a specialist before approving your form.

The background check looks for disqualifying criminal convictions and serious traffic violations. Tennessee will deny an F endorsement if you have been convicted of certain felonies, particularly those involving drugs or violence. You will also be disqualified if you have multiple DUI convictions or serious traffic violations within a certain time period. The state will tell you if any issues come up during the background check.

Timeline: How Long the Process Takes

The entire process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish, though it can be faster if you schedule appointments quickly and pass all tests on your first attempt. The written test can usually be taken within a week of your first appointment. The skills test may take longer to schedule, depending on how many examiners are available in your area.

The medical examination can be done at any time but must be completed before your endorsement is issued. The background check takes 2 to 4 weeks. If everything is in order, Tennessee will issue your F endorsement within a few days of completing the background check.

If you fail either the written or skills test, add another 1 to 2 weeks for each retake. If the background check uncovers an issue that needs clarification, that can add several weeks while you gather documents or wait for a response from the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an F endorsement if I have a DUI on my record?

It depends on how old the DUI is and how many you have. A single DUI from many years ago may not disqualify you, but multiple DUIs or a recent one will. Tennessee's background check will flag any DUI convictions. Contact your local Driver Services office with the details of your record to find out whether you are disqualified before you spend time and money on testing.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a CDL?

Yes. The F endorsement written test is separate from your CDL knowledge test. You must pass the F-specific test even though you already hold a CDL. The test focuses on passenger vehicle rules that are different from regular truck operation.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it. Most Driver Services offices let you schedule another test within 1 to 2 weeks. There is usually a fee for each attempt. Practice with a bus before your next test if possible, and ask the examiner for specific feedback on what you need to improve.

Can I use my personal vehicle for the skills test?

No. The skills test must be performed in an actual bus that meets commercial specifications. If you do not own a bus, ask your employer, a local transit agency, or a CDL training school if you can use theirs for the test. Some Driver Services offices maintain a bus for testing purposes.

How long is an F endorsement valid?

An F endorsement is valid for either 4 or 8 years, depending on which validity period you choose when you explore. You can renew it before it expires by returning to a Driver Services office with your current CDL and paying the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or skills test to renew, but you may need a new medical examination depending on your age and the renewal period.