What the F Endorsement Lets You Drive

The F endorsement on a Tennessee commercial driver's license authorizes you to operate a bus or motorcoach designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This is different from a passenger (P) endorsement, which covers smaller buses. The F endorsement is required by federal law if you want to drive any vehicle in this category for compensation or as part of your job.

You cannot legally drive a bus with 16+ passenger capacity without this endorsement, even if you hold a valid CDL. Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security enforces this requirement, and violations can result in fines and out-of-service orders.

Key Takeaways

  • You must already hold a valid Tennessee CDL before you can add an F endorsement.
  • The F endorsement requires passing a written knowledge test specific to passenger vehicle operation and safety.
  • You do not need to take a new road test to add the F endorsement, only the written exam.
  • The endorsement fee and processing time vary, so contact your local Driver Services office for current costs and wait times.
  • Some employers require additional training or certifications beyond the state endorsement before you can operate their buses.

Steps to Add an F Endorsement to Your Tennessee CDL

Start by visiting your local Driver Services office in person. You cannot add an endorsement by mail or online. Bring your current Tennessee CDL, a valid form of identification, and proof of Tennessee residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The office staff will confirm you are may be able to access and direct you to the written test.

The written test covers passenger vehicle operation, including passenger safety procedures, vehicle inspection, emergency equipment, and how to handle passenger behavior and medical situations. Study materials are available through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You will take the test at the Driver Services office on the same visit or schedule a return appointment if the office is busy.

Once you pass the written test, the F endorsement is added to your CDL. You will receive an updated license in the mail within a few weeks. There is no road test requirement for the F endorsement—only the written exam.

What You Need to Bring to the Driver Services Office

Bring your current Tennessee CDL, which is your primary document. You will also need a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If your identification does not show your current address, bring a second document proving Tennessee residency—a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document all work.

If you have changed your name since your CDL was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Driver Services office will not process your endorsement request without proof of the name change.

The Written Test for the F Endorsement

The F endorsement written test contains questions about passenger safety, vehicle inspection, and emergency procedures. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the Driver Services office, and you receive your score when ready.

Study the Tennessee CDL Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Focus on the passenger vehicle section. Many people take the test more than once, so if you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it after paying the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.

Costs and Processing Time

The cost of adding an F endorsement varies by Driver Services office location and changes periodically. Contact your local office directly for the current fee. Most offices charge between $10 and $30 for the endorsement itself, plus the written test fee, which is typically $10 to $15. Some offices may charge a processing fee as well.

Your updated CDL with the F endorsement will arrive by mail within two to four weeks of passing the test. If you need the endorsement sooner, ask the Driver Services office whether they offer expedited processing or can issue a temporary document while you wait for the permanent license.

Additional Requirements From Your Employer

Many bus and motorcoach companies require training beyond the state endorsement before you can operate their vehicles. This training might include company-specific safety procedures, passenger information techniques, or defensive driving courses. Some employers require a medical examination or background check as well.

Ask your employer what training or certifications they require before you start the endorsement process. Completing these requirements first can speed up your hiring and assignment to routes. The state endorsement and employer training are separate—you need both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a P endorsement before I get an F endorsement?

No. The P endorsement (for buses with 16 or fewer passengers) and the F endorsement (for buses with 16 or more passengers) are separate. You can add either one without the other, depending on what you will be driving. Many drivers add both if they may operate different sizes of buses.

Can I take the F endorsement test online or by mail?

No. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to take the written test. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you cannot take it remotely. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and ask about wait times.

What happens if I fail the F endorsement test?

You can retake the test when ready after paying the test fee again. There is no waiting period. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the passenger vehicle section of the Tennessee CDL Manual carefully.

Does the F endorsement expire?

The F endorsement is valid as long as your CDL is valid. When you renew your CDL, the F endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake the test or pay a separate fee to keep the endorsement active.

Can I drive a school bus with an F endorsement?

No. School buses require a separate S endorsement, even if they carry 16 or more passengers. The F endorsement covers commercial buses and motorcoaches only. If you want to drive a school bus, you must obtain the S endorsement instead.