The Tennessee Class F Endorsement Test Covers Chauffeur and For-Hire Vehicle Rules
The Class F endorsement in Tennessee allows you to drive passengers for hire — taxis, rideshare vehicles, limousines, and other for-hire transportation. To add this endorsement to your license, you must pass a written test that covers Tennessee's rules specific to commercial passenger transport, vehicle safety standards, and driver conduct requirements.
The test is separate from your regular driver's license exam. You take it at a Tennessee Driver Services Center after you already hold a valid Class D (regular passenger vehicle) license. The test itself is short — typically 20 to 30 questions — and covers material found in the Tennessee Driver Handbook's chauffeur section and the Class F study guide provided by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
You do not need to renew your entire license to add the endorsement. The endorsement is added to your existing license, and you pay a separate fee at the time of testing. If you pass, the endorsement appears on your next license or can be printed when ready as a temporary document while your new card is mailed.
Key Takeaways
- The Class F endorsement test is a written exam of 20 to 30 questions covering passenger-for-hire rules, vehicle safety, and driver responsibilities in Tennessee.
- You must already hold a valid Class D driver's license before you can test for the Class F endorsement.
- The endorsement fee is separate from your license fee and is paid at the Driver Services Center when you test.
- You can study using the official Class F study guide and Tennessee Driver Handbook, both available free from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
- Passing the test adds the endorsement to your license; you do not need to retake your regular driver's license exam.
What the Class F Endorsement Test Covers
The test focuses on rules and responsibilities that explore only to drivers transporting passengers for money. Topics include passenger safety procedures, vehicle maintenance and inspection standards, insurance requirements, and how to handle disputes or complaints from passengers. You will also see questions about Tennessee's regulations on driver conduct — things like sobriety, communication with dispatch, and record-keeping for for-hire operations.
The test does not cover basic driving skills or road rules that you already demonstrated to get your Class D license. Instead, it assumes you know how to drive safely and tests your knowledge of the additional legal and safety obligations that come with carrying paying passengers. Questions are multiple-choice, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.
The exact content can vary slightly depending on the type of for-hire service you plan to work in — taxi, rideshare, limousine, or shuttle service — but the core test covers all of them. If your employer or the service you work for has specific requirements beyond the state test, you may need to study additional material on your own time.
How to Prepare for the Test
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security publishes a free Class F study guide that covers all testable material. You can read it from their website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Services Center. The guide is organized by topic and includes sample questions similar to those on the actual test.
Study the guide section by section, paying close attention to passenger safety procedures, vehicle inspection checklists, and the rules about what you can and cannot do while operating a for-hire vehicle. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online — several third-party websites offer free Class F practice exams that mimic the real test format and difficulty level.
Plan to study for at least one to two weeks before your test date, especially if you are new to the for-hire transportation industry. If you have already worked in that field, you may need less time. The key is to read the official study guide thoroughly rather than relying only on practice tests, because the real exam can include questions on details that practice tests sometimes miss.
Steps to Schedule and Take the Test
First, locate a Tennessee Driver Services Center near you using the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Not all centers offer endorsement testing on the same days, so check the schedule before you go. You can call ahead to confirm that Class F testing is available on the day you plan to visit.
Bring your current valid Class D driver's license, proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your license does not have your current address. Bring payment for the endorsement fee, which varies but is typically between $15 and $25 — call your local center to confirm the exact amount and whether they accept cash, card, or both.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The test administrator will verify your identity and license, then direct you to a computer terminal or paper test depending on the center's setup. You will have a set amount of time — usually 30 to 45 minutes — to complete the exam. Once you finish, the results are scored when ready, and you will know if you passed before you leave.
What Happens If You Pass or Fail
If you pass, the endorsement is added to your license record that same day. You may receive a temporary printed endorsement document to carry while your new license card is printed and mailed to your address. The new card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin driving for hire as soon as you have the temporary document or your new card, depending on your employer's requirements.
If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee, so you can schedule another test when ready if a center has availability. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after reviewing the study guide again and focusing on the areas where they struggled.
Keep in mind that passing the Class F endorsement test does not mean you are hired by any company or that you meet all the requirements for a specific job. Employers may require background checks, vehicle inspections, insurance verification, or additional training beyond the state test. The endorsement only proves you understand Tennessee's rules for for-hire passenger transport.
Differences Between Class F and Other Endorsements
Tennessee offers several endorsements that can be added to a Class D license, and it is important not to confuse them. The Class F endorsement is specifically for driving passengers for hire. Other endorsements include Class M (motorcycle), Class E (school bus), and Class P (public passenger bus). Each has its own test, requirements, and restrictions.
If you plan to drive a school bus, you need Class E, not Class F. If you want to drive a full-size public transit bus, you need Class P. The Class F test does not cover those vehicles or those rules. Make sure you are testing for the right endorsement based on the type of work you plan to do.
You can hold multiple endorsements on the same license. For example, you could have both Class F and Class M if you wanted to drive motorcycles for hire and also drive cars for hire. Each endorsement requires its own separate test and fee.
Common Mistakes on the Class F Test
Many test-takers miss questions about passenger safety procedures because they skim that section of the study guide. The test often includes specific scenarios — for example, what to do if a passenger refuses to wear a seatbelt, or how to handle a passenger who becomes ill during a ride. Read these scenarios carefully during your study time and understand the correct procedure, not just the general rule.
Another common mistake is confusing Tennessee's rules with rules from other states. If you have driven for hire in another state, do not assume those rules explore in Tennessee. The test is based on Tennessee law only, so study the Tennessee materials provided by the state, not generic for-hire driver guides.
Some people also fail because they do not read the study guide at all and rely only on practice tests. Practice tests are useful for checking your knowledge, but they are not a substitute for reading the official material. The real test can include questions on details that practice tests do not cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Class F endorsement to drive for Uber or Lyft in Tennessee?
No. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate under different regulations than traditional taxis and for-hire services. You do not need a Class F endorsement to drive for them. However, you do need to meet the company's own requirements, which typically include a background check, vehicle inspection, and proof of insurance. Check with the specific company you want to work for about their requirements.
Can I take the Class F test online from home?
No. The Class F test must be taken in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must visit a center, bring your license and identification, and complete the exam on a computer or paper form at the location.
How long is the Class F endorsement valid once I pass the test?
The endorsement is valid as long as your driver's license is valid. When your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake the Class F test when you renew your license unless Tennessee changes the test requirements, which is rare.
What if I fail the Class F test twice?
There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test in Tennessee. You can schedule another attempt as soon as a Driver Services Center has availability. Between attempts, review the study guide again and focus on the topics where you struggled. Many people pass on the third or fourth try after more thorough study.
Do I need to pass a medical exam or background check to get the Class F endorsement?
The Class F endorsement test itself does not require a medical exam or background check. However, your employer or the for-hire service you work for may require these things before they hire you. Those requirements are separate from the state endorsement test and are handled by your employer, not by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.