County employees operating commercial type vehicles and those requiring a special endorsement must obtain a commercial driver license in order to operate many county vehicles. Vehicles (including vehicle combinations) that fall within the commercial classification include the following:
T.C.A. § 55-50-102.
Vehicles requiring a special endorsement listing on a driver license include:
The commercial driver license requirements include passing grades on certain knowledge and skills tests as well as a good driving record. A "grandfather" provision exists that exempts certain drivers from having to take the skills test. Furthermore, operators of emergency vehicles are exempt from these provisions.
School bus drivers must have a Class C commercial license with school bus endorsement. T.C.A. § 55-50-102; Op. Tenn. Att'y Gen. 89-122 (Sept. 21, 1989). This endorsement may be issued only if the applicant has had five years of unrestricted driving experience and can demonstrate good character, competency, and fitness. T.C.A. § 55-50-302.