Tennessee Truckers

In order for someone to be allowed to drive an 18-wheeler or other large truck, he or she must possess a commercial driver license. The licenses are issued as Class A, B and C based upon the gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating and the items being transported. Tennessee law defines a commercial motor vehicle as one that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. Commercial driver licenses are also required if there is a transportation of hazardous materials or if the vehicle is designed to carry more than fifteen passengers, including the driver.

At the end of 2008, notices were sent to each Tennessee Commercial Driver License Coordinator regarding information the Tennessee Department of Safety received. The department became aware of a third party testing company that did not administer the skills tests according to the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Safety’s Driver Services Division, Chapter 1340-1-13-.22, paragraph 5(b) 10, or Federal Regulation 383.75(a)(2)(iii)(1993).

The address of each truck driver who used the third party testing company for their commercial driver license skills was obtained by the Nashville division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration along with the Tennessee Department of Safety. It was suggested to the Commercial Driver License Coordinator to have the truckers retake the skills test if they wished to keep their current commercial driver license. Truckers living in Tennessee who used the third party testing company are required to retake the knowledge and skills tests.

It is important to note that the Tennessee Department of Safety did not state that truck drivers who used the third party testing company had fraudulent commercial licenses, but only that the skills test was not given according to guidelines set by state and federal regulations for third party testing.

If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, contact a Nashville 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Phillip Miller & Associates today at (615) 356-2000 or (800) 337-HURT. Our Nashville semi truck accident lawyers have the experience necessary to win your tractor trailer accident case.

Phillip Miller & Associates
631 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 356-2000
Fax: (615) 242-1739
Toll Free: (800) 337-HURT
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