CDL Examiner

Role overview

This position is with the State of Tennessee in Knox County and is based in Knoxville, TN. The selected candidate will conduct commercial driver’s license examination duties, including administering multiple tests to applicants, identifying the proper license class, confirming applicant eligibility, handling fee collection and processing, and issuing licenses. The job is performed at the working level under general supervision from a Branch Manager.

Job details

Opening window: June 17, 2026, 12:00 AM Central Time to June 23, 2026, 11:59 PM Central Time

Pay: $3,229.00 to $4,852.00 per month, or $38,748.00 to $58,224.00 annually

Position type: Full-time

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Department: Safety and Homeland Security

Number of openings: 1

Location note

The single vacancy is located in the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Knox County.

Education and documentation

Applicants must have education equivalent to a standard high school diploma. Proof of education, such as transcripts or a diploma, is required.

Background and hiring conditions

This role requires a criminal background check, and candidates may need to disclose criminal history to be considered. Applicants must complete a background clearance application that includes permission to review criminal history records through both fingerprint-based and name-based checks.

Disqualifying criminal history conditions

To qualify, candidates must not have any permanent disqualifying offense listed under 49 CFR 1572.103(a). They also must not have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity for any interim disqualifying offense listed under 49 CFR 1572.103(b) within the last 7 years, must not have been released from incarceration for such an offense within the last 5 years, and must not currently be wanted on a warrant for any felony listed in those sections.

Medical and license requirements

A pre-employment physical exam is required after an offer is made. Candidates must hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, or be able to obtain one before appointment. For roles involving driving responsibilities, the State of Tennessee also requires a valid driver’s license and a clean driving history for the past five years, with no DUI, reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations. Driver’s license information must be entered in the Licenses and Certifications section of the application, and agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.

Additional information

This position requires a criminal background check. It also requires completion of at least 10 hours of commercial driver’s license knowledge and road testing each year in order to remain compliant with federal and state law.

The posting notes that employees in this classification handle commercial driver’s license examination work, while the related Driver’s License Examiner classification covers non-commercial vehicle licensing duties.

Responsibilities

• Train associate-level staff on CDL examiner tasks, answer their questions, and provide role-related guidance.
• Collect the information needed from customers applying for a commercial driver’s license, permit, driver’s license, or other related document, then enter and process it accurately in the system within required timelines.
• Administer vision checks, written exams, and road tests for Tennessee driver’s license applicants, with a focus first on commercial applicants and then on non-commercial applicants.
• Complete forms and testing procedures, take applicant photographs using a digital camera, communicate test results, and explain retest steps when applicants do not pass.
• Explain laws, licensing standards, and department procedures to the public, including questions about office hours, location, fees, and application steps.
• Count register cash at the start and end of shifts, generate daily receipt reports, identify cash discrepancies, calculate office revenue, and reconcile totals against INFOPAC reports.
• Inspect vehicles for safe operation by checking items such as lights, brakes, and turn signals, and evaluate driving performance against road safety rules and traffic requirements.
• Update licensing and operational records, enter applicant data into LIST, compare application details against system records, and verify accuracy with the customer.
• Maintain the required annual CDL knowledge and road-testing hours to stay compliant with state and federal requirements.

Competencies, knowledge, skills, and tools

The role calls for strong customer focus, clear communication, trust-building, interpersonal awareness, and conflict management. It also relies on clerical ability, customer service understanding, English proficiency, public safety awareness, and transportation knowledge.

Useful capabilities include active listening, critical thinking, instructing others, service orientation, speaking clearly, deductive reasoning, written comprehension, speech recognition, mathematical reasoning, and quick reaction time.

Common tools and equipment used in the job include a computerized cashier system, standard office equipment, a digital camera, motor vehicles, and a computer testing system.

Hiring and application notes

Applicants are expected to include driver’s license details in the Licenses and Certifications section of their application.

No internship duration or start date was stated for this role.

No separate perk or benefits package was listed in the source information.