Tennessee employs more than 58,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s an excellent place to build a trucking career. To get started, you’ll need to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). We’ve put together information on the best CDL training schools in Tennessee to help you get started.
Where the best drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
How Does CDL Training in Tennessee Work?
CDL training prepares you to be a truck, bus, or other large vehicle drivers. You can work for a transportation company, school district or delivery service. The work can vary from long-haul where it takes several days to complete a delivery to short-haul that could only cover a few hundred miles.
Trucking is a growing industry that is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2021. So no matter your long-term career goals or areas of the country you think you might move to, you’ll have ample job opportunities as a CDL driver.
CDL training in Tennessee starts with having a standard driver’s license. From there, you can take a test to earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Some schools include the CLP exam in their training, while others require that you get it before beginning your studies.
Then you’ll complete classroom work where you’ll learn all about the industry and important things to keep in mind. Once you know these details, you’ll get oriented on the rig, generally in a smaller group of about 2-4 students. Finally, you’ll earn your hours behind the wheel practicing in-town, highway and maneuverability exercises.
Tennessee Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before embarking on CDL training in Tennessee, learn important facts and figures about earning your license in the state.
Number of Schools
Tennessee is home to 31 truck driving schools, many of which are centrally located in and around Nashville.
Number of Students per Class
The average class size is 18 students, but you’ll join small groups for some portions of your training and then be one-on-one in the truck to earn your hours.
Tuition Rates
The average tuition for CDL training is just over $11,000, but you can offset these fees with scholarships or tuition reimbursement if you sign on to work with a certain trucking company.
Average Loan Amount
The average loan amount for earning your CDL in Tennessee is about $6,000.
Scholarship
The average scholarship is about $3,500.
Job Placement
Many schools assist with job placement and have high success rates for finding new graduates employment thanks to the thriving trucking industry in the state.
Tennessee Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Many trucking companies are hiring in Tennessee as they work to meet the growing demands for goods delivered to consumers’ doorsteps and increased needs for stocking shelves in stores. Here’s a look at some important facts and figures for trucking employment in the state.
Employment
With more than 58,000 people employed in the heavy trucking industry and another 18,000 in the light trucking industry, the opportunities are plentiful in Tennessee. These are some of the largest employers in the area and the average salary they pay truck drivers.
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Big G Express | $42,574 | 630 |
| Beacon Transport | $41,473 | 181 |
| RDX LLC | $73,550 | 112 |
| Fast Lane Carriers | $52,450 | 26 |
| Power Transport Services | $43,680 | 46 |
Salary
Learn more about what to expect from a truck driver’s salary in Tennessee, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Weekly: $970
Monthly: $2,020.83
Yearly: $48,500
5 Best CDL Training Programs in Tennessee
Set yourself up for a rewarding career as a truck driver. Learn the top 5 best CDL training programs in Tennessee.
Truck Driver Institute, Inc.
The Truck Driver Institute has served Nashville for more than 40 years. The school has locations throughout the country and can provide excellent job placement and financial resources thanks to its size.
Cost: $5,995
Program Length: 3 weeks
Financial Assistance: You can qualify for grants through the Truck Driver Institute.
Tuition Reimbursement: Part of the enrollment process is a screening to evaluate whether you meet tuition reimbursement criteria for local employers.
Class Size: Unknown
Job Placement: 80% placement rate
Online Course: Both in-person and online options available
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
RoadMaster Drivers School
Earn your CDL at the Memphis RoadMaster location. The national truck driving school gets high ratings for its excellent education, tuition reimbursement, and job placement statistics.
Cost: $6,895
Program Length: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, RoadMaster can pair you with employers that offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to driving for them.
Class Size: 15-20
Job Placement: As a national school, the RoadMaster team has ample resources and employer relationships to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Online Course: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
CCS Truck Driving School
Students at CCS Truck Driving School say that the training is engaging and valuable. Upon completion, students receive many job offers and excel within the trucking industry.
Cost: $4,990
Program Length: 4 and a half weeks
Financial Assistance: The program accepts VA benefits and partners with local lenders to provide student financing.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with CCS Truck Driving School to find out more.
Class Size: The school had a total of 64 students during the 2019-2020 school year with classes starting every 4 weeks.
Job Placement: 100% job placement rate
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
Roadrunner Driving School
Roadrunner Driving School offers affordable and fast CDL training in Tennessee. In just three weeks you can earn your CDL and start a rewarding career.
Cost: $3,500
Program Length: 3 weeks
Financial Assistance: No, but you might be able to find financing on your own.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Roadrunner Driving School to find out more.
Class Size: Class sizes vary according to the time of year you enroll. A total of 63 students enrolled and graduated from the school in the 2019-2020 school year, meaning class sizes were fairly small.
Job Placement: 92% job placement rate
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
Superior Drivers Institute
Superior Drivers Institute is located in Columbia, Tennessee. The school has an excellent graduation rate and job placement rates to help you get started with your career quickly.
Cost: $5,000
Program Length: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes, the school helps you evaluate whether you qualify for grants and accepts WIOA and GI Bill for qualifying students.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Superior Drivers Institute to find out more.
Class Size: Class sizes will vary depending on when you enroll. Only 30 students graduated during the 2019-2020 school year.
Job Placement: 93% placement rate during the 2019-2020 school year
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
Start a Truck Driving Career in as Little as Three Weeks
Get started with a high-paying and flexible career as a truck driver by attending CDL training. You can graduate in as little as three weeks to be on your way to gainful employment
FAQs
The average tuition cost for CDL training in Tennessee is $11,000 but you can get scholarships and tuition reimbursement from employers.
You can complete truck driving training in as little as 3 weeks depending on whether you enroll in a full-time or part-time program. Part-time programs generally last 8 weeks.
There are 50 questions on the Tennessee CDL test. You have to score an 80% to pass, which is 40 questions.
