Truck Driving Schools in Tennessee

Before we jump right into detail about truck driving schools in Tennessee, there are some important things to know concerning CDL training in Tennessee and everywhere in the US for that matter.  CDL training was previously optional until February 7, 2022 when the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate came into effect.  Since that date anyone who wishes to earn a CDL or certain endorsements is now required to complete the appropriate training prior to making their CDL skills exam (aka Road Test) appointment. 

It’s important to keep in mind that the ELDT regulations are a federal law and apply to all states.  However, each state has the power to adopt additional or more strict requirements, but cannot implement lesser ones.  It’s also important to mention that all states follow basically the same requirements and procedures for acquiring a CDL.  There are some small variations or interpretations from state to state, but the CDL skills test is essentially the same in each.*

*Many states are rolling out the newly modernized CDL skills test format, but currently (May, 2024) Tennessee has not.

There a several ways to get a CDL in Tennessee and the cost can vary from $0 to $7,000 or more.  Let’s look at the least expensive options first!

Can you get free CDL training in Tennessee?  If you work for a company that is willing to provide the required CDL/ELDT training to you without charge, that would be one way.  If your company doesn’t provide training, our Mobile CDL Training services can help!  As a traveling provider in Tennessee, Elite ELDT can provide on-site behind-the-wheel training for businesses who wish to provide CDL training to their employees without charge.  If you’re a business owner who needs employees trained for their CDL, we’d love to hear from you!  

Elite ELDT’s Mobile CDL Training is less than half the time and cost of trucking school!

Other ways to get free or inexpensive CDL training in Tennessee would be to qualify for some type of financial aid (WIOA, Grants, GI Bill, etc.) and attend a school that accepts those funding sources. 

Attending CDL training at a Tennessee state technical college is usually is very affordable, especially if you qualify for any type of financial aid.  In state cost of CDL training is approximately $1300 not including school fees and or discounts for financial aid.  These courses tend to take lots of time, but are very thorough.

If you were going to pay for training at a privately owned CDL school in Tennessee, you could be looking at $3500 to $7000 or more.  Many of these schools offer financing and guaranteed job placement as well as a discounted cash price.  It’s important to keep in mind that you may not be cut out to drive a truck and therefore might not complete the training or get a CDL, however you would still owe the money for this training.  This can be very risky for some individuals.

If you get pre-hired by a company that sends you to CDL training while paying you a weekly salary, things may seem free or low cost at first.  However, you have to enter a contract to work off the cost of your training over a period of time.  If you decide to quit before that period is up, you will have to pay back the unpaid balance of your training.  Also, keep in mind that if you start this company provided or sponsored CDL training, but cannot finish for any reason, you will still have to pay for it all which can easily run $7,000 to $10,000.  To learn more about this option, check out our video by clicking HERE!