What Other Trucking Schools Aren’t Telling You
When you’re just getting started in your trucking career, it can feel like information overload. What makes this even harder is that not all CDL schools are fully transparent. At Truck Driver Institute (TDI), we believe that you deserve clear, honest details about what to expect during your CDL training—not misleading fine print. Founded by a U.S. Army veteran, we know that integrity is everything. Our honesty, combined with 50+ years of experience, is one reason thousands of students have trusted TDI with their CDL training.
1. Many schools only train on automatic trucks, limiting your options
Many other CDL training programs leave out important details that can impact your career. For example, some schools only train students on automatic trucks, or worse, simulators—but they won’t tell you that upfront. As a result, students earn a CDL with a restriction that prevents them from driving manual trucks, limiting job opportunities. At TDI, you’ll train on real trucks, both automatic and manual transmission.
2. If you can’t test on-site, you could be waiting weeks or months for your CDL
When you’ve completed your CDL training, you want to get on the road quickly and drive towards financial freedom. Many TDI students start work the same week they graduate. But some schools don’t offer on-site third-party testing, forcing students to wait weeks or months for an off-site appointment. This delay can cost you more than just time. It can cost you $5,000 or more in lost wages while you wait. At TDI, we offer immediate third-party CDL testing at every campus where state law allows it, so students test right where they trained whenever possible.
3. Some schools use shoddy temporary setups rather than real campuses
You’ll find that some CDL schools don’t have real campuses. They move from town to town, recruiting from temporary offices and training out of trailers. Students often don’t find this out until their first day. By contrast, all TDI locations are permanent facilities with full driving ranges, classrooms, and dedicated staff.
4. The truck you see on the website or during recruitment might not be what you use in training
Another red flag is misrepresenting training equipment. Schools might showcase a shiny new truck during recruitment, but train you on outdated trucks. Safety is no accident. That’s why at TDI, you train on late-model, well-maintained trucks that prepare you for your career.
5. Some schools spring hidden prerequisites on you that drive up your costs
TDI is your one-stop CDL shop. While some schools require you to have a DOT physical or CDL permit before enrollment, we include those in your tuition.
Why Students Trust TDI with CDL Training
Founded in 1973, TDI has grown into a leading independent Class A CDL school. We don’t push you toward just one employer. Instead, we partner with over 20 respected carriers, so you can choose the fleet that works for your life.
Before you sign anything, we strongly recommend that you visit the schools you’re considering. Tour the facilities, talk to instructors, and ask about equipment, testing, and permits. At TDI, we welcome those questions—because we have nothing to hide.
Fill out our contact form or call (800) 848-7364 to get in touch with our team.
Get Started
Get your Class A CDL in our friendly, supportive CDL training program. TRAIN with experienced instructors – multiple good-paying, secure job choices with benefits available for eligible graduates. EARN $700 – $1000+ / week to start as a truck driver. Get started today by filling out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!