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Also known as: TDI, Truck Driver Institute, Inc., Drive Big Trucks
Truck Driver Institute (TDI) is a family-owned Class A CDL school founded in 1973 by U.S. Army veteran Thomas Gast. It has grown to 8 campuses and describes itself as the largest Class A CDL school east of the Rockies not owned by a trucking company.
Founded in 1973 by U.S. Army Veteran Thomas Gast, Truck Driver Institute (TDI) is an adult vocational school that trains individuals and couples to get their Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Why Choose TDI For Your CDL Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
Since 1973, Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been a family-owned CDL school dedicated to putting Americans behind the wheel of a career they can be proud of.
America’s Top CDL License Training and Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
Our school has grown to 8 campuses across the country and is the largest Class A CDL School east of the Rockies, not owned by a trucking company.
Why Choose TDI For Your CDL Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
Our mission is straightforward: provide students with the knowledge, practical skills, safety training, and professional preparation necessary to earn their commercial driver’s license and pursue meaningful employment.
Our Commitment to Accountability, Student Success & Workforce Education - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Thomas Gast
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U.S. Army veteran who founded Truck Driver Institute (TDI) in 1973.
Founded in 1973 by U.S. Army Veteran Thomas Gast, Truck Driver Institute (TDI) is an adult vocational school that trains individuals and couples to get their Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Why Choose TDI For Your CDL Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Sanford, FL campus
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Also known as: TDI Orlando, TDI of Sanford, Truck Driver Institute Sanford (Orlando)
Truck Driver Institute's Central Florida campus at 3700 St Johns Pkwy, Sanford, FL 32771, serving the Orlando area. It sits right off I-4 on acres of land where students do all training and testing on site.
Our truck driver training school near Sanford has acres of land , meaning we have ample space to do all of our training and testing on site.
Orlando CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Sanford — published by Truck Driver Institute
Our campus is conveniently located right off of I-4, making it an easy commute to your daily Sanford CDL license training.
Orlando CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Sanford — published by Truck Driver Institute
Sanford’s central location makes our truck driving school convenient for students coming from across Florida.
Orlando CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Sanford — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Milton, FL campus
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Also known as: TDI Pensacola, TDI Milton, Truck Driver Institute Florida Panhandle campus
Truck Driver Institute's Florida Panhandle campus at 5750 E. Milton Road, Milton, FL 32583, serving Pensacola. It sits right off I-10, 25 to 30 minutes northeast of downtown Pensacola, near NAS Pensacola, Hurlburt Field, and Eglin AFB.
Truck Driver Institute’s Florida Panhandle campus sits right off I-10 in Milton, just 25 to 30 minutes northeast of downtown Pensacola, with easy access for students commuting from Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and the beach communities along the Gulf Coast.
Pensacola CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training in Milton, FL — published by Truck Driver Institute
With NAS Pensacola, Hurlburt Field, and Eglin AFB anchoring the Florida Panhandle’s military community, Truck Driver Institute’s Milton campus is one of the most natural next steps for service members transitioning out of uniform.
Pensacola CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training in Milton, FL — published by Truck Driver Institute
Every TDI instructor at our Milton, Florida campus has spent years actually behind the wheel of a commercial truck – long-haul lanes, Gulf Coast regional routes, flatbed, and everything in between.
Pensacola CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training in Milton, FL — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Oxford, AL campus
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Also known as: TDI Birmingham, TDI Birmingham/Oxford, Truck Driver Institute Oxford (Birmingham)
Truck Driver Institute's Alabama campus at 4939 U.S. 78, Oxford, AL 36203, serving the Birmingham area. It is right off I-20 east of Birmingham, with an off-road driving range and on-site CDL testing.
Our truck driving school Alabama campus in Oxford is conveniently located right off of I-20, just East of Birmingham, making it easy to commute for your daily CDL training Alabama classes.
Birmingham CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Oxford, AL — published by Truck Driver Institute
Under the guidance of an instructor, you operate a full-sized 18-wheeler on our expansive off-road driving range, practicing straight line and offset backing.
Birmingham CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Oxford, AL — published by Truck Driver Institute
Truck Driver Institute’s certified truck driving school in Alabama offers testing on-site.
Birmingham CDL School | 3-Week Class A Training at TDI Oxford, AL — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Tupelo, MS campus
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Also known as: TDI Tupelo, Truck Driver Institute Tupelo
Truck Driver Institute's North Mississippi campus at 341 East Franklin Street, Tupelo, MS 38802, right off Hwy. 45 just east of the Bancorp South Arena. It has 10+ acres for on-site training and testing and is licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration.
Our truck driving school’s Tupelo, Mississippi campus is conveniently located right off of Hwy. 45, just east of the Bancorp South Arena, making it easy to commute for your daily CDL training classes.
CDL School in Tupelo, Mississippi | Rolling Weekly Enrollment — published by Truck Driver Institute
With our 10+ acres of land, we have ample space to do all of our necessary training and testing on site.
CDL School in Tupelo, Mississippi | Rolling Weekly Enrollment — published by Truck Driver Institute
Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, Certificate No. 578.
CDL School in Tupelo, Mississippi | Rolling Weekly Enrollment — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Saucier, MS campus
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Also known as: TDI Gulfport, Truck Driver Institute Gulfport, Truck Driver Institute Saucier (Gulfport/Biloxi)
Truck Driver Institute's Mississippi Gulf Coast campus at 20214 Highway 49, Saucier, MS 39574, serving Gulfport and Biloxi. Its 15+ acre facility has a private off-road driving range and on-site Mississippi Department of Public Safety CDL testing.
Our 15+ acre facility is built for hands-on CDL license training , with classroom space, a private off-road driving range, and on-site Mississippi Department of Public Safety CDL testing, meaning you test for your Class A on the same trucks and range you trained on.
CDL School Serving Gulfport, Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast — published by Truck Driver Institute
For drivers in Biloxi, D’Iberville, Ocean Springs, and the east side of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Truck Driver Institute’s Saucier campus is the closest dedicated CDL school – typically a 25-to-30-minute commute up Highway 49 from Biloxi proper.
CDL School Serving Gulfport, Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast — published by Truck Driver Institute
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, and Stennis Space Center just to our west funnel transitioning service members, veterans, and military families through this region year after year, and Truck Driver Institute’s Saucier campus is one of the most direct paths from a uniform to a Class A driving career.
CDL School Serving Gulfport, Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Christiana, TN campus
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Also known as: TDI Murfreesboro, TDI Nashville, TDI Christiana (Murfreesboro/Nashville), TDI of Tennessee
Truck Driver Institute's middle Tennessee campus at 6201 Epps Mill Road, Christiana, TN 37037, serving Murfreesboro and Nashville. It sits about 15 minutes south of Murfreesboro and 45 minutes southeast of downtown Nashville along I-24, on over 20 acres.
Truck Driver Institute’s middle Tennessee campus is located in Christiana , Tennessee, about 15 minutes south of Murfreesboro and 45 minutes southeast of downtown Nashville along I-24.
Nashville CDL School | Class A Training in Murfreesboro, TN — published by Truck Driver Institute
Situated on over 20+ acres, our facility provides spacious classrooms, modern technology, and a variety of training vehicles.
Nashville CDL School | Class A Training in Murfreesboro, TN — published by Truck Driver Institute
U.S. Xpress, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of TDI’s largest carrier partners and a common first employer for middle Tennessee graduates.
Nashville CDL School | Class A Training in Murfreesboro, TN — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI Whiteland, IN campus
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Also known as: TDI Indianapolis, Truck Driver Institute Indianapolis, TDI Whiteland (Indianapolis)
Truck Driver Institute's central Indiana campus at 3542 East 500 North, Whiteland, IN 46184, just south of Indianapolis off I-65 Exit 95. TDI opened in central Indiana in 2004 and relocated to an 18-acre training facility.
In 2004, we opened our doors in central Indiana, bridging the gap between the area’s thriving transportation industry and career seekers.
CDL Training Near Indianapolis | Indiana Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
We’re excited to announce that our truck driving school in Indianapolis has relocated to an 18-acre training facility featuring larger classrooms and modern technology.
CDL Training Near Indianapolis | Indiana Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
From downtown Indianapolis, take I-65 South to Exit 95 (Whiteland). At the bottom of the ramp, turn onto E 500 N / Whiteland Rd and follow it to 3542 E 500 N. The campus is on the left, about 25 minutes (roughly 18 miles) from downtown.
CDL Training Near Indianapolis | Indiana Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI South Bend, IN campus
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Also known as: TDI South Bend, Truck Driver Institute South Bend
Truck Driver Institute's northern Indiana campus at 24645 IN-23, South Bend, IN 46614, on SR-23 minutes from the South Bend bypass. One of TDI's oldest and most popular campuses, it has an 18+ acre facility and serves drivers from across the Midwest.
Our South Bend truck driving school is one of our oldest and most popular campuses in the country, and it serves drivers from all over the Midwest.
CDL School in South Bend, Indiana | Get Behind the Wheel in 3 Weeks — published by Truck Driver Institute
our 18+ acre facility is a spacious, modern training center designed to prepare students for the open road.
CDL School in South Bend, Indiana | Get Behind the Wheel in 3 Weeks — published by Truck Driver Institute
From South Bend, you will take IN-23 south and our facility is located at the first right after Armor Metalstamp, classified as a “restricted usage road” on Google Maps.
CDL School in South Bend, Indiana | Get Behind the Wheel in 3 Weeks — published by Truck Driver Institute
Class A CDL Training Program
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Also known as: Class A CDL Training, TDI CDL Training Program, 15-Day CDL Program
Truck Driver Institute's core 3-week (15-day) Class A CDL training program: week 1 in the classroom, weeks 2 and 3 on the range and road, 154 total hours of training, all hands-on learning in real trucks, never simulators.
Looking for that elusive sense of adventure, a change in career, or a career where you can start earning a competitive salary immediately with minimal experience? Want to drive a big truck? Enroll in Truck Driver Institute’s Class A CDL training program and learn everything you need to know to take your career on the road. It only takes 3 weeks!
Class A CDL Training in 3 Weeks | Developed by Seasoned Professionals — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI students complete 3 weeks of training in our program. In total, they complete 154 hours of training.
Our CDL Student Schedules - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
In total, students spend 50 hours in classroom learning, 50 hours on the range, and 54 hours on the road.
Our CDL Student Schedules - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Weeks 2 and 3 are spent completing range and road driving. Students will arrive at their classrooms for roll call before heading to practice behind the wheel with an instructor. All hands-on learning is spent with real trucks, never simulators.
Our CDL Student Schedules - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Once you have your written CDL permit, you’ll begin your hands-on training. Beside an instructor, you’ll operate a full-sized 18-wheeler on our expansive off-road driving range, practicing straight line and offset backing. We’ll make sure that you are capable of performing pre-trip inspections to assess the operational safety of your vehicle.
Class A CDL Training in 3 Weeks | Developed by Seasoned Professionals — published by Truck Driver Institute
CDL Job Placement Assistance
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Also known as: TDI Job Placement Assistance, Job Placement Assistance Program
Free job placement assistance that runs in three phases (pre-hire job screening, placement assistance during training, and ongoing post-graduation placement) connecting TDI students and graduates with carrier partners. Students choose which carriers to apply to; placement is not guaranteed.
In order to give you the best chance of securing a job through TDI, our job placement program takes place over three phases. Over the course of these three phases, we get to know you personally so we can pair you with the perfect company for your skillset, goals, and personal situation.
CDL Job Placement and Truck Driver Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
Here at Truck Driver Institute, we begin the job placement assistance process before you even begin your training. Every student is pre-screened based on our employment partners’ requirements, ensuring that you qualify to work in the trucking industry and helping determine which employers are a potential fit for you.
CDL Job Placement and Truck Driver Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
That’s why we offer free, ongoing placement services for all TDI graduates. Grads are always able to call the school they attended so we can try and help them along the way.
CDL Job Placement and Truck Driver Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
CDL Student Lodging Program
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Also known as: TDI Lodging Program, CDL School With Housing, Truck Driving School Lodging
A temporary hotel lodging program for students who live 50 miles or more from their TDI campus. Students pay for their room, with partner-hotel rooms from $20 per night (double occupancy) during the three-week program.
You can qualify for CDL training with lodging at Truck Driver Institute if you do not live within 50 miles of the nearest TDI school.
CDL School With Housing | Rooms From $20/Night — published by Truck Driver Institute
When you apply to our CDL training program, you include your home address. We simply check to see if you’re located 50 miles away from campus or more. If you are, you’re approved for our CDL lodging. Our recruiters will mark down on your application that lodging is needed so you don’t need to do a thing!
CDL School With Housing | Rooms From $20/Night — published by Truck Driver Institute
Truck Driver Institute’s lodging program is not a permanent housing solution. It is a temporary program to offer a convenience to those who may live too far from one of our training facilities.
CDL School With Housing | Rooms From $20/Night — published by Truck Driver Institute
CDL Tuition Funding and Carrier Tuition Reimbursement
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Also known as: Carrier Tuition Reimbursement, CDL Training Financial Assistance
Students can start TDI's program for as little as $225 out of pocket, with funding options that include TDI scholarships, standard student financing, the GI Bill, and carrier tuition reimbursement, in which many hiring carriers pay an extra $150 to $250 per month toward tuition once a graduate is hired and driving.
Once you are hired and driving, these companies typically pay an extra $150 to $250 per month toward your tuition or student loans, on top of your regular paycheck. Reimbursement applies whether you paid out of pocket or financed your training. We walk you through the process to qualify, though we do not guarantee placement.
How Much Does CDL School Cost? 2026 CDL Training Cost Guide — published by Truck Driver Institute
If you’re not using military benefits, several options keep the cost manageable. The program is built to be affordable up front, so you can get started for as little as $225 out of pocket instead of paying full tuition before your first day.
How Much Does CDL School Cost? 2026 CDL Training Cost Guide — published by Truck Driver Institute
Multiple financial assistance options available – scholarships, carrier tuition reimbursement, and more!
Truck Driving Classes - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
CDL Training for Veterans
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Also known as: Military to Trucking, Veteran CDL Training
TDI's Class A CDL training for service members and veterans, who make up roughly 25% of its students. Eligible veterans can apply approved VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, toward the program, and every TDI instructor is a former truck driver.
Evidence
Roughly 25% of our student base is made up of veterans, so we’re incredibly experienced helping students make this transition.
CDL Training for Veterans | Military to Trucking | TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Most veterans can apply VA education benefits towards TDI’s Class A CDL training.
CDL Training for Veterans | Military to Trucking | TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Every TDI instructor is a former truck driver, and most are military veterans who made the same transition you’re making now.
CDL Training for Veterans | Military to Trucking | TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
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Also known as: CDL, Commercial Driver License
The license required to operate large commercial trucks. Truck Driver Institute trains individuals and couples to earn their CDL through classroom hours and supervised driving hours.
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required by all truck drivers who are operating a certain sized truck across state lines.
CDL School at Truck Driver Institute - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
At your local TDI CDL school, you must complete both classroom hours as well as supervised driving hours.
CDL School at Truck Driver Institute - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
Class A CDL
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Also known as: Class A Commercial Driver's License, CDL Class A License
The Class A commercial driver's license, mandatory by law for trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or a trailer GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds. A Class A CDL requires a Commercial Learner's Permit first, and the CDL Class A test consists of both a written exam and a driving test.
Evidence
With a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or a truck with a trailer GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds, a Class A CDL license is mandatory by law.
CDL School at Truck Driver Institute - TDI — published by Truck Driver Institute
It’s required that you obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you can earn your CDL license. This permit allows you to operate a truck or bus as long as a licensed CDL driver sits next to you in the passenger seat.
Class A CDL Training in 3 Weeks | Developed by Seasoned Professionals — published by Truck Driver Institute
Once your fast CDL training is complete, it will be time to take the CDL license exam. The CDL Class A test consists of both a written exam and a driving test.
Class A CDL Training in 3 Weeks | Developed by Seasoned Professionals — published by Truck Driver Institute
Independent (No-Contract) CDL Training
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Also known as: Non-contract CDL training, No-carrier-contract obligation, CDL training not owned by a trucking company
CDL training from a school that is not owned by a trucking company and does not use contract training, so graduates are free to choose among many carriers. This is the opposite of carrier-owned contract training, which obligates graduates to drive for one carrier.
Evidence
Across the country, other truck driving schools offer “discounted tuition.” In broad strokes, these other schools are owned by carrier companies themselves. This practice is called contract training, and once you complete their program, you have no choice but to work for the carrier that owns the school.
Truck Driving Schools for CDL Classes | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
“Free” and “paid” CDL training programs are rarely the bargain they sound like. Most require you to sign a contract that obligates you to drive for one carrier for 12 to 24 months . Leave early and you can owe the full cost of your training back, and the contract limits your choice of employer right when a new CDL gives you the most leverage. Truck Driver Institute does not use contract training.
How Much Does CDL School Cost? 2026 CDL Training Cost Guide — published by Truck Driver Institute
FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Rule
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Also known as: ELDT, Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
The federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule, which since February 7, 2022 sets a single national standard for CDL training: theory and behind-the-wheel training completed with an FMCSA-registered training provider. TDI is registered as and compliant with the FMCSA's ELDT requirements.
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is required for drivers before obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Prior to February 7, 2022, each state had its own commercial driver’s license training requirements.
Entry-Level Driver Training - Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
Entry-level driver training–both theory and BTW training–must be completed with a registered training provider.
Entry-Level Driver Training - Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
TDI is registered as and compliant with the FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training requirements.
America’s Top CDL License Training and Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
Job Placement Rate
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Also known as: TDI job placement rate, Career placement rate
The share of Truck Driver Institute graduates who go on to careers in the transportation industry; TDI reports an over 80% job placement rate. Placement assistance is offered but is not a guarantee of employment.
With an over 80% success rate, TDI’s job placement assistance yields impressive results because your success is our number one priority.
CDL Job Placement and Truck Driver Training | Truck Driver Institute — published by Truck Driver Institute
Our CDL school blends classroom instruction with range and road time, and as a trucking school that places more than 80% of graduates, we focus on the skills carriers actually want.
CDL Training Near Indianapolis | Indiana Truck Driving School — published by Truck Driver Institute
Truck Driver Institute places more than 80% of its graduates, and demand for licensed Class A drivers stays steady as more industries depend on freight.
How Much Does CDL School Cost? 2026 CDL Training Cost Guide — published by Truck Driver Institute