Looking for a CDL school in Columbia, TN? Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been helping Tennessee residents start new careers since 1973. Our Murfreesboro truck driving school is less than an hour from Columbia, making it a convenient choice for anyone ready to earn their CDL and start driving with top carriers.
At TDI, you can complete your CDL training near Columbia, TN in just 3 weeks. With a hands-on training yard, professional instructors, and strong relationships with 20+ major carriers, over 80% of our graduates secure jobs right after completing their training. Learn more about how long CDL training takes and why drivers across the country choose TDI.
According to the American Trucking Associations, freight demand is growing each year, and qualified CDL drivers are in high demand nationwide. Now is the perfect time to take the wheel and start a secure new career in trucking. Call 800-848-7364 or contact us online today!
6201 Epps Mill Road
Christiana, TN 37037
United States (US)
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
Campus Features
✔ Convenient location near Columbia, TN
✔ 3-week Class A CDL program
✔ Hands-on training yard with real trucks
✔ On-site CDL testing available
✔ Job placement assistance with 20+ carriers
✔ Over 80% job placement rate
✔ Financial assistance options available
Partner With the Best. A Few of Our Carrier Partners:





TDI is registered as and compliant with the FMCSA's Entry Level Driver Training requirements. TDI is certified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for third-party testing. TDI is certified by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) for third-party testing. TDI is certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for third-party testing. TDI is certified by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDOS) for third-party testing.
Why Choose TDI for Your CDL Training Near Columbia, TN?
Choosing the right truck driving school in Columbia, TN can make all the difference in your new career. At TDI, we focus on:
-
Speed: Graduate in just 15 days (3 weeks).
-
Support: Our job placement team connects you with carriers even before graduation.
-
Experience: Over 50 years of training new drivers across the U.S.
-
Flexibility: Our financial assistance options help make CDL school affordable.
When you train with TDI, you’re not just learning how to drive a truck—you’re preparing for a stable, rewarding career.
3-WEEK TRAINING. Over 80% JOB PLACEMENT.
FILL OUT OUR FORM TO START THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A TRUCK DRIVER AT ONE OF OUR 10 LOCATIONS.
Accelerate Your Future

TDI vs. Vocational School
| TDI | Vocational School | |
|---|---|---|
| ELDT training | ✓ | |
| Ongoing job placement | ✓ | |
| Comprehensive 3-week program | ✓ | |
| Hands-on training (no simulators) | ✓ | |
| On-site training and testing | ✓ | |
| Established since 1973 | ✓ | |
| 80% job placement with thecarrier of your choice | ✓ | |
| Freedom to choose your employer | ✓ | |
| Contract requirements with carriers | X | |
| Lower pay right out of graduation | X | |
| Simulator training | X |
Getting to TDI from Columbia, TN
The Murfreesboro Truck Driver Institute campus is just about an hour northeast of Columbia via TN-396, I-840 E, and I-24 E. This makes it an easy commute for daily training, or you can take advantage of nearby lodging options if needed.
Your 3-Week Path to a CDL in Middle Tennessee
Week 1: Building Foundations
-
Learn CDL regulations and vehicle systems
-
Pre-trip inspection training
-
Pass your CDL permit test
Week 2: Developing Skills
-
Range practice: backing, shifting, and maneuvering
-
Drive in city and rural settings
Week 3: Road Readiness
-
Highway driving experience
-
CDL exam preparation
-
Begin job interviews with carriers
Explore Middle Tennessee While You Train
While training at our Murfreesboro campus, you’re just a short drive from attractions like the Stones River National Battlefield. Nashville is also nearby, offering endless entertainment, dining, and music history to enjoy on your days off.
Start your CDL career today with TDI. Call 1-800-848-7364 or apply online to reserve your spot in our next class.
6201 Epps Mill Road
Christiana, TN 37037
United States (US)
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
CALL US TODAY AT 800-848-7364
You can also contact us by filling out this quick and easy contact form. Once submitted we will be in contact with you as soon as we can.
*For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill® student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. Students must provide school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) prior to beginning class, but not later than the first day of training. A print screen of Statement of Benefits page will be accepted in lieu of COE and verification of benefits will be required. Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Public Notice of Title VI Program Rights
The Truck Driver Institute, Inc. gives public notice of its’ policy to uphold and assure full compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related Nondiscrimination authorities. Title VI and related Nondiscrimination authorities stipulate that no person in the United States of America shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Any person who desires more information regarding Truck Driver Institute Inc.’s Title VI Program can contact its Title VI Coordinator – Mark Carey — at the address noted below. Any person who believes they have, individually or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency has the right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and submitted within 180 days following the date of the alleged occurrence to: Title VI Program Coordinator Mark Carey / Truck Driver Institute Inc. PO Box 1599 Murfreesboro TN 37133 615-895-2070










Truck Driver Institute was the best choice for us. TDI allowed us to explore all carriers opportunities. The instructors were top notch, caring supportive and patient. We would recommend TDI to anyone interested in a career in the trucking industry.