If you’re in Columbus and ready for a new line of work, TDI gives you a fast path into commercial driving. Our nearest campus for CDL training in Columbus, MS, is TDI Tupelo, where you can train for your Class A CDL in just 3 weeks and prepare for a career with real earning power.
Before class starts, take a few minutes to read How to Pass CDL Permit Test the First Time. It’s a helpful way to get familiar with what comes next. If you prefer to wait till training begins, our qualified instructors will teach you everything you need to know then!
When you’re ready to move forward, you can register now online or call (800) 848-7364 to speak with a recruiter about class dates, training, and what to expect.
341 East Franklin Street
Tupelo, MS 38802
United States (US)
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
Campus Features: What Makes TDI Stand Out
If you’re serious about earning a CDL license in Columbus, MS, you need a school that can streamline the process while still ensuring your safety.
✔ Class A CDL training completed in 3 weeks
✔ 10+ acre training facility
✔ Classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
✔ Mississippi third-party testing certification
✔ Over 80% job placement rate for graduates
✔ Training built for entry-level drivers who want to get to work fast
✔ Automatically qualify for lodging assistance if 50+ miles away
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 Columbus, MS?
For many future drivers in the area, the goal is simple: find a school that teaches the right skills, respects your time, and helps you get on the road fast with a CDL license in Columbus. TDI’s Tupelo campus offers Class A CDL training close enough for a practical commute (just 1 hour away), with a program built to help students prepare for testing and first-job opportunities.
Students choose TDI because the program focuses on what matters most:
- 3-week Class A CDL training
- Hands-on practice with experienced instructors
- A dedicated training site and driving range in nearby Tupelo
- Job placement assistance during training, after graduation, and for a lifetime
- Information on financial assistance options for those who qualify
You can learn more about job placement assistance at TDI, and review CDL facts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For students who want Class A CDL training from a truck driving school near Columbus, MS, TDI Tupelo is a strong fit.
3-WEEK TRAINING. Over 80% JOB PLACEMENT.
FILL OUT OUR FORM TO START THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A TRUCK DRIVER AT ONE OF OUR 9 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 |
Your 3-Week Path to a CDL License Near Columbus, MS
Week 1: Building the Right Foundations
- Learn federal and state safety rules
- Understand various vehicle systems
- Practice strong pre-trip inspection habits
- Study to pass your CDL permit test
Week 2: Developing Core Skills
- Train on backing, shifting, and city/highway driving
- Build confidence on the on-campus driving range
- Get direct feedback from experienced instructors
Week 3: Real Road Readiness
- Spend more time behind the wheel, including nighttime driving
- Prepare for the CDL exam with practice skills tests and instructor feedback
- Start speaking with recruiters and carriers about jobs before graduation
Getting to TDI from Columbus
For most students coming from Columbus, the drive to TDI Tupelo is straightforward. Tupelo is roughly an hour north of Columbus, and many drivers use US-45 North for the trip. Because traffic and starting point can change your drive time, it’s smart to check your preferred maps app before heading out.
If you want to stay closer to campus during training, ask a recruiter about lodging options for students who qualify. Any student living 50 miles or more away from the nearest campus automatically qualifies to receive assistance paying for lodging close to our school. We have connections with nearby hotels that enable us to book you a room at a reduced rate: $40 per night for a single occupancy room or $20 per night if you’re willing to share a double occupancy room. That can make the schedule a lot easier if you would rather spend less time on the road during class days.
TDI Tupelo is located at 341 East Franklin Street in Tupelo, Mississippi. Once you arrive, you’ll be training at a campus that has served students in North Mississippi for more than 16 years.
See more of the region while you’re in North Mississippi
If you’re making the trip from Columbus to Tupelo, you can turn training days into a chance to enjoy a few local stops too:
- Check out the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
- Spend time outdoors at Tombigbee State Park
- Visit Tupelo National Battlefield
At TDI, students take advantage of an accelerated schedule that gets them on the road quickly, while still balancing time for exploration and commitments at home. Our students train from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, with one hour free each day for lunch. In your third and final week, you’ll also have 4 hours of nighttime training. Weekends are free for you to take a much deserved break!
Then bring the focus back to your future at TDI. If you’re ready to get your Class A CDL training near Columbus, call a recruiter or apply online today to get started.
341 East Franklin Street
Tupelo, MS 38802
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.