CDL TRAINING SOUTH CAROLINA

Looking for the best CDL training South Carolina drivers can trust? Truck Driver Institute is affordable and teaches you everything you need to know about passing your CDL exam in just 3 weeks. 

Partner With the Best. A Few of Our Carrier Partners:

START YOUR CAREER AT ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOLS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Truck Driver Institute’s CDL training near Columbia is well-known as one of the most respected truck driving schools in South Carolina. Serving the area for over 16 years, the 10+ acre facility is a spacious, modern training center.

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

  • By clicking “Let's Talk”, you confirm that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy. By entering your number, you agree to receive mobile messages. Message frequency varies. message and data rates may apply.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

truck icon

CDL Training South Carolina

Start Your Career Today

Unlike other CDL training schools in South Carolina we aren’t here to take your money and waste your time. That is why in 3 short weeks you have a Class A CDL license. Our classes are taught by industry experts who change the class to meet each students’ individual learning needs.

We pre-screen all of our students to make sure they fit the requirements of one of our partner carrying companies, this is something that other CDL training schools in South Carolina don’t do. We do this to ensure that our students have a job after graduation.

With our over 80% job placement rating, it’s no surprise that we’re one of the best CDL training schools in South Carolina. Many of our students receive job offers before they graduate. If you don’t receive an offer, no need to worry because we have free hiring services for all of our students and graduates. From the first day, we set you up with a staff member who works with you to find the best fit for you. If you later find that job no longer works for you, come back to us and we can find you something else.

We are affordable, most CDL training schools in South Carolina want too much money up-front, but we have incredibly reasonable prices and even offer assistance to Veterans with GI benefits. If you don’t live in the Columbia area, you can visit any of our other 10 locations.

With our 15+ acres of land, we have ample space to do all of our training and testing on site and our facilities are modern.  We teach automatic driving as well as manual to make sure you are well-rounded and will excel no matter where you end up. At this, one of the best CDL training schools in South Carolina we teach you everything you need to know. 

Courses are a mixture of classroom and behind-the-wheel training to ensure that you leave our training facilities with the skills, knowledge and experience that major transportation companies are looking for from their rookie drivers.

While training at the facility near Columbia SC, you will learn both the technical and the operational aspects of driving a semi-truck. Some of the technical information you will learn will include maintaining driver logs, reading maps, trip planning and conducting a pre-trip safety inspection of your vehicle. The hands-on portion of our training program puts you behind the wheel of a full-sized 18 wheeler while you learn shifting techniques, turning maneuvers and safely backing up the vehicle. Once you’ve mastered handling of the tractor trailer forwards and backwards, you’ll be tested on-site for your South Carolina Class A CDL License!

TDI vs. Vocational School

TDI Vocational School
ELDT training X
Ongoing job placement X
Comprehensive 3-week program X
Hands-on training (no simulators) X
On-site training and testing X
Established since 1973 X
80% job placement with thecarrier of your choice X
Freedom to choose your employer X
Contract requirements with carriers X
Lower pay right out of graduation X
Simulator training X

Things To Do at CDL Training in South Carolina

Located right near the border between South Carolina and North Carolina, Richburg is situated so that individuals training for their CDL have plenty of peace and quiet to study. However, those who want to stretch their legs and explore will also have plenty of opportunities during the three-week training!

Skydive South Carolina

Just a few miles away from the CDL training facilities is the opportunity of a lifetime for many people. Skydive South Carolina is conveniently located just a few miles from the Truck Driver Institute. The trained staff has provided world-class skydiving in North Carolina and South Carolina since the 80s. In fact, the business was founded by Danny Smith from nearby Charlotte, North Carolina!

While many people wait their whole lives to cross skydiving off their bucket list, you can do it over a weekend when you come to the CDL Training in South Carolina.

Enjoy the State Parks

There are two state parks within driving distance of Richburg: Andrew Jackson State Park, Chester State Park, and farther south, Lake Wateree State Park.

Andrew Jackson State Park is the childhood home of the seventh president and offers several hiking trails, a museum, history programming, camping sites, and plenty of fishing. This park is also notably good for kids, with hikes accessible to all ages and playgrounds.

Similarly, Chester State Park is situated near a small lake, with the option to kayak, canoe, or rent a boat. This can be an idyllic afternoon adventure for beautiful days in the south.

Finally, there is Lake Wateree State Park. Much like the other parks, there are fishing, boating rentals, hiking, and biking trails. Lake Wateree State Park also has a swimming beach available throughout the summer.

All three of these locations are less than 30 minutes from the Truck Driver Institute’s CDL Training location, making them both excellent options to relax on the weekends and enjoy the beauty of South Carolina.

Battle of Beckhamville

For history buffs, the Battle of Beckhamville took place just a stone’s throw from the CDL Training location, and it is well worth the visit. The Battle of Beckhamville happened in May of 1780 during the Revolutionary War and was notable for showing Americans’ uprising against the British.

Several other markers are nearby for those interested in other historical locations, including the home site of Justice John Gaston, a justice of the peace who was part of the American resistance, the Battle of Fishing Creek, Alexander’s Old Fields, and others.

Catch Waves at the Wake Park

If you’re visiting Lake Wateree State Par, you may as well check out the Wake Park nearby. Located in Rock Hill, SC, Wake Park has two custom lakes that allow beginners and up to have a great time. There are slow-ride clinics and training cables for those who want to practice before committing, or you can dive right in.

Our CDL Training School in South Carolina Offers Class A Training 

We offer Class A CDL training. However, other licenses exist for drivers entering the workforce. Here’s a breakdown for each license and what types of vehicles they allow you to operate:

Class A CDL

This Class A CDL is the most advanced CDL you can obtain. That’s because it allows you to drive everything up to a truck capable of towing a trailer with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,000 pounds and over. The standard 18 wheeler requires a Class A commercial drivers license.

Note that a Class A CDL allows you to drive everything up to a full-sized semi-truck. That means you’re cleared to drive every vehicle that Class B and C drivers can operate. We recommend that new drivers go for the Class A license even if they’re not interested in long-haul trucking with a full-sized truck. A Class A CDL is required to drive over state lines with that large cargo.

Class B CDL

This Class B CDL allows you to drive a vehicle which can carry less than 10,000 pounds GVWR and has a single-axle trailer. This means Class B drivers can drive all kinds of busses, box trucks, deliver trucks, dump trucks, tilt beds, tour busses, passenger vans, and more!

We would also like to mention that the Class B CDL is restricted to the state in which it was issued, this means that you can’t drive between states to work long-haul jobs. On the other hand, it’s perfect for professionals who are seeking regional driving careers.

Class C CDL

The Class C CDL permits you to drive vehicles with GVWRs of less than 26,001 pounds, vehicles towing other vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds, and vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

The Class C CDL allows you to drive tank trucks, small trucks towing a trailer, passenger vans, and hazmat vehicles, provided you obtain the proper training and endorsements to do so. Class C CDLs are the least versatile commercial driving licenses you can receive. That’s why they may be more prevalent among people who have a particular need for a CDL, such as a job requirement that does not focus on driving.

CDL Training Near Columbia South Carolina: Richburg Campus

The campus near Columbia, SC is conveniently located right off of I-77, just minutes from Rockhill, Chester and Great Falls, South Carolina, making it easy to commute for your daily CDL training classes.

Jon and Tammy Walker

Tennessee truck driving schoolTruck 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.

Don’t Live In the Columbia Area?
Many of our students live out of the area but still choose one of the most respected CDL training schools in South Carolina because of the high-quality training and established partnerships with major carriers throughout the United States. If you don’t live in the Columbia area, you can visit any of our other 10 locations.

Our South Carolina Truck Driving School Location

3425 Lancaster Highway
Richburg, SC 29729
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