CDL Classes in Tennessee (Top Schools)

Tennessee map

Excitement is the fuel of life; what better way to begin than starting a career in the trucking industry?

The state of Tennessee gives you a choice of 37 trucking schools, with a plethora of flexible trucking and diesel technology study courses.

Tuition level fluctuates wildly between various schools, being $11,018 on average.

You can improve your financial situation easily by winning a scholarship; they are widely available in Tennessee.

On average, a scholarship in Tennessee stands at around $876; just one institution, a Tennessee Trucking Association gives more than $10,000 in scholarships annually.

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A School That Fits

Class size and duration, together with the tuition amount, maybe the two most important criteria when choosing a school.

Concerning education length- there are options to suit every requirement

For example, United Trucking Driving School offers as much as 3 unique programs: an all-encompassing 4.5 week Class A course, a 4 week Class A basic training, and a 3 week Class B training.

Diesel technology schools, on the other hand, offer a choice between a one-year diploma and a two year Associate’s degree study.

Some Tennessee schools (e.g. Smokey Mountain Truck Driving School, CCD Professional Driver Training) also boast a small class size; giving an opportunity of more practical learning and better connection with your teacher.

20 Top CDL Schools in Tennessee

School NameAddressPhone
CCS Professional Truck Driver Training Center134 Joe R McCrary Rd, Fall Branch, TN 37656423-348-8339
Drive-Train119 E.L. Morgan Dr., Jackson, TN 38305731 423 8822
Lincoln Technical Institute1524 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206615-226-3990
Mesilla Valley Training Institute3750 Stewarts Lane, Nashville, TN 37218, USA615-627-5117
Miller-Motte Technical College – Chattanooga, TN6397 Lee Highway, Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37421888-314-7780
Miller-Motte Technical College – Clarksville, TN1820 Business Park Dr., Clarksville, TN 37040888-314-7780
Miller-Motte Technical College – Madison, TN1515 Gallatin Pike North, Madison, TN 37115, USA888-314-7780
Peak Technical Institute235 S. Old Glory Rd., Maryville, TN 37801865-238-4004
Roadmaster Drivers – Chattanooga, TN3800 Cummings Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37419423-779-0040 +1 423-825-5570
RoadRunner Driving Academy106 Industrial Pk Rd, Sharon, TN 3825531-456-2008
Smokey Mountain Trucking Institute3173 Newport Hwy., Sevierville, TN 37876800-495-4056
Southwest Tennessee Community College5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134901-333-5000
Superior Drivers Institute302 Rutherford Ln, Columbia, TN 38401931-381-5900
Swift Driving Academy7965 Veterans Pkwy Ste 107, Millington, TN 38053800-914-8751
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville100 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209615-425-5500
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Crossville910 Miller Avenue, Crossville, TN 38555931-484-7502
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Crump3070 Hwy 64 W, Crump, TN 38327731-632-3393
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Huntsville355 Scott High Dr., Huntsville, TN 37756423-663-4900
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson2468 Technology Center Drive, Jackson, TN 38301, USA731-424-0691
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville1100 Liberty St., Knoxville, TN 37919865-546-5567

At a Glance: Trucking Schools in Tennessee

Total Schools:20
Undergraduate Programs:27
Graduate Programs:10
Average Acceptance Rate:58%
Average Tuition Cost:$11,886
Average Loan Amount:$6,401
Average Scholarship Award:$3,443
Average Classroom Size:18 Students
CDL Schools info

Fruits of Education: Employment Opportunities

It helps to know there is currently a very strong job growth prediction in Tennessee.

O*Net predicts the growth of 18% for truck driving and 13% for diesel technician jobs in 2012 – 2022 period.

It is recommended to carefully evaluate every opportunity, but your best chances maybe with larger employers.

Look at companies such as C.R. England, MCT Transportation LLC, and Beacon Transport, but don’t forget to check with other smaller truck transport companies, leasing firms and repair shops.

Your Choice, Your Career: Salaries

Numerous factors decide your future salary levels, such as job location, education, and experience.

With an average salary of $40,042 in Tennessee, you may find yourself living a good and fulfilled life if you enjoy this type of work.

To ensure your decision be an informed one, please take a look at salary information we prepared for you below.

Annual Salary Range:
$35K
$40K
$46K

Average Salary of Truck Drivers in Tennessee

City NameSalary
Memphis$41,695
Nashville-Davidson$40,844
Knoxville$40,306
Chattanooga$39,605
Clarksville$39,619
Murfreesboro$40,536
Jackson$41,386
Johnson City$38,360
Kingsport$38,504
Franklin$40,700

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Chattanooga, TN-GA5,610$53,720$25.83$73,230$38,000
Clarksville, TN-KY1,050$48,900$23.51$61,320$33,620
Cleveland, TN930$57,590$27.69$106,240$36,290
Jackson, TN1,520$53,420$25.68$69,440$37,560
Johnson City, TN790$48,040$23.1$64,130$31,820
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA1,740$49,490$23.79$65,840$36,880
Knoxville, TN7,180$53,680$25.81$72,750$36,140
Memphis, TN-MS-AR16,890$59,370$28.54$84,390$36,080
Morristown, TN1,400$59,350$28.53$73,050$39,090
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN17,880$56,900$27.35$77,540$40,660
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, OCC Code 53-3032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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