Best Schools in Memphis, TN

Smart Drive Academy offers driving and counseling instruction in the Washington DC Metro Area, with a focus on safety and responsible driving techniques. They aim to help both young and experienced drivers adopt defensive driving techniques and be courteous to other road users. Smart Drive Academy also provides online Driver Education Programs and in-person courses. They are certified by the Tennessee Department of Safety and offer courses approved by the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security.

Supportive CDL training that helps earn your license.

Smart Drive Academy offers driving and counseling instruction in the Washington DC Metro Area, with a focus on safety and responsible driving techniques. They aim to help both young and experienced drivers adopt defensive driving techniques and be courteous to other road users. Smart Drive Academy also provides online Driver Education Programs and in-person courses. They are certified by the Tennessee Department of Safety and offer courses approved by the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security.

Olympic Career Training Institute (OCTI) is a vocational training school in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to cross-training students to become career logistics professionals. With over 20 years of logistics experience, OCTI provides OSHA-compliant forklift training and certifications valid for 3 years. The institute is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. OCTI also offers warehousing and supply chain training, preparing individuals for various opportunities in logistics and distribution. They aim to equip individuals with industry credentials for immediate entry into the workforce at a livable wage or higher.

Maxwell Driving School, established in 1994, offers personalized driver training for teens and adults. They are state-certified and recognized by Tennessee courts, providing engaging classroom learning and hands-on training to prepare students for real-world driving situations. The school is committed to providing high standards of driver education and training, licensing both new and seasoned drivers. They also offer specialized training for neurodivergent learners.

160 Driving Academy of Memphis is a CDL training school located at 6747 East Shelby Drive in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the country's top freight and logistics hubs. The school delivers the standard 160 Driving Academy 4-week, 160-hour Class A CDL program with 40 hours of classroom and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Memphis sits at the intersection of major interstate freight corridors and is home to the FedEx World Hub, making it one of the strongest job markets for commercial truck drivers in the Southeast. The school's location near the freight belt gives students exposure to real-world logistics environments during training. The program maintains a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio with classes running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, and most students receive full tuition reimbursement from future employers. Free ELDT courses are available to qualified applicants. The school supports job placement through a nationwide hiring partner network. Graduates in the Memphis area benefit from immediate proximity to major carriers, third-party logistics companies, and distribution centers along the I-40 and I-55 corridors.

Swift Memphis Academy, located at 1940 E Brooks Rd, Memphis, TN 38116, is a CDL training school and terminal operated by Swift Transportation. Swift Transportation is a large trucking and logistics company that provides dry van, refrigerated, dedicated, flatbed, intermodal, heavy haul, and expedited transportation services. The Memphis terminal is designed with drivers in mind, offering amenities such as a truck, trailer, and tire shop, lounge, washer/dryer, showers, WiFi, fuel island, and personal vehicle parking. Swift Memphis Academy provides Class A permit classes to help students obtain their Class A permit so that they can easily transition to the Swift Academy.

Swift Transportation Truck Driving Academy in Memphis provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to obtain their Class A CDL. The academy offers a four-week program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Swift Academy is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and select institutions are approved for VA benefits. Swift also provides low-cost CDL training through a tuition-assistance program. The academy focuses on safety training and provides personalized attention to help students become skilled drivers.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Memphis is a public, two-year college dedicated to workforce development training. As part of the TCAT system, it is accredited by the Tennessee Board of Regents and aims to equip students with skills for immediate career entry. TCAT Memphis offers a range of vocational programs, including Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Computer and Systems Network Technologies, and Truck Driving. The college also provides leadership training through SkillsUSA. TCAT Memphis strives to simulate real-world occupational environments, ensuring students gain practical experience with up-to-date equipment and course content.

The University of Memphis (UofM), founded in 1912, is a large public research institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a wide array of academic programs with over 230 areas of study. The university prides itself on its diverse student body and its commitment to providing resources for student success, including a great library and tutoring services. UofM strives to stay connected with its students and offers various activities and organizations, including sports, clubs, and campus events.

Swift Driving Academy provides low-cost CDL training with tuition assistance, making it easier to enter the trucking industry without a large financial burden. With over 50 years of experience, Swift knows what it takes to become a safe driver and can help you earn your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in four weeks. The academy offers company-sponsored CDL training through a tuition-assistance program that allows students to earn their Class A CDL with minimal upfront costs. Transportation, lodging, and books are covered during training for students who commit to Swift. Swift has multiple academy locations across the country. The Phoenix Terminal functions as both a Terminal and an Academy – giving students and professional drivers a great place to meet other drivers, connect with people who care about their success, a place to take care of themselves and their equipment, and experience what it's like to be part of the Swift family. Swift Academy is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). Select institutions are approved for VA benefits. Swift works to ensure that you not only have a great job, but that you have a fulfilling life as well. By prioritizing driving schedules that support your family's busy and changing lifestyle, they can help you achieve a sustainable work-life balance. Swift also honors veterans and first responders by providing CDL certification training from experienced instructors as well as grants. Classes at the Swift Academy run Monday through Friday. Swift provides rooms at a cost, paid back weekly. There are shuttle runs every day to Walmart for those who need food and personal supplies.

Roadmaster Drivers School is a national CDL training provider with multiple locations across the United States. They offer comprehensive training programs to prepare individuals for careers in the trucking industry. Their programs include classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice, and simulator training. Roadmaster aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass their CDL exam and secure employment with reputable trucking companies. The school focuses on CDL classes and behind-the-wheel truck driving education. They also provide refresher courses covering necessities and expectations of the professional truck driving industry. Roadmaster's curriculum covers basic driving skills, safety regulations, vehicle maintenance, federal regulations, map reading, and cargo securement. They also offer pre-trip inspection training, trip planning, and compliance with Department of Transportation laws. Students learn how to identify preventive maintenance problems on tractor-trailer units, as well as backing, turning, and hooking/unhooking an industry-standard 53ft trailer. Roadmaster partners with numerous trucking companies to provide job placement assistance to its graduates. They also offer financial assistance to those who qualify. The school's instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, with many being former military or experienced drivers. They emphasize hands-on training and real-world driving scenarios. Roadmaster has gained a national reputation in the trucking industry for quality training of entry-level commercial truck drivers. They focus on providing the best education and maintaining high job placement standards.

Based on the search results, there appear to be multiple companies using the name "MDS Truck Driving School" or similar variations. One such company is Morristown Driver's Service (MDS), located in Morristown, TN. It appears to be primarily a trucking company, but some sources suggest they may offer some form of driver training. However, reviews are mixed, with some drivers expressing dissatisfaction with pay and management. Other search results point to different driving schools with similar names, such as one in Mississippi and another in California. Due to the conflicting information, it's difficult to provide a definitive description of a single "MDS Truck Driving School."

TDA Memphis CDL Training is listed among the top 5 truck driving schools in Memphis, Tennessee. They provide budget-friendly tuition plans without sacrificing quality. TDA Memphis CDL Training is recognized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The school focuses on safety and compliance with Tennessee regulations.

Gray Eagle Driving Academy, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a certified Commercial Driving Licensed (CDL) school dedicated to preparing students for long-term careers in the trucking industry. The academy's core mission is to provide comprehensive training that equips individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in the trucking sector. Gray Eagle offers flexible scheduling and job placement assistance, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the commercial driving field. The academy provides industry-standard education with complete CDL training in a short period, around 21-30 days. The 160-hour course includes 20% classroom and 80% field and road training. Gray Eagle Driving Academy is authorized for operation as a post-secondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). Gray Eagle Driving Academy is associated with Gray Eagle Transition, a non-profit organization dedicated to inner-city development in Memphis, Tennessee, and reducing crime rates through spiritual guidance, education, and workforce training. The academy also partners with several carriers that may reimburse CDL training for employed graduates.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) in Tupelo, Mississippi, provides an exceptional learning environment for individuals seeking a career in commercial driving. TDI has been training drivers since 1973 and has established relationships with over 20 major carriers, facilitating direct employment opportunities for graduates. The school's Class A CDL training program in Tupelo is well-regarded in Northern Mississippi. TDI combines classroom instruction with hands-on, behind-the-wheel training on a spacious 10+ acre facility equipped with modern vehicles. TDI also offers on-site CDL testing, streamlining the process for students.

Swift Academy provides low-cost CDL training through a tuition-assistance program that allows you to earn your Class A CDL with little to no upfront cost, aside from permit and license fees. With over 50 years of experience, Swift's team can help you earn your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in four weeks. The academy has conveniently located truck driving schools across the country. Swift Academy also provides top-notch CDL certification training from experienced instructors and grants for veterans to kick start their truck driving career cost-free. By prioritizing driving schedules that support your family's busy and changing lifestyle, they can help you achieve a sustainable work-life balance. Swift offers a number of tuition programs for military personnel and veterans. Veteran Scholarships are open to armed forces veterans, those who are currently or have previously served in the reserves or National Guard, and first responders. Swift Academy programs are 3 weeks long for students who already have their CDL learner's permits, and 4 weeks for those that don't.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training truck drivers since 1973 and has multiple campuses across the United States. TDI's programs are designed to be completed in a short amount of time, with many locations offering a 3-week (15-day) Class A CDL program. TDI emphasizes hands-on training, using trucks instead of simulators, and provides students with access to multi-acre driving ranges. TDI also focuses on job placement assistance, working with over 20 major carriers to help graduates find employment.

Compliance Solutions offers Environmental Health & Safety training since 1995, focusing on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safety protocols. They aim to equip employees with the tools to mitigate workplace dangers, ensuring they come home safely. The company provides up-to-date and dynamic OSHA-required courses, including HAZWOPER training. They emphasize customer satisfaction with a US-based customer service team.

Right Turn Driving Academy, located in Forney, Texas, provides driving courses for both teens and adults. They offer flexible learning options with both online and in-person classes to accommodate different schedules. The academy is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). They focus on building confidence and safety for new drivers through real-world driving practice.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training truck drivers since 1973. TDI's programs provide classroom and hands-on training, with many locations having large training facilities. TDI aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the standards of carrier partners. They offer financial assistance options, including military benefits, carrier-paid tuition, student financing, and scholarships. TDI also provides job placement assistance.

Tennessee Truck Driving School (TTDS) in Knoxville, TN, is a privately owned CDL training provider that prepares individuals for careers in the high-demand trucking industry. TTDS aims to equip students with the necessary skills to obtain their Class A CDL in approximately 15 days and secure employment immediately after graduation. The school boasts a 100% job placement rate, connecting graduates with industry-leading companies that offer competitive pay and benefits. TTDS also provides Class B CDL training. TTDS emphasizes hands-on training and comprehensive instruction to ensure students are well-prepared for the CDL exam and the demands of a professional driving career. The school's instructors have real-world experience and are dedicated to helping students succeed. TTDS also assists students in finding suitable job placements with reputable trucking companies, often securing pre-hire agreements before enrollment. For eligible students, Tennessee Truck Driving School helps to utilize VA benefits, including Post 9/11, to cover CDL training costs. The school also partners with companies that may sponsor training or offer tuition reimbursement.

MidSouth Trucking Academy, founded in 2021, is committed to providing high-quality trucking education with experienced instructors offering hands-on training to prepare students for the road. The academy focuses on safety, efficiency, and best practices to ensure students become skilled truck drivers. MidSouth Trucking Academy is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and emphasizes practical, real-world training to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the trucking industry.

160 Driving Academy in Memphis, Tennessee is one of the nation's largest CDL training providers, with over 90 locations nationwide. Located at 6747 E Shelby Dr. in Memphis, this school offers a focused 4-week Class A CDL program combining 40 hours of classroom instruction with 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. With a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio, students receive individualized attention while training on local and interstate roads — and can return home each night during training. The Memphis location is FMCSA-registered (License #000312) and helps students explore tuition sponsorship from major partner carriers including Swift Transportation, Schneider, and H.O. Wolding, enabling many students to attend at no out-of-pocket cost in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment. For those paying directly, tuition typically ranges from $3,795 to $7,000 depending on program format. Financial aid through WIOA grants and Edly income-share agreements (train now, pay after employment) are also available. Job placement assistance begins before graduation, with staff actively connecting students to carrier opportunities. The school boasts a 95% graduation rate and reviews on the official site average 5.0 out of 5 stars across thousands of respondents. Graduates can expect average starting salaries around $55,990 annually per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The Memphis school offers CDL Class A, CDL Refresher, ELDT theory courses (free with behind-the-wheel enrollment), and a 4-hour Hazmat endorsement certification course. The school is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Swift Transportation Memphis Academy provides comprehensive CDL training to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in the trucking industry. The academy offers a four-week program with classes running Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Swift Academy is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and select institutions are approved for VA benefits. They also offer permit classes in select states across the nation, which is a 5 day optional class geared to help students obtain their Class A permit so that they can easily transition to the Swift Academy. Swift focuses on safety and professionalism, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the road. The Memphis terminal offers various amenities for drivers, including a truck and trailer shop, lounge, washer/dryer, showers, WiFi, and a fuel island. This location provides services for Dry Van, Refrigerated, Intermodal, and Dedicated freight, offering local and express routes for drivers. Swift also provides low-cost CDL training through a tuition-assistance program that allows you to earn your Class A CDL with little to no upfront cost, aside from the fee for your permit, license, and daily incidentals, such as food. They also honor veterans and first responders by providing top-notch CDL certification training from their most experienced instructors as well as grants for veterans to kick start their truck driving career cost-free.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Memphis is a public institution focused on providing accessible technical education and industry training to Tennesseans. TCAT Memphis prepares students for careers in high-demand fields through career-focused programs, affordable education, and industry partnerships. Many programs can be completed in a year or less, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly. The college boasts a high completion rate and low student loan debt at graduation. TCAT Memphis also has extension campuses, including an Aviation Extension Campus utilizing on-location classrooms at the Memphis International Airport. TCAT Memphis offers degrees and certificates in over 20 technical and vocational fields of study. Programs include fields like Healthcare (Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting), Trades (Welding, Automotive Technology, HVAC), and Business and Technology (Computer Programming, Business Administration). The college also provides leadership training through its SkillsUSA chapter. TCAT Memphis is a modern training facility designed to simulate occupational environments. TCAT Memphis emphasizes its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to all Tennesseans and actively engages with the community, providing resources for local businesses and industries. The college also offers various student services, including admissions guidance, financial aid assistance, academic advising, and career counseling. Prospective students can schedule a campus visit to learn more about programs, admissions, and financial aid.