Best Schools in Nashville, TN

Tennessee Truck Driving School (TTDS) is a CDL training provider with a campus located near Knoxville, TN. TTDS focuses on preparing students for the state CDL tests and has relationships with companies like TMC and Total Transportation, which may offer tuition reimbursement. The school aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in trucking, with many graduates finding employment shortly after completing the program.

160 Driving Academy in Nashville, Tennessee is a branch of the nation's largest CDL-A training provider, offering a comprehensive four-week commercial driver training program at 3101 Clarksville Pike. The school delivers 160 total training hours split between classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving on both local and interstate roads, maintaining a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio for personalized learning. The Nashville campus offers Class A CDL training along with Hazmat certification, CDL refresher courses, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) courses. Students benefit from multiple financial aid pathways including WIOA grants that can cover 100% of tuition, employer-sponsored programs where partner carriers pay training costs in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment, and flexible self-pay options. With over 3,100 reviews averaging 5.0 stars, the Nashville location has strong community credibility. Instructors like Jeremy at the Nashville office are frequently praised for helpfulness and job placement support. The school targets graduates for trucking careers averaging $55,990 per year according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The location operates Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. 160 Driving Academy is FMCSA-registered and is an approved training provider under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) federal regulations. It's a strong fit for career changers seeking employer-sponsored tuition and fast entry into the trucking industry.

Gureed Driving School, operating for over 15 years in Nashville, Tennessee, is committed to providing top-tier education in road safety and driving proficiency. With a track record of nearly 10,000 successful students, they focus on instilling confidence and responsibility behind the wheel. Gureed offers a diverse range of courses, including behind-the-wheel training, defensive driving techniques, and Tennessee Traffic School, tailoring solutions for beginner drivers to seasoned motorists looking to sharpen their skills. They also provide corporate defense classes and commercial fleet training. The school's certified instructors bring years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to every lesson, ensuring personalized attention and guidance tailored to each student's learning style. Gureed also specializes in helping international drivers adapt to driving in the USA, covering everything from basic road rules to cultural considerations. The school requires all clients to have a learner's permit before starting road training. Gureed understands that learning to drive is more than just mastering the basics; it's about instilling a sense of confidence and responsibility behind the wheel. They are available weekdays and weekends by appointment.

Professional Driving Academy offers Class A and Class B CDL training, as well as School Bus Endorsement training. Established in 2018, the academy aims to provide high-quality education, comprehensive training, and valuable resources to equip students for success in the transportation industry. Their training meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for Entry-level Driver Training. The academy appears to focus on hands-on training with a mix of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Nashville Driving School, owned and operated by Hudson Alvares, offers driver education classes and behind-the-wheel driving lessons to both teens and adults in the greater Nashville area. The school distinguishes itself by providing a complete Road Test (Driver's license testing) as an alternative to the DMV. They focus on creating a positive, accessible, and safe learning environment, using various teaching techniques to accommodate different learning styles. They also assist foreign drivers in adapting to US driving conditions. Nashville Driving School's curriculum is state-approved and promotes driving safety. The school aims to meet the individual needs of each student, from teens to seniors, and is committed to being a leading professional driving school in Middle Tennessee. Flexible scheduling options are available to accommodate students' busy lives. The school offers several packages, including a Starter Package, Essential Package, Advanced Package, and Premium Package. These packages include a 30-hour classroom course, behind-the-wheel sessions, and the road test. Additional driving lessons are available for those who want more practice. With experienced and patient instructors, Nashville Driving School boasts an excellent pass rate on driving tests. The school is dedicated to helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to make good decisions and react appropriately to unexpected situations.

Brentwood Driver Training is a Tennessee-based driver education company with over 30 years of experience, offering programs at multiple locations including a Nashville classroom at 3415 West End Avenue. All instructors are licensed and certified by the Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Nashville classroom location focuses on teen and adult driver education — teen classroom courses, home video driver training, individual driving lessons, and permit prep courses. Vehicles are fully dual-controlled, classrooms include in-car simulators, and on-site driver's license testing is available at some locations. Brentwood Driver Training does NOT offer CDL (Commercial Driver License) training. The company is strictly a passenger vehicle driver education provider. The Nashville classroom location operates Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM. FLAG: This is NOT a CDL school. Brentwood Driver Training exclusively offers standard passenger vehicle driver education — primarily teen driver ed. No Class A, Class B, or commercial licensing programs exist. This record should be reviewed for removal from a CDL database.

ALL N 1 DRIVING SCHOOL in Nashville, Tennessee is a standard driver education school — not a CDL school. The school serves Nashville, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and surrounding areas within 25 miles, offering pickup and drop-off for behind-the-wheel lessons. The school provides permit test preparation, teenager education courses, road test preparation, and adult driver lessons. Services are priced individually: permit testing starts at $20-$60/hr, teen education at $400 (includes classroom), road test prep at $100, and adult lessons at $60/hr or $250 for six hours. This appears to be a relatively new school (approximately two years in operation as of 2025). There is no evidence of CDL or commercial vehicle training at this location. Students seeking CDL training in Nashville should look at CDL School Inc. or 160 Driving Academy.

Tennessee CDL School Inc. offers hands-on, safety-oriented Class A CDL training. Students receive classroom, yard, and over-the-road training to develop the skills and confidence needed to be professional drivers. The school's training is designed to accommodate a student's life, with the first week completed online, allowing students to maintain their routines while learning. The curriculum includes exterior pre-trip inspections, backing fundamentals, and road phase instruction focusing on basic driving habits and reading the road.

Based on available information, TNCVE Tennessee Commercial Vehicle Education appears to be a truck driver training provider. They are not BBB accredited. The Tennessee Highway Patrol partners with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct commercial motor vehicle targeted enforcement, education, and outreach programs. These programs aim to increase awareness of commercial motor vehicle safety issues and promote the safe operation of passenger vehicles around commercial motor vehicles.

CDL Training Services is a commercial driver's license training school in Nashville, TN.

CDL Training Service & Consulting is a commercial driver's license training school in Nashville, TN.

Affordable Truck Driver Training LLC is a CDL training provider based in the Nashville, Tennessee area, operating under the slug that indicates a Nashville location. The school's name suggests a focus on cost-accessible Class A CDL training for entry-level truck driver candidates in Middle Tennessee. Despite the Nashville slug in the database, specific details about this school's address, tuition, program length, and website were not surfaced through public web sources, FMCSA Training Provider Registry searches, or CDL school aggregator databases as of March 2026. The school does not appear to have a prominent web presence or active FMCSA ELDT registration under this exact name. It may be a small, locally-operated school, a newer operation still building its web presence, or possibly a DBA under a different legal name. Students in Nashville seeking affordable CDL training are advised to verify this school's current licensing status through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and to check the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov) to confirm ELDT compliance before enrolling. Comparable Nashville-area options with verified FMCSA registration include CDL School Inc., 160 Driving Academy, and Tennessee Truck Driving School. This record should be reviewed and verified before being published as a primary listing.

Truck America Training, located in Shepherdsville, KY, offers comprehensive Class A CDL training to equip students with the skills for a professional truck driving career. Their program includes classroom instruction, hands-on behind-the-wheel training, and yard skills development. The school prides itself on personalized assistance, small class sizes, and individual mentoring, ensuring students receive focused attention. Truck America Training also provides job placement and career planning assistance both during and after graduation. Truck America Training's CDL A program is a 160-hour course completed in 3.5 weeks, with classes starting every other Monday. The first week focuses on classroom learning to prepare students for their CDL A permit. The school emphasizes hands-on training with experienced instructors and minimal observation time. Truck America Training aims to train students beyond the minimum requirements, ensuring they are well-prepared for the road. Founded in 2001, Truck America Training has a seasoned staff with years of industry experience. Graduates often describe the school as a family-like environment where students are treated as part of the community. The school's flexibility allows them to adapt quickly to changing industry standards. Truck America Training focuses solely on truck driver training, ensuring complete dedication to this field. Truck America Training aims to provide more than just a CDL; they equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel as professional CDL A drivers. The school's comprehensive approach, experienced instructors, and focus on job placement make it a strong choice for individuals seeking a career in the trucking industry.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Upper Cumberland is a public institution that is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents System. TCAT Upper Cumberland focuses on providing technical and vocational training to prepare students for employment in various fields. The college aims to simulate real-world occupational environments, ensuring students gain practical skills and knowledge. TCAT offers certificates and diplomas in a range of programs, including Administrative Office Technology (available online), Automotive Technology, and Welding Technology. TCAT Upper Cumberland builds relationships with community, business, and industry leaders to supply skilled workers in areas of need.

Tennessee Truck Driving School (TTDS) in Knoxville, TN, offers CDL training to men and women seeking careers in the trucking industry. TTDS is a privately owned school that can train students in approximately 15 days and help them obtain their Class A CDL. TTDS aims to have students pre-hired with a trucking company before they even begin classes. Graduates are placed with companies that offer competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, 401K plans, vacation pay, sick leave, guaranteed home time, sign-on bonuses, and tuition reimbursement. TTDS also has a location in Louisville, TN. The school emphasizes hands-on training and prepares students to pass the CDL exam. Some companies that partner with TTDS for job placement include Stevens Transport, Total Transportation, and Covenant Transport. Tennessee Truck Driving School also offers Class B CDL training. The Class B program consists of 85 clock hours over 8 instruction days, plus testing days.

Superior Drivers Institute, LLC, located in Columbia, TN, is dedicated to preparing individuals for successful careers in the trucking industry. They offer a comprehensive CDL Class A program designed to prepare students for the Tennessee Commercial Driver License written and road test in just four weeks. The 160-hour program includes classroom instruction for the permit process, general knowledge, special endorsements, skills training, and road instruction. The institute provides all vehicles and trailers needed for students. SDI's admissions criteria include being at least 18 years old, proficient in English, having a clean driving record, and being a US citizen or having legal work authorization. A high school diploma, GED, or Ability to Benefit test is also required. The school is an approved commercial driving school in Tennessee and a registered Training Provider with the FMCSA. Superior Drivers Institute focuses on small class sizes to maximize seat time and instructor attention. The school also has an on-site third-party tester. Financial aid is available, and the financial aid team works with students to create comprehensive aid packages.

Compliance Solutions is a leader in the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) training industry since 1995. They equip employees with hazard recognition, risk assessment, and proper safety protocols to mitigate potential dangers in the workplace. They offer online courses, instructor-led classroom and virtual training, and on-site training. Customer service is a priority, with a US-based team available to assist with questions and training needs. Compliance Solutions also provides digital legal and compliance solutions, supporting companies in making their compliance processes more effective and efficient with AI-powered software. They offer a range of software systems for implementing compliance tasks, used by over 20,000 companies worldwide. Compliance Solutions Group, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers environmental, health, and safety (EHS) services, including auditing, management systems, and soil and groundwater solutions. They provide cost-effective solutions with a personal touch to clients nationally and internationally. Note: There appear to be multiple businesses with similar names, so ensure you're contacting the right one.

Elite ELDT offers mobile CDL training, bringing behind-the-wheel instruction for Class A & B truck drivers, bus drivers, and hot shot drivers directly to individuals and companies. Founded by a former truck & bus driver, CDL program director, and third-party examiner, their training techniques and study guides are designed for efficiency and effectiveness. Elite ELDT is a certified training provider with the FMCSA and approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security's CDL Compliance Division. They focus on providing affordable training, often costing a third of traditional trucking schools.

Knight CDL Academy, operating within Knight Transportation, provides comprehensive truck driver training. With locations in Phoenix, AZ, and Indianapolis, IN, the academy offers small class sizes, state-of-the-art audio/visual technology, and outdoor driving ranges to maximize student comfort and learning. Experienced instructors are committed to helping students establish successful driving careers through in-class sessions, range training, and hands-on highway driving. The academy focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the CDL examination and thrive as OTR operators. Knight CDL Academy's program typically lasts 2-3 weeks, with military scholarships available for qualifying U.S. Military Veterans. Before attending, students must have a commercial learner's permit and be prepared for employment verifications, background checks, and drug screens. Knight also offers a week-long in-person class to help students prepare for their CLP. After obtaining their CDL and getting hired by Knight, graduates receive industry-leading over-the-road training with qualified driver trainers. While tuition costs around $4,000, Knight offers discounts for upfront payments and provides a trainee salary to help cover meals and expenses during training. Repayment options include weekly deductions. Knight provides transportation to the yard, but students are generally responsible for their lodging. Graduates can access job opportunities in various services, including van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal. Student reviews highlight the helpful and motivating instructors, seamless training process, and excellent facilities. However, some reviews mention inconsistent pay and the need to gain experience before moving to other companies. Despite this, Knight CDL Academy is often recommended as a good starting point for those seeking a career in truck driving.

Superior Drivers Institute, located in Columbia, TN, is dedicated to preparing individuals for successful careers in the trucking industry. The school offers a comprehensive CDL Class A program designed to prepare students for the Tennessee Department of Safety's Commercial Driver License written and road tests in just four weeks. The program includes classroom instruction covering permit processes, general knowledge, and special endorsements, as well as skills training and road instruction. SDI provides all necessary vehicles and trailers for enrolled students. SDI's program is a 160-hour course divided into three segments. The institute prides itself on small class sizes to maximize seat time and instructor attention, ensuring students become the best entry-level CDL drivers possible. Financial aid options are available to help students afford tuition. SDI is an approved commercial driving school in Tennessee and a registered Training Provider with the FMCSA. Superior Drivers Institute's admissions criteria include being at least 18 years old, proficient in English, having a clean driving record, and possessing a high school diploma, GED, or passing an Ability to Benefit test. The school aims to provide a supportive learning environment with patient instructors and effective teaching methods.

United Truck Driving School has been training commercial drivers since 1978. They strive to educate and train students to become professional caliber commercial drivers prepared for employment in the transportation industry. The school uses classroom training with written materials, mixed media, visual aids, and lectures, along with practical experience driving, maneuvering, inspecting, and using commercial vehicle equipment. They offer both Class A and Class B CDL training. Some locations, like the one in Fresno, CA, allow students to create their own schedules and offer job placement assistance.

Armored Trucking Academy, LLC is a legitimate CDL school that combines conventional Class A CDL training with a specialized focus on the armored vehicle transport sector — a genuine niche within commercial trucking. The school operates out of Clarksville, Tennessee (not Nashville — Clarksville is approximately 45 miles northwest of Nashville). The database entry lists this under Nashville, which is worth noting as a location discrepancy. The program is a 4-week full-time Class A CDL course running Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm. Training includes classroom instruction for the permitting process and general knowledge, yard skills training (backing and maneuvering), and over-the-road driving. All vehicles and trailers are provided. The school appears to serve a strong military-adjacent population — Clarksville is the home of Fort Campbell, and the academy partners with the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition and accepts GI Bill benefits. A separate Texas campus (atacdltx.com) serves the Killeen/Fort Hood area, reinforcing the military-veteran focus. Armored Trucking Academy accepts GI Bill benefits and has a discount program for cash-paying students. Direct carrier financing is not available. The school can be reached at (931) 542-4323 and their primary website is atacdl.com, with joinata.com and armoredtrucking.academy also active. The physical address is 175 Terminal Road, Clarksville, TN 37040. This is a legitimate CDL training niche. Armored vehicle drivers command premium pay and require the same Class A CDL as conventional truckers, with additional background check requirements from employers.

Capital Truck Driving Institute Inc. is a CDL training school operating in both Tennessee and Missouri, offering fast and affordable commercial driver license programs. The school is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and is TPR Certified, ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements. The Tennessee campus provides Class A CDL training designed to produce safe, professional, and well-educated truck drivers ready to enter a workforce that hires more than 50,000 new drivers annually. The school emphasizes practical, career-focused education and supports graduates in finding strong employment opportunities with outstanding wages and benefits. Prospective students can contact the Tennessee office directly at (931) 285-0001 or reach the school by email at info@capitaltruckdrivinginstitute.com. Details on tuition, program length, and specific campus address are available through direct contact with the school or via downloadable resources on their website. Capital Truck Driving Institute is a smaller independent CDL school that caters to students seeking an affordable and compliant path to earning their commercial license in the mid-South region.

North Georgia CDL Training LLC offers a comprehensive 4-week course designed to equip students with the skills needed for a trucking career. They emphasize personalized training to ensure student success. The school's mission is to provide high-quality, convenient driver education at the lowest cost, producing well-trained entry-level truck drivers ready for gainful employment.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Nashville is a public technical college that is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. TCAT Nashville aims to provide competency-based training using various instructional delivery systems to qualify individuals for employment and advancement. The college focuses on providing high-quality, economical, and accessible training to Tennessee residents, contributing to the state's economic and community development. TCAT Nashville also strives to simulate real-world occupational environments to prepare students for the workplace.

Midwest Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been training professional drivers for over 27 years. They have graduated over 20,000 students with Class A and Class B CDLs, as well as endorsements for Passenger and School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, and Doubles and Triples. The school is dedicated to providing top-quality education and training, ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge needed to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. Midwest Truck Driving School is CVTA-certified and meets FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. The school's instructors have over 200 years of combined experience and are committed to student success. Midwest Truck Driving School emphasizes hands-on training with manual transmission trucks and offers instruction in ELD (Qualcomm, Rand McNally, and PeopleNet), bridge law, coupling/uncoupling, FMCSA regulations, adverse weather conditions, and cat scale training. They are approved to accept all VA Benefits and National Guard tuition assistance. Midwest Truck Driving School has multiple locations across Indiana and serves students from southern Michigan, northern Kentucky, western Ohio, and eastern Illinois. They have been awarded the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, demonstrating their commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and customer service. The school also has a 5.0-star rating on Google with over 664 reviews.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training truck drivers since 1973. TDI offers CDL classes at multiple locations across the country. The courses include classroom, range driving, and on the road training. TDI's program is designed to be completed in a short amount of time, with some locations offering a 15-day program. TDI also partners with numerous carriers to help graduates find employment.

ESD School, LLC, located in Decatur and Mobile, Alabama, offers comprehensive CDL training for Class A and B licenses. They provide classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience to prepare students for the state CDL exam. ESD School also offers online theory courses for endorsements. The school aims to provide lifelong career guidance and job placement assistance to help graduates begin fulfilling careers as professional commercial drivers.

Lake Cumberland CDL Training School, Inc. has been providing Class A and B CDL training since 2006. Their program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to pass the Kentucky State Police CDL test. They offer comprehensive training at multiple locations in Kentucky, including Campbellsville, Mt. Sterling, Glasgow, Harlan and Middlesboro. The school provides quality training and job placement assistance. They also offer refresher courses for Class A license holders and specialized training for commercial trucking firms and their employees.

Gray Line Tennessee, established in 1973, has been a local transportation and sightseeing expert in Nashville for over four decades. The company offers a variety of tours, including the Nashville City Tour on an open-air, double-decker bus, the Homes of the Stars Tour, and the Discover Nashville Tour. They also provide transportation services such as executive black car services and luxury motorcoaches. Gray Line Tennessee emphasizes a culture of excellence, developing elite drivers, maintaining a high-quality fleet, and committing to safety. They aim to provide an enjoyable experience for their customers with authentic hospitality and service.

Superior Drivers Institute, LLC (SDI) is a commercial truck driving school located in Columbia, TN, dedicated to preparing individuals for successful careers in the trucking industry. SDI offers a comprehensive CDL Class A program that includes classroom instruction, skills training, and road instruction. The program is designed to prepare students for the Commercial Driver License written and road test administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety in just four weeks. SDI also provides all vehicles and trailers needed for students enrolled in their program. The institute boasts small class sizes to maximize seat time and instructor attention. They also offer career services to ensure students find employment upon graduation, assisting with application preparation, interview coaching, and connecting students with prospective employers.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training individuals to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) since 1973. TDI has multiple campuses across the US and is known as one of the largest Class A CDL schools not owned by a trucking company. TDI's programs are well-respected in the trucking industry due to their professionalism and effectiveness. TDI offers excellent financial assistance options, including military benefits and carrier-paid tuition. TDI also provides job placement assistance with numerous carrier partners.