Looking for the best trucking schools in Nashville, TN?
You’ll find them here.
Besides that, we’re also going to look into other trucking schools near the city. This way, you will have even more choices.
We made sure that all the schools here are FMCSA-approved, offer quality training, and have many features to enjoy.
Don’t mind leaving Tennessee? Then we’ve got company-sponsored trucking schools for you, too.
We have something for everyone.
So let’s dive right in!
Best Trucking Schools in Nashville, TN (Private)
Here is a list of the best trucking schools in and near Nashville, TN:
To determine the perfect match for YOU, let’s review each school.
160 Driving Academy
Location: 3101 Clarksville Pike Suite 8 Nashville, TN 37218
Contact: (615) 237-7537
Luckily, you have one of the best trucking schools in the country right in the city of Nashville, TN.
Because of this, it won’t matter so much that 160 Driving Academy is one of the only FMCSA-approved schools right in the city. You’re already getting the best of the best.
Now, its CDL program will fully prepare you for your Class A CDL examination, as well as your future career.
And it only takes 4 weeks to complete.
During the program, there will be one week of classroom instruction, and three weeks of training behind the wheel of an actual truck.
Plus, you will be taught by patient and friendly instructors that have your success as their main goal.
Tennessee CDL School Inc
Address: 720 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115Phone: (615) 492-1898
Travel time from Nashville: 13 minutes
Here’s an approved trucking school just nearby Nashville, TN.
Here, the Class A CDL training lasts 3 weeks and covers everything you need to pass your CDL road test, including:
- Urban and rural driving techniques
- Pre/post trip inspection breakdown
- Backing, turning, and space management
Their training provides classroom instruction, as well as hands-on training where you will be allowed to drive around the nearby area.
What’s more, new class starts every week, which allows them to maintain a small class size.
Tennessee CDL School Inc. also offers job placement assistance, especially for local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) jobs.
Their tuition differs depending on which option you pick.
If you pay in cash, it costs $3900. If you use financial assistance options, it costs $4800.
However, if you manage to get a sponsorship from a future employer, it will be completely free. And yes, the school can help you find a sponsor if you don’t already have one.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Location: 1405 Madison St., Shelbyville, TN 37160
Contact: 931-685-5013
Travel time from Nashville: 1hr
If you’re willing to travel a bit, then Tennessee College of Applied Technology is another great choice.
But yes, it will take some time to get there if you’re from Nashville.
Is the trip worth it?
Well, for one, since it’s a college, you can expect the tuition fees to be a lot cheaper. The program only costs around $1,00, plus textbook and supply fees.
The courses are taught in groups, rather than one-on-one, but they have a ratio of one instructor for every three students. So you’ll still get hands-on training.
Their truck driving program is full-time, consisting of 7.5 weeks of training with 44 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
When it comes to financial assistance, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology can train students who are eligible for certain benefit programs, including:
- Veterans Administration programs
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program
They also help students get jobs during and after their CDL training. The school even boasts a 95% to 98% placement rate with its graduates.
Additional Trucking Schools in Tennessee
If you want to explore more trucking schools in the state, here is a list of more options you can go with.
Address: 6201 Epps Mill Road, Christiana, TN 37037
Phone: 1-800-848-7364
Travel time from Nashville: 43 minutes
Address: 819 Park Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: 615-410-7600
Travel time from Nashville: 34 minutes
Address: 302 Rutherford Ln., Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-381-5900, 931-698-0772
Travel time from Nashville: 52 minutes
Address: 2885 HWY 43 s, Loretto, TN 38469
Phone: 931-851-9073
Travel time from Nashville: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Address: 606 Briskin Lane, Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: 615-965-2320, 615-878-8496
Travel time from Nashville: 31 minutes
Best Free Company-Sponsored Trucking Schools
What if you just can’t afford trucking school?
Don’t let that stop you!
Many trucking companies are willing to pay for your training. In turn, you will have to sign a contract to work with them for several years.
Let’s now look at some of these company-sponsored trucking schools around the US.
YRC Freight
YRC Freight is a trucking company that has an in-house trucking school called the YELLOW CDL Driving Academy.
YRC Freight offers a four-week Class A CDL training course that consists of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
Also included in their course is the knowledge you need to obtain your Hazardous Materials, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples endorsements.
While undergoing training, you will earn an hourly wage for the time spent at the academy. YRC Freight will also pay for your travel and accommodation if you live over an hour away.
To enroll, they require that you:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a current motor vehicle report (MVR)
- Understand and speak English
- Possess a Class A CDL Permit
- Pass a DOT physical and drug test
- Obtain a TSA background/fingerprint check
Once you’ve completed training, you will commit to working for YRC Freight for one year. Then, after obtaining your CDL and endorsements, you will undergo four weeks of paid on-the-job training.
Sysco
Sysco is a food delivery company that offers free CDL training to those who want to work for them.
To apply, you need to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a clean driving record with no single DUI in the last three years
- Pass pre-employment testing, such as a drug screen and background check
They prefer those who already hold a Class A CDL permit, but it is not required.
Once you obtain your CDL, you will begin working full-time at Sysco.
Here are other company-sponsored trucking schools to check out:
Conclusion
These were all the best trucking schools in and near Nashville, TN.
What’s more, you also have a good list of the best company-sponsored schools out there.
So what are you waiting for?
Now that you have a select choice, pick one out and get started right away.
Good luck!