Founded in 1973 by U.S. Army Veteran Thomas Gast, Truck Driver Institute (TDI) is an adult vocational school that trains individuals and couples to get their Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Our school has grown to 10 campuses located in seven states and is the largest Class A CDL School East of the Rockies, not owned by a trucking company. We pride ourselves on being able to provide ongoing job placement* with our more than 20+ carrier partners.
CDL Training at Truck Driver Institute
Offer an affordable, immersive instructional program, led by experienced drivers, that teaches you how to go from novice to road-ready in just THREE WEEKS.
Prepare you to take all aspects of the CDL test. We are approved, third-party examiners at most of our campuses.
Go the extra mile to ensure that you obtain your CDL and find a job in the trucking industry. We currently hold an over 80% placement rate for our graduates!
Accelerate Your Future
THE TDI PROGRAM
- Our 15-day intensive class was developed and is updated regularly by seasoned, professional, truck drivers who have millions of miles logged in trucking industry.
- As a TDI student, you’ll go through classroom instruction, hands-on training within the safety of a large, off-road driving range, and on-the-road driving instruction in modern training vehicles.
- From the first day of class, TDI provides you with job placement assistance. We work with many carriers who offer great benefits such as, medical insurance, 401K, and tuition reimbursement.
- Get job placement assistance with 20+ top carriers who hire TDI graduates over those from other truck driver CDL training schools.
- TDI’s graduate placement rate is over 80%.
THE TDI DIFFERENCE
1
Our school is not a ‘mom and pop shop’ or ‘CDL Mill.’ TDI is an industry leader with a respected reputation for excellence, safety and integrity.
2
TDI is an approved Third Party CDL Examiner for every state where our campuses are located that allows third party testing. In those states, a trip to the DMV isn’t necessary for the exam (though students still go there to buy a license).
3
From our caring admissions representatives who are ready to answer your every question to the instructors who push you to do your very best to our carrier partners that rely on us to provide them with the best truck drivers to meet their never-ending need, TDI is with you all the way.
4
Truck Driver Institute works hard to be your gateway to a new career. Give us 15 days and we can literally change your life and the lives of those you love and support.
5
As a TDI graduate you will have your Commercial Drivers License, a Diploma, and job opportunities with good pay, plus all of the benefits your family deserves including medical insurance, dental insurance, 401K retirement, and more.
TDI vs. Vocational School
| TDI | Vocational School | |
|---|---|---|
| ELDT training | ✓ | |
| Ongoing job placement | ✓ | |
| Comprehensive 3-week program | ✓ | |
| Hands-on training (no simulators) | ✓ | |
| On-site training and testing | ✓ | |
| Established since 1973 | ✓ | |
| 80% job placement with thecarrier of your choice | ✓ | |
| Freedom to choose your employer | ✓ | |
| Contract requirements with carriers | X | |
| Lower pay right out of graduation | X | |
| Simulator training | X |
WEEK 1 SUMMARY
Orientation
- Drug Screen and DOT Physical Exam
- CDL Instruction – General Knowledge
- Sections 1, 2 & 3 of state CDL Manual
- CDL Preparation
- Section 5 Air Brakes
- Section 6 Combination Vehicles
Take Written CDL Test
- Log Books, hours and service requirements
- How to Read a Map and Plan a Trip
- Smith System
- Weight Scales and Staying Legal
- Cargo Claims
- Basic Mechanical Knowledge
WEEK 2 SUMMARY
- Driving Range
- Pre-trip Inspection
- Backing Maneuvers, straight line and offset backing
- Begin driving on the road — gradual progression from driving in low traffic, to light traffic, etc.
WEEK 3 SUMMARY
- Practice advanced driving skills on the driving range and on the highway
- Night driving
- CDL Driving Skills Test — Highway/Street Testing
- Graduation
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.