For several years, the best driving schools in Memphis Tn have contributed their quota in producing well-trained drivers in Memphis Tn. These skilled drivers often operate trucks that transport cars, food, and other goods across the country. To become a professional driver, it is necessary to attend a driving school.
Truck drivers play a crucial role in the supply chain, and their absence disrupts the entire system. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), truck drivers transported over 11.8 billion tons of freight in 2019.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were over 2 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the country in 2020, earning an average salary of $48,710. As such, there are many opportunities for individuals interested in learning how to drive a truck in Memphis Tn.
To take advantage of these opportunities, attending a truck driving school is necessary. By attending a school in Memphis Tn, you can increase your chances of finding a job in the city. There are many options for truck driving training in Memphis Tn, including programs at private driving schools, community colleges, and transportation companies.
In this article, we will introduce you to the best driving schools in Memphis Tn for 2023. By enrolling in any of these schools, you can learn how to drive and increase your chances of finding a job as a truck driver in Memphis Tn.
In addition, we have answered several frequently asked questions about truck driving schools in Memphis Tn, which you can check out here.
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Table of contents
How to Become a Truck Driver: A Short Guide
To become a professional truck driver in the United States, you must first meet the age requirement. In the US, you must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle legally. However, you can obtain a learner’s permit at the age of 18. Some federal pilot policies and military programs also allow younger drivers to work.
To become a truck driver, follow these steps:
1. Complete High School or the GED
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) advises that most long-haul employers require employees or applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED credential. It is possible to obtain a GED certification within four months in the US. The cost of a GED ranges from $80 to $140.
2. Pass Your State’s Regular Driver’s License Exam
Before you can take the CDL exam, you must have a current driver’s license in your state. If you already have a regular driver’s license, you can start your career by driving delivery trucks while studying for your CDL. The cost of a regular driver’s license in the US ranges from $20 to $90.
3. Start Professional Training
The next step in your journey to becoming a truck driver is to start professional training to earn your CDL. Several trucking companies, community colleges, and private truck driving schools offer truck driving training programs that will prepare you to take the CDL exam.
Some states have specific regulations for auditing and accrediting programs, so make sure you are aware of your state’s DMV or BMV regulations.
4. Earn Your CDL and Other Relevant Endorsements
The minimum certification for a professional truck driver is a CDL. CDLs come in three classes: A, B, and C. The class of your CDL depends on the size and weight of your vehicle. The CDL Class A, also known as CDL-A, is the most versatile for drivers of large freight.
Once you have obtained your CDL, you may also need an endorsement code on it. These endorsements specify what you are legally allowed to transport. Endorsements are also necessary for specialty vehicles such as school buses and tankers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for explaining the different classes and endorsement codes. However, it is also a good idea to consult your state’s DMV or BMV.
Obtaining a CDL usually involves a fee, which varies by state. The most expensive fee is usually the license fee, which ranges from $20 to $120.
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5. Find Job Placement Assistance
Once you are licensed, it is time to find truck driving jobs. Some truck driving schools provide job boards and career counseling. Trucking associations also help members connect with employers and career mentors. Examples of such associations include the ATA and Women in Trucking.
6. Complete Your Employer’s Finishing Program
Most companies require newly licensed employees to complete an in-house training program, known as a driver-finishing program. This program introduces you to the vehicles, materials, and equipment important to the company. The program typically lasts three to four weeks, followed by a period of supervised driving.
How Much Do Truck Driving Schools Cost In Memphis Tn
Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can be a costly endeavor. In addition to the cost of obtaining a GED or high school diploma, aspiring truck drivers must also pay for materials, drug screenings, permit tests, and physicals.
However, these costs can typically range from $3,000 to $12,000 in Memphis, TN. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a truck driver, it’s important to carefully plan and budget for these expenses. Additionally, enrolling in a CDL training program in Memphis Tn can help you obtain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.
Are there any Truck Driving Schools in Memphis Tn?
There exist many driving schools in Memphis Tn that offer aspiring drivers the opportunity to obtain a good education and earn certifications.
We have carefully selected the best schools and listed them below in a meaningful category. However, please note that the schools are not ranked in any particular order, as all of the schools listed here offer interesting training curricula.
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Accredited/Licensed Truck Driving School in Memphis Tn
Memphis Tn has several truck driving schools that are fully accredited by relevant bodies in the US. Some of these schools include:
1. Pitner Driving School
Painter driving school offers wonderful driving lessons and falls among the fully accredited driving schools in Memphis, TN. Hence, the school provides competency-based training using superior quality traditional and distance learning methods.
However, Pitner driving school only allows private driving lessons for a short period. Meanwhile, if you seek an accredited truck driving school in Memphis, TN then you can sure check out Pitner driving school.
2. Maxwell Driving School
The Maxwell driving school in Memphis, TN has been operating for over ten years now. Thus, this is in of the accredited/licensed truck driving schools in Memphis, TN.
They conduct adult driving classes, court driving classes teenage driving classes, and even autism driving classes. You can check the driving school’s official website below to learn more about their program
3. Swift Driving Academy
The Swift Driving Academy offers great CDL programs. Thus, they are one of Memphis, TN’s fully accredited truck driving schools. They follow and teach the principles of honor and truth, guiding the company since its inception.
Free Truck Driving School In Memphis Tn
Free truck driving schools are schools that offer free training to interested candidates. However, these types of schools are not very common. We have managed to find a few schools in Memphis Tn that may offer free truck driving training under a scholarship program.
4. RoadMaster Drivers School of Memphis, TN
The RoadMaster drivers school in Memphis, TN offers a great CDL training program for students to master driving truck skills. They will teach you and finally, you will obtain a class A CDL license. They also offer basic computer skills and citizenship preparation classes. Hence, they provide support and educational services for adult students too.
5. Roehl Transport
Roehl Transport was founded in 1962 using just one truck. It is one of America’s largest trucking firms, employing over 2,000 drivers and 500 support staff. Roehl has been a well-known place for truck driver jobs. Roehl is known as an innovator in truck driving.
Paid Truck Driving School In Memphis Tn
Paid truck driving schools are schools that compensate students while they are learning. These types of schools are also not very common. Some of the schools we have found in Memphis Tn include:
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6. 160 Driving Academy Of Memphis
Truck driving has a high starting salary of $52,340. 160 Driving Academy can help you if you are 21 years old and seeking a rewarding career with a hands-on, practical job. Take four weeks off to receive individualized instruction in our Memphis truck driving school.
7. Caswell Group Driving School
Caswell group Memphis Driver Training Programs offers adult and teen drivers affordable classroom instruction. 4 hours behind the wheel and 2 hours in a fully-equipped cab simulator. The State of Tennessee approved this program as a driver testing and training program.
Class B Truck Driving School In Memphis Tn
Class B driving schools offer training and education to help individuals obtain a driver’s license to operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds and vehicles hauling trailers with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.
With a class B license, individuals can pursue careers in a variety of industries, such as waste management, transportation, delivery, and trucking.
These industries often involve driving vehicles like garbage trucks, school buses, tanker trucks, and delivery trucks to transport goods, materials, and people. Some of these careers may involve handling hazardous materials or heavy machinery.
8. Ozark Motor Lines, Inc
Ozark Motor Lines was founded on June 21st, 1961 by Dorothy and Mose Higginbotham. It is now a 700-power unit operation. Ozark Motor Lines has become one of the nation’s most trusted private for-hire fleets.
9. Shelby County Driving School
The Shelby County driving school is also one of Class B driving schools in Memphis Tn. The school is located in Millington. They offer good driving lessons and have a great curriculum to ensure students learn better.
10. United Truck Driving School
The United Truck Driving school is yet another tremendous driving school you can find in Memphis Tn. You can learn more about the driving school by checking through the link below. You’d also see the application procedures there.
How Long Are Truck Driving Schools in Memphis Tn?
Truck driving schools may vary in length depending on the specific program, the type of license being pursued, and the individual student’s pace of learning. It’s best to contact the truck driving school directly to inquire about their specific program duration.
Meanwhile, it can last for up to two weeks or months, or even a year. Most CDL training typically lasts for over 6 weeks.
Conclusion
Truck driving schools in Memphis Tn have a reputation for training some of the most skilled and respected drivers in the US. Attending one of these schools can provide a strong foundation for a career as a professional truck driver.
Additionally, many of these schools have affiliations with companies that may offer opportunities for employment after graduation. If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, studying at one of the truck driving schools in Memphis Tn could be a great choice.
FAQs About The Best Truck Driving Schools In Memphis Tn
To become a truck driver, you need to have certain skills, including the ability to safely drive a commercial truck, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail.
In the US, you must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if staying in-state) to apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which is required to work as a truck driver.
In addition to the CDL, you will also need to pass a basic Department of Transportation medical exam.
To become an owner-operator truck driver, you will need to file for a Motor Carrier Number and USDOT number, and pay the associated filing fee.
You will also need to purchase or lease a truck and secure a reasonable level of insurance. Once you have these things in place, you can begin looking for truck freight and start your first route as an owner-operator.
When creating a resume as a truck driver, you should include skills that are highly sought-after in the trucking industry, such as customer service, attention to detail, communication skills, safe driving skills, attention to safety, and detail-oriented. These skills will help your resume stand out to potential employers.
Reference
- TruckDrivingSchoolsInfos – 31 Truck Driving Schools in Tennessee
- TrustAnalytica – 9 Best Driving Schools In Memphis
