CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 50 verified training programs serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Chattanooga, TN

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Chattanooga?We have identified 50 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Chattanooga area (Pop: 181,099).

Quick Stats

50 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 181,099

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chattanooga, TN

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
50

50 CDL Schools Near Chattanooga

Top Picks in Chattanooga

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Train 4 Less Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain, TN

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Walker County Board of Education

Chickamauga, GA

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Blake Williams bus transportation

Harrison, TN

Call Now

Train 4 Less Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain, TN
4.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Walker County Board of Education

Chickamauga, GA
10.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Blake Williams bus transportation

Harrison, TN
11.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CHA

Ringgold, GA
11.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

TriStar Beverage, LLC. Chattanooga

Soddy-Daisy, TN
13.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Catoosa County Public Schools

Ringgold, GA
13.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE/TCAT CDL PROGRAM

Soddy-Daisy, TN
14 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

PWNA-Chattanooga

Ooltewah, TN
15.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rock Spring, GA
16.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jones Transportation

Ooltewah, TN
16.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Greene Brother Towing and Recovery LLC

McDonald, TN
20.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Elite Lineman Training Institute

Tunnel Hill, GA
20.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

South Pittsburg, TN- NPGA

South Pittsburg, TN
22.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sequatchie County Schools

Dunlap, TN
23.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jones Transportation

Birchwood, TN
24.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency

Dunlap, TN
24.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Grundy County Board of Education

Tracy City, TN
28.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Allgas, Inc-Ider

Ider, AL
31.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sierra Express Inc

Chatsworth, GA
32.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Barnhart Crane BTW Chattanooga

Charleston, TN
35 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 42 schools

CDL Training in Chattanooga, Tennessee

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Chattanooga, TN</strong> offers <strong>50 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in TN earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Chattanooga schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Chattanooga?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Tennessee often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Tennessee

CDL training in Tennessee typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Chattanooga

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Tennessee
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Tennessee

Top employers hiring near Chattanooga: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Chattanooga

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Allgas, Inc-Ider
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
VA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Evening ClassesVA Approved
CHA
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class ATanker
Evening Classes
City of Etowah
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
D. J. Johnson
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.VA Approved
DeKalb County Schools
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
FPCBOE
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Chattanooga

Avg. Private School
$5,300
Avg. Public School
$3,400
Price Range
$2,900 - $6,500

Nashville and Memphis are trucking hubs.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Chattanooga

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care - Midtown Chattanooga

6794 Clinic Way, Chattanooga
4.4
$89-$161
Walk-ins OK

AFC Urgent Care - Chattanooga

8286 Washington Blvd, Chattanooga
4.9
$113-$188
Walk-ins OK

Express Urgent Care - East Chattanooga

6934 Hospital Dr, Chattanooga
4.2
$103-$174
Walk-ins OK

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & Driver Services in Chattanooga

6051 Shallowford Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Chattanooga Driver Services. Southeast TN - CDL testing

Visit Chattanooga CDL Driver Services

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Chattanooga

How long does CDL training take in Chattanooga?
CDL training programs in Chattanooga, TN typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Tennessee?
CDL training costs in Tennessee range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Chattanooga without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Chattanooga area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Chattanooga is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Tennessee?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Tennessee: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Chattanooga?
The CDL driver job outlook near Chattanooga, TN is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Tennessee experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.
Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Chattanooga?
The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Chattanooga CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.