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 59 verified training programs serving the Portland, Tennessee area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Portland, TN

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Portland?We have identified 59 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Portland area (Pop: 14,072).

Quick Stats

59 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 14,072

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Portland, 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
59

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Portland, TN?

Students comparing CDL schools in Portland, TN should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 59 training programsserving the Portland area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

59 CDL Schools Near Portland

Top Picks in Portland

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

Franklin, KY

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Pope John Paul II High School

Hendersonville, TN

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Russellville Independent Schools

Russellville, KY

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Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

Franklin, KY
8.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 270-901-1032

Pope John Paul II High School

Hendersonville, TN
20.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 615-972-9009

160 Driving Academy - Nashville Yard

Nashville, TN
23.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 615-237-7537

Russellville Independent Schools

Russellville, KY
27.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 270-726-8405

Professional Driving Academy Nashville LLC

Nashville, TN
31.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 615-364-6926

160 Driving Academy - Nashville Classroom

Nashville, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 615-237-7537

The CDL Coach

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 470-536-8833

Lynn Henderson - Individual Trainer

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 423-620-8437

CoSCC CDL Training

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

DICKSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_roadpassenger_theory
+1 615-740-5970

CDL Training and Testing Center

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 662-420-1221

Glenn Lipford

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_road
+1 423-291-5088

The academy

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 410-240-6201

Elvira's Trucking Academy

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 662-346-9366

1st Premier Trucking Academy

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 601-658-9525

My Mobile Training Solutions LLC

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 931-200-4911

Morgan Transportation

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_roadpassenger_theory
+1 423-680-9328

Brian Tackett - Independent Instructor

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Sallie Brown DBA Sallie Brown

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory
+1 615-481-2318

Go 2 You ELDT

Portland, TN
32.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_roadpassenger_theory
+1 865-898-3507

Showing 20 of 53 schools

CDL Training in Portland, Tennessee

Portland, Tennessee offers 59 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Portland?

  • 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 Portland

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 Portland: 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 Portland

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class A
Weekend Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
AD Smith CDL Training
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
ALS
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.

Tuition Costs in Portland

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.

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DOT Physicals Near Portland

Required for your CDL medical card

OccuMed Clinic - Downtown Bowling Green

9059 Commerce Blvd, Bowling Green
4.7
$80-$165
Walk-ins OK

Madison Minor Medical Center

Nashville area, Nashville
$75-$150

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

CDL Testing & Driver Services in Portland

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local Driver Services office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find Driver Services Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Portland

How long does CDL training take in Portland?
CDL training programs in Portland, 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 Portland without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland?
The CDL driver job outlook near Portland, 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 Portland?
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 Portland CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.