Truck Driver Institute

Fantastic experience: Great school. Great help.

Fantastic experience: Great staff!! And instructors!! Everything needed to be taught to get on the road in only 3 weeks this is the school to go to.

Fantastic experience: Milton location

Fantastic experience: Great place to get your CDL. Quick, easy, and efficient.

Fantastic experience: 10/10 would recommend if you want your cdl, they make the learning easy for you to understand

Fantastic experience: Great time

Negative experience: Good school helped me get my cdl no problem, however I’m not 21 I asked if they where gonna help me get a job they said yes, giving someone a paper with a company is not helping, 9/10 that company you need to be 21, anyone can look up a company and apply, overall if your under 21 and are looking to come here make sure you have a job lined up otherwise wait till your 21.

Positive experience: If your MRV isn't clean in the past 5-7 yrs it's going to be very difficult to find a job. Applied at over 20 companies and no insurance will accept me.

Fantastic experience: The time I spent here with the instructors was well worth what was put into it. They will teach you and then allow you to teach yourself amongst your peers. They will challenge you to do better. Listen to them. They’re all very straight forward and to the point and really want to see you do well. Highly recommend to anyone looking to get started - Brandon Brown

Fantastic experience: Great experience, a lot of 1 on 1 experience

Fantastic experience: Best experience great teaching Environment also great Staff all around Best School for CDL.

Negative experience: Upfront the school appears great. Who wouldn’t want to get a CDL-A license in two weeks and get a high paying job? But that is far from the truth, there are no local jobs unless you have 2 years experience and OTR has problems. There is no help finding a job except for riding in the back of a garbage truck. If you are thinking of a career change save yourself the $6000 dollars and look elsewhere. The money and the jobs are just not there for newbies. So disappointing!!

Negative experience: I have applied to at least 40 companies if not more and I have either received rejection letters or heard nothing at all. At this point I have come to the conclusion that your representative Vahe lied to me about finding a local job. It's been months now and nothing. Not finding employment after spending $6,000 for a training program has not only been a waste of money but also my time.

Fantastic experience: Great place to get your CDL the team and staff are amazing

Fantastic experience: One of the best truck driver schools around.

Negative experience: It's a a great school to learn your CDL training. The instructors are nice and informative. The biggest setback and problems I've had with it as if you are a new student and you need help finding a job after you obtain your CDL they will only help you for the first week and then after that you're on your own Todd was my recruiter he did not help me at all we're getting a job he actually hung up the phone on me as I was talking to him about looking for work. For future new drivers please do your research before joining the fleet this institute will not help you with finding a job after you obtain your license.

Fantastic experience: Love it it everyone was great and the instructors where amazing I would recommend it to anyone by the way Vahe was amazing as well

Fantastic experience: Real hands on learning all the instructors are cool and willing to help just a great atmosphere over all well worth it

Fantastic experience: TDI was great! Instructors and staff members are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: This is the best school to go for truck driving school.. you'll be blessed with the best chances of success if you can get Todd Senkel as your recruiter, Charles Mike, Tony, and Jake as your instructors. These people care the most and are only focused on your success in passing your tests and being the best version of yourself. They say success is measured by your own effort but having instructors and teachers like these helps you tremendously where if you fail it truly is your fault. These people want you to pass, and every dollar spent in the tuition was worth it. I highly recommend this school over all others.

Fantastic experience: Shout out to instructor Mike if it wasn’t for his great teachings and little nuggets I wouldn’t have passed. All in all TDI is a great school for all ages and even people with NO experience. They’re big on patients and making sure every student is accommodated and that you pass.

Fantastic experience: Great school for hands on experience with backing and driving tractor trailers. The instructors are the best in the business! Check it out, you won't regret it.

Fantastic experience: Excellent school

Fantastic experience: I recently attended TDI to pursue my dreams of becoming an OTR driver. Charles was my instructor 1st. He is an amazing person with a ton of knowledge within the trucking world. He helped and guided us throughout the week we were with him. He set everyone up for success to obtain the CDL permit within the 1st week. Once I moved to week 2 and 3, there are some outstanding instructors that teach you real world skills such as alley dock both 45 and 90 degree. Straight line and offset backing as well. They will get you 100% ready to go for your DOT Test after you have finished the 3 week course. I took the test with full confidence in myself and passed on the 1st time. They also have representatives from trucking companies come to the school, provide lunch for everyone and tell you about the company. Melton is a flatbed company that came during my 2nd week. I liked what they had to say and put in my application. I am currently working for that company now. I highly recommend anyone looking to start a career in the trucking industry that you come check out TDI. I promise you will not be disappointed. Remember, you're only going to get out what you put in. If you're committed and willing to put in the work, the rewards at the end will be well worth it. Brennen Sutter Class of April 5th 2024

Positive experience: Great experience. Availability to get your CDL in under a month definitely worth it imo.

Fantastic experience: TDI was an amazing experience. I had instructors with so many years of experience that genuinely wish to help grow the industry. I’m very happy I chose TDI.

Fantastic experience: If you are looking to get your CDL TDI is definitely the place to go . All of the trainers and staff is very professional. Special shout out to ROB and MIKE

Fantastic experience: Just wanted to give a shoutout to driving instructors Jack and Rob, range instructors Tony and Jake. And classroom instructor Charles. They all know what they are doing and made getting my cdl as smooth as possible. Thank you guys for everything.

Fantastic experience: I recent just graduated from here it’s a great school decent Equipment I do want to shout out a couple guys one being an instructor name ROB he’s the best on the road instructor he teaches you how to break down your pre trip into systems he cool and laid back all around good guy and also I wanna give a shout out to my recruiter TODD he help me make some life changing decisions and more I appreciate everyone that works at TDI I recommend you guys and girls to come here to get a great experience

Fantastic experience: I had no prior knowledge or trucking driving experience, with that being said! I walked away from TDI with the confidence and know how because of their staff and training.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely a wonderful school to attend, great instructors , they explain everything as much as possible on different maneuvers and has made my CDL journey simple-Thank you TDI

Fantastic experience: Instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly! The whole process from day one till the end of the class went very smoothly.

Positive experience: The instructors are hands down some of the best in the industry. You will achieve getting your CDL at this schoolhouse. However, the equipment is in some serious need of replacement. If you can drive these trucks, you'll be able to drive anything.

Fantastic experience: TDI focused on getting me ready to take the Final Tests for CDL. I felt prepared and passed with ease. They genuinely want people to pass and support you along the way.

Fantastic experience: Nice school,but excellent instructors! My only regret is it was only 3 weeks. I wish I could have spent more time with such really Great people. I will stop by and say hi to everyone I encountered. Until then , Rock On PEEPS !!!

Fantastic experience: Very good school, great instructors. I was able to get my first job at a top rated private company due to the training provided. Thanks for the experience.

Fantastic experience: Great school to get your permits. More than enough time to practice your craft. From the classroom to the yard makes sure your understanding what’s going on and that your getting the hang of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Job placement they help you with also. But it also depends on your record. But they got plenty of jobs to match everyone background. Thank you TDI for the career and opportunity!

Fantastic experience: I spoke to Todd and he was very helpfull and knowledgeble. I would highly recomend him when looking for a good truck driving school.

Fantastic experience: For those of you on the fence about which CDL school to attend around the Orlando area, look no further than Truck Driver Institute (TDI) of Sanford, FL. It was my only choice. I earned my CDL in THREE weeks! I thought the fees were fair for how efficient the staff provides indoc, including each DMV experience. Each driver-instructor brings a professional attitude to their work, and a unique blend of career experiences in control of 18 wheels. Many stories on the driving range, and inside modern Freightliners driving open roads in real time traffic! And finally, what I thought was a great treat by TDI was by inviting Recruiters from some of the nation's Mega-Carriers to the school (providing lunch), and accepting new-driver applications on the spot! TDI was awesome. Be ready to learn and work. They will not let you fail! Wesley Brumfield CDL Class of 12/2023

Fantastic experience: Very very awesome school , passing rate is very high…..

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and professional school. All teachers are staff are awesome and they get you very well prepared for your cdl test.

Fantastic experience: shout out to TDI and the whole team i got my cdls and it was easy very friendly .

Fantastic experience: Great school and instructors would definitely recommend to anyone looking to get their CDL. Greatest experience ever in any learning situation.

Fantastic experience: Great place to get your CDL. All the instructors are helpful and special shout out to Jake and Jack! True legends

Fantastic experience: Best experience ever with Vahe just a start to a new journey and a future

Fantastic experience: TDI was a great experience from the recruiters to the driving instructors all the way to the front desk receptionist! Everyone is very friendly and welcoming as well as encouraging.TDI gives you the tools and skills to succeeds in the trucking industry. Me being a female despite my setbacks of being intimidated by a huge semi I accomplished getting my CDL in only three weeks (still trying to wrap my head around it). I encourage anyone male or female, it is possible as long as you put the work in and is committed to the processes. The school also helped me land my first OTR job with Swift transportation only being a week after graduation. Thank you again TDI three weeks changed my life!

Fantastic experience: I’m very satisfied with TDI, they are very professional and they teach you everything you need to know about this career , also they help you to find a job. Finally, the crew is very respectful, friendly, helpful!!

Negative experience: School was decent for what it is, hands on you learn basics enough to get you on the road but Waste of money wish they would have told my about high blood pressure preventing you from dot card and cdl paid 9k and all instructors said you’ll be fine, couldn’t find a job to work with me tried several meds and doctors had no job, no insurance couldn’t continue paying visits and new meds or time to lose weight needed to get a job asap for bills and couldn’t magically lose 50-80lb in 2-3week spam after school, and no jobs in florida a lot want experience will have to go out of state, long hire process and now stuck with 9k debt for no reason I deff could have avoided this situation if I knew before hand with my health issue would have never signed up or committed.

Negative experience: Fui a preguntar por las clases de manejo y me atendieron demasiado mal en la recepción.

Fantastic experience: If you planned to became a professional truck driver I recommend everyone to come to TDI school where they make everything easier to learn . The teams leaders are very professional and helpful specially Jack this man is beyond amazing.

Fantastic experience: Excellent teaching staff. They'll bring in a lot of guests from all kinds of truck companies to help you figure out which company you may want to go to once you leave the school and the job placement is pretty much guaranteed.

Fantastic experience: I personally hate school, but always did well in school. I can honestly say TDI (Sanford) made it very enjoyable for me. ESPECIALLY the instructors. Specifically Jake, Mike, and Charles. Very informative on everything they said. I know the price of the school can be intimidating ($7,000!!) but if you want to get your CDL in less than 4 or more weeks, you can understand why they charge so much. Although I didn’t meet all the instructors, they are very smart and educated in this trucking business. They definitely know what they are talking about. I know I gave a 5 star rating, but the only thing I hope this school does in the future is update the tractors. The ones you practice with on the range are very outdated and look like they need to be driven directly to the metal/scrap yard. But at the same time, like one of the instructors said, if you can do well on these trucks on the range, you can literally drive ANY truck. So I guess that’s why they still have them lol. Other than that I appreciated the time I had attending this school. This morning I passed my CDL test and FINALLY have my official CDL. Thanks to TDI !! (ALSO BIG SHOUT-OUT TO MY RECRUITER TODD! MY FELLOW NEW YORKER!) he promised me by going to this school I will get my CDL if I focus and want it bad enough. YOU THE MAN TODD !!

Fantastic experience: I prefer this school over roadmaster ! Down to earth instructors, alot of hands on and its overall a great school they just need better equipment!

Positive experience: The course and instructors were great, the owners need to invest in some better equipment though

Fantastic experience: Great place went here 25 years ago .

Fantastic experience: Great school to get ur cdl

Fantastic experience: Loved the way that the instructors here (from the classroom to the range) taught the lessons and maneuvers in a very practical and understandable way so as to be applied in real world situations. A little bit of time and attention is all that it takes to be a successful student at TDI. Great staff and great experience and if you’re serious about a trucking career and are looking for different schools as a top choice TDI should be one of those options. Special thanks to Jacob Reagan who really walked me through the different truck maneuvers out on the trucking range and just practical driver instructions overall. Great person and a great instructor/teacher as well.

Fantastic experience: Quality institution for learning. If you’re looking for a school that provides in depth teaching combined with on-hands individual training to get you set up for your road career as a driver, I would say that TDI should be a top option for you. From my own experience, you actually learn the nuances of truck driving at TDI (Sanford, FL) and what it takes to be both a successful student and driver. Just pay attention and be studious and follow the directions and instructions of your instructors and you’ll be just fine, period. And Darrell Icenogle (on-road driver instructor) hands-down one of the best instructors that TDI has to offer. Quality teacher and even better person. Thanks!

Negative experience: After reading the reviews from this school seems that women are not allowed or should I say women of darker color. I’m filing a complaint with the federal government

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience going to this school. If you aren't brain dead and pay attention you will pass.

Fantastic experience: They are very thorough with their training. I went to another school but this is literally top-tier training. Come in with a willingness to learn and they will teach you. Those that pay attention will breeze right through; while those who play on phone and come late and miss days tend to get held back!

Positive experience: Friendly and helpful

Fantastic experience: TDI is a good school to get your CDL, the instructors are there to help you learn and achieve your goal. The school is 3 weeks but as long as you make the school you top priority you will learn and be able to pass your CDL test. I recommend this school to anyone that wants to get their CDL in quick 3 weeks.

Fantastic experience: First of all TDI is the place you want to go to get a cdl. Don't miss a day and be on time and bring lots of drinks like water and Gatorade because you are going to need it.Its fast pace so pay attention also try to get your learners permit before you start school because like for me it can be overwhelming if you don't then you have some catching up to do. At the end of the day it is all up to you so study,study,study and take notes

Fantastic experience: Great school. I learned a lot and got my license by the end of the three weeks. All of the instructors care that you succeed and will do what they can to assist you in the process.

Negative experience: Stay away from this school, several years ago I attended this school and basically they took my money but because of a ticket that they knew about and was never able to get a job. Waste of 6,000 and the rudeness of instructors trying I guess to get me to walk away, I completed the school but no job .

Fantastic experience: it was phenomenon the instructor or the guy you talk to about the classes super cool like really put you all on the same level and made you feel like you was at home

Fantastic experience: The best school ever, good instructors , they give students enough knowledge to get a CDL , they are very professional and they know what they are doing. I jus got passed my CDL test at TDI. I learned a lot from them.

Fantastic experience: Just graudated january 8th,was a great experience the staff was great my classmate were great i was very please with tdi great school i high recommend.......

Fantastic experience: TDI is "THE BEST CHOICE" for truck driving schools. If you have had background issues in the past, TDI has the compassion and willingness to offer a second chance unlike most other driving schools. I sent my Son to this school and he could not stop talking about how awesome the training was. The knowledgeable instructors made the training interesting throughout the entire course. He now has his CDL license and is well on his way to a successful career. The administrative staff where professional and the recruiter (thank you Todd) for going above and beyond in helping him get started. The quality of training is second to none and is well worth the money!!

Fantastic experience: Thanks to this institution I was able to handle and overcome with the knowledge that was needed to become a successful trucker

Positive experience: The range instructors are the best. Bud and Jake will teach you everything you need to know for backing. Really everything else is on you. I got the most help from those 2. They answered all questions and made it an enjoyable experience. I passed my test on the first try.

Negative experience: Todd was extremely rude and talked in a belittling manner. As if you are uneducated and don’t know anything about what you are doing. He was very rude and I will be taking my complaints further

Negative experience: Like all the other complaints mines is similar. I called to get information told me I had to come in.. So I waisted time and gas so They can treat it as if your going for an apartment or buying a car.. they make you pay $50.00 for a background check.. thats just to get something out of your pocket to start with.. then they will call you just to tell you it's either pay $6,000 or have a credit score over 620.. nd if you don't have either get a co-signer or you can't attend...

Fantastic experience: I would like to thank everyone that had a part in me gaining my CDL Class A license. Steve, Bud, Jake, Tim, Terry, Dave (cowboy), Rex, and Jack. Without your knowledge and instruction I would have never been able to do what I learned in 3 weeks. I would like to personnaly thank Todd in the office because without you helping me get into the class, i would have not been able to do anything. And thanks to all the personnel in the office who fax all my resumes and did all my paper work. The whole experiance was well worth the time and money. I would like to say anyone who doesn't put forth the effort and listen to the instruction or doesn't ask for futher instuction only have themselves to blame for not obtaining thier license. Again I can't Thank You enough for a new beginning for me and my son.

Negative experience: This school doesn’t care about the community in which it’s located. Traffic in central Florida is bad enough without these trucks on the road.

Negative experience: School instructors are great office side of thinks sucks don’t believe the promises they make

Fantastic experience: Went and graduated from TDI in 1998 now retired from Trucking great school good equipment and classroom training.

Fantastic experience: One of the best CDL school

Fantastic experience: Nice

Negative experience: I attended TDI Sanford and tho the course is accelerated and my start date was changed several times, and I was put in three different classes I was able to catch on. I was sent home for three weeks and told they had no idea when I could return. Today your manager George made the decision to terminate me as a student with no cause. Its extremely disheartening and race driven.The trainers are really great caring people I just want to tell them thank you. I learned to maneuver my trailer in one week. I was terminated today because of the color of my skin and being a female the manager no longer wanted to pay for my single occupancy hotel stay. Black lives do matter we do not want preferential treatment we just want to be treated fairly. I wouldn’t recommend this school to anyone that is serious about a career in trucking. EXCELLENT TRAINERS HORRIBLE MANAGEMENT! Once they take your money that’s it! Also do not sign anything without reading it.

Fantastic experience: Great place & great people to deal with.

Positive experience: In the training range, both instructors; Orlando and Jose, they will give you everything that you need to get your CDL. Other than that is up to you. About the facility and equipment, the school can do better, the ones on my class was very poor. Finally, the administration should not have more than 12 students for class, it's just no right (in my class, the one after and before we were more than 20 students for two instructors).

Fantastic experience: Best team every. Great instructors and they are great at helping us. If you just listen to them. There is no way you can’t get your CDL. Thanks Steve, Bill, Terry, Jim, José, Orlando, Rex, Jake, Jack, And other instructors I didn’t get much time with. Keep up what y’all do. Had fun.

Negative experience: With regards to the incredible instructors that have the knowledge to teach. This school was not a pleasant experience. They say you can show up without a permit then require you to get it with in a day or two or you’ll be dropped. This was the case for several students while I attended there. They could have gave a warning to study for the permit test but never told any students to do so. I took upon myself to do it anyways prior to showing up. The academics portion is out dated and is not taught up to par with modern day teaching technics. They basically don’t teach you. Have fun learning yourself. The practical application portion of the school (two weeks) is done at your Pace. You may get help. You might not. On the road training the instructor will help you at all times. Unless you don’t care about how you get your license and if you are confident in yourself. Then spend your money here. If you have a hard time learning or can’t drive well. Go somewhere else. If you attend be ready to be disappointed very fast with in the first hour there.

Positive experience: I had a friend call to get some information for me bc I have to work during their open hours. The man he talked to was VERY RUDE. That was enough for me.

Negative experience: Would not even recomend my worste enemy to go there.Road Master,Mid Florida Tech anything but them spend $8000 and no CDL to show.

Fantastic experience: This i a great facility, I came here 3 weeks ago and everyone is awesome, Rex, Bill, Terry, and specially Mr Jack, you guys are great and thank you for all the help and support on my new carrier. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Great place to get your CDL!

Negative experience: Just called those so called institute and has been treated very rude, the guy was impatient and very rude on the phone, I was trying to clarify simple question and I have never done this before, instead of providing any clarifications, he just cut me off and in rude way told me that I need to know what I am calling about, and even did not let me explain myself. Can imagine how those clowns treat their students, stay away!!!! Will call to the county who they been referred by with the complaint

Fantastic experience: I’d like to say I highly recommend the school, all the instructors were awesome very helpful, they actually took the time to explain things to you. Out on the range is where your going to build the critical skills that you’ll need. Practice, practice, practice to get yourself in gear.

Positive experience: Very good instructors with a lot of experience. You have enough time to learn everything you need to pass the CDL test and the driving portion. You have a 10 hour day. Unfortunately the chairs are horrible. They want you to bring your own lunch but they have the smallest and oldest microwave available in the world. It takes over 5 min to get a meal warm up. $7,000 dollars and they can’t provide a better set up for students.

Fantastic experience: Hands down best school around..... all the instructors were awesome kind and helpful..............

Fantastic experience: Awesome school , would highly recommend. I learned so much in a short period of time. The trainers are great and they care about each individual while attending school and afterwards.

Fantastic experience: TDI Sanford Florida! I just graduated! Before mentioning anyone in particular, let me say this’. Study, pretrip inspection before signing up. Know the parts and what it takes to pass the pre-trip inspection. Your test will not be so overwhelming and you can focus more on your backing maneuvers needed to pass the skills test. Study and get an understanding of offset backing, straight line backing, and 90 degree alley docking. This too, will make the course go by smoother and with minimal stress. We are in Florida, it’s hot. The trucks are old, seats on some trucks broke, and trying to find a gear can really be challenging on the day cabs trucks on the range, no air conditioning for the most part. I personally feel, the money we spend for school, should be better invested in the equipment the give us to train on the range in. Ok, onto the trainers, recruiters and so on... If you show an eagerness to learn, the help is there. Asked for it. Terry, the main yard instructor is an amazing man and has a well rounded lifelong list of life achievements. He will teach you! You have to be committed. After all... who wants to be in that heat all day everyday. Terry does it and has for a long time! Ask him questions! He is more than willing to help! I love you Terry! Everyone there wants us to be successful.. But, you need to give it your all too, as I have learned at TDI SANFORD FLORIDA. I FOUGHT MYSELF, SLOWLY BUILDING CONFIDENCE! It was Terry and And the other instructors along with my own battles that gave me my CDL. Thank you Terry for believing in me. Van... he’s usually in charge it seems of teaching 90 degree alley docking. He super firm, a great instructor and does everything in his power to make this maneuver stick in you head. Without him,and Van teaching me not just how to alley dock, more important, how to fix a situation when things don’t go perfect, I would not have passed alley docking. I love you Van!! My boyfriend,,, lol.. onto another favorite of mine... Jack! He’s another instructor at TDI! Jack made me feel really good when I felt I had given up on myself. He said: Mary, I am rooting for you! That meant so very much to me! Bill, there are a few Bill’s! I don’t know his last name atm, but he was the one to test me at the end. He was very encouraging, they all were. Steve, an instructor, did not have much time with him.. but also know, he has his heart in it and also is a great instructor. The big boss/teacher Rex! Your not going to get too much humor there. I have nothing bad to say. He is to the point and a no nonsense kind of guy.. jokes don’t work! Lol, Rex! Thank you for everything. Well, I more than likely missed a few people. It’s a good school. Please, don’t forget, study before signing on... life and class will go much smoothers! Thank TDI SANFORD FLORIDA AND THE ENTIRE CREW! I will try and send you a cool blast of air from somewhere up north!

Fantastic experience: Good school

Negative experience: Like other reviews, called to get information about their school and got switched around 3 different times. Recruiter was short and said I need to come in. Why waste my time and gas driving to a school I know nothing about when there's other schools willing to take the time and explain their program. Made me feel like I was buying a used car. Guy had no patience either.

Fantastic experience: Best school in Central Florida! First and foremost, I would like to acknowlege my recruiter, Vahe, because I probably was headed to the other school in Orlando if not for him. The classroom and range experience here is superb and will be ready to succeed if you apply yourself and listen to the instructors. I want to thank: Steve (my Road instructor), Terry (Lead Range Instructor), Bill "The man", Bill, Van, Rex, Jim (Pre-trip guru), Jake, Jack, David, and everyone in the front office. Dont be fooled by the one star ratings below...if you want to be ready for your Class A in three weeks- this is your best choice. If you want to drive a manual- request for Steve to be your road instructor. All instructors here are good and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place..got my CDL from there

Fantastic experience: I just got my cdl today best school and i want to thank you all instructors there