
Truck Driver Institute

Information about Truck Driver Institute
39574, Gulfport
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 8h-17h
- tuesday: 8h-17h
- wednesday: 8h-17h
- thursday: 8h-17h
- friday: 8h-17h
- saturday: (closed)
Truck Driver Institute's CDL truck driver training in Gulfport is well-known as one of the most respected truck driving school in Southern Mississippi. Serving the Gulfport / Biloxi / Pascagoula area for over 35 years, the 15+ acre facility is a spacious, modern training center. Couple these modern facilities with our advanced truck driving course material, industry-leading instructors and on-site Mississippi CDL testing facilities, and it's not hard to see why more students and carriers choose TDI Gulfport as their training partner over any other truck driving school in Southern Mississippi.
Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about Truck Driver Institute:
Truck Driver Institute (TDI) offers an exceptional training experience for aspiring truck drivers. With a strong reputation in the industry, many students have expressed their satisfaction with the comprehensive education and hands-on training provided by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Here are some highlights from user feedback:
- Experienced Instructors: Students appreciate the expertise and patience of the instructors who ensure that every learner is prepared for success on the road.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The training covers everything from classroom instruction to practical driving experiences, allowing students to master the necessary skills they need to obtain their CDL.
- Supportive Environment: Many reviews highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere at TDI, noting that everyone—from office staff to instructors—works diligently to assist students during their learning journey.
- Career Opportunities: TDI not only equips students with driving skills but also helps with job placement, enabling many graduates to secure positions soon after completing their training.
While the majority of experiences have been positive, a few users have mentioned concerns about service quality and perceived hidden fees. However, TDI remains committed to continuous improvement and offers financial aid to make their programs more accessible.
Overall, TDI is highly recommended for anyone looking to start a career in trucking. With hands-on training and a focused approach, this institution is dedicated to helping students achieve their professional goals.
Truck Driver Institute: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Great experience! A lot of hands on and demonstrating! Very calm and easy to work with. I NOW HAVE MY CDL’s !!!!
We love all of our instructors! Thank you for choosing TDI, Tyrone.
Fantastic experience: Instructors were great and would recommend to anyone interested in trucking
We love our staff! Thanks for trusting all of us here at TDI to help you get your CDL, Jairus.
Fantastic experience: Amazing school. The staff was helpful at every step and the instructors were so knowledgeable and down to earth. The ammount of knowledge you can get here at this school is unsurmountable. The only thing that can make you fail here is yourself.
Keith, thank you for choosing TDI! Our goal is to support you on your journey toward a successful career in trucking.
Fantastic experience: This is the perfect school to earn your CDL. The instructors gave you the information and training but you have to put in the work to get it done.
Thank you for the kind words, George. We’re so glad to hear that you had such a great experience with TDI!
Fantastic experience: Professional and skilled staff. I received a proper education in truck driving, so much as can be done in 3 weeks at least.
Your success and satisfaction are our top priorities! Thank you for choosing TDI, Nicholas.
Fantastic experience: It was amazing the instructors are amazing they really care and they make sure you are ready for the road I highly recommend this place
Thank you for the kind words, Nick. We’re so glad to hear that you had such a great experience with TDI!
Fantastic experience: Keith, man... AWESOME awesome human-being and instructor. Patient and knowledgeable! I wish you the best in life, sir. This school was an awesome experience. I honestly didn't think I could learn as much as I did in 3 weeks and successfully pass and obtain my CDL. Again, I will never forget this experience. What a great group of people. Thank you guys and best wishes!
We love our staff! Thanks for trusting all of us here at TDI to help you get your CDL, Brian.
Fantastic experience: Great school!
Fantastic experience: I had amazing training here from the classroom, to the range, and to the road. Bradley did spectacular with training me on the range and Dallas got me right with the manual and over the road. I trained here two years ago and I still apply what I've learned every single day!
Fantastic experience: This is an excellent entry point into the industry. The staff are all professional and the instructors are full of helpful knowledge. It's not easy but when it's time to test you are well prepared.
Thank you for the kind words, Ben. We’re so glad to hear that you had such a great experience with TDI!
Fantastic experience: The team and TDI was very gracious and supportive of my desire to earn a CDL. They were very knowledgeable and brought a great level of industry experience to my training. As a woman, having very experienced drivers who were patient and calculating really helped me to succeed! Thanks guys!
Kimberly, thank you for choosing TDI! Our goal is to support you on your journey toward a successful career in trucking.
Fantastic experience: The training I received here at TDI was definitely top tier!! Your expertise and knowledge here has been valuable in helping me to understand and apply what I’ve learned. They are very patience and guidance.Mr. Keith,Mr.Joe, Justin,Mrs.Teresa, and Clinton. they all are humble and sooo nice!!!If you are thinking about being a professional driver. Do it, just do it here(TDI) Brenda
Negative experience: I’m afraid to go here. Might get discriminated against. Why keep an employee that several people have commented on being a racist or bias? Honestly I kind of suspected it. When I called the operators voice was very condescending. She asked if I knew the requirements. I told her no. Hence THE REASON I’M CALLING. She told me to call back once I have more information. I told her well I have my CDL permit already. Then she asked a few questions and transferred me to Dana who was actually nice. But the face of this place, the first impression is terrible
Fantastic experience: Very helpful nice and knowledgeable staff recommend to anyone looking for CDL
Thanks for the kind words, Marc!
Fantastic experience: I am very satisfied with my experience at TDI. The entire staff, is top notch. The front office staff is very helpful. The recruiters and instructors are highly knowledgeable, experienced & ready to help you learn what it takes to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Between the range & road you will be familiar with operating the vehicles and what it takes to pass the road test. If you do your part and dedicate yourself to the the course you will be qualified to enter trucking confidently.
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad to hear you had a great experience at TDI!
Fantastic experience: Great experience, learned a lot! Would highly recommend anyone considering.
Thank you for the kind words, TJ!
Fantastic experience: Training was great and they made sure I was prepared for everything coming my way. Already have a job lined up same week I graduated. Highly recommended! Thanks TDI
We’re so happy that TDI could help you start a new career! Your success and satisfaction are our top priorities!
Fantastic experience: TDI is a great place to get your CDL. The Instructors were wonderful and they made it so easy to learn. TDI helped with job placement within the first week of training. I would definitely recommend TDI!!!
Your success and satisfaction are our top priorities! Thank you for choosing TDI, Andrea.
Negative experience: 0 stars RUDE! RUDE! RUDE! Spend your money somewhere else!
Fantastic experience: It was great Allen answered all my questions and can't wait too start with the crew looking forward
Fantastic experience: I can't wait to get my CDL!!
Fantastic experience: I absolutely recommend this school. I got my unrestricted class A in just three weeks. All the instructors are amazing and very patient. Keith, John, Andy, Clint and Eddie will do everything they can to make sure you are ready for test day.
Fantastic experience: As a student from 15 years ago, I can see that they have remained consistent with their professionalism. I graduated in 2005 and when I started I thought it would be an impossible task for me to learn how to drive an 18 wheeler. Well, those 3 weeks was definitely time well spent. The instructors were very knowledgeable and to the point. They made sure we crossed our t's and dotted our i's. I can't say enough about these fine group of folks at TDI. Glad they're still training people because they are very good at it!
Fantastic experience: Having never drove a truck of any kind the TDI School was an excellent choice to make. The cost is well worth it as it's recognized by all major trucking companies and comes with a very good reputation for the drivers they train. The trucking companies will pretty much always pay for your schooling so cost should be no option and you can have it paid off anywhere from 20 months to 36 months depending on who you will drive for. Highly recommended school as I graduated recently and the instructors there although to the point WANT you to succeed and that they do. Thank you TDI for giving me an opportunity driving a truck and to make better money than your ordinary 9-5 job. "Update" After almost 3 years of graduating from TDI School I can say I am a very successful driver making 57 cents a mile driving for an awesome company. Everything these instructors said were true and it wasn't easy but very rewarding when you stick to your goals and keep it safe. Thank you again TDI.
Thank you for your positive feedback, James! Hearing that you had an excellent experience with us and our instructors is greatly appreciated. We love hearing from our past graduates! We hope you enjoyed your time with us at TDI truck driving school, and are having great success after graduating from TDI. Have a great day!
Fantastic experience: Good place to get your cdl. 5 out of the 6 instructors are amazing. Especially Mr. Barlow and Mr. Zimmerman. They WILL prepare you to get your cdl. If I can do it anyone can. it’s a ton to learn in three weeks but they made it happen. Got a job offer a few days after graduation. Other students had orientation with companies scheduled well before graduation. They back up what they offer.
Fantastic experience: Very Professional and down to earth, they help you with anything and everything, it doesn't matter how many times you ask the same question
Negative experience: They have hidden fees that they dont tell you about and are not professional especially angela
Positive experience: good school
Fantastic experience: Im getting my CDL
Fantastic experience: Don't think twice about if TDI is a good fit. It is a great experience and all in 3weeks of time. Instructors were always willing to answer any questions that you may have, and would simplify the answers to not have you over think the problem you may have. Two Instructors I really have to shout out are Andy and Keith. Both are the very best as far as I'm concerned. They want you to graduate on time and help was always on time with these 2 guys. Im honored to have met both of these Gentlemen. My recruiter Dana, what more can I say but God bless this woman for all she did for me to get into this school. Wonderful human being. Thank you. If i could give TDI more than 5 stars I would. Thanks to everyone I met in those 3 weeks.
Fantastic experience: I attended TDI and from start to finish it was a great experience from beginning to end. The recruiter Dana did everything she could to help me get started. The main office staff were very friendly and helpful with everything. Last but not least the INSTRUCTORS WERE IMMACULATE they teach you absolutely everything you need to know in order to pass and get certified for your CDLs.
Fantastic experience: I graduated in 2005 and had great instructors. They actually taught everything in between, like log book & make sure you can read a map and know basic routing. Mitch was great, and they actually gave a damn.
Fantastic experience: Best place to get your CDL A
Fantastic experience: Is Dolphin Tim still an instructor ? He trained me 20 years ago .I'd like to tell him how things worked out for me .
Fantastic experience: I want to thank TDI and staff in Saucier Ms. Mr Barlow,Ron,James,Jon,Mick and Rich thank you for helping me reach my goals!! I graduate today. With a job lined up,and more opportunities in supprt of my family. I would recommend this program to anyone. Any questions feel free to ask.
Fantastic experience: No nonsense training. My trainer was Tim. Great experience. I had to return from 13 years away from driving. TDI is a five star school.
Positive experience: I enjoy my 3 weeks their had never drove a big truck and I have my cdl they are a awesome school and even help me get a job with trans am the way the co sign paperwork is done needs a little work the way they do it but overall it is a great school
Positive experience: Fast paced training that you will "get out of it what you put into it". My class had people who had never even driven a standard and the instructors had them driving and shifting well by the end of week two which is the first week of actual driving. By the end of week three you should have a cdl. Good news is if you don't you can roll back a week at no additional cost. I went through in August so if you know southern Mississippi, it was hot on the range. My class all got along well and maintained a cooler of bottled water together. There is a water source proved as well. At least one driving company stopped by at lunch every week recruiting us(they brought food) we had three stop by in week two. In addition we had five or six drivers stop by the range and let us see the different company trucks while drivers fielded questions about what to expect for treatment and pay coming out of school. I had a job lined up by the second week. It offered an apprenticeship program for vets that allow you to draw BAH from the gi bill for the first two years and reimburse the cost of training even if you dont pay out of pocket for the school (Werner). This training has made it much easier to transition out of the military. If I could change anything, I would go in the early spring or late fall just for the cooler weather.
Fantastic experience: If you are wanting to get into trucking but you are questioning yourself about going to TDI. Let me reassure you and stop second guessing yourself. I knew nothing about driving an 18 wheeler. I didn’t know how to go around a curve the right way without off tracking (cheating) , or turning ( yes I knew big trucks turned wide but to actually do it and position yourself correctly) or to complete different backing Maneuvers, starting off on a hill was a little scary in a manual. But at the end of the my 3 weeks I was able to change gears like I should without trouble. They teach you how to recover your gears if you do stumble while changing gears. They teach you everything you need to know about driving a truck. They help you get ready for your test. Pre-trip, in cab inspection, double clutching (yes it sucks but you have to know how for your driving test.) backing ( offsets, straight line, parallel, alley dock) Everyone is very supportive while you are trying to learn how to operate a big truck. Even the students I was training with were supportive of each other. When someone got down about not being able to do a maneuver, we would cheer them on. We were a team. Week one I had Joe and Andy as my instructor for the class room. Joe goes over the cdl book. (Honestly it would be easier on you if you already have your cdl class A permit already. I did so did two other ppl in my class.) Andy teaches you about how to figure up your drive time hours and finding your mileage in the map book, how to read a map if you don’t know how, ( We all did so we moved on. ) paper logbooks (because of the eld is down you have to do a log book). Andy is a very patient and very helpful in the classroom and on the range. He will help you with anything you need. Keith is like the most patient one there at the school. He makes sure that you get your pretrip and in cab down and that you understand what you are talking about on the truck. He was the one to help me with my gear changing. If you show him you are trying he will take up more time with you and teach you the right way. I’ve also worked on the range with him as well. John is the actual range instructor. He is really good at his job. He can literally watch you maneuver your truck and tell you what you did wrong and how to fix the problem. He will give you different pointers on how to make things easier to learn. The environment at TDI is very welcoming. If you wanna learn they will teach you. It’s all in how much determination you have in you. And how much do you really want your licenses. I would definitely recommend anyone who is interested in going to school to be a truck driver to go to TDI in Forsyth, GA. You want be disappointed. And if you’ve been around trucks don’t go in there with an “I know everything” Attitude. Go in there to learn. You might be surprised that you might actually learn something. They even help you find a job. They have different recruiters to come by from different companies to offer you a job after school. I went to school for my 3 weeks and I passed my test on the first try. July 12th I graduated and by Tuesday I will have my paper licenses in my hand. They mail you the hard copy. You won’t be disappointed by this school.
Fantastic experience: wonderful school i went their ms.dana was really doing her best to get me into the school because of my driving record wasn't that great she is a great woman do anything to help you, the instructors was hard on me only because they knew i could do it & i did it thanks {TDI} without you i wouldn't be where i am now
Negative experience: This is school is too expensive....taking advantage of desperate people in need of a cdl..for reasons of bettering their jobs...
Angel, we would like to apologize for your negative experience at our facility. We are normally known for our exceptional attention to detail, and we regret we missed that mark. We are always making sure the price of our tuition is as fair as possible. We also offer financial aid, scholarships and tuition reimbursement as well to help as much as we can. If you would like to discuss this further, or need any help in the future feel free to contact us @ (800) 848-7364. Again, we are sorry for the inconvenience your experience caused you. Have a great day!
Fantastic experience: Nice I like this opportunity
Thank you for your positive feedback, Sergio! We love hearing from our past graduates! We hope you enjoyed your time with us at TDI truck driving school, and are having great success after graduating from TDI. Have a great day!
Fantastic experience: Everyone at this school was great. I got the training I need within the three weeks. I had never stepped foot in a tractor trailer or a manual transmission anything. Keith took me on the road and I learned the gears within three days and now I love driving a manual transmission vehicle. John and Garry helped out on the range and now I can hit every maneuver with no issues. The office staff helps out with any and everything you need before and after you’re finished with the school. Dana was my recruiter, she is a blessing with her help she got my paperwork work in and out within a week so and my funding was complete and ready for me to start. Everybody at this school is a major asset to it and if they change anything about it or them it would probably be a mistake. Theresa was kind of the last office staff I worked with, she do so much in the background that we never imagined but she never once missed a beat. I would recommend this school to anybody, if you come in with the drive and with the right attitude you will be where you need to be within those three weeks. I promise.
Fantastic experience: May time at CDI TDI was outstanding, the trainers were so helpful with teaching me how to drive a semi. I had a great experience here and would recommend this school to anyone that's looking to become a truck driver.
Thank you for your positive feedback, Tony! We love hearing from our past graduates! We hope you enjoyed your time with us at TDI truck driving school, and are having great success after graduating from TDI. Have a great day!
Positive experience: Great place to learn to about truck driving.
Fantastic experience: I attended CDI/TDI in Oct 2017. The instructors were outstanding and I really learned a lot. I will be starting a new career with Werner to showcase my training. I recommend this school to anyone interested in truck driving!
Hi Vernon! Thank you for the positive feedback. We love to hear about our students' success! We hope you continue to enjoy your career.
Fantastic experience: Hey I attended tdi in 2017 and I learned a lot about truckin an the instructors were awesome I'm about to start my career wit western express
Hi Willie! We really appreciate the positive feedback. Thanks so much! We hope you continue to enjoy your life out on the road.
Fantastic experience: My experience at TDI was very helpful in obtaining my CDL-A license. Only 3 weeks from start to finish. The instructors really know their stuff. Thanks for helping me to kick start a new career.
Fantastic experience: My time at TDI was great, if you pay attention, study and work hard at it you should be great, Dana was great with getting me in the door, the trainers,Vic, Ricky, David, Keith, John, and Gary were all extravagant with their teaching, got my CDL in 3 weeks, and on to start my new career, Great atmosphere, great people.
Fantastic experience: I had an awesome experience with TDI. Dana worked very hard and was instrumental in much success with this program. The instructors are really hands on and they make sure that you get it. Its up to you to make sure that youre paying attention because they cannot get your license for you. they prepare you and set you up for success. thank you Dana, David,Ricky, and Kieth for everything!
Fantastic experience: Hey my Devin I went to TDI and it's a great school they have great instutors and I'm also going to work for TMC so if you are deciding to go to truck driving school TDI is the one to choose.
Fantastic experience: My time at TDI was a great learning experience. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helped me to successfully get my cdl, and secure a orientation with US. EXPRESS.
Fantastic experience: I graduated Friday June 16, 2017. This is an awsome training facility. The staff is very hands on. My recruiter Joe did everything in his power to get me recruited and made sure I understood everything about the program. Week 1: (Classroom) Mr. Vic & Mr. Ronnie made damn sure my classmates were ready to test for their AP's (I had mines coming in). Week 2: (Backing Range) Mr. Jon, Mr. Gary, Mr. Ronnie, Mr. Vic all combined and shared their experience on how to perform these maneuvers. If u listen, pay attention & memorize the steps of the maneuvers you will have no problem backing up. They even throw a little road driving in there in week 2 also. Week 3: (Backing Range & Road Driving) It's pretty much self explanatory, you will be trying to continue to perfect backing up. Now on to the road. Mr. Ronnie was the 1st instructor I went out with, he's very laid back and patient with you, outstanding since of humor. He will have you double clutching in no time flat. Next was Mr. Gary, one word explains him "Terrific", he makes sure you understand everything that is expected of you when you're out driving. The whole staff is great, so in conclusion Mr. Joe, Mr. David(Director), Mrs. Theresa(Office Mgr), Mr. Vic, Ronnie, Jon, & Gary I want to say THANK YOU
Fantastic experience: TDI exceeded all my expectations. Starting with the front office administration all the way to the professional trainers employees at TDI, I could not have asked for a more pleasant and professional environment than at TDI. I highly recommend anyone looking to start a new career path to give TDI a shot.
Fantastic experience: My time at TDI was Avery great experience. The trainers where very help and informational! Thanks for all the help!
Fantastic experience: The school was worth it, I had no idea what I was thinking about getting this liscense on my own. Maybe if I had someone to let me use a truck for 2 weeks but that is not the case. This school has me confident that I won't just get turned away by a company because I can't pass the pre employment skills test.
Fantastic experience: My experience here at TDI was pretty good! They do a great job of getting students taught on how to drive commercial vehicles. I'm grateful for my experience here.
Fantastic experience: TDI is a great school ! From never driving a manual the instructors took the time and walked me through it. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking to being a professional truck driver.
Fantastic experience: My time at TDI was great ! There was some struggles in the second week but all the instructors worked on getting me prepared for test day.
Fantastic experience: This school was very organized. The instructors are very competent and helpful
Fantastic experience: The School is wonderful. They have great instructors and they gives you a great opportunity to work with some really good company's.
Fantastic experience: Before I went to the school I never sat foot in a truck..the recruiter mrs Andrea made sure I had everything together before I started class.all the instructors did their best in aiding everyone.one thing about this school you actually spend a great deal of time in the truck unlike others I have heard stories about..I had jobs calling me my second day I will definitely recommend
Fantastic experience: Everyone has to go through a trial period before getting into the trucking business. The loan seems difficult to manage, the trucking companies usually reimburse you payments on the loan. Make sure to save your money wisely and you may be able to pay off your loan interest free in 6 months. Unless you already know how to drive a truck and know someone that'd let you borrow one this is a good school to be in. John is a great teacher with depth of experience in the industry. Rich truly cares about seeing his students do well as truck drivers and appreciates when students pay attention. He takes the responsibility on himself to make sure you're a capable driver. Michael is a cool relaxed teacher with a lot of experience also. I will say to do deep research on which company you want to work for. Look at the aspects of each company and take everything into consideration. The third week I didn't think I'd able to perform the backing maneuvers but stay patient and think about it and youll succeed. Also bring your common sense. If you're friends with common sense you should sail through this school. From this school I'll eventually move into being an owner operator and trucking is a big gateway to the big bucks if you delve into the aspects of different types of trucking, owning your truck, hazmat, etc. Overall yes the truck is a very suitable school for performing the needed actions to get anyone into a trucking company. I'm going to get my hazmat shortly after getting my career and will be moving into those types of loads. The weeks seem like they'll last forever but you adapt to it and next thing you know you're on the third week, passing your pre trip outside and inside, backing tests and driving tests and finishing the school on Friday, CDL in hand.
Fantastic experience: No one plans a career change at the age of 53 but it happened to me. I left a job of 15 1/2 years. I just graduated from TDI on Friday and tomorrow I fly to Dallas, TX to begin my new career. TDI was amazing. I had never driven a "big rig" before I started classes but within three weeks I could not only drive an 18-wheeler but I can parallel park it from the driver's side and the blind side (passenger side), Alley dock, left off-set parking, and right off-set parking. In three weeks I went from knowing absolutely nothing about a tracker-trailer rig to being able to point out and describe every important part of the rig. Dana Funderburk, recruiter, was incredibly helpful and encouraging as I started this journey. She totally believed in me to succeed and I did! The instructors were so knowledgable about everything to do with driving a truck. Ronnie, Vic, Gary, and John are all excellent in their areas of training. Each instructor has his own way of teaching you the techniques you need to be a successful driver. Each day of training laid the foundation for the next day. If you are looking to begin a career in truck driving TDI should be your first and only choice. I will be forever grateful for my training and the friends I made at TDI.
Fantastic experience: This is a great school if you're looking to get your CDL and start a new career. From the start Dana, my recruiter, was fantastic! She helped me get all the information and paperwork together that I needed to attend the school. She stayed in contact and made sure I was prepared on my first day including giving me links to start applying for a position as a driver before I even started school. This put me ahead of the game. By the time I graduated I had several opportunities to choose from. The instructors were top notch. They all gave clear and precise instructions in the class, on the range and on the real time road driving exercises. They were very knowledgeable and spoke from their own driving experiences. They made sure to give us everything we needed to succeed. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking at the trucking industry as a new career. Upon graduation you will be prepared to succeed!
Fantastic experience: Best truck driving school ever....Teachers are very informative n patient. Mr. John is the best ever!
Fantastic experience: One of the best schools for truck driving
Fantastic experience: Awesome school!
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