Best CDL Training in Virginia

One of the quickest ways to get on the path towards a more lucrative career is through CDL Training. Trucking and logistics is one of the fastest-growing industries within the State of Virginia, so there’s no shortage of job openings for qualified candidates. 

The first step towards securing a trucking career in the State of Virginia is getting the facts about CDL Training. CDL Training in Virginia could provide long-term stability for anyone willing to work hard and learn a new skill. Given the benefits that come with getting CDL training in Virginia, it’s not hard to tell why so many people are choosing to do so.

How Does CDL Training in Virginia Work?

A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. A CDL is required for operating any type of heavy machinery or commercial vehicle. There are three classes of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. For example, a person holding a Class A CDL has permission to drive tractor-trailers, livestock carriers, or tankers. A driver holding a Class B CDL has the opportunity to take on jobs that include driving a school bus or a delivery truck driver, since that classification allows for driving box trucks, large busses, and dump trucks. 

Class C CDL license holders are allowed to drive vehicles containing hazardous materials, which provides opportunities to work for companies with HAZMAT units. CDL Training in Virginia could lay the groundwork leading to a career that pays anywhere between $21-$27 an hour, according to Glassdoor.

Virginia Trucking School Facts & Figures

Securing your CDL in Virginia is preferential to doing so in other states due to the high concentration of quality trucking schools in the State. Keep reading to get more details about trucking schools within the State of Virginia.

Number of Schools

There are over 40 institutions in the State of Virginia where students can ply their trade and earn their CDL License. Most are located near Richmond and Virginia, although there are a few in Manassas and Virginia beach, too.

Number of Students per Class

On average, CDL classes have around 19 students per class size. This allows students to receive more individualized training from their instructor than larger class sizes would allow for.

Tuition Rates

Tuition for CDL training in Virginia ranges around the ballpark of $8600 or so. Of course, there are options for loans and scholarships that can offset the out-of-pocket costs of CDL training.

Average Loan Amount

Loans are probably one of the most popular ways for students to pay for their CDL training. The average loan amount is about $6200 for most students.

Scholarship

As with any institution of higher learning, students pursuing CDL training are more than welcome to apply for scholarships to fund their education. The average scholarship amount for most students is just under $3000.

Job Placement

Job placement upon completion of CDL training isn’t a guarantee, but more often than not students are successful in their quest for work following their graduation. CDL training programs in Virginia are responsible for providing jobs to over 40,000 CDL drivers. 

Virginia Trucking Employment Facts & Figures

Talking about the benefits of CDL training in Virginia without qualitative evidence isn’t helpful. Keep reading for details about the stats around the trucking industry in Virginia.

Employment 

A quick search on Indeed will let hopeful applicants know that there are over 20,000 truck driving jobs available to those who have their CDL training in Virginia. Some of the biggest employers include the Performance Food Group Company and Estes. Check out the chart below for more insights regarding the current job market and salaries for truck drivers in Virginia.

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Company Size
Estes	$89,923	6,045
Abilene Motor Express	$57,213	400
Crosby Trucking Service	$45,000	31
Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI)	$52,000	200-500
Carry On Trucking	$67,084	38

Salary

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a truck driver in the State of Virginia could surpass well over $70,000. A rough breakdown of their salary would equate to the following amounts:

Weekly: $3040.68

Monthly: $6334.75

Yearly: $76,017

5 Best CDL Training Programs in Virginia

Starting a rewarding career as a truck driver is that much easier after receiving CDL training at one of the best institutions in the State. Below you’ll find details about the top five CDL training programs in Virginia, along with some insights on what sets them apart from the crowd.

CDS Tractor Trailer Training

CDS Tractor Trailer Training offers Class A, Class B, and Class C CDL Training Programs. They also provide refresher courses for anyone interested in brushing up on their driving skills.

Cost: 

• Class A Program – $4,500
• Class B Program – $3,900

Program Length: 

• Class A Program –20 days
• Class B Program – 15 days

Financial Assistance: 

• Fast Forward Grant Funding
• Workforce Funding
• Veteran Funding
• Guaranteed Funding

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with CDS Tractor Trailer Training to learn more.

Class Size: n/a

Job Placement: CDS provides students in their CDL training program with resources to aid in their job placement process.

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses: 

•  Class A
•  Class B

TJ and Friends Smith System CDL Training School

TJ and Friends Smith System CDL Training School aims to provide its students with all of the insights necessary for securing promising trucking careers after securing their CDLs.

Cost: $4000

Program Length: 6 weeks

Financial Assistance: 

• Guaranteed Financing
• Student Loans up to $6500 and starting at $500

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with TJ and friends Smith System CDL Training School for more info. 

Class Size: 25

Job Placement: Yes, they offer assistance with job placement.

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses: Class A

Southside Virginia Community College

The CDL Training program at the Southside Virginia Community College is all about providing students with the foundation to earn a high income on the road in a safe fashion.

Cost: 

• In-State Residents–$1,500
• Outside of Virginia– $4,500

Program Length: 6 weeks

Financial Assistance: 

• FastForward Credential Grant for qualifying Virginia residents.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Southside Virginia Community College to find out more.

Class Size: n/a

Job Placement: The Southside Virginia Community College does not have a job placement program set up for CDL training students at this time.

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses: Class A

Central Virginia Community College

The CDL training program at Central Virginia Community College focuses on creating habits out of the mundane safety maneuvers seasoned professionals don’t even have to think twice about.

Cost: $4,500

Program Length: 6 weeks

Financial Assistance:

• Financial Aid for Non Credit Training leading to Industry Credential (FANTIC)
• Tobacco Commission funding for students that meet Virginia Domicile criteria making them eligible.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with the Central Virginia Community College to find out more.

Class Size: n/a

Job Placement: There is no formal job placement program for students earning their CDL at Central Virginia Community College.

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses: Class A

Paul D. Camp Community College

The CDL training program at the Paul D. Camp community college is poised to help fill the myriad of open positions within the trucking industry.

Cost: 

• Class A Program–$4,500
• Class B Program–$3,300

Program Length: 

• Class A Program–160 hours 
• Class B Program–120 hours

Financial Assistance: 

• Workforce Credential Grants

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Paul D. Camp Community College to get more info.

Class Size: n/a

Job Placement: Paul D. Camp Community College provides graduates with a lifetime job assistance program.

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

•  Class A
•  Class B

Start Your New Career with CDL Training in Virginia

There are numerous benefits to pursuing specialized training in a particular field. Since there are so many jobs opening which require a CDL, getting CDL training in Virginia may seem like a no-brainer for someone hoping to make a splash in their career. 

FAQs