Best Schools in Washington, DC

Frederick Community College (FCC), founded in 1957, offers affordable and flexible access to lifelong education, catering to diverse learners and community needs. FCC provides a supportive learning environment with a wide array of classes and programs. The college is known for its engaging and dedicated professors who are invested in student success. FCC offers career-oriented programs preparing students for immediate workforce entry, as well as continuing education and workforce development programs. The college also provides opportunities for students to get involved in the community. FCC is a medium-sized, 2-year public community college located in a suburban setting in Frederick, Maryland. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The college offers associate degrees and certificates. FCC has a diverse student body and is committed to maintaining high-quality instruction at an affordable cost. The college understands the needs of adult part-time students and offers convenient evening, weekend, and online classes. Students appreciate the manageable classes and fair expectations. The campus is described as pretty, clean, and easy to navigate. FCC provides resources such as mental health services. The college also offers dual enrollment programs for high school students. FCC's mission is focused on teaching and learning, providing access to education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community. FCC's Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) division delivers lifelong learning opportunities and expert job training programs throughout the year. CEWD offers affordable and convenient workforce training for students of all ages. The college prohibits discrimination and accommodates individuals with disabilities.

AAA CDL School is a commercial driver training institution located in Manassas, Virginia, serving the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The school offers Class A and Class B CDL programs with hands-on, in-person instruction delivered by experienced industry professionals. The program prepares students to pass all required DMV written and skills tests for both CDL-A and CDL-B licenses. Instructors are described as knowledgeable, patient, and experienced, with a strong focus on vehicle safety and defensive driving techniques tailored to real-world trucking conditions. AAA CDL School is positioned as an accessible option for D.C.-area residents seeking commercial driving credentials without traveling to larger regional training centers. Students have noted the quality of instruction and thoroughness of test preparation as key strengths of the program. The school is a solid choice for career changers and new drivers in the Northern Virginia and D.C. metro region who want personalized CDL training close to home.

A-1 CDL Driving School, located at 11301 Coles Dr in Manassas, Virginia, is a well-regarded CDL training provider serving the Washington DC metropolitan area. The school offers a professional tractor-trailer driver training program leading to a Class A CDL, with flexible scheduling options including both full-time (4-week) and part-time (8-weekend) formats to accommodate working adults. The program is known for its one-on-one instruction model and logs 80 hours of truck time along with 80 hours of direct driving instruction per student. This hands-on approach contributes to an impressive 95% graduation and job placement rate, making it one of the more outcome-focused independent CDL schools in the DC-Virginia corridor. Financing options are available to help students manage tuition costs of $3,500. The school does not require company sponsorship and operates as a private, independent program, giving students freedom to work for any carrier after graduation. Its location in Manassas puts it within easy reach of Northern Virginia and DC-area residents seeking to enter the commercial trucking industry.

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) operates a robust CDL training program through its Transportation Training Center at Tradepoint Atlantic, a major logistics and transportation hub in Sparrows Point, eastern Baltimore County, Maryland. CCBC offers both Class A and Class B commercial driver license programs as part of its Workforce Transportation, Distribution and Logistics division. The Class A program is a 280-hour full-time daytime program covering safety, pre-trip inspections, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, trip planning, log books, and accident reporting. The Class B program runs 103 hours with evening and weekend options available. Both programs conclude with the Maryland MVA CDL licensing exam on-site, including pre-trip inspections, range maneuvers, and a 14+ mile road test. Students must be at least 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate), hold a valid Maryland Class C license, pass a DOT drug screen and physical, and have zero tolerance for drug/alcohol violations on their record. CCBC has received state grants exceeding $200,000 to fund CDL training expansion. The program is eligible for both Baltimore County and Maryland College Promise scholarships. Note: This entity is listed under the “washington-dc” city slug, which is incorrect. CCBC’s Transportation Training Center is located in Sparrows Point, Baltimore County, Maryland — not Washington DC.

A Class Training Truck Driving School (Washington DC slug) appears to be a duplicate or mislabeled database entry for the Auburn, Washington-based CDL school at cdlaclass.com. Research confirms that A Class Training operates exclusively in Washington State — specifically out of Auburn, WA (4111 Auburn Way N) — and has no campus, affiliate, or presence in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia. The school offers CDL Class A training with a structured ELDT-compliant curriculum: 40 hours classroom, 16 hours backing, 18 hours driving, 70 hours observation, and 16 hours proficiency work. Multilingual instruction is available in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Punjabi. Job placement assistance and flexible payment plans are offered. Contact is via (253) 289-4683 or info@cdlaclass.com. This entity should be reviewed for potential deduplication against the Seattle-slugged entry (ID: a6740367-7b97-4a22-aa3d-fafc4b8d16bc). If a genuine Washington DC-area branch exists, it has no public web presence as of March 2026. Until confirmed otherwise, treat this as referencing the Auburn, WA campus.

The DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA), launched by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES), is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Washington, D.C.'s infrastructure industry. DCIA recruits, screens, and trains District residents for careers in construction, energy, telecommunications, road work, and water. The academy partners with leading companies to provide training and job opportunities in high-demand fields.

CDL Training Program is a commercial driver's license training school in Washington, DC.

Driving Academy helps individuals launch careers in the trucking industry by providing CDL training. They offer a guaranteed CDL program where students can keep training until they pass, with no extra charge. The academy uses modern equipment and simulators to provide real-world experience in a safe environment. Experienced and licensed instructors guide students, and job placement assistance is available to help graduates land their first trucking job. Flexible scheduling is offered with weekday, weekend, and evening classes available.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), chartered in 1974, stands as the only fully-accredited public institution of higher education in the nation's capital. As an urban land-grant university, UDC supports a broad mission of education, research, and community service. The university offers over 80 programs across five schools and colleges, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. UDC is also a Top 10 Public HBCU. UDC provides access to real-world experiences, powerful networks, and a vibrant, diverse campus community. The university's location in Washington, D.C., offers unique opportunities for internships, civic engagement, and networking with professionals across various fields. UDC's focus on affordability and access to education creates an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Students highlight the strong involvement and support from professors, who are frequently described as passionate and attentive. The small class sizes create opportunities for personalized learning, making it easier for students to engage with the material and form connections with faculty. UDC aims to produce lifelong learners who become transformative leaders in every facet of society. UDC's College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) aims to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of people in DC and around the world. The Office of Career Services helps students and alumni with career planning and connects them to opportunities across all sectors.

CSM Continuing Education, part of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), offers a wide array of noncredit programs designed to help students meet professional and personal learning goals. These programs include workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult basic education. CSM also provides online classes and resources for businesses. The college aims to provide accessible and affordable education, with flexible schedules and smaller class sizes. CSM is a valuable resource for individuals looking to gain job-specific skills or expand their knowledge base.

BEST CDL Training LLC is listed as a Washington DC-area CDL school in the database, but no public web presence, FMCSA Training Provider Registry listing, or verifiable contact information could be confirmed for this entity under that name. Washington DC proper has no CDL schools within its borders; CDL training for DC residents is provided by schools in nearby Virginia and Maryland. Searches across school directories, the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and general web searches returned no results for "BEST CDL Training LLC" as an active training provider in or around Washington DC. The business may operate under a different trade name, may have closed, or may have been misidentified in the database. The DC-area CDL training market includes established providers such as 1st CDL Training Center of NOVA (Woodbridge, VA), The CDL BookClub (Laurel, MD), Maryland CDL Academy, and others — but BEST CDL Training LLC does not appear among them. FLAG: Could not verify this school exists as an active FMCSA-registered CDL training provider. Recommend manual review and possible removal or correction of the entity name/location.

Gear Up CDL Training (GUCT), established in 2020, aims to be a comprehensive CDL training facility in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. They offer private commercial driver education with experienced instructors. GUCT focuses on providing cost-effective, quality classroom and on-the-road driving instruction to help students pass licensing exams and establish a solid career in the commercial driving industry. GUCT offers a range of CDL training and classes. They strive to provide excellent service and ensure students are well-prepared for their CDL exams. The school emphasizes hands-on training, combining classroom instruction with real-world driving experience. While specific details on student experience are limited, the school aims to provide a supportive environment for students pursuing a career in trucking. They offer various certifications, including Class A, Class B, Passenger, School Bus, and HazMat endorsements.

CAS Driving School is a long-established driver education school located at 412 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, reachable at (202) 636-1049. Founded by road test examiners with decades of combined experience, the school has served Washington, DC for more than 30 years. It is a licensed driving school in Washington, DC, meaning its instruction counts toward official licensing requirements. CAS Driving School offers instruction for standard passenger vehicle operation only. Programs include teen driving lessons, adult driving lessons, international driver training, road test preparation, and vehicle usage for DC road skills tests. It does not offer any CDL or commercial driver license training programs. Lesson pricing runs $140 for a standard 2-hour lesson, $165 for road test prep, and $85–$110 for vehicle usage during a road test. Package deals range from $268 for 4 hours to $620 for 10 hours. All lessons are 2 hours long with pickup and dropoff service throughout Washington, DC. Note: This entity was reviewed for CDL programs and none were found. CAS Driving School is exclusively a standard driver education school. It should be removed from CDL school listings or recategorized.

Ethio Star Driving School, located in Washington D.C., aims to help students become confident, cautious, and courteous drivers. The school is an approved and certified Third Party Road Test examiner on behalf of the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. They offer driving lessons and educational programs to Washington D.C. and the surrounding communities. Ethio Star Driving School specializes in handling nervous and anxious student drivers, providing patient and well-trained instructors. They offer tailored driving lessons that cultivate confidence and promote safety on the road, whether for novice or experienced drivers. The school provides a comprehensive course on traffic and safety regulations while equipping students with defensive driving skills. Ethio Star Driving School offers in-car lessons in modern, clean, air-conditioned, and commercially insured automatic cars. They also offer several driving package choices to meet the requirements of students with different levels of experience. The school is licensed by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Ethio Star Driving School provides quality driving lessons and educational programs in Washington, DC and surrounding areas. The school prides itself on being an approved third-party Road Test Examiner for the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. This means students receive expert guidance and reassurance through every step of their journey. Ethio Star Driving School offers lessons seven days a week.

DC Star Driving School, located in Northwest Washington, D.C., aims to equip students with the skills and confidence to navigate the city streets safely. The school's DMV-certified instructors emphasize patience and professionalism, tailoring their approach to meet the needs of a diverse community. They provide private, one-on-one instruction in specially equipped practice cars, minimizing distractions and maximizing hands-on learning. Whether you're a new driver or need a refresher, DC Star offers comprehensive programs designed to help you master the skills needed to pass your road test and become a safe, law-abiding driver.

Driver Solutions partners with CDL training schools and connects students with company-sponsored CDL training and job placement services. They focus on helping inexperienced drivers begin their trucking careers by offering resources and information about becoming a truck driver. Driver Solutions assists clients with connecting to training programs that often require no upfront tuition costs and offers job placement opportunities with partner trucking companies.

Washington Trucking School, with campuses in Olympia and Chehalis, Washington, offers high-quality CDL training for individuals seeking Class A, Class B, Passenger/School Bus, and Hazmat licenses. The school prides itself on experienced instructors who not only prepare students to pass their CDL exams but also emphasize safe and prepared driving practices. With small class sizes and a 3:1 student to instructor ratio, students receive personalized attention. Washington Trucking School is dedicated to helping graduates find secure positions in the trucking industry. The school's 4-week courses begin every Monday at both the Chehalis and Olympia locations. Washington Trucking School has modern training facilities that feature well-maintained equipment and vehicles. The school also offers job placement assistance to their graduates. Washington Trucking School is one of the state's highest-rated commercial driving schools. They pride themselves on their small class size and one of the highest passing rates in Washington. Experienced instructors provide personalized training to ensure each student has the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful truck driver.

SaferTraining is dedicated to providing individuals and companies with accessible and affordable safety training solutions. They specialize in online safety training, including Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) courses for Class A, Class B, and endorsements such as HAZMAT. Their training is designed to be simple, practical, and affordable, ensuring students acquire the skills needed to stay safe on the job. SaferTraining aims to be a comprehensive resource for safety-related training needs, offering courses that are easy to complete and priced below market value.

Mr. George's Driving School, operating as Cdl Training - Mr. George's Driving School, has been serving the Gaithersburg, MD area since 2016. They offer driver-focused training programs tailored to individual goals, with instruction from experienced instructors. The school provides both personal and commercial driving tracks, including Class A and Class B CDL training. They focus on building a foundation of safety and confidence behind the wheel, with emphasis on real-world application and tailored feedback. Mr. George's Driving School aims to equip drivers of all ages with knowledge they can trust.

Montgomery College is a community college with three campuses located in Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Maryland. It serves approximately 15,000 students each semester at its Rockville campus. The college is known for its affordable tuition, diverse student body, and supportive academic environment. Montgomery College offers a wide range of courses and programs, including biotechnology and cybersecurity. The college also has a defined pathway to transfer to the University of Maryland College Park. Students praise the knowledgeable and caring professors who actively engage with them, contributing positively to their academic success. The college offers many resources, including tutoring and counseling services. The campus atmosphere is noted to be clean and well-maintained. Montgomery College is seen as a strong option for students looking to explore their interests and prepare for future transfers to four-year institutions. Raptor Central is a one-stop shop for admissions, enrollment, and visitor services. You can contact them by phone, online request form, virtual Zoom visit, or in person. The Office of Facilities supports the College's mission by providing a high-quality physical environment for the entire College community. Montgomery College provides a solid, affordable education and a strong foundation for transferring or entering the workforce.

United Planning Organization (UPO) is a community action agency in Washington, D.C., dedicated to providing services and training to help individuals and families achieve economic security and overcome barriers to employment. UPO offers a range of vocational training programs through its Workforce Institute, including CDL training in partnership with 1st CDL Training Center of NOVA, culinary arts, electrical technician training, IT helpdesk, plumbing, and professional building maintenance. These programs aim to equip individuals with nationally recognized certifications and in-demand skills. UPO also provides wraparound services such as job placement assistance, job readiness training, and access to resources like housing and daycare to support students' success.

Swift Academy provides low-cost CDL training through a tuition-assistance program that allows you to earn your Class A CDL with little to no upfront cost, aside from the fee for your permit, license, and daily incidentals. With over 50 years of experience in transportation, Swift's team can help you earn your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in four weeks. The academy has conveniently located truck driving schools across the country. Swift also provides top-notch CDL certification training from experienced instructors and grants for veterans to kick start their truck driving career cost-free. The company prioritizes driving schedules that support your family's busy and changing lifestyle, helping you achieve a sustainable work-life balance. Swift Academy's program has been successful for many years, with experienced instructors dedicated to creating a friendly and encouraging environment. The academy is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA).

Gear Up CDL Training, established in 2020, aims to be a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. They offer private commercial driver education with instructors possessing over 18 years of experience. Gear Up CDL Training positions itself as a cost-effective facility providing quality classroom and on-the-road driving instruction. The school focuses on helping students pass licensing exams and secure a solid career in the commercial driving industry.

C1 Truck Driver Training is a national CDL school chain with confirmed campuses in Indianapolis IN, Fort Worth TX, Springfield MO, and Fort Wayne IN. This location has not been independently verified as an active C1 campus and may be a service-area listing or data error. Prospective students should confirm availability directly at c1training.com before enrolling. C1 programs typically run 4 weeks, cover Class A and Class B CDL, and cost $4,000–$6,000 with financial aid and VA/GI Bill options available.

SafeMotorist, backed by the American Safety Council, has over 20 years of experience providing online driver education. They offer state-approved online driver safety courses for students in all 50 states, including courses for first-time drivers, experienced drivers, and mature motorists. Their courses can help you earn your license, reduce insurance rates, and dismiss traffic tickets. SafeMotorist provides up-to-date instruction and assesses learning outcomes through 100% online courses accessible on computers, tablets, or mobile devices. They also offer courses in both English and Spanish.

TransForce ELDT provides Entry Level Driver Training and endorsement training. They offer online theory courses for Class A and Class B CDL licenses, as well as endorsements such as Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus. TransForce also provides behind-the-wheel training through a network of CDL schools. TransForce is a leading provider of driver talent acquisition and employment solutions to the transportation industry, connecting drivers with over 3,000 carriers. They also offer resources for veterans seeking CDL training.

Parkland College, established in 1967, is a public community college located in Champaign, Illinois. It serves Community College District 505, encompassing multiple counties. The college enrolls approximately 9,000 students annually and has served over 340,000 students since its inception. Parkland offers a wide array of academic support services, including tutoring, a writing lab, and a library with over 120,000 volumes. Students appreciate the knowledgeable and engaging instructors, as well as the small class sizes that allow for personalized attention. Parkland College provides a range of programs and flexible course schedules to accommodate diverse lifestyles and needs. The college has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1972. It aims to provide a supportive environment with resources and facilities to enhance the student experience. The college also focuses on helping students transition to four-year universities. With a campus located at 2400 W. Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL, Parkland College is centrally accessible. In addition to the main campus, there are off-campus locations including Parkland College on Mattis Avenue and the Institute of Aviation at the University of Illinois Willard Airport. Parkland College is seen as a solid starting point for higher education, especially for those planning to transfer to a four-year university. Parkland College offers various programs including Continuing Education, Health, Real Estate, Trades, and Transportation. The college also provides opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as youth programs. The campus is considered safe, with measures in place to ensure student security.