Best Schools in Virginia Beach, VA

160 Driving Academy Virginia Beach is located at 5250 Challedon Drive, Suite K in Virginia Beach — part of the Hampton Roads metro area and near the Norfolk campus at 2300 Gazel Street. Together, these two campuses serve one of the largest military and logistics communities on the East Coast, making Hampton Roads a strong market for CDL training given the concentration of freight activity tied to the Port of Virginia and numerous military installation supply chains. The Virginia Beach campus delivers the standard 160-hour curriculum: 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training completed in four weeks. Instructors, including one named James highlighted in reviews for his patient virtual and in-person teaching, are noted for going above and beyond to help students who struggle initially — providing extra hours and test prep support until graduates are road-ready. The school maintains a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, with employer reimbursement, payment plans, and company-sponsored tuition available for qualifying students. Programs include Class A CDL training, CDL refresher courses, free ELDT theory training, and hazmat certification. Job placement assistance connects graduates with East Coast carriers and national trucking companies. The campus is FMCSA ELDT-compliant and part of the 160 Driving Academy national network founded in 2012 with 140+ locations. Review aggregators show a mixed-to-positive reputation with specific praise for instructor dedication and willingness to help students retest and succeed.

Highway Driving School VA, located in Nokesville, VA, offers comprehensive commercial driver training to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the trucking industry. The school prides itself on delivering high-quality education with experienced instructors in a supportive learning environment, focusing on each student's individual needs. They offer flexible timing options and affordable fees to make professional driver education accessible. The school provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including essential driving techniques, safety protocols, and vehicle maintenance.

2020 CDL Training is a DMV-approved truck driving school located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, offering Class A and Class B CDL programs. The Class A program is 20 days long (approximately 4 weeks) and delivers a rigorous 160-hour curriculum — 40 hours of classroom instruction plus 120 hours of combined range and behind-the-wheel practice. The Class B program runs 15 days. Both programs are offered in full-time and part-time formats, and the school provides flexible weekday and weekend scheduling options. One of 2020 CDL Training's most distinctive features is its multilingual instruction, available in over 11 languages — making it highly accessible to non-native English speakers. The school is also approved for GI Bill educational benefits, making it a strong choice for veterans. Additional financial assistance through Virginia's Fast Forward Grant can cover up to two-thirds of tuition for eligible Virginia residents. Student reviews are positive, with an 88% recommendation rate on Facebook. Reviewers note instructors are patient, provide ample truck time compared to other schools, and don't push students to test until they're fully confident. The school also offers accommodation for out-of-area students and job placement support.

CDS Tractor Trailer Training offers Class B CDL Training with the option to add a Passenger Endorsement, with training centers in Fredericksburg and Norfolk.

Tidewater Community College (TCC), established in 1968, is a public community college serving South Hampton Roads, Virginia. With campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach, TCC is part of the Virginia Community College System and holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including special options like Textbook-Free Degrees, apprenticeships, and short-term programs. TCC aims to provide accessible and supportive education, with resources such as Learning Centers, Career Services Centers, and Women's Centers available to students. TCC is known for its affordability and is often seen as a starting point for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. The college emphasizes student support, with approachable professors and personalized attention in smaller class sizes. Many students appreciate the flexibility of online courses, which accommodate busy schedules. TCC also focuses on serving military-related students, offering a range of support services across its campuses and at local military installations. With a diverse student body and a student-teacher ratio lower than the state average, TCC provides a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds. The college publishes an annual literary journal, the Channel Marker, and hosts a literary festival. TCC has also established agreements with universities like Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan University to facilitate student transfers and offer cost-saving programs.

4CDL (The U.S. Truck Driver Training Program, Inc.) is a CDL training provider that has operated in Virginia for nearly 20 years and has historically offered its programs in partnership with Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College) in Hampton, Virginia. The partnership model allows students to access CDL training through a community college framework, which can improve access to financial aid and academic credibility. The 4CDL program offers Class A CDL training and emphasizes a student-centered approach — students continue training until they demonstrate the skills needed for safe tractor-trailer operation at no extra charge. Graduates also receive free lifetime refresher training, which is a notable benefit for drivers who need to stay current or re-qualify after time off. The school can be reached toll-free at 888-878-4CDL (4235). Students in regional trucking forums note that 4CDL is a serviceable option for the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area, particularly for those who want the community college affiliation. One student received a $1,000 discount for paying cash upfront. The program's longevity and the free refresher training commitment signal confidence in their graduates' long-term success.

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.

Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) is a vocational trade school located at 5700 Southern Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, offering commercial driving (CDL) programs alongside automotive, diesel, and other technical training tracks. ATI has operated in Virginia Beach for decades and is one of the few Virginia Beach institutions offering CDL training within a broader accredited vocational education environment. ATI's Commercial Driving program is 6 weeks in length and prepares students for either a Class A or Class B CDL. The curriculum includes general knowledge, pre-trip inspections, backing, and road driving skills. ATI supports students through up to three DMV permit and driving test attempts, and partners with major carriers including Schneider, Melton Truck Lines, Kenworth, and Navistar for career placement. Annual tuition and fees at ATI are approximately $14,568 (based on 2025 figures). Approximately 49–53% of students receive grants or scholarships, with average aid amounts of $4,820–$6,576. ATI participates in federal financial aid programs including Pell Grants, student loans, work-study, and VA/GI Bill benefits for military-affiliated students. Financial aid advisors are available on campus. ATI's CDL program is a strong option for Virginia Beach-area residents seeking an accelerated 6-week commercial driving credential within a fully accredited vocational school setting, especially those who qualify for federal financial aid.

Shippers Choice of Virginia, established in 1993, has been training CDL students for over 30 years. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training programs with hands-on experience. Shippers Choice aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become safe and dependable entry-level professionals. They have multiple locations across Virginia, and assist students with job placement connecting them with various businesses.

Shippers' Choice of Virginia, Inc. is a professional tractor-trailer driver training school that was formed in January 1993. They have been training students for over 30 years and have over 25,000 graduates. Shippers' Choice has multiple locations throughout Virginia. As a private school, they do not rush students in a boot-camp style system. The instructors bring decades of experience to the classroom and help students build their knowledge and skills the right way. By the end of training, students are ready to join the fleet of drivers as safe and dependable entry-level professionals. Shippers' Choice provides hands-on training to help students become the best drivers they can be. They have connections to over 65 companies looking for safe and well-trained drivers. Shippers' Choice assists all of their students with job placement through their connections with many businesses. They offer both full- and part-time class schedules, and their instructors are all commercial drivers with years of experience driving Class A vehicles. Shippers' Choice is DMV-licensed and allows students to take all of their DMV testing on-site. They service students in Virginia, Maryland, DC, North Carolina, & West Virginia. Shippers' Choice also offers bus driver training, CDL refresher classes, and a truck driving course. Several locations include on-site DMV departments, and grants are available for qualified candidates.

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), established in 1967, is a public two-year institution within the Virginia Community College System. With campuses in Hampton and James City County, and education centers in Newport News and Williamsburg, VPCC primarily serves the Hampton Roads Peninsula region. The college offers over 50 associate degree programs and more than 60 certificate programs, with a strong nursing program that consistently ranks among the top in the state. VPCC is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education and workforce training, preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or for in-demand careers. The college also focuses on community service and offers programs to build a skilled workforce and improve the quality of life for area residents.