Truck drivers in Chesapeake, Virginia — and the entire state — enjoy great job security and an opportunity to be independent. They are also rewarded with a good salary for their efforts and the potential to earn even more.
Below, we explore some of the best training programs for individuals to consider on their journey to become a successful truck driver in the city. We provide a concise but significant breakdown of these training institutions, highlighting what they offer and the factors that make them deserve attention.
However, before proceeding with the list, we have also dedicated a special section highlighting the key steps in starting a truck driving career in Chesapeake, Virginia.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Chesapeake
An aspiring truck driver in Chesapeake, Virginia, must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do so, they have to graduate from an approved training program. However, they must fulfill some requirements before getting to this stage.
These include being at least 18 years old to drive within the state and being at least 21 years old to drive across borders. During their time in a training program, candidates will be prepared for their CDL tests. These include a skills test and a knowledge test.
The knowledge test is a written exam, while the skills test ensures drivers demonstrate their skills on the road. From here, candidates may send their official applications, pay the licensing fee, and become full-fledged truck drivers in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Explore detailed steps, education, and Licensing requirements:
Top Truck Driver Schools in Chesapeake, Virginia
The following are some of the top truck driving schools for interested individuals in Chesapeake to consider.
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College offers a training program with 160 hours of training (the standard for high-quality CDL programs nationwide). While the training duration includes a fair bit of classroom instructions, students spend most of their time acquiring hands-on training on the road.
The program is relatively affordable, particularly for residents of Virginia. Candidates may also be eligible for financial aid assistance thanks to the FastForward tuition program that covers part of a student’s tuition fees.
Graduates of these programs are typically well prepared for their CDL exams, enjoying a straightforward time passing both aspects of the tests and securing employment.
Camp Community College
Camp Community College’s truck driver training was created due to the shortage of truck drivers experienced by companies around the state. The program consistently produces top-quality truck drivers who go on to enjoy long and successful careers.
Students are trained in two CDL licensing categories, class A and B. The classroom training aspect of the program takes place at the Hobbs Suffolk Campus, Room 117.
Some notable features include a purposefully small class size, comprehensive CDL exam preparation, a 98% job placement rate, and lifetime job placement assistance.
Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions
The Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions CDL training program contains 160 hours of training between classroom instructions and various on-the-road driving exercises. Graduates of the program are typically adequately prepared for their upcoming CDL class A licensing tests.
Some highlights of enrolling here include funding options, personalized training, and job placement assistance upon graduation. The Fast-Forward initiative allows residents of Virginia to qualify for financial aid, where one-third of their tuition fees are paid off.
Training topics include pre-trip inspection, hazard perception, safe operating procedures, range training, straight-line backing, parallel parking, space management, and more.
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville Community College is another training school offering a robust curriculum for aspiring truck drivers around Virginia. The program lasts for 4 weeks and is available to candidates over 21.
Instructors emphasize up-to-date training through classroom topics and “behind the wheel” exercises. Along with crucial topics in actual truck driving, students will also learn how to maintain and manage an array of heavy trucks.
Danville Community College
Danville Community College prepares students for their class A commercial driver’s license through a mix of classroom and highway instructions. Students must have been driving for at least 10 years to apply for the program. They must also have obtained a commercial learner’s permit.
The school boasts competent instructors and a very high graduate placement rate. Topics include backing maneuvers, pre-trip inspection, parallel parking, safety operating procedures, and more.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include the rigorous CDL training program at Tidewater Community College and the equally comprehensive program offered by Southside Virginia Community College.
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