You’re sure to find a lot of trucking schools in and near Norfolk, VA. 

But you’re probably looking for the best FMCSA-approved ones. 

Well, we have it all here for you. 

In this article, we’ll review the best trucking schools in Norfolk, VA, as well as the ones just nearby. And yes, all these schools are FMCSA-approved and will allow you to take the CDL exam. 

If that’s not enough, then we’ll also give you a few company-sponsored truck driving schools you can look into. 

So without further ado, let’s get reviewing!

Best Trucking Schools in Norfolk, VA (Private)

Here are the best trucking schools in and near Norfolk, VA:

• 160 Driving Academy
• Advanced Technology Institute
• Tidewater Community College
• Dudley’s Driving School

To help you pick out the best fit for you, let’s see what each one offers. 

160 Driving Academy

Address: 880 North Military Highway Suite 1108, Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone: (757) 280-1951

Great news! You have one of the best trucking schools in the country right in the city of Norfolk, VA. 

160 Driving Academy provides everything you’ll need to pass the CDL exam on your first try, as well as jumpstart your career. 

For that, it offers informative classroom instructions and many hours of behind-the-wheel training. You will train in its driving range, local streets, highways, and interstate routes. 

This will prepare you for anything!

Here are other great reasons to pick 160 Driving Academy:

• Has thousands of satisfied graduates that are now successful truck drivers.
• You get to train with high-quality equipment.
• All the staff and instructors are friendly and patient.
• There are financing opportunities.
• Has job placement assistance once you get your CDL.

Advanced Technology Institute

Address: 994 Scott St., Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone: 888-346-2315

Whether you’re planning to get a Class A CDL or a HazMat endorsement, Advanced Technology Institute has the proper training for you. 

Juggling a busy schedule?

Don’t worry – you can choose to attend its night or weekend classes. And it’ll only take around 12 weeks to complete. 

In a rush to finish?

Then you can attend day training regularly and finish everything in just 6 weeks. 

Here are other great perks of Advanced Technology Institute:

• It has small classes for a more personalized experience.
• You can choose to train for local, regional, or over-the-road positions.
• Offers tuition reimbursement.
• Has an 85% graduation and placement rate.
• It is open to all military, veterans, and their families.

Tidewater Community College

Address: 121 College Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone: 757-822-1111 or 800-371-0898

Tidewater Community College is based in Norfolk, VA. However, its truck driving program is held in Portsmouth – which is just a 7-minute drive away!

Portsmouth Campus location: 120 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701.

Are you afraid to get behind the wheel of a truck?

Then we suggest choosing Tidewater Community College. 

Why?

This is because, instead of actual trucks, the school uses state-of-the-art simulators. Yes, it will feel like driving a real truck, but without the dangers. 

What else can you expect from Tidewater Community College? Check these other offers:

• More affordable since it’s a community college.
• You will learn all the state rules and regulations.
• Despite being a college, you can finish your program in just 15 weeks.
• You can train for Class A or Class B CDLs.
• Has a complete program information packet that you can download.

Dudley’s Driving School

Address: 10860 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601

Phone: (757) 766-0500

Here’s a trucking school that’s rather far but definitely worth the trip. 

Dudley’s Driving School is located in Newport News — which is about 35 minutes away from Norfolk. 

So why do we say it’s worth the trip?

Well, it’s a local and family-owned school. This means that it always aims to provide quality training to go above and beyond its higher-end competitors. 

And that’s exactly what you’ll get — quality training in a friendly environment. 

But don’t let that deceive you. Despite being smaller and less known, you still get great perks, such as:

• You can train in a selection of buses, flatbed trucks, tractor-trolleys, and more.
• Offers endorsement training
• The curriculum is always updated.
• The tuition fee is more affordable than other trucking schools out there. 
• You can rent one of their trucks for the CDL skills test.
• They serve hundreds of students each year – this only shows how trustworthy and reliable this school is. 

Free Company-Sponsored Truck Driving Schools

Hold up…

What are FREE company-sponsored truck driving schools? 

To put it simply – trucking companies have schools that provide FREE training. In turn, the students have to sign a contract to work with the company for a few years to pay off the cost. 

So if you’re finding it difficult to afford private trucking schools, then you may want to have a look into these company-sponsored truck driving schools: 

TMC – TMC offers excellent placement opportunities in their logistic network after they take care of all your fees and training for you. They’ll even take care of the transport costs to get to their training locations.

Roehl – Roehl offers a sweet deal — they not only pay for your tuition fee but also your boarding. They offer competitive salaries when you graduate, too, with a 401k plan.

Knight Transportation – Knight Transportation is another acclaimed logistic firm. They offer you sponsored training and driver perks, such as getting your own truck, loan payments, and more. 

Conclusion

Now you know the best trucking schools in and near Norfolk, VA. 

So what are you waiting for?

If you want to get started right away, go ahead and choose the best trucking school for YOU. 

For Norfolk-located schools, will it be the popular 160 Driving Academy or the flexible Advanced Technology Institute? 

Maybe you’d rather train at a (Tidewater) community college…

Or are you more drawn to the friendly Dudley’s Driving School?

Can’t afford private schools? Then why not check out the company-sponsored truck driving schools we listed here. 

Rest assured, whichever school you pick, you’ll get the quality training you deserve. 

Good luck!