Unfortunately, there are no FMCSA-approved trucking schools in Chesapeake, VA.
However, there are some that are just nearby…
And we’re going to give you the best ones.
We’ll review the best trucking schools near Chesapeake, VA to help you determine the perfect match for YOU.
On top of that, we’ll also mention company-sponsored truck driving schools, if you want to take that path.
So are you ready?
Let’s begin!
Best Trucking Schools Near Chesapeake, VA (Private)
Here is a list of the best trucking schools near Chesapeake, VA:
- 160 Driving Academy
- Advanced Technology Institute
- Tidewater Community College
- Dudley’s Driving School
Let’s see what each school has to offer.
160 Driving Academy
Address: 880 North Military Highway Suite 1108, Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: (757) 280-1951
Travel time from Chesapeake: 10 minutes
160 Driving Academy is one of the top trucking schools in the US. So it’s great that there’s a location just 10 minutes away from Chesapeake, VA.
The school has a proven track record of thousands of satisfied graduates.
While here, you’ll learn everything you need to know, with comprehensive classroom instructions and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. And yes, you get to train on the driving course, local streets, highways, and even interstate routes.
You’ll be more than ready for your new career, as well as ace the CDL exam.
You’ll also be treated to the best of the best when it comes to their trucks, with fully automatic transmissions and all the high-tech gadgets you can imagine.
Some other benefits of 160 Driving Academy include:
- Friendly staff and instructors
- Financing opportunities
- Job placements
Advanced Technology Institute
Address: 994 Scott St., Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 888-346-2315
Travel time from Chesapeake: 10 minutes
Advanced Technology Institute specializes in Class A CDL training.
But what makes this school stand out is its small classes. Since one instructor is assigned to only a few students, you can trust that they will be able to give personalized training.
The class schedules are flexible, too.
You can choose to attend 4 or 6 times a week to finish quicker. But if you have a busy schedule, don’t worry – there are night and weekend schedules available.
What’s more, you can train for local, regional, or over-the-road, whatever trucking career path you want to take.
Here are other great benefits of Advanced Technology Institute:
- Offers HazMat endorsement training, too
- Has available grants of $3,000
- Has financing options available
Tidewater Community College
Address: 120 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701
Phone: 757-822-1111 or 800-371-0898
Travel time from Chesapeake: 12 minutes
Are you looking for truck training that doesn’t break your pockets?
Well, since Tidewater is a community college, you can expect it to offer more affordable programs.
Here, you won’t get to train with actual trucks. Instead, it uses state-of-the-art truck simulators. This allows you to practice in different road conditions without the actual dangers.
In case you’re wondering, yes, it does feel like driving a real truck, so no worries there.
For your classroom instruction, you will learn the state rules and regulations, defensive driving, maintenance, highway and city driving, and so much more.
All that for a more affordable price!
Here are other great benefits of Tidewater Community College:
- You can finish the whole program in just 15 weeks
- Graduates can find easy employment
Dudley’s Driving School
Address: 10860 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Phone: (757) 766-0500
Travel time from Chesapeake: 39 minutes
Dudley’s Driving School is another top-rated school located in Newport News, VA – around 39 minutes away from Chesapeake, VA.
Sure, it’s a bit farther than the other schools mentioned here. But if you want to train with a range of commercial vehicles, such as buses, flatbed trucks, and tractor-trolleys, then it will be worth the trip.
This is a local, family-owned school. The great thing about that is you can be sure that they work hard to keep up with the competition.
In turn, you get an updated curriculum, great instructors, comprehensive training, and friendship all around. Rates are more affordable, too.
Okay, you won’t get extravagant job placements and financial aid, but the atmosphere is very friendly and you’ll feel at home.
If that’s what you like, then Dudley’s Driving School is a great choice.
Here are other benefits:
- Has training for Class A, B, and C
- Has endorsement training
- Offers truck rental for the CDL skills test
Free Company-Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
Can’t afford trucking school?
Then maybe company-sponsored truck driving schools will work for you.
There are some trucking companies out there that are willing to sponsor your training. In turn, you have to work for them right after you get your CDL.
If you’re interested, then here are the best company-sponsored truck driving schools around the country:
Roehl – Roehl is one of the biggest names in the trucking industry… And it offers sponsored classes that’ll take care of all your fees for a 4-week program. You can focus on your training and let Roehl handle the rest.
Swift Transportation – Swift Transportation is another well-known truck company operating around the country. What’s great about their CDL training is that they will pay for your lodging and training. You even get a weekly allowance for your 4-week program.
TMC – TMC comes through with an excellent sponsored training program that’ll take care of all your dues. They even pay for your transportation to one of their facilities.
Conclusion
And there you have it — the best trucking schools near Chesapeake, VA.
To be sure, all the schools mentioned here are FMCSA-approved, prepare you for the CDL exam, and help jumpstart your trucking career.
There’s not one that is better than the other.
So to choose the “best” one, it will depend solely on your needs and preferences — what are you looking for in a trucking school?
Is it travel time?
Is it training on actual roads or just through realistic simulators?
Is it a friendly environment or one with small classes?
Whatever it is, you’re sure to find a good match for you here.
Go ahead and pick the one that fits YOU.