CDL-A classes near me in Virginia Beach
In the Virginia Beach metro area, the average cost of a CDL-A class is $6000 and the average class length is approximately 3 weeks long
Trade and industry classes near Virginia Beach, VA 23462
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ECPI - Virginia Beach, VA
Mechanical Engineering Technology - Associate's
- Earn an Associate degree in just 1.5 years
- Diverse roles from tech support to plant management
ECPI - Virginia Beach, VA
Mechanical Engineering Technology - Bachelor's
- Earn a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Tech in 2.5 years
- Career paths in diverse high-tech industries
Advanced Technology Institute
Automotive Technology - Associate in Occupational Science
- Hands-on training in a realistic shop environment
- Prepares for entry-level automotive technician roles
Programs not available on Dreambound
Midlands Technical College - Northeast Campus
Online Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
The CDL-A program is offered in in a weekday or weekend format. The weekday option meets Monday through Thursday, from 7 am-5:30 pm for four weeks and the weekend option meets Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5:30 pm for eight weeks. Graduates will be prepared to test for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Students are given the opportunity to take the CDL driving test at their local DMV office in the same vehicle they used to complete their training.
To be accepted into the program, students are required to obtain and submit a South Carolina CDL Permit, a DOT physical, and a DOT drug screen before class starts. A 10-year driving record is obtained from the SCDMV during the application process as well. All paperwork must be completed and submitted before the student can be scheduled for a class. The program has been inspected, approved, and licensed by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. All instructors meet the department’s standards and are certified by the DMV.
No cost info
Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction LLC
Online Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
$4,500 total
Advance Technology Institute - Norfolk
In person Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
Trans 360 is on a mission to revolutionize the transport industry, and we're doing it by offering a program that's geared towards effectively equipping individuals to operate commercial trucks. With our meticulously crafted CDL-A training curriculum, we're committed to honing raw driving talent into masterful control behind the wheels of powerful Class A vehicles. This will allow drivers in our program to not only achieve their goals of obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver's License but also blossom into valuable assets with extensive knowledge about driving regulations and safety procedures – components vital in this dynamic industry. With Trans 360, an impressive career as a proficient Class A vehicle driver is more than just a pipe dream - it's a tangible, achievable reality. Our program ensures that each trainee transitions from a beginner to a pro, togged with the skills necessary to operate a Class A vehicle confidently. Welcome to a world where driving isn't just a profession - it's an art. With Trans 360, you're not just a driver - you're a versatile, skilled professional, ready to conquer the roads.
No cost info
Hampton Roads Transit
In person Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
Hampton Roads Transit's Commercial Truck Driver class provides comprehensive training for those interested in becoming a professional truck driver. The class covers topics such as vehicle inspection, defensive driving, and cargo handling. Upon completion of the class, participants will be prepared to take the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam and begin their career as a professional truck driver.
$2,000 total
Emerge Career
Online Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
Emerge Career offers a comprehensive Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program to help individuals become professional truck drivers. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience to prepare students for the CDL-A exam. In addition, Emerge Career provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment in the trucking industry.
No cost info
Central Georgia Technical College - Twiggs County
Online Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
This Class A CDL training course is designed to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements. It includes sections covering basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities—all essential to obtaining your Class A driver’s license. This CDL course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
$195 total
Tidewater Community College - Portsmouth Campus
In person Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) Classes
TCC - Portsmouth's Commercial Truck Driver class provides students with the necessary skills to become a successful truck driver. The class covers topics such as driving regulations, vehicle maintenance, and safety procedures. Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the Virginia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam.
$6,000 total
CDL-A classes near me in Virginia Beach
Introduction
In recent years, the field of commercial truck driving has seen significant growth. Many have turned to this career path for its unique benefits, such as the opportunity to travel and the relative job security it offers. With this surge in interest, there has been a corresponding rise in demand for quality training programs. This article aims to guide those seeking CDL-A classes, particularly in Virginia Beach, to find the most suitable training for their needs.
What is a CDL-A?
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a requirement for anyone who intends to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States. The CDL-A is a specific class of this license, permitting holders to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
Training Requirements
When considering CDL-A training, there are several requirements to bear in mind.
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Age requirements: All CDL applicants must be at least 21 years old to drive interstate, or between states, and at least 18 years old to drive intrastate, or within a single state.
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Physical and medical requirements: Drivers must pass a physical examination every two years, where various health aspects are assessed, such as vision, hearing, and blood pressure.
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Driving Record: A clean driving record with no serious traffic violations is also essential.
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Residency: Applicants must be a resident of the state where they are applying for a CDL.
What to Look for in a Class
There are several key elements to consider when choosing a CDL-A class.
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Accreditation: The program should be accredited by a recognized authority, assuring that the program meets or exceeds minimum quality standards.
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Course Content: The program should cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of driving a commercial vehicle. This includes vehicle inspection, defensive driving, navigation and map reading, managing logbooks, and handling cargo securely.
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Instructors: Check the qualifications and experience of the instructors. They should have significant industry experience to provide real-world insights, in addition to theoretical knowledge.
What to Expect from Day-to-Day Classes
CDL-A classes typically combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students can expect to learn about a range of topics, from operating a vehicle to following federal regulations. A major component of the curriculum is also practical training, where students practice driving on private training grounds before moving on to public roads.
Certification Process
The certification process for a CDL-A license involves several steps. After completing the training program, you must pass a series of written exams that test your knowledge of operating a CMV, driving rules, and safety regulations. Once you pass these exams, you will be required to take a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test, and a road test.
Finding Related Jobs
After obtaining a CDL-A license, there are several avenues to find related jobs. Online job boards, networking, and leveraging resources from the training school can be effective strategies. In addition, many transportation and logistics companies have job openings for CDL-A drivers.
Additional Classes after CDL-A
Once you have your CDL-A license, there are additional endorsements you can obtain to broaden your qualifications. These include:
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Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement: Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials.
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Tank (N) Endorsement: Allows drivers to haul a tank with large volumes of liquid or gaseous material.
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Passenger (P) Endorsement: Allows drivers to transport passengers.
Each endorsement requires additional training and passing a written test.
Advantages of a CDL-A License
Holding a CDL-A license opens up a variety of job opportunities, not just in truck driving. It could be useful for those interested in working as a bus driver, a dispatcher, a safety compliance officer, or a transportation manager. The versatility of a CDL-A license makes it an attractive option for those seeking a dynamic and ever-evolving career.
Preparing for the Written Test
Just like any other test, the written CDL test requires adequate preparation. There are numerous resources available, such as practice tests, study guides, and interactive quizzes that can help you prepare. It's important to take advantage of these resources to increase your chances of passing the test.
The Role of Dreambound
Dreambound is a platform that helps students find vocational training programs. While it is not a school, institute, or university, it provides comprehensive information on a variety of fields, including commercial driving. For more information on how to become a truck driver in Virginia, you can refer to this link.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right CDL-A class is a crucial step towards a rewarding career in commercial driving. It's essential to consider various factors like the course content, instructor qualifications, and certification process to ensure that the class meets your specific needs. With the right training, you can look forward to a fulfilling and secure career in the transportation industry.
Dreambound has put together numerous guides to help you navigate the certification process in this field, tailored for various cities. For insights into the process or requirements in other states, see some of our additional guides below.
- How to Become a Truck Driver in Connecticut
- How to Become a Truck Driver in Iowa
- How to Become a Truck Driver in Nevada
- How to Become a Truck Driver in North Carolina
- How to Become a Truck Driver in Wisconsin
Weighing the possibilities of a career shift ? Dreambound has written many extensive guides to guide you in making informed decisions. Check out some of these resources below:
FAQ
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