Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$3,600 total
No cost info
No cost info
The world of vocational training offers a wide array of opportunities for those seeking practical and rewarding careers. One such opportunity is becoming a Commercial Driver's License-B (CDL-B) holder. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth guide to CDL-B classes in Virginia Beach, and how to navigate the process of acquiring a CDL-B certification.
A CDL-B is a type of commercial driver's license that allows individuals to operate commercial vehicles such as buses, dump trucks, tow trucks and delivery trucks. A CDL-B is different from a CDL-A, which is for driving larger vehicles like tractor-trailers. Acquiring a CDL-B opens up job opportunities in various industries including transportation, construction, and waste management.
Before enrolling in a CDL-B class, there are certain prerequisites that must be met:
You must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within the state of Virginia) and 21 years old for interstate driving (across state lines).
You must possess a valid driver's license.
You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination.
Once these requirements are met, you can enroll in a CDL-B class. Training typically involves both classroom instruction and practical driver training.
When choosing a CDL-B class, there are several factors to consider:
Accreditation: Ensure the school offering the course is accredited by a recognized body. This guarantees that the training provided meets set standards.
Experienced Instructors: The quality of instructors influences the quality of training. Look for instructors with real-world driving experience.
Hands-on Training: CDL-B training should offer ample time for practical, behind-the-wheel training.
CDL-B classes are designed to prepare students for the CDL-B exam, which includes both a written knowledge test and a skills test. Day-to-day classes typically include:
Classroom Instruction: Topics covered include road safety, vehicle operation, and regulations related to commercial driving.
Practical Driving: Students get behind-the-wheel training in a controlled environment to learn vehicle control, backing maneuvers, and road driving.
After completing the training, the next step is to take the CDL-B exam. The exam includes a written knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test covers areas such as traffic laws, safety regulations, and vehicle operations, while the skills test assesses your ability to operate a CDL-B vehicle safely.
Once you have your CDL-B, you can apply for jobs that require this certification. Some job titles to look for include bus driver, delivery truck driver, and tow truck driver. You can find job listings on various job search platforms or directly on company websites.
After obtaining a CDL-B, you may choose to expand your skill set by taking additional classes. These might include:
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement: This allows you to transport hazardous materials.
School Bus Endorsement: This qualifies you to drive a school bus.
Passenger Endorsement: This authorizes you to drive a vehicle that can carry 16 or more passengers.
Aside from CDL-B classes, there are other vocational training opportunities available in Virginia. For instance, you can opt for training in healthcare occupations like medical assisting, pharmacy technology, or phlebotomy. If you're interested in the trades, you might consider becoming a HVAC technician or truck driver.
Becoming a CDL-B driver is a rewarding career choice with significant opportunities for growth. It offers a chance to work in various sectors while enjoying the freedom and flexibility that come with being a commercial driver. Virginia Beach offers several accredited programs for aspiring CDL-B drivers, ensuring you get the training you need to excel in this career path. Do your research, choose a program that suits your needs, and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a CDL-B driver.
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.
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:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
Dreambound is completely free for you to use! We are supported by schools and organizations who pay to advertise on our website, so we can offer all of our career resources for free.
