How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Portsmouth, VA?

CDL training in Portsmouth, VA typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Portsmouth?

Most CDL training programs in Portsmouth take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Portsmouth, VA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Portsmouth area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Portsmouth is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 19 verified training programs serving the Portsmouth, Virginia area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Portsmouth, VA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Portsmouth?We have identified 19 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Portsmouth area (Pop: 97,915).

Quick Stats

19 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 97,915

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Portsmouth, VA

CDL License Types

Class A, Class B, Class C

Average Training Cost

$3,000 – $8,000

Program Length

3-8 weeks

Weekend / Evening Options

Available at select schools

FMCSA Registration Required

Yes

Verified Schools

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Portsmouth, VA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Portsmouth, VA should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 19 training programsserving the Portsmouth area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

19 CDL Schools Near Portsmouth

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in Portsmouth

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Poquoson City Public Schools

Poquoson, VA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Shawboro Elementary School

Shawboro, NC

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Semi Drivers Training

Elizabeth City, NC

Call Now

Poquoson City Public Schools

Poquoson, VA

20.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Shawboro Elementary School

Shawboro, NC

29.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Semi Drivers Training

Elizabeth City, NC

32.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Camden Intermediate School

Camden, NC

35.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Franklin City Public Schools

Franklin, VA

36.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Northeastern High School

Elizabeth City, NC

38 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Pasquotank Elementary School

Elizabeth City, NC

38.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gatesville Elementary School

Gatesville, NC

38.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gilco Transport Services

Portsmouth, VA

2.1 miles away

Portsmouth Public Schools

Portsmouth, VA

2.6 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Norfolk - Classroom and Yard

Norfolk, VA

2.6 miles away

Advanced Technology Institute

Norfolk, VA

3.4 miles away

CDS TRACTOR TRAILER TRAINING - NORFOLK

Chesapeake, VA

4.5 miles away

Ancora for Tidewater Community College

Suffolk, VA

8.9 miles away

Tidewater Community College

Suffolk, VA

8.9 miles away

Ancora for Virginia Peninsula Community College

Hampton, VA

16.8 miles away

Shippers' Choice of Virginia, Inc. - Camp Community College - Range

Suffolk, VA

17.6 miles away

Shippers' Choice of Virginia, Inc - Camp Community College

Suffolk, VA

21.2 miles away

CDL Training in Portsmouth, Virginia

Portsmouth, Virginia offers 19 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Portsmouth?

Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
Financial Aid: Schools in Virginia often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Virginia

CDL training in Virginia typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Virginia

Trucking Jobs Near Portsmouth

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Virginia

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Virginia

Top employers hiring near Portsmouth: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Portsmouth

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Norfolk - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Norfolk	Class AClass B	Weekend Classes	View Details
Advanced Technology Institute FMCSA Verified	Norfolk	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Ancora for Tidewater Community College FMCSA Verified	Suffolk	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Ancora for Virginia Peninsula Community College FMCSA Verified	Hampton	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Camden Intermediate School FMCSA Verified	Camden	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDS TRACTOR TRAILER TRAINING - NORFOLK FMCSA Verified	Chesapeake	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
City of Portsmouth Public Utilities FMCSA Verified	Portsmouth	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Franklin City Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Franklin	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
Gatesville Elementary School FMCSA Verified	Gatesville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Gilco Transport Services FMCSA Verified	Portsmouth	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Northeastern High School FMCSA Verified	Elizabeth City	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Pasquotank Elementary School FMCSA Verified	Elizabeth City	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Poquoson City Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Poquoson	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Portsmouth Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Portsmouth	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Semi Drivers Training FMCSA Verified	Elizabeth City	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Portsmouth

Avg. Private School

$6,200

Avg. Public School

$4,000

Price Range

$3,400 - $7,800

Northern VA expensive, rest of state more affordable.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Portsmouth

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care - Hampton

6000 Industrial Pkwy, Hampton

(571) 159-4108

3.9

$89-$129

Walmart Health Center - Chesapeake

3913 Main St, Chesapeake

(434) 394-1161

$106-$172

Walk-ins OK

Patient First - Central Chesapeake

6889 Main St, Chesapeake

(804) 488-8510

$61-$114

View All 42 Clinics in Portsmouth All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & DMV in Portsmouth

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local DMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find DMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Portsmouth

How long does CDL training take in Portsmouth?

CDL training programs in Portsmouth, VA typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.

How much does CDL school cost in Virginia?

CDL training costs in Virginia range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.

Can I get a CDL in Portsmouth without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Portsmouth area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.

How do I know if a CDL school in Portsmouth is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.

Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?

Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.

Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Virginia?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Virginia: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Portsmouth?

The CDL driver job outlook near Portsmouth, VA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Virginia experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Portsmouth?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Portsmouth CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Virginia, including training programs in Portsmouth and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Virginia

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Portsmouth, VA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Portsmouth, VA

How should students compare CDL schools in Portsmouth, VA?

19 CDL Schools Near Portsmouth

Top Picks in Portsmouth

Poquoson City Public Schools

Shawboro Elementary School

Semi Drivers Training

Poquoson City Public Schools

Shawboro Elementary School

Semi Drivers Training

Camden Intermediate School

Franklin City Public Schools

Northeastern High School

Pasquotank Elementary School

Gatesville Elementary School

Gilco Transport Services

Portsmouth Public Schools

160 Driving Academy - Norfolk - Classroom and Yard

Advanced Technology Institute

CDS TRACTOR TRAILER TRAINING - NORFOLK

Ancora for Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College

Ancora for Virginia Peninsula Community College

Shippers' Choice of Virginia, Inc. - Camp Community College - Range

Shippers' Choice of Virginia, Inc - Camp Community College

CDL Training in Portsmouth, Virginia

Why Get CDL Training Near Portsmouth?

CDL Training Costs in Virginia

Trucking Jobs Near Portsmouth

Compare CDL Schools in Portsmouth

Tuition Costs in Portsmouth

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Virginia

DOT Physicals Near Portsmouth

Concentra Urgent Care - Hampton

Walmart Health Center - Chesapeake

Patient First - Central Chesapeake

CDL Testing & DMV in Portsmouth

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Portsmouth

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

Related Resources