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 18 verified training programs serving the Bristol, Virginia area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Bristol, VA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Bristol?We have identified 18 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Bristol area (Pop: 20,000).

Quick Stats

18 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 20,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Bristol, 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
18

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Bristol, VA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Bristol, 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 18 training programsserving the Bristol area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

18 CDL Schools Near Bristol

CDL Training Market in Bristol, VA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

  • Active Schools1
  • ELDT Verified1
  • Average Tuition$3,500
  • Starting From$3,500
  • Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Bristol have access to 1 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $3,500 up to premium programs around $7,200.

Many schools in Bristol offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Top Picks in Bristol

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bristol Virginia Public Schools

Bristol, VA

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

IUOE NTF Job Corps Training Program (JC)

Bristol, TN

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Ancora for Virginia Highlands Community College

Abingdon, VA

Call Now

Bristol Virginia Public Schools

Bristol, VA
In Bristol
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

IUOE NTF Job Corps Training Program (JC)

Bristol, TN
10.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Ancora for Virginia Highlands Community College

Abingdon, VA
10.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Scott Co Public Schools

Gate City, VA
23.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Mayland Community College

Newland, NC
38.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Mayland Community College Newland Campus

Newland, NC
38.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Ashe County Bus Garage

West Jefferson, NC
39.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

jenkins independent schools

Jenkins, KY
46.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Walters State Community College

Greeneville, TN
48.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Harris Middle School

Spruce Pine, NC
49 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Driver Training

Bristol, VA
In Bristol
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Visit Website

Public School System

ABINGDON, VA
13.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Johnson City, TN
22.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Tri-Cities Truck Driving School, LLC

Johnson city, TN
25.3 miles away

Southwest Virginia Community College

Cedar Bluff, VA
33.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, VA
37.2 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Dickenson County Public Schools

Clintwood, VA
38 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

CDL Training in Bristol, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia offers 18 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 Bristol?

  • 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.

Trucking Jobs Near Bristol

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 Bristol: 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.

Compare CDL Schools in Bristol

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Abingdon
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
West Jefferson
Class AClass BTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Dickenson County Public Schools
FMCSA Verified
Clintwood
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Driver Training
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Harris Middle School
FMCSA Verified
Spruce Pine
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
VA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Jenkins
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Evening Classes
jOHNSON CITY PUBLIC WORKS
FMCSA Verified
Johnson City
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Newland
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Newland
Class A
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Mountain Empire Community College
FMCSA Verified
Big Stone Gap
Class A
VA Approved
Public School System
FMCSA Verified
ABINGDON
Class ATanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Gate City
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Southwest Virginia Community College
FMCSA Verified
Cedar Bluff
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Bristol

Avg. Private School
$6,200
Avg. Public School
$4,000
Price Range
$3,400 - $7,800

Northern VA expensive, rest of state more affordable.

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 Bristol

Required for your CDL medical card

Tri-Cities Health

2208 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton
4.9

Boones Creek Urgent Care

4100 N Roan St #3, Johnson City
4.9

Ballad Health Medical Associates Occupational Medicine

111 W Stone Dr #120, Kingsport
4.1

💡 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 Bristol

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 Bristol

How long does CDL training take in Bristol?
CDL training programs in Bristol, 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 Bristol without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol?
The CDL driver job outlook near Bristol, 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 Bristol?
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 Bristol CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A, it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

Complete CDL Training Guide for Bristol Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in Bristol are limited, there are excellent opportunities throughout Virginia and nearby areas. Here's everything you need to know to start your trucking career.

CDL Jobs in Virginia

Average Salary
$45,000 - $65,000
Key Industries

manufacturing, logistics, and distribution

In-Demand Specializations
  • Over-the-road (OTR)
  • Regional routes
  • Local delivery
Major Routes

Interstate highways

Top Employers

National carriers, regional trucking companies, Amazon, FedEx

Funding Options

WIOA grants through local workforce development

Nearby Cities with More Options

Consider these nearby cities with more FMCSA-verified CDL schools:

View All Virginia Schools

Virginia CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate)
  • Hold a valid driver's license
  • Pass a DOT physical examination
  • Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
  • Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests
3-8
Weeks to complete
View Full Requirements

Can't Afford CDL School?

Many trucking companies offer FREE CDL training with employment commitment.

View Paid Training Programs