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Driver Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

McLane Company

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Manassas, VA

As a Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The Driver Trainee gains ...

Southern States Cooperative

Requires Commercial Driver's License or ability to obtain * Requires Hazardous Materials Endorsement or ability to obtain * May require Tanker Endorsement or ability to obtain Some of the many ...

Westrock

Mill Trainee - West Point, VA (P)

West Point, VA · On-site

$23.34 - $26/hr

General Information Posting Job Title Mill Trainee Locations VA West Point Mill Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 21-May-2026 Description & Requirements Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to ...

Gohrt

Bus Operator (PT) Trainee

Hampton, VA

$22/hr

Must have a CDL (Class A or Class B) with passengerendorsement and air brakes.* Hourly Wage: $22.00 Essential Job Functions: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties ...

Gohrt

Bus Operator (PT) Trainee

Norfolk, VA

$22/hr

Must have a CDL (Class A or Class B) with passengerendorsement and air brakes.* Hourly Wage: $22.00 Essential Job Functions: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties ...

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All JobsDriver Trainee JobsDriver Trainee Jobs in Virginia

Driver Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$49.5K

$65.9K

How much do driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for driver trainee in Virginia is $49,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Driver Trainee vs Driver?

AspectDriver TraineeDriver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly a commercial licenseValid driver's license, commercial license if applicable
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, company vehicles, on-the-job trainingRegular routes, delivery or transportation settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in transportation, logistics, or delivery companiesFull-time professional role in similar industries

Driver Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn driving skills and gain necessary certifications. Once training is complete, they typically advance to a Driver role, which involves operating vehicles regularly in transportation or delivery services. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with Driver Trainee focusing on learning and development.

What types of training and support can I expect as a Driver Trainee?

As a Driver Trainee, you will typically participate in a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-road experience under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. You'll learn about vehicle safety, regulatory compliance, route navigation, and proper loading/unloading procedures. Most employers provide mentorship and regular feedback during training, ensuring you build confidence and develop safe driving habits before transitioning to independent routes. This supportive environment helps you gradually assume more responsibility while preparing for any required licensing exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Driver Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Driver Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and, eventually, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to safety, good communication, and a willingness to learn help trainees adapt quickly and work well with supervisors and customers. These skills and qualifications ensure safe driving practices, regulatory compliance, and readiness for advancement to full professional driving roles.

What Is a Driver Trainee?

A driver trainee works with an employer to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to haul freight and operate tractor trailers. It usually involves the training you need to get a commercial driver's license (CDL). The process varies with the company, but it typically includes a combination of classroom time, safety coursework, and on-the-job route driving. Depending on the materials you carry, your duties may also involve earning additional license endorsements, such as hazardous material (HAZMAT). Your responsibilities may also be to load and unload trucks. You also have to record your work hours as per state and federal regulations.

What are Driver Trainees?

Driver Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning how to operate commercial vehicles, such as trucks or buses, under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. They typically participate in training programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience. The goal is to help trainees gain the skills and qualifications necessary to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and become professional drivers. Driver Trainees often work closely with mentors to ensure they understand safety regulations, vehicle operation, and company policies.
More about Driver Trainee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Driver jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Driver Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Driver Trainee job openings:
Driver Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver Trainee job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,525 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Driver, Trainee Hourly

Driver, Trainee Hourly

McLane Company

Manassas, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

McLane rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 173 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 48 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Take your career further with McLane!  

Our drivers work hard to move, supply, and provide for America's favorite brands. Being reliable and dedicated to safety has defined our success as an industry leader for 130 years. Join McLane and discover the driving difference-we provide you with industry-leading pay, strong and secure client relationships, and get you home safely and more often. That's why our drivers build long-lasting careers with us.   

As a Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The Driver Trainee gains exposure to warehouse and other operational functions as part of the developmental process of becoming a McLane Driver.   

Benefits you can count on:

  • Pay Rate while in training: $ 28.25
  • Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA and company-paid life insurance.
  • Paid holidays, earn vacation time, and sick leave accrual from day one.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
  • Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

What you'll do as a Driver Trainee:  

  • Maneuver tractor into position to attach trailer and handle lines to secure.
  • Operates truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
  • Inspect tractor-trailer equipment for defects pre/post trip and submit DOT inspection report indicating condition.
  • Operates Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH), document delivery receipts/product temperatures and exceptions. Inspects trailer to ensure product is secure for undamaged transport of product.
  • Rides and trains with Driver Trainer of tractor-trailer to various destinations, gaining knowledge of commercial driving regulations and observing the Driver's skill in starting engine properly, approaching intersections, making turns, backing, parking, and maneuvering vehicle on the road and on customer premises.
  • Maintain driver log (Manual or PeopleNet) according to DOT regulations, documenting delivery receipt, product temperatures and exceptions.
  • Assists the Driver in unloading trailer and delivering product into customer premises.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications you'll bring as a Driver Trainee Teammate:  

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Meet eligibility requirements in the McLane Transfer and Promotion Policy.
  • Complete training and receive Class A CDL in 6 months or less.
  • Ability and willingness to select/load/unload and/or deliver ALL products that may be ordered by McLane customers.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb, reach, bend, squat, and stoop to accomplish the essential job functions.
  • Read and comprehend labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
  • Perform mathematical calculations to verify quantities of product.
  • Communicate with customers, management, and other teammates.
  • Safely drive a tractor-trailer, use a 2-wheeled dolly, ramp, and on board PeopleNet devices. 
  • This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.
     

Fit the following? We want you here!  

  • Safety-focused  
  • Reliable  
  • Adaptable
  • Dedicated  

Moving America forward - together.       

We've been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130 years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry-defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people-centered culture.  

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.  

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/

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