Georgia Driving Academy Celebrates Grand Opening of Augusta Campus

Georgia Driving Academy (GDA) officially opened its newest location in Augusta, Georgia on Thursday, October 30th, marking a significant milestone in the school’s 30-year history of training professional commercial drivers. The ribbon cutting ceremony at 1761 Tobacco Road brought together approximately 40 community leaders, workforce development partners, trucking industry representatives, and prospective students eager to explore Class A and Class B CDL training opportunities in the Augusta area.

A Celebration of Growth and Opportunity

The morning ceremony attracted government officials, WIOA representatives, and recruiters from five major national carriers, all united by a common goal: addressing the critical shortage of qualified commercial drivers while creating pathways to stable, well-paying careers for Augusta-area residents.

“We are very excited about our new Augusta truck driver training campus.  We have a concrete training pad, which is unheard of in this area, and we can offer testing on-site for our students”, said Brad Barber, Founder and Campus President of Georgia Driving Academy. “There is great potential here in Augusta, and we are already seeing a strong enrollment”, he added.

The new Augusta campus represents GDA’s third location, joining established training centers in Conyers (operating for 14 years) and Columbus. This expansion demonstrates the school’s commitment to meeting Georgia’s growing demand for professionally trained commercial drivers while bringing quality CDL training closer to residents throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

State Leadership Recognizes Workforce Development Impact

Georgia Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the critical role that quality CDL training plays in Georgia’s economy and transportation infrastructure.

“We have a great partnership with Georgia Driving Academy.  There are 500,000 commercial drivers in the State of Georgia, and we depend on our private partners to keep the pipeline flowing.  GDA delivers high quality education, training, and testing; and we are happy to expand our partnership with them”, said Commissioner McClendon during her remarks.

Her presence underscored the state’s commitment to supporting workforce development initiatives that address real industry needs while providing career opportunities for Georgia residents. The partnership between Georgia DDS and established training institutions like GDA ensures that new commercial drivers receive proper instruction and meet all federal and state requirements before entering the workforce.

Industry Partners Voice Strong Support for GDA Augusta

Representatives from five major trucking companies attended the ribbon cutting, each expressing enthusiasm about recruiting GDA graduates and highlighting the urgent need for qualified drivers.

Nick Forte, Werner Enterprises, emphasized the quality of GDA’s training approach: “We’ve worked with Georgia Driving Academy graduates for years, and they consistently come to us well-prepared, and safety focused. GDA’s presence in Augusta is also valuable because it gives an opportunity for military veterans to go to a truck driving school that is closer to them.”

Jamey Moon, Covenant Transport, discussed the importance of opening a CDL School in Augusta: “This is a growing area, and there is a lot of freight moving through South Georgia and along the South Carolina border.  Having a great truck driving school like Georgia Driving Academy in Augusta assures that more people can get trained. We look forward to hiring Augusta graduates.”

Ben Harvey, Swift Transportation, highlighted the high caliber training that GDA provides: “I’ve been a Recruiter with Swift since 2004, and I have had a long relationship, and hired hundreds of Georgia Driving Academy graduates over the years. Augusta needed this training resource.  Swift is looking for qualified drivers, and GDA puts out a great product. ”

John Haffner, Stevens Transport, praised GDA’s comprehensive curriculum: “What impresses us about Georgia Driving Academy is their commitment to thorough, professional training. We need good drivers at Stevens Transport.  The industry needs good drivers.  And that is what Georgia Driving Academy does.”

Dave Forbes, TMC Transportation, spoke about the partnership between carriers and training schools: “I’m really excited to have Georgia Driving Academy open their new truck driving school in Augusta.  We have a need to quality drivers in this area, and there are not a lot of options.  Having recruited from the other GDA campuses, I’m excited to have an opportunity to hire their students.”

The presence of these major carriers at the ribbon cutting demonstrates the strong industry relationships GDA has cultivated over three decades—relationships that translate directly into job opportunities for graduates.

Campus Tour Attracts Prospective Students

Following the ceremony, attendees toured the new Augusta facility, which features modern training equipment, spacious classroom areas, and an extensive driving range. More than 15 prospective students took advantage of the opportunity to meet with admissions staff, explore the campus, and even climb into the training trucks to get a feel for what CDL training involves.

The hands-on nature of the open house allowed visitors to ask questions directly to instructors, admissions representatives, and carrier recruiters, getting real answers about training timelines, costs, financial aid options, and job placement support.  Several new students enrolled that morning and are scheduled to begin classes on Monday.

Several prospective students expressed excitement about having quality CDL training available locally rather than commuting to other cities or relocating for training.

Class A & B CDL Training Comes to Augusta

For three decades, Georgia Driving Academy has maintained a reputation for comprehensive training that prepares students for long-term success in the transportation industry. The school’s expansion to Augusta brings this proven approach to Central Georgia, serving residents throughout the CSRA region.

With established campuses in Conyers and Columbus already training thousands of successful drivers, GDA’s Augusta truck driving school joins a network of CDL training centers committed to excellence, safety, and student success.

How to Get a CDL in Augusta, GA

The new Augusta campus offers comprehensive Class A and Class B CDL training programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in commercial driving. Training typically takes just a few weeks, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults.

GDA’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with extensive behind-the-wheel training, covering:

• Pre-trip vehicle inspections
• Backing and maneuvering techniques
• Highway and city driving skills
• Federal regulations and hours of service
• Safety protocols and defensive driving
• CDL examination preparation

Students train on modern equipment similar to what they’ll drive professionally, ensuring they’re comfortable and confident before entering the workforce.

Financial Aid and WIOA Support

One of the key topics discussed during the ribbon cutting was accessibility. WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding makes CDL training accessible to eligible candidates, and GDA works closely with workforce development partners to connect students with financial assistance. Several representatives from local WIOA offices were in attendance as well.

The school’s strong relationships with local workforce agencies ensure that Augusta-area residents who qualify can access training support, removing financial barriers to career opportunities in the transportation industry.

Meeting Augusta’s Workforce Needs

The opening of GDA’s Augusta campus comes at a critical time. The trucking industry continues to face a significant shortage of qualified drivers, with thousands of positions open nationwide. Simultaneously, many Augusta-area residents are seeking stable careers with competitive wages and clear advancement opportunities.

Georgia Driving Academy bridges this gap by providing professional training that meets industry standards while creating pathways to employment for local residents. The school’s 30-year track record of training successful commercial drivers—combined with direct connections to hiring carriers—positions Augusta students for immediate success upon graduation.

Next Steps for Prospective Students

The new Augusta campus is now enrolling students for upcoming CDL training classes. Prospective students can:

• Schedule a campus tour
• Meet with admissions representatives
• Explore financial aid and WIOA funding options
• Learn about job placement assistance
• Speak directly with instructors about training programs

Georgia Driving Academy – Augusta Campus
1761 Tobacco Road, Augusta, GA 30906
762-224-0130

Day and Weekend classes start regularly, and the admissions team can often enroll students within weeks of their initial inquiry.

Building Careers, Strengthening Communities

The ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30th wasn’t just about opening a new CDL training facility, it was about creating opportunities, addressing workforce needs, and investing in Augusta’s economic future. With support from state leadership, partnerships with major carriers, and connections to workforce development resources, Georgia Driving Academy’s Augusta campus is positioned to become a vital resource for the region.

For anyone in the Augusta area considering a career change, seeking stable employment, or looking for a profession with strong earning potential and job security, professional truck driving offers a clear pathway forward. And now, with GDA’s proven training programs available locally, that pathway just got shorter.

Ready to start your CDL training in Augusta? Contact Georgia Driving Academy today to learn more about upcoming classes and enrollment options.