160 Driving Academy

What 160 Driving Academy does

160 Driving Academy, operated under the legal entity Rock Gate Capital, LLC and headquartered in Niles, Illinois, is the largest commercial truck driving school in the United States, operating 90+ training campuses across 32 states (with expansion plans targeting 44 states). The company delivers Class A CDL training through a regulated curriculum that meets FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, combining classroom instruction, yard practice, and behind-the-wheel road training over a roughly 4-week program, with supplementary offerings including CDL refresher courses, hazmat endorsement certification, test preparation, and corporate customer training services.

The company's technology platform centers on two proprietary tools: the 160 Driver Score, an analytics and competency assessment system for tracking driver safety and performance, and the 160 Student App, a mobile portal for student engagement and progress tracking. It monetizes primarily through one-time tuition fees in the $4,000-$6,995 range, augmented by employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement via a Carrier Partnership Program (including a relationship with Swift Transportation), income share agreements through Edly, installment loans from Climb Credit and Liberty Career Finance, and grant funding via WIOA and nonprofit partners such as FreeWorld for justice-involved individuals.

The go-to-market motion is hybrid direct-to-consumer and B2B2C: individuals enroll through the website, phone admissions, or daily online webinars, while carrier partners gain access to the graduate pipeline through a Salesforce-based recruitment portal. The company received a $100 million investment from Lafayette Square and Upper90 in July 2024 to fund national expansion and driver scoring technology, and acquired National Tractor Trailer School locations in Buffalo and Liverpool, New York from Swift Transportation in November 2023.

Name

160 Driving Academy

Legal name

Rock Gate Capital, LLC

Website

https://160drivingacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

160 Driving Academy is the largest U.S. commercial truck driving school, operating 90+ training campuses across 32 states and delivering roughly 4-week Class A CDL programs to career changers, with employer partnerships and financing options to lower enrollment barriers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Truck Driving School / CDL Training

NAICS

Automobile Driving Schools (611692), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial Driving & Heavy Transport (CDL) (EDAOANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Driver Staffing, Training & Compliance (CDL, Background Checks) (EDAEADAE), Driver & Technician Training, Certification & Workforce Management (THAIANAJ)

Keywords

• CDL training services
• Commercial driver education
• Truck driving school
• Entry-level driver training
• CDL career placement

Headquarters

HQ city

Evanston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. CDL Training Tuition: The primary revenue stream comes from tuition fees for CDL training programs. Students pay for classroom instruction, yard practice, and road training. Pricing varies by location (typically $4,000-$6,000 nationally, $4,995 in Tennessee), with financing options including installment plans, loans through partners (Climb Credit), and income-share agreements (Edly ISA).
2. Employer Partnerships and Reimbursement: Revenue from employer-sponsored training arrangements where carriers like Swift Transportation may reimburse tuition costs in exchange for employment commitments from graduates. This creates a indirect revenue stream as employers effectively sponsor student training.
3. Financing Intermediary: While not direct revenue, the company facilitates student financing through third-party partners (Climb Credit, Liberty Career Finance) and grant programs (WIOA). This enables more students to afford training, expanding the customer base.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

160 Driving Academy delivers federally compliant Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training through classroom instruction, yard practice, and on-road behind-the-wheel training at 90+ campuses across 32 states. Students can complete Class A CDL training in approximately four weeks, with supplementary offerings including ELDT theory courses, Hazmat certification, refresher courses, and job placement assistance connecting graduates with carrier partners. Revenue is generated primarily through per-student tuition, with financing options including WIOA grants, installment plans, and income-share agreements.

Product overview

160 Driving Academy is America's largest truck driving school offering a comprehensive CDL training platform with over 90 locations across 32 states. The core offering centers on CDL Class A training combined with ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) courses, supplemented by specialized endorsements (Hazmat Certification), refresher courses, and job placement services. The portfolio also includes technology-enabled tools like the 160 Driver Score for safety analytics and the 160 Student App for mobile learning. In November 2023, the company expanded through acquisition of National Tractor Trailer School locations in upstate New York. The company operates as a platform connecting students with financing options, employer partnerships, and carrier recruitment programs to support the complete student journey from enrollment through employment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CDL Class A Training Comprehensive Class A Commercial Driver's License training covering classroom instruction, yard practice, and on-road behind-the-wheel training to prepare students for the CDL exam and entry-level over-the-road driving positions. Target students are adult career changers and job seekers entering the commercial trucking industry.
• ELDT Courses (Entry-Level Driver Training) FMCSA-compliant Entry-Level Driver Training courses meeting federal theory and behind-the-wheel training standards required for CDL preparation. Available as free theory training when enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction.
• CDL Refresher Course Refresher training program for drivers needing to renew or upgrade their CDL skills and knowledge before re-entering or advancing in commercial driving.
• Hazmat Certification Course 4-hour live instructor-led hazardous materials endorsement certification course priced at $199.95, enabling drivers to legally transport hazmat materials.
• Customer Training Services (Employer-Sponsored Training) Customized CDL training programs delivered to trucking companies and employers to train their own workforce, including employer-sponsored programs where carriers like Swift Transportation cover training costs in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments.
• 160 Driver Score Proprietary driver scoring and analytics tool that assesses and tracks driver competency, safety performance, and skill metrics for graduates and potentially for carrier partners evaluating driver quality.
• 160 Student App Mobile application that enables enrolled students to access training materials, track their progress, and stay connected with 160 Driving Academy throughout their CDL training journey.
• CDL Career Guidance & Job Placement Services Career guidance and job placement assistance service connecting CDL graduates with trucking companies and carrier partners seeking to hire drivers, leveraging the Salesforce-based Carrier Partnership Program.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students can earn CDL in 4 weeks
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• Swift Transportation (Acquisition)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2023160 Driving Academy acquired National Tractor Trailer School locations in Buffalo and Liverpool, New York from Swift Transportation in November 2023. Swift had closed these schools earlier in 2023. This acquisition expanded 160's presence in upstate New York and the Northeast to three campuses.
• Carrier Partners (Trucking Companies)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThrough the Carrier Partnership Program, trucking companies gain access to CDL graduates entering the workforce. Partners include truckload carriers, regional carriers, dedicated fleets, logistic providers, private fleets, and local companies seeking drivers. The program provides access to new drivers, recruiting events, and hiring days.
• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)coreOthersWIOA grants can cover up to 100% of CDL tuition for qualified applicants who are unemployed or low-income. The grant never has to be repaid and covers the full 160-hour program and refresher courses.
• SWIFT TransportationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSWIFT Transportation is one of the nation's largest carriers and partners with 160 Driving Academy for employer-sponsored training (SWIFT program). SWIFT covers training costs in exchange for an employment commitment after graduation. This is an acquired asset from Swift's previous National Tractor Trailer School locations.
• Climb CreditsupportingOthersThird-party financing partner offering student loans for CDL training. Students apply online with quick approval; if approved, tuition is paid directly to 160 Driving Academy. Students make monthly payments over a set term.
• Edly (Income Share Agreement)supportingOthersEdly offers income share agreements allowing students to train now and pay later only after securing employment in a qualifying job. No traditional loan or credit requirement; repayment is percentage of earnings.
• Liberty Career FinancesupportingOthersCareer-focused student loan provider designed for trade programs like CDL training. Offers predictable monthly payments and straightforward approval process for career-oriented students.
• FreeWorldsupportingOthersNonprofit organization focused on second chances for justice-involved individuals. Provides tuition support and job placement assistance for CDL training. Location-dependent availability.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Knight-Swift Transportation: Largest U.S. truckload carrier and parent of former 160 partner Swift Transportation. Competes through Knight-sponsored driver training programs and is a potential enterprise customer for 160's graduate pipeline.

Others

• AAA (American Automobile Association): National driver education brand offering driving school services. Adjacent comparable as a driver training provider, though primarily focused on passenger vehicle rather than commercial CDL instruction.

Direct peers

• Werner Enterprises: Large carrier offering a CDL training program through Werner Driving Academy. Competes with 160 for student enrollment and partner carrier status with employer-funded models.
• Western Truck School: Independent CDL training school chain on the U.S. West Coast. Comparable as an independent vocational training operator offering similar Class A CDL programs to similar student demographics.
• SAGE Truck Driving Schools: Independent CDL training school chain offering Class A programs at multiple U.S. campuses. Closest direct independent competitor to 160 in the non-carrier CDL training category.
• Prime Inc. Truckload and logistics carrier that runs its own paid CDL training schools. Direct competitor in the carrier-sponsored CDL training segment that 160 also targets.
• Roehl Transport: Carrier that operates a paid CDL training program (Roehl's CDL Apprenticeship). Competes with 160 Driving Academy for tuition-paid driver training students.
• Schneider National: Major truckload carrier that operates its own CDL training academy (Schneider's Get Your CDL program). Directly comparable as both a training provider and a downstream employer of CDL graduates, competing with 160 on carrier-sponsored training.
• CR England: Large truckload carrier operating an in-house CDL training program. Competes with 160 Driving Academy for entry-level driver recruitment and tuition-paid training pathways.
• National Tractor Trailer School (NTTS): Historic CDL training brand whose Buffalo and Liverpool, NY campuses were acquired by 160 Driving Academy in 2023. Comparable as a legacy CDL school with overlapping curriculum and student segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/160DrivingAcademy
• Instagraminstagram.com/160drivingacademy
• TikToktiktok.com/tagged/160drivingacademy
• Pinterestpinterest.com/160drivingacademy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/160-driving-academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 160 Driving Academy