Professional truck drivers in Missouri have plenty of opportunities to find work with a solid earning potential. However, working in the industry requires a CDL, also known as a commercial driver’s license. While it is not required, CDL training in Missouri will teach you the skills necessary to safely operate massive commercial motor vehicles.
With that said, there are dozens of truck driving schools in Missouri. In order to help you cut through the noise and find the best CDL training options in the state, we have identified five of the top schools in Missouri.
Additionally, we’ve outlined how CDL training works so that you know what to expect on day one. Let’s dive in so that you can get one step closer to starting your exciting new career!
Where the best drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
Quicklook: Best Truck Driving Schools in Missouri
- Midwest Technical Institute
- Roadmaster Drivers School
- Southern Missouri Truck Driving School, Inc.
- Clement Truck Driving Academy
- Prime, Inc.
Best Truck Driving Schools in Missouri
Now that you know the basics of CDL training in Missouri, it is time to identify the top schools in the state. Our picks include:
Midwest Technical Institute
If your goal is to get licensed fast, then Midwest Technical Institute’s CDL Training Course is just what you’re looking for. The program lasts about one month so it is very intensive. It will help you to learn the basics of operating a commercial vehicle. The school also offers a comprehensive 20-week option.
Cost: $3,797
Program Length: Four weeks
Financial Assistance: Not available for the training course. However, financial aid is available for the 20-week course.
Tuition Reimbursement: Check with local and nationwide trucking companies to see if they offer tuition reimbursement.
Class Size: 25
Job Placement: No
Online Courses: No
CDL Licenses:
- Class A: Yes
- Class B: No
- Class C: No
Roadmaster Drivers School
Roadmaster is a nationwide CDL training provider that provides user-friendly, effective methods. Roadmaster is known for providing students with excellent equipment and hands-on guidance. This school focuses on Class A licensing prep.
Cost: $7,000
Program Length: Four weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes, 100% financing is available
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, carriers that recruit from Roadmaster offer tuition reimbursement.
Class Size: Varies, but usually 20-25
Job Placement: Yes, Roadmaster helps its students to find jobs before graduation.
Online Courses: No
CDL Licenses: Class A
Southern Missouri Truck Driving School, Inc.
Since its opening in 1997, SMTDS has helped thousands of people learn the skills that are necessary to have a successful career in the truck driving industry. The SMTDS program is four weeks long and is one of the most affordable options on our list.
Cost: $4,500
Program Length: Four weeks
Financial Assistance: Financing is available.
Tuition Reimbursement: Check with local and nationwide trucking companies to see if they offer tuition reimbursement.
Class Size: Eight per class with a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio
Job Placement: No
Online Courses: No
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
Clement Truck Driving Academy
Clement Truck Driving Academy offers refresher courses, Class B courses, and Class A training programs. They teach students all of the requisite information to obtain their doubles, triples, tanker, and hazmat endorsements.
If you are looking to keep your career options open, then Clement Truck Driving Academy is a great choice.
Cost: $2,695-$4,500
Program Length: Four weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, if you’re hired by a company that offers it
Class Size: Varies, but averages approximately 15-20 students
Job Placement: Yes
Online Courses: No
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
Prime, Inc.
Prime, Inc. offers CDL training in Missouri through their new hire program. If hired, drivers will be flown out to one of Prime Inc.’s three facilities. Once there, they will begin a comprehensive training program that includes a state-of-the-art simulator and one-on-one road work.
Cost: $100 entry-fee, reimbursed after orientation
Program Length: Approximately 6 months
Financial Assistance: N/A
Tuition Reimbursement: Entry fee reimbursed after you drive for the company for one year
Class Size: One-on-one. Onboarding groups may include 10-20 drivers
Job Placement: Yes
Online Courses: No
CDL Licenses: Class A
How Does CDL Training in Missouri Work?
A commercial driver’s license is legally required in order to operate certain types of vehicles. These include school buses, vehicles that are hauling hazardous materials (placarded vehicles), and vehicles over a certain weight limit. There are different types of CDL’s that you can seek, depending on the specific kinds of vehicles you want to operate.
In the state of Missouri, you can take a CDL test without attending an official school. However, we wouldn’t recommend it. The test includes a written and practical exam and if you fail one section of the exam, you will not receive your license.
During your CDL training in Missouri, the instructors will teach you the necessary skills to help you succeed in your new profession. They’ll ensure that you can safely operate large equipment, load and unload your truck, and complete other essential tasks.
Missouri Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before you select a trucking school, it is important that you know some general facts about these learning institutions in Missouri.
Number of Schools
There are nearly 20 major CDL trucking schools in Missouri. The majority of these schools are located in or around St. Louis. Several community colleges and technical institutions also offer CDL training programs.
Number of Students per Class
The number of students in your class will depend on the school you attend. Average class sizes range from 16 to 20 students.
Tuition Rates
The average tuition rates are about $7,000. However, these rates fluctuate and can be as high as $12,000.
Average Loan Amount
Most students take out a loan to cover approximately half of the tuition cost. This means that you can expect to take out a student loan in the amount of $3,500 or more.
Scholarship
Many transportation companies will sponsor students through driving school. They often offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement to cover anything from half to the full amount of CDL training in Missouri.
Job Placement
Most students will have jobs lined up before they complete their CDL training. While there are a few outliers, many students accept jobs that are near the median pay of approximately $50,000.
Missouri Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Employment
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Hogan Transports, Inc. | $48,719 | 700 Trucks |
| LTI Trucking Services, Inc. | $60,380 | 284 Trucks |
| Climate Express, Inc. | $70,000 | 227 Trucks |
| Beelman Truck Co. | $65,829 | 202 Trucks |
| Woody Bogler Trucking Co. | $80,587 | 191 Trucks |
Salary
The average salary for a Class A CDL truck driver in Missouri is approximately $49,635 annually. This breaks down to $4,136.25 monthly or $954.51 weekly.
Choosing a School for CDL Training in Missouri
Using the information above, you can find the best CDL training in Missouri based on your unique career goals. Each of the schools shown above has their share of unique benefits. Some offer a state-of-the-art training experience, while others are extremely affordable and efficient.
FAQ
In addition to the cost of CDL training in Missouri, you will also need to pay for your license. A 3-year license costs $20.00 and the written test fee is $25.00. The office processing fee is $5.00, and the skills test is $25.00.
A CDL is required in Missouri if you are operating a single vehicle with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds. It is also required if it has a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds. Vehicles that are designed to haul at least 16 passengers also require a CDL.
You can take the CDL test as many times as you want in Missouri. However, you can only attempt it once per day. You must start from the beginning on every attempt.
Yes, the Missouri CDL test is multiple choice. It consists of 50 questions and includes a one-hour time limit.
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