Missouri Archives - Truck Driving School HQ

Pursuing a truck driving career in Missouri can be very exciting. According to the BLS, the average salary of truck drivers in this state is around $38,180. They estimate that there would be a 21% increase in job demand by 2020, which is higher than most occupations. All you need to start your truck driving career is a CDL.

Like most may others, the State of Missouri is strict when it comes to obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. Anyone who wishes to work as a commercial truck/bus driver must have a CDL. Before one can apply for a CDL, one must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants will also be required to provide proper identification and proof of residence. They can show their driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport. Once an applicant meets all the prerequisites, such as background checks and DOT physical exams, the next step is to take the knowledge exam. Passing this exam will demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures for driving a commercial vehicle. Additional tests will be given to applicants who wish to drive specialized vehicles, such as a school bus or a hazardous materials truck. The knowledge exams include the following:

truck-hauling-cars • General knowledge test
• Passenger transport test (for bus drivers)
• Air brakes test
• A combination vehicles test
• Hazardous materials test
• Tanker test
• Doubles/triples test

After passing the knowledge exam, an applicant can now proceed and take the skills tests. Applicants who pass the knowledge tests will also be given a learner’s permit which will allow them to drive commercialized vehicles while under supervision. It is highly advised that applicants get enough practical experience in driving before taking the skills test. The skills test consists of a pre-trip inspection, vehicle handling, and actual on-road skills test. Applicants must pass all parts to get a CDL in Missouri.

List of Current Truck Driving Schools in MO

Cape Girardeau

TCI Incorporated
2847 Lynwood Hills Drive,
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: (314) 282-4084

Cuba

Westwind CDL Training Center
1130 Highway P
Cuba, MO 65453
(573) 885-1055

Hazelwood

MTC Truck Driver Training
11842 Missouri Bottom Road,
Hazelwood, MO 63042

CDL Training Services of Missouri, LLC
12000 Missouri Bottom Road, Suite C
Hazelwood, MO 63042
(314) 895-4111

Joplin

Hook Up Drivers
5465 Highway 43 South,
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: (417) 347-7600
Fax: (417) 781-8573

Kansas City

KCK Community College Truck Driving School
820 Kansas Avenue,
Kansas City, MO 66105
(913) 371-4668

Metropolitan Community College
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 604-1000

Malden

Southern Missouri Truck Driving School
1200 Vandenberg Avenue,
Malden, MO 63863
(573) 276-3860

Neosho

Crowder College Truck Driver Training
601 Laclede Ave.
Neosho, MO 64850
(800) 541-2891

Springfield

Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 447-7500

Vatterott College
3850 S. Campbell
Springfield, MO 65807
(888) 553-6627

Prime, Inc.
2740 N Mayfair Ave
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 866-0001

Stafford

C1 Truck Driver Training
6395 E State Highway 00
Strafford, MO 65757
(877) 626-5455

Troy

Witte Bros. Truck Driving School
575 Witte Industrial Ct.
Troy, MO 63379
(877) 469-4883

West Plains

South Central Career Center
407 W Thornburgh,
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6152

You can use our contact form located here to submit additional truck driving schools to be added to this page. All submissions must include the name, full address and phone details to be considered for inclusion.

For those who are seeking to work as truck drivers in Missouri, the first thing that they should acquire is a Missouri CDL. This commercial drivers license will provide them with the eligibility to work as truck drivers either intrastate only or interstate. The federal government has issued newer regulations towards getting a commercial driver’s license which is why you must understand the new requirements into getting one. There are now certain qualifications and limitations as to the types of drivers who will be allowed to drive trucks.

If you are living in Missouri, you will need to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue in order to apply for a truck driving license. They are the government agency which provides both the written and the skills exam which has to be passed in order to acquire a license. Before you head out to their office, try to study the Missouri Driver Guide and Missouri CDL Manual first. These reading materials contain the information that you need in order to pass the written exam successfully. It also contains the specific areas on which you will be tested on the actual driving test.

front-of-kenworth-truck In order to apply for the CDL, you will first need to have a current driver’s license, a DOT medical certification, visual exam, proof of citizenship or legitimate residency, social security number, and valid IDs showing your birthdate, photo, and signature. If you are seeking a hazmat endorsement, you will also need to present your TSA certification and background check. After submitting these documents, you will then proceed to the written exam, where you will be tested on different aspects of driving. You have to pass this test before you can be given a permit. The permit will allow you to practice driving an actual commercial truck as preparation for the driving test.

The CDL permit is only valid for a few months so you have to make sure that you make most of that time learning all you can about truck driving. You have to do this only when you are accompanied by an individual who has a valid license as well. When you feel that you are ready to take the actual driving exam, you will need to schedule it first by visiting a local office of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You should bring your permit, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legitimate residency in the state.

The driving test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and road test to make sure that you are fully capable of handling truck driving. You will need to pass all of these tests in order to gain a Missouri CDL. If you pass the test, you will then proceed to paying the fees, $22.50 for a 3-year license and $45 for a 6-year license. You will have to pay for additional endorsements especially for an endorsement in hazardous materials. The license is valid for the said number of years but you will have to renew your DOT medical certification every 2 years.

If you are needing to learn the skills necessary to drive a commercial vehicle, you can visit this page for the latest truck driving schools in MO. Below you will find the state’s official website for information about receiving your CDL, as well as a guide that will help you learn the requirements.

MO Department of Revenue Central Office
Harry S Truman State Office Building
301 West High Street Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone Number for Driver License: 573-526-2407
Website: http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/commercial/

photo attribution: komunews