Business Details
29 Years
experience
Truck Driving School in Malden, MO
Southern Missouri Truck Driving School has been dedicated to training professional truck drivers since 1997. Our comprehensive curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience, ensuring students master tractor trailer operation, maintenance, and safety regulations. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, we provide personalized attention during both classroom studies and on-road training. Our four-week program includes 180 hours of training, featuring 44 hours of behind-the-wheel practice on highways and interstates.We maintain partnerships with financial assistance programs to help students access affordable tuition, with 80% of students receiving free training and licensing. Graduates receive certification and support for CDL acquisition, backed by our commitment to preparing skilled drivers for the trucking industry's demands.
Services
Tractor Trailer Training
CDL Certification Prep
Job Placement Assistance
Financial Aid Programs
Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 180-hour comprehensive training programs with 44 hours of driving practice
- Our instructors maintain a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio during on-road training
- We partner with 6+ financial assistance programs for tuition support
- Our graduates receive CDL certification assistance and job placement help
- We've trained professional drivers since 1997 with proven success
Services
Tractor Trailer Driving Training
Our 180-hour tractor trailer program combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience. Students learn vehicle operation, safety protocols, and maintenance through 45 hours of classroom study and 135 hours of range/street training. The four-week curriculum includes 44 hours of over-the-road driving with professional instructors.
Prior Experience Driver Course
Ten-day advanced training program for drivers with two+ years of verifiable tractor-trailer experience. Includes 80 hours of intensive instruction covering advanced operating practices, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance. Maintains 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio in classroom and 1:2 ratio during practical training.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Specialized endorsement program meeting federal DOT requirements for transporting hazardous materials. Combines online training modules with in-person assessments covering safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and regulatory compliance. Includes mandatory background check and fingerprinting as part of the certification process.
Job Placement Assistance
Comprehensive job placement support for graduates including resume preparation, interview coaching, and connections with regional trucking companies. Our program helps students transition from training to employment through partnerships with local transportation industry employers.
Financial Assistance Programs
We partner with six+ state and federal programs to help students cover training costs. Eligible applicants can access free tuition through Missouri Career Center, Southern Missouri Works, and other workforce development initiatives. Our admissions team assists with program applications and funding verification.
Questions
What are the admission requirements for SMTDS?
Applicants must be 18+, have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and pass DOT physical/drug screening. English proficiency and CDL permit eligibility are required.
How long are the training programs?
Entry-level program lasts four weeks (180 hours) with 44 hours of driving practice. Experienced drivers complete a 10-day (80-hour) advanced course.
What payment options are available?
We offer financial assistance through state/federal programs covering 80% of students' tuition. Self-pay options include $6,000 for four-week courses and $3,500 for experienced drivers.
Do you help with CDL certification?
Yes, we provide CDL preparation including permit testing, license exam assistance, and all required documentation for Missouri Department of Revenue processing.
What's included in the training curriculum?
Curriculum covers vehicle operation, safety regulations, maintenance, coupling/uncoupling, and over-the-road driving. Includes 30-chapter online course and practical range training.