In the St. Louis metro area, the average cost of a CDL-A class is $4198 and the average class length is approximately 12 weeks long
Class format
Available payment options
Program duration
Program level
More options
The CDL-A program is offered in in a weekday or weekend format. The weekday option meets Monday through Thursday, from 7 am-5:30 pm for four weeks and the weekend option meets Saturday and Sunday, 7 am-5:30 pm for eight weeks. Graduates will be prepared to test for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Students are given the opportunity to take the CDL driving test at their local DMV office in the same vehicle they used to complete their training.
To be accepted into the program, students are required to obtain and submit a South Carolina CDL Permit, a DOT physical, and a DOT drug screen before class starts. A 10-year driving record is obtained from the SCDMV during the application process as well. All paperwork must be completed and submitted before the student can be scheduled for a class. The program has been inspected, approved, and licensed by S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. All instructors meet the department’s standards and are certified by the DMV.
No cost info
$4,500 total
STLCC’s comprehensive truck driving program helps prepare you for a well-paying career in commercial truck driving, one of the fastest growing opportunities in the United States today. Gain substantial knowledge and practical skills needed to become an entry-level over-the-road or local truck driver.
$6,175 total
Emerge Career offers a comprehensive Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A) program to help individuals become professional truck drivers. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and behind-the-wheel experience to prepare students for the CDL-A exam. In addition, Emerge Career provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment in the trucking industry.
No cost info
Premier CDL Training Services offers an extensive Commercial Truck Driver training course located in Chicago, IL. This CDL program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required to obtain a CDL A license. Students will learn the fundamentals of safe driving as well as regulations and requirements of the trucking industry, in order to be successful in their future endeavors.
No cost info
This Class A CDL training course is designed to meet all theory (knowledge) requirements listed in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 CFR Part 380, Special Training Requirements. It includes sections covering basic operation, safe operating procedures, advanced operating practices, vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions, and non-driving activities—all essential to obtaining your Class A driver’s license. This CDL course was created in collaboration with an approved training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).
$195 total
160 Driving Academy - Belleville offers a Commercial Truck Driver class that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful truck driver. The class covers topics such as safety, defensive driving, and vehicle maintenance, as well as providing hands-on driving experience. Upon completion of the class, students will have the opportunity to earn their Commercial Driver's License and pursue a career in the trucking industry.
No cost info
MTC Driver Training offers a Commercial Truck Driver class designed to teach students the necessary skills to become a professional truck driver. The program covers topics such as safety regulations, vehicle inspections, and maneuvering. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to earn an entry-level Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and will be ready to start a career in the trucking industry.
$7,000 total
WBTDS's Commercial Truck Driver class provides comprehensive training for those interested in becoming a professional truck driver. The course covers topics such as defensive driving, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling. Upon completion of the class, students will be prepared to take the CDL exam and begin their career as a commercial truck driver.
$4,800 total
Looking for CDL-A classes in St. Louis? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into what a CDL-A license is, the training requirements, what to look for in a class, what to expect from day-to-day classes, the certification process, how to find related jobs, and what other classes one can take after becoming a CDL-A. We will also explore other related topics and finish up with some final thoughts.
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a special license designed for drivers who will be operating large, heavy, or hazardous material vehicles. The CDL-A is the highest class and allows the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
The training requirements for obtaining a CDL-A license vary from state to state. In general, you need to:
Be at least 21 years old (18 to 20 years old can drive intrastate)
Have a valid driver’s license
Pass a physical examination every two years
Complete a training course at a truck driving school
Pass written and driving tests
When researching CDL-A classes in St. Louis, here are some factors you should consider:
Curriculum: Does the course cover all the necessary topics, like air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, tanker vehicles, and doubles/triples?
Training hours: Does the course offer enough hours for both classroom instruction and on-the-road training?
Job placement: Do they have partnerships with local employers or job placement services to help you find a job after you graduate?
Instructors' experience: Do the instructors have real-world truck driving experience?
Attending a CDL-A class involves a combination of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on experience. The classroom instruction covers topics like driving safety, vehicle maintenance, and federal laws and regulations. The hands-on training involves practicing maneuvers on a training course and eventually, driving on public roads under the supervision of an instructor.
The certification process for a CDL-A license involves several steps:
First, you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a written knowledge test.
After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, you are eligible to take the CDL driving test.
The CDL driving test consists of a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and a road test.
After passing the CDL driving test, you can obtain your CDL-A license.
Once you have your CDL-A license, you can start looking for jobs. Truck driving jobs can be found through online job search platforms, trucking company websites, and job placement services offered by your training school. Jobs for CDL-A holders can range from long-haul trucking jobs to local delivery jobs.
After obtaining a CDL-A, you can take additional certification classes to expand your skills and job opportunities. These can include:
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement Course: This allows you to transport hazardous materials.
Tanker Endorsement Course: This certifies you to haul large volumes of liquid or gas.
School Bus Endorsement Course: This allows you to drive a school bus.
Remember to verify the legitimacy of the classes and ensure they meet the necessary state and federal requirements. This article offers more information on how to become a truck driver in Missouri.
Maintaining good health and wellness is crucial for truck drivers. Long hours on the road can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate rest, and stress management techniques can help you stay healthy.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has numerous regulations that truck drivers must follow. Understanding these regulations, such as hours-of-service rules, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance requirements, is crucial for your career as a truck driver.
As a truck driver, basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance can be invaluable. Understanding how to perform routine checks and minor repairs can save you time and money. Regular maintenance can also prevent breakdowns and accidents.
The trucking industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, such as electronic logging devices (ELD), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and even autonomous trucks. Staying updated with these advancements can make your job easier and safer.
Becoming a CDL-A driver opens up a world of opportunities. With the right training and dedication, you can embark on a rewarding career in the trucking industry. As the demand for truck drivers continues to grow, there has never been a better time to start your CDL-A training in St. Louis.
Start your journey today by checking out this guide on how to become an HVAC technician in Missouri, or this one on becoming a sterile processing technician. These related fields offer additional opportunities for individuals with a CDL-A license. Always remember to choose the path that best suits your career goals and interests.
Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to your city. If you're located somewhere else or thinking about moving, check out some other guides we've written:
Thinking about making a career switch? Dreambound has written thorough guides to help you understand different options available to you.
What is Dreambound?
Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find career & technical training programs. Whether you're looking for a healthcare, technology, or business program, our mission is to provide all the information you need to find the perfect class for you.
What programs do you offer?
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Do you offer financial aid?
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Is it possible to do online classes?
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).