Commercial Driver’s License in Missouri
Missouri lists a variety of requirements that you need to consider before taking on a career in trucking. You must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The USDOT also regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All Missouri CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class. Additional exams can be taken to ensure that you gain all the endorsements you need to begin your Missouri trucking career. Below are just a few things to consider before starting your new career.
Find CDL Schools in Missouri
The best way to get your CDL license in Missouri is to go through a certified training program at a trucking school in Missouri. Luckily, our site provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your future trucking career. These schools will show you the ropes through both in-class and outside the classroom training. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn how to properly inspect your vehicle before, during, and after you hit the road. Traveling across Missouri and the Midwest is a great way to make a living while leading a life of adventure.
CDL Training Costs in Missouri
Currently, the average tuition cost of a CDL training school is around $2,800. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to pay for CDL training. If you don’t have the money up front to pay, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great option for those who are looking to supplement payment for education up front. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. In some cases, trucking companies will also pay for schooling as long as you pass and agree to work for that company. This can be a great way to get both an education and a job at the same time. Let All Truck Jobs guide you towards your Missouri CDL license.
CDL Prep in Missouri
Below is just a preview of what you can expect when taking your CDL requirements. You must pass both a written test as well as an on-the-road test before you can become a licensed CDL driver in Missouri.
Missouri CDL Endorsement & Waivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory body that oversees CDL endorsements throughout the United States including Missouri. The state's endorsements include:
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles
- Tankers
- Doubles/Triples
- Hazardous Materials
- Passenger Transport
Other demographics of professional drivers (emergency services, military, agriculture, etc.) rely on professional training from industry-specific service providers and usually do not need a CDL license. However, there are many restrictions that should also be noted, so be sure that you’re not breaking any rules before getting your CDL license in Missouri.
CDL Tests in Missouri
Now all that’s left between you and the open road is your CDL exam. Two tests and you’ll be heading down the open road towards a new and exciting career. You’ve spent hours studying and even more time behind the wheel, and now it’s time to show off what you’ve learned. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Missouri Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described.
CDL Knowledge Tests in Missouri
The general knowledge portion of the exam is usually 50 questions and will cover a wide variety of information pertaining to trucking regulations, road safety, equipment, and other subjects. You will need to get at least 80% on the Missouri CDL knowledge test to pass. Once completed, you will move onto the hands-on skills test.
CDL Skills Test in Missouri
Upon completing the knowledge portion of the Missouri CDL test, you will be able to take the skills test. The test will cover three major parts of being a licensed driver. A pre-inspection portion will ensure that you know how to examine your vehicle properly before hitting the road. A basic vehicle control test will allow you to show that you know where everything is on your rig. The final portion of the exam will show that you know how to turn, back up, park, and any other maneuvers that you may need to make while on the road. Once you complete this portion of the test you will receive your CDL license in Missouri.
Job Outlook in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs are expected to rise 5% by 2024 in the United States. This is a great sign for the trucking industry! Missouri is ready to be explored and is offering an abundance of opportunity for future truckers. Isn’t it time you became a Missouri truck driver?
Missouri Truck Driver Salary
The average driver in Missouri makes about $42,460 per year. This is just below the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.