Missouri Truck Driving School
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Missouri / Missouri Truck Driving School
Southern Missouri Truck Driving School – Malden, MO
Program Information
Southern Missouri Truck Driving School (SMTDS), located in Malden Industrial Park, has been training professional truck drivers since 1997. The school provides classroom instruction and hands-on training with experienced instructors, preparing students for careers in the transportation industry. With small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, SMTDS ensures each student receives personalized attention. Tuition is affordable, and graduates are equipped with the skills to enter a rewarding trucking career.
Programs Offered
- Tractor Trailer Driving “No Experience” Curriculum: A four-week program (180 hours) combining classroom, lab, range, and over-the-road training. Includes at least 44 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience.
- Tractor Trailer Driving “Prior Experience” Curriculum: A ten-day (80 hour) program designed for individuals with at least two years of verifiable tractor-trailer driving experience. Tuition is $3,500 plus a $60 admission fee.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement Curriculum: Online theory training requiring the completion of 12 assessments with a minimum score of 80%. Must hold a valid driver’s license.
Program Length
No Experience Curriculum: Four weeks, five days per week, with class schedules ranging from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday half-days). Program hours include:
- Classroom & Lab: 45 hours
- Range & Street: 135 hours
- Total: 180 hours
Prior Experience Curriculum: Ten days, totaling 80 hours of instruction and practice.
HazMat Endorsement: Online course, 12 assessments, self-paced with passing grade requirement.
Curriculum Details
- Classroom Studies: Orientation, safety practices, logbook completion, trip planning, basic and advanced vehicle operation, maintenance, and non-vehicle activities. Students complete a 30-chapter online course and a mock two-day run.
- Lab & Range Training: Hands-on instruction in inspections, coupling and uncoupling, backing, and shifting. Training conducted on a 5-acre range with two students per truck.
- Driving: Over-the-road training on interstates, highways, and local roads, preparing students for varied terrain and traffic. Includes at least 44 hours behind the wheel.
Grading System
Classroom grading scale:
- 95% – 100%: Superior
- 87% – 94%: Above Average
- 80% – 86%: Average
- 79% & below: Failing
Program Requirements
Students must meet admissions qualifications and provide their own transportation to and from school. Items needed for class include:
- Coat or jacket
- Rain gear
- Gloves for daily use
- Sunglasses
- Sack lunch or lunch money
Students must also be prepared for outdoor training and all-weather conditions.
Financial Aid & Support Services
Tuition for the “Prior Experience” course is $3,500 plus a $60 admission fee. Cancellation and refund policies are available upon request. SMTDS offers guidance on requirements, tuition, and career preparation, helping students transition into the trucking industry.
Location
Southern Missouri Truck Driving School is located in Malden, Missouri, within the Malden Industrial Park, providing convenient access and training facilities for students across the region.