Prime Inc. – CDL A Driver Training Program
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Missouri / Prime Inc. – CDL A Driver Training Program
Prime Inc. – CDL A Driver Training Program
Programs Offered
- Student Driver Training Program (Paid CDL A Training)
- Company Driver Career Path – OTR, Flatbed, Tanker Divisions
- Lease-Operator Upgrade Path after Training Completion
Program Overview
The Prime Inc. Student Driver Training Program gives aspiring truck drivers with little to no Class A experience the opportunity to earn their CDL A and begin a professional driving career without paying full tuition. Trainees receive orientation, one-on-one instructor training, and then team driving with a trainer to gain real mileage. Upon completion of training and meeting mileage requirements, drivers may transition into solo or lease-operator roles.
With no upfront tuition beyond a small fee and guaranteed pay during the post-CDL training phase, Prime ensures new drivers gain experience while earning income and launching a long-term career in trucking.
Hands-On Training
Students move through several stages including:
- Orientation: In-person classroom, simulator and pre-trip inspection training.
- CDL Instruction Phase: Paired with a certified instructor for 2–4 weeks on the road using a learner’s permit.
- Team Training Phase (TNT): After obtaining CDL, team driving with trainer to accumulate required training miles while earning guaranteed weekly pay.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Preparation for Class A CDL exam including vehicle inspection, backing skills and road test.
- Training includes DOT medical requirements, permit acquisition, and company-mentor support.
- Approved for upgrade review to solo or lease roles once minimum miles and performance benchmarks are met.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Team Driver (Training Phase): Earn guarantee pay while gaining experience under trainer supervision.
- Solo Company Driver: After upgrade, transition into independent driving assignments with higher pay potential.
- Lease-Operator/Owner-Operator: Upgrade into your own truck under Prime’s lease program and pursue significantly higher earnings.
Program Length
- Orientation + Permit Training: ~2–4 weeks
- Team Driving Training Phase: ~3–4 months or until required miles are logged
- One-year employment commitment required after CDL attainment.
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid learner’s permit (CDL Class A) in home state or ability to obtain one
- Pass DOT physical and drug test
- Safe driving record and stable work history
Compensation & Benefits
During team training after the CDL is earned, Prime guarantees pay of at least $900 per week while available for dispatch. Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement plans for company drivers. Detailed pay scale and benefits information available on Prime’s official site.
Cost & Financial Support
Training cost is minimal: only a small administrative fee (about $155) plus permit costs. No tuition for the core training is charged if you commit to drive for the required service period with Prime. During the permit-training phase a weekly advance of $200 is offered and repaid at $25/week once employed.
Location
Prime Inc. operates nationwide with orientation centers in Springfield, MO; Pittston, PA; and Salt Lake City, UT. Training and assignments cover OTR routes across the continental U.S.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.