Truck Driving School

Truck Driving School

Program Overview

Crowder’s Truck Driving School utilizes modern equipment, paved backing areas, simulators, and an online classroom platform to enhance offered programs. Student graduates will have obtained the necessary skills to enter the trucking industry as an entry-level driver.

Crowder starts classes on a scheduled basis throughout the year. Crowder’s training is hands-on with students starting in the truck within the first few days of class. Instructor-to-student ratio is 1:4 so that students receive ample instruction time to develop their abilities. Skills testing for the Commercial Driver’s License is performed on Crowder’s site by state-certified examiners.

Demand for drivers in today’s job market is high and new drivers have many employment opportunities. Upon graduation, most trucking companies place new drivers with a seasoned driver trainer for a three to six-week period to promote skill development. Trucking companies offer drivers excellent benefit packages. Benefits can include: health insurance, 401K’s, dental, vision, paid vacation, minimum weekly or monthly pay, safety bonuses, dedicated routes, in-cab Wi-Fi, direct deposit, pet policy, bonuses for fuel efficiency and safety, as well as others.

Crowder College offers students a 200-hour/5-week class that trains students on manual transmission trucks. The program uses 10-speed transmissions which are most common in the industry today. The class covers all pertinent rules and regulations. The course is fully compliant with Entry Level Driver Training requirements. The online classroom platform can be completed on campus during available lab hours or off-campus. Class hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Computer labs are open until 5:30 p.m.

Program Tuition

Tuition $ 3,877.00

Drug Screen $ 54.00

Safety & Security Fee $195.00

Institutional Fee $429.00

Technology Fee $260.00

Room $719.00

Board $520.00

Total $ 6,054.00

Crowder offers an optional housing and meal plan at an additional cost of $1,239.00. Meals are served at the college dining hall. Housing units have satellite TV, DVD players, refrigerators, microwaves, washers and dryers, and free Wi-Fi.

Crowder College offers students a 120-hour/3-week class that trains students on automatic transmission trucks. Automatic transmission trucks are the wave of the future. Many top carriers’ fleets are fully automatic already. The class covers all pertinent rules and regulations. The course is fully compliant with Entry Level Driver Training requirements. The online classroom platform can be completed on campus during available lab hours or off-campus. Class hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Computer labs are open until 5:30 p.m.

Program Tuition

Tuition $2,925.00

Drug Screen $54.00

Safety & Security Fee $90.00

Institutional Fee $198.00

Technology Fee $120.00,

Room $457.00

Board $331.00

Total $4,175.00

Crowder offers an optional housing and meal plan at an additional cost of $788.00. Meals are served at the college dining hall. Housing units have satellite TV, DVD players, refrigerators, microwaves, washers and dryers, and free Wi-Fi.

Crowder’s Truck Driving School offers trucking companies multiple training options for experienced drivers. Programs are designed to assist in correcting driver behavior or verifying that drivers with minimal experience have the necessary skills to function as a driver. All courses can be customized to fit a specific need. The department can also work directly with carriers to develop new programs to address most circumstances.

Train-the-Trainer

This course is designed to provide driver finishers with useful information to assist recent graduates. The course includes materials on communicating with the new driver in a way that is supportive and instructive. Problem-solving methods are discussed to aid driver development. The importance of communication between the finisher and their safety or training department is also covered.

Refresher

Refresher training is designed to rebuild a driver’s efficiency when the driver has been away from the industry for some time but is still considered employable. If necessary the course will include preparing for the CDL skills test.

Post-Accident

Post-accident training is a remedial program designed to refocus a driver to avoid future incidents. The course is not only for drivers who have had an accident, but also for drivers who have had traffic violations, inspection problems, and motorist complaints. The program also supports the carrier with documentation of corrective action.

Skills Evaluation

The purpose of this course is to assist in verifying a driver’s skills when they have minimal experience or minimal verifiable experience. The course focuses on driver evaluation and improving any deficiencies.

The Truck Driving School has multiple ways to assist students with tuition funding.

Sallie Mae offers a Smart Option Student Loan, with competitive rates and flexible repayment options. Funding decisions are received in less than 24 hours. Apply online at salliemae.com.

VA Crowder College is honored to serve all military-connected students, including those who are currently or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces, and their spouses and dependents. Crowder College is approved by the Missouri State Approving Agency for Veterans Services. Contact Crowder’s Veterans Services Coordinator at 1-417-455-5434.

Workforce Development Job Center If unemployed or under-employed contact your local office for funding assistance.

Company Funding Crowder works with several carriers who will consider funding students with a one-year employment agreement. Please contact the Truck Driving office for more information.

Apply

  1. Students must have a valid driver’s license and a valid Class A commercial driver’s license permit (CDLP) to attend class. The Commercial Driver’s License Manual includes study material for the permit and is available at most driver’s license offices. Many states have their manual available online. Reading the sections on general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicle should provide enough information to pass the 3 exams. Exams can be taken at most driver’s license offices.

    Applicants with a distressed driving record that include multiple moving violations, DUI, or have felony convictions within the last five years are encouraged to counsel with the program director. Students with these types of offenses may incur difficulty gaining employment as a commercial driver. Your confidentiality will be valued.

    1. Students age 21 and above will be fully qualified for operating outside of state of domicile after graduation.
    2. Students under 21 years of age can complete the program but will be restricted to operating within their state of domicile.
    3. Students under 21 should consider counseling with the program director to discuss possible employment issues due to age restrictions.
  3. The ability to communicate in English proficiently is recommended to assist in the successful completion of the program and to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
  4. Applicants must hold or obtain a current Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) medical certificate. Students will be required to complete a D.O.T. regulated drug screen. During class students will register with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
  5. Prospective students must complete a Crowder College Application for Admission and be approved by the college admissions office.
  6. By enrolling, students agree to abide by all published rules of behavior listed in the Crowder College Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is available at www.crowder.edu.

120-Hour Program: Automatic Transmission – new classes starting weekly with limited availability.
Please contact us about the next available start date.

200-Hour Program 2023 Class Schedule 

Start Date: Graduation Date:
January 9–February 10
January 23–February 24
February 13–March 17
February 27–March 31
March 20–April 21
April 3–May 5
April 24–May 26
May 15–June 16
May 30–June 30
June 19–July 21
July 10–August 11
July 24–August 25
August 14–September 15
August 28–September 29
September 18–October 20
October 9–November 10
October 30–December 1
November 13–December 15

2023 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – NO CLASSES

January 16 July 4
February 20    September 5
April 7     November 24
May 29  

Contact us

Representatives available during normal business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

1-800-541-2891

Request Information