Tractor Trailer Driving "No Experience" Curriculum

The curriculum at Southern Missouri Truck Driving School includes both classroom and hands-on training behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. Upon graduation, students will know the language and the law of truck driving and will have the skills to become a professional driver.

SMTDS instructors are qualified and experienced in the transportation industry. In the classroom, there are never more than eight students per class. When training advances to actual driving on the highway, the student-to-instructor ratio changes to two-to-one. Students will have received actual behind-the-wheel instruction and practice at our facilities prior to highway driving.

Tractor Trailer Driving "No Experience" Curriculum

This course design is four (4) weeks, five (5) days per week. Each student can expect at least 44 hours behind the wheel driving time during range, street and over-the-road training.

1st week - Mon.- Thur.  8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. 7am- 12 pm 
2nd week -Mon- Thur.  7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. 7am -12 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3rd week - Mon- Thur.  7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. 7am -12 pm 
4th week - Mon.- Thur. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. 7am - 12pm 

 
Classroom & lab- 45 hours 
Range & Street 135 hours
Total 180 hours

Four Week Curriculum

Classroom, Lab & Range, Driving 
Classroom Studies
Classroom studies are the first part of training at SMTDS. Students begin with an orientation to familiarize them with our rules and policies. Students will have a 30-chapter online course to complete. Completion of a logbook, a mock two-day run will give you a general idea of reading a map, mileage, routing a trip and expenses. Classroom studies include:
Basic operation
Safe operating practices
Advanced operating practices
Vehicle maintenance
Non-vehicle activities

Lab & Range

Week two at SMTDS includes hands-on training in our off-road facilities. With approximately five acres of backing area, there is plenty of room for our trucks to maneuver (two students per truck). Students will learn inspection, coupling and uncoupling, backing and shifting.

Driving

In week three & four students will be driving on interstate, highways, U.S. and state highways. Some narrow roads will also be used for training so students will be prepared for various terrain and traffic situations. Students can expect at least 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training during range, street and over-the-road phases.

Grading

Classroom students will be graded on the following percentage system:
95% - 100% Superior
94% - 87% Above Average
86% - 80% Average
79% & below Failing (Score not high enough to pass course.)

Items needed for class (weather permitting):
Coat or jacket
Rain gear
Gloves for everyday use
Sunglasses
A sack lunch or money to buy your lunch. A break will be given for lunch whether in class or on the road.
Transportation to and from school is your responsibility.

**Please ask if there are any other items you may need while attending SMTDS.

SMTDS can give you the training and skill to enter the rewarding and well-paying career of a professional tractor trailer driver. Learn more about our requirements and tuition. For more information, call us at 1-573-276-3860 or contact us online . We can answer any questions you might have, or we would be pleased to arrange a tour of our facilities.

Tractor Trailer Driving "Prior Experience" Curriculum

This course design is ten (10) days. (80 hours) To be qualified for this course a person must have two (2) verifiable years of tractor-trailer driving experience. The majority of homework is done at home, and it will be expected to be turned in daily. The instructor will review this homework with the students to be certain each one understands the chapter.

Instructor/Student Ratio: Classroom – 1/6, Max. Range – 1/2 Max. Street – 1/2 Max. (2 students in one truck) Tuition: $3500.00 Cancellation & Refund Policy
Additional Costs: Admission: $60

Hazardous Materials Endorsement Curriculum 

This Couse design online training, must complete 12 assessments. Student must meet qualifications. Must have valid Driver's license. Theory training only. 

Must complete 12 assessments with a passing grade of 80%