Commercial Driving Academy

Train for a High-Demand Career in Truck Driving

 

State Fair Community College's Commercial Driving Academy prepares students for rewarding careers in the trucking and transportation industry through comprehensive Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training. Offered through The LearningForce, this Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program combines classroom instruction, hands-on driving experience, and industry-focused training to prepare students for success behind the wheel.

Designed in partnership with regional employers and aligned with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career as a professional commercial truck driver.

Register for Training

Application Process

 

Earn Your Class A CDL

Whether you plan to drive locally or over the road (OTR), the Commercial Driving Academy provides the training required to earn your Class A CDL and begin working in one of the nation's most in-demand industries.

Students learn how to:

• Safely operate commercial vehicles
• Perform vehicle inspections
• Transport cargo safely and securely
• Maintain driver logs and comply with regulations
• Navigate a variety of road and traffic conditions
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and hazards

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have met the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements needed to obtain their Class A CDL.

 

Hands-On Training

The Commercial Driving Academy combines remote instruction with extensive behind-the-wheel experience to help students build confidence and real-world driving skills.

Training includes:

• Four-week accelerated program
• Remote theory instruction
• Behind-the-wheel range skills
• On-road driving experience
• Training on low-use and high-use loading docks
• Driving in varying traffic and road conditions
• Supplemental instruction using the Virage driving simulator
• Low 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized instruction

As students gain experience, they progress from basic driving skills to more challenging driving environments that prepare them for professional employment.

 

Career Opportunities

Commercial truck drivers play an essential role in keeping businesses and communities moving.

Graduates may pursue careers with regional, local, or over-the-road trucking companies performing duties such as:

• Inspecting commercial vehicles
• Transporting goods safely
• Securing cargo
• Planning efficient transportation routes
• Following federal safety regulations
• Responding to roadway emergencies

The Commercial Driving Academy works with students throughout the program and after graduation to help connect them with employment opportunities through leading regional employers.

 

Tuition and Program Information

Program Length: Four weeks

Tuition: $5,210

Permit and Licensure Fees: $118

New classes begin monthly.

To enroll, students must complete all required paperwork, obtain a CDL permit, and successfully complete required drug and health screenings at least two weeks before the start of class. Tuition is due by the first day of class.

A motor vehicle background check is also required to meet SFCC insurance requirements.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates that commercial drivers demonstrate English proficiency as a condition of CDL eligibility. Under 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), a driver must be able to:

• Read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public
• Understand highway traffic signs and signals written in English
• Respond to official inquiries (e.g., from law enforcement or inspectors)
• Make entries on reports and records required by federal regulations

Tuition & Fee Information

 

Why Choose SFCC's Commercial Driving Academy?

Students choose SFCC because of our commitment to quality instruction, individualized training, and employer partnerships.

Program highlights include:

• Industry-designed curriculum
• FMCSA-compliant Entry Level Driver Training
• Extensive behind-the-wheel driving experience
• Small class sizes with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio
• Monthly class start dates
• Employment assistance after graduation

 

Start Your Driving Career

Professional truck drivers continue to be in high demand across Missouri and the nation. If you're looking for a career that offers competitive pay, flexibility, and opportunities to travel, the Commercial Driving Academy at State Fair Community College can help you get there.

Contact The LearningForce to learn more about upcoming classes, admission requirements, and how to enroll.