What is a professional truck driver?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers help transport goods across distances, frequently traveling across the country on a set schedule. These long-haul drivers require special training as total cargo weight typically exceeds 26,000 pounds. Are you considering a new career? Check out: Should I Start a Career in Truck Driving?

How much do professional truck drivers make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for professional truckers in May 2020 was approximately $47,130. The highest 10 percent of professional truck drivers earned more than $69,480.

Where can I work as a professional truck driver?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , “most heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers’ routes are assigned by a dispatcher, but some independent drivers still plan their own routes. Some drivers have one or two routes that they drive regularly, and other drivers take many different routes throughout the country. Also, some drivers have routes that include Mexico or Canada.” For additional information, check out our resource, What is the Typical Career Path for Truck Drivers?

How much does truck driving school cost?

For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost .

Professional Truck Driving

Are you looking for a hands-on career that offers competitive pay and allows you to work independently and explore the country? If so, a truck driving career could be a great option for you! MTI’s Professional Truck Driving Program prepares you for life on the open road, giving you the behind-the-wheel experience you need to pursue a career in the trucking industry.

Ready to learn more?

MTI is Here to Help

MTI’s Admissions Team will reach out to answer any questions you have and share next steps!

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Campus*
Hidden
Program*
Hidden
Comments (optional)
TCPA*
- Checking this "Box" constitutes your express written consent to be called and/or texted by or on behalf of Midwest Technical Institute at the number(s) you provided including wireless, regarding furthering your education. You understand that these calls may be generated using automated technology. This consent is not required to attend the institution.
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Schedule A Tour (800) 814.5124

Daytime classes available

What Makes the Professional Truck Driving Program at MTI Different?

Hands-On Focused

Receive on-the-road and behind-the-wheel training in real trucks

Accelerated Training

Earn your professional truck driving certificate in as few as 20 weeks

Experienced Instructors

All MTI truck driving instructors have real-world driving experience

Daytime Classes Available

Flexible class times that work for your busy schedule

Employment Preparation

No general education courses required, students will learn the skills required for entry-level employment

Lifetime Job Placement

Career counseling & job placement assistance is available to all qualified graduates

Professional Truck Driving at Midwest Technical Institute

MTI is recognized by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) as an approved ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) provider. MTI offers a truck driving school in Illinois and a truck driving school in Missouri. Each location offers two truck driving training options: 1) CDL Training Course and 2) Professional Truck Driving Program. The CDL Training Course takes less than 30 days to complete and is designed to prepare you to pass the licensing exam and obtain a Class A CDL license in the issuing state.

If you’re interested in more extensive training, the Professional Truck Driving Program could be the right choice for you. In less than six months, you will complete a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel training, including on-the-range and over-the-road on rural highways, interstates, and urban areas—all under the observation of an MTI instructor with a CDL.

HANDS-ON TRUCK DRIVING CLASSES

As a student of MTI’s Professional Truck Driving Program, you’ll be prepared to take the CDL permit exam within the first week of class; this allows you to drive while accompanied by a CDL instructor.

In addition to permit training, you will also learn:

Basic Operations, Safe Operating Procedures & Advanced Operating Practices
Vehicle Systems & Reporting Malfunctions
Non-Driving Activities (for example, handling & documenting cargo, trip planning, fatigue & wellness awareness, and more.)

The program also covers additional endorsements & training for:

Hazardous Material | Doubles/Triples | Tanker | Forklift

Your behind-the-wheel training includes range, over-the-road, remedial, and observation training to teach you the following skills:

Vehicle Inspection (Pre-Trip/Enroute/Post-Trip)
Straight Line, Off-Set, and Alley Dock Backing (45/90 degree)
Parallel Parking (Blind Side & Sight Side)
Coupling and Uncoupling
Vehicle Controls (including left turns, right turns, land changes, curves at highway speeds, and entry and exit on the interstate or controlled access highway)
Shifting/Transmission
Safe Driver Behavior
& More!

The instructors at MTI all have real-world experience as truck drivers, and will provide you hands-on truck driving instruction and one-on-one interaction to help you develop the skills you need to start a truck driving career.

Ready to Learn More?

Ready to learn more about MTI’s hands-on training programs? Give us a call or fill out the form to get more information.

Request Info

Schedule a Tour

(800) 814.5124

Financial Assistance

Financial Aid Team

MTI’s Financial Aid Team provides personalized support to students applying for federal financial aid and help with understanding all the funding options, including scholarship opportunities.

Financial Aid

Scholarship Opportunities

MTI Graduates

MTI is here to help you attain the funding you need to take the next step in your education. MTI’s Financial Aid Team can help match you with scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.

Explore Scholarships

Is Truck Driving a Good Career?

Truck driving can be a good career path if you value freedom and flexibility, and do not want a career that requires you to sit behind a desk. If you would enjoy life on the open road, truck driving could be a good career path for you!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of about 259,900 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers per year from 2021-2031. According to Trucking.org, American truck driver wages grew significantly in 2021 amid the ongoing driver shortage that created increased competition for talented truck drivers. The American Trucking Association (ATA) 2022 Driver Compensation Survey found truckload drivers were paid an estimated median annual amount of $69,687 in 2021, including salaries and bonuses but not benefits.

As a professional truck driver, you can choose from several different career paths, based on the type of vehicle you drive, the industry you work within, or even the distance you want to drive.

Truck Driving Vehicles:

Dry Vans
Tankers
Flatbeds
Dump Trucks
Lowboys
Cargo Containers
Livestock Trucks
Drop Decks
Cement Trucks
Grain Trucks & Wreckers

Truck Driving Roles:

Flatbed Truckers
Dry Van Truckers
Tanker Truckers
Freight Haulers
Refrigerated Freight Drivers
Local, Regional, and OTR Drivers

Ready to Learn More?

Ready to learn more about MTI’s hands-on training programs? Give us a call or fill out the form to get more information.

Get Started

Find a Truck Driving School Near You

Springfield, Illinois

2731 Farmers Market Rd Springfield, IL 62707

Schedule a Tour (217) 207-3287

Springfield, Missouri

3600 S Glenstone Ave Springfield, MO 65804

Schedule a Tour (417) 884-1562

TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL IN MISSOURI

Here’s what you can expect when you attend Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)’s Springfield, Missouri campus for your professional truck driver education:

Length:

20 weeks (5 months)

When:

Daytime & evening classes available

Hours:

750 clock hours (308 Classroom Training / 24 Range & Observation / 24 Over the Road / 244 Remedial / 150 outside additional clock hours)

Completion:

Certificate of completion

TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL IN ILLINOIS

Here’s what you can expect when you attend Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)’s Springfield, Illinois campus for your professional truck driver education:

Length:

20 weeks (5 months)

When:

Daytime classes available

Hours:

750 clock hours (308 Classroom Training / 24 Range & Observation / 24 Over the Road / 244 Remedial / 150 outside additional clock hours)

Completion:

Certificate of completion

Quick Facts: Truck Driving School

WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER?
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers help transport goods across distances, frequently traveling across the country on a set schedule. These long-haul drivers require special training as total cargo weight typically exceeds 26,000 pounds.
IS TRUCK DRIVING A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?
- The career outlook for truck drivers remains positive, as the BLS predicts about 259,900 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade (2021-2031).
HOW DO I GET MY CDL IN ILLINOIS?
- While the path to obtaining an Illinois CDL is relatively straight forward, it is important to understand all the required steps.
  
  MTI can help you learn how to get a CDL license in Illinois and answer some commonly asked questions. To learn more, read: How Can I Get My CDL in Illinois?
HOW DO I GET MY CDL IN MISSOURI?
- The process for getting your Missouri CDL can be complicated, as the requirements can vary from state to state. MTI can help you navigate your CDL options and requirements, as well as give you a step-by-step guide on how to get a CDL in Missouri.
  
  To learn more, read: How Can I Get My CDL in Missouri?
HOW MUCH DOES TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL COST?
- For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.

Enrollment & Outcomes

Enrollment and outcome information for all Illinois-based campuses and the ACCSC annual reports for each program in Adobe PDF format. Please note, all programs are not offered at all campuses. For annual details, please visit our Professional Truck Driving enrollment and outcomes page.

Learn More

Accreditations

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC).
MTI is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federally-funded financial aid programs.
MTI is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA).

For more information about our accreditations and approvals, please visit: https://www.midwesttech.edu/about-us/accreditation/

Midwest Technical Institute is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education: 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701. For more info: www.ibhe.org

Midwest Technical Institute is approved to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

Satellite Location (CDL Range):
5284 W. Sunshine,
Brookline, MO 65619