How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL Near Kansas City, MO?

Dec 3

Starting a career in truck driving near Kansas City, Missouri, or nearby cities such as Overland Park, Independence, Lee’s Summit, or Olathe, is an exciting opportunity. For many aspiring drivers, one of the first questions is: How long does it take to get a CDL? The timeline can vary based on several factors, including the type of CDL you pursue, the truck driving school you enroll in, and how quickly you complete all required tests. This comprehensive guide walks you through the typical CDL process and outlines what to expect when training at a truck driving school and working toward your commercial license.

Understanding the CDL Process in Missouri

Before discussing timelines, it helps to understand the basic steps to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Missouri:

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): The first step is to pass a written knowledge test to obtain your CLP.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): All new CDL applicants are required to complete FMCSA-approved training with a certified school.
CDL Skills Test: This includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and on-road driving.
CDL Issuance: After passing the skills test, a temporary CDL is issued immediately, and the official license arrives in the mail within a short period.

Each of these steps requires time, which means the process from start to finish cannot be completed in just a few days.

Typical Timeline for Getting a CDL

For most aspiring drivers in the Kansas City area pursuing a Class A CDL, the full-time route generally takes 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish. Here's a breakdown:

Obtaining the CLP (Learner’s Permit)

Preparing for and passing the written knowledge test typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on study pace.
Many applicants must wait a short period before scheduling the skills test, which can impact the overall timeline.

CDL School / Training Program

Full-time courses are commonly 3–5 weeks, often structured as about four weeks of combined classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice.
Accelerated programs may condense the training into 2 weeks, offering an intensive schedule that covers all necessary skills.
Part-time programs or programs with flexible scheduling may extend training to 6–8 weeks.

Scheduling and Taking the Skills Test

Scheduling your skills test may take 1–2 weeks, depending on availability.
After passing the test, you typically receive a temporary CDL immediately; the physical license is mailed within 1–2 weeks.

Total Estimated Time

Combining all steps, most applicants complete the process in 6–8 weeks, though timing can vary based on personal pace, test availability, and program type.

Factors That Can Affect CDL Timeline

Several variables can speed up or slow down your CDL journey:

Type of CDL and Endorsements

Class A CDL: Required for tractor-trailers and heavy rigs; training usually takes the full 4–8 weeks.
Class B CDL: For lighter commercial vehicles such as box trucks or straight trucks; training is often shorter at 1–4 weeks.

Additional endorsements for tankers, hazardous materials, or passenger transport can extend training by several days or weeks.

Training Program Format

Full-time programs allow the fastest completion.

Part-time or evening/weekend programs take longer due to fewer accumulated hours per week.
Accelerated programs condense training into a shorter period but require full commitment.

Test Scheduling and Performance

Rapid preparation and test success speed up the process.
Delays in scheduling, test retakes, or slower mastery of skills can extend the timeline.

Personal Factors

Comfort with large vehicles, manual transmissions, and backing skills can influence how quickly a student completes training.
Work or personal commitments may limit available training time, extending the process.

CDL Schools Near Kansas City and Program Durations

Here are examples of CDL programs in and around Kansas City:

160 Driving Academy: Offers a 4-week Class A CDL program with a combination of classroom and hands-on training.
Zeta Driving School: Offers programs that can be completed in about 3 weeks, depending on schedule and intensity.
Apex Technical Institute: Full-time Class A CDL training completed in approximately 4 weeks, including skills testing preparation.

These examples show that a student could get a CDL in as little as 2–3 weeks with an accelerated program, or around 4 weeks with standard full-time training. Part-time or flexible options will extend the timeline.

Advantages of Choosing a Full-Time CDL Program

Enrolling in a full-time CDL program near Kansas City provides several benefits:

Faster completion and quicker entry into the workforce.

Daily seat-time and structured training build confidence and skill quickly.
Many schools offer job placement support to help graduates start their careers promptly.
ELDT-compliant programs ensure your license meets federal and employer standards.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the right school, potential delays can occur:

Waiting for available skills test appointments in busy metro areas.
Retaking parts of the test if not passed on the first attempt.
Limited seat-time or truck access at the school due to high student volume.
Personal readiness: Some students may need extra practice to master complex maneuvers.

Planning for these potential delays helps set realistic expectations.

What to Expect in the Kansas City Area

For those in Kansas City or nearby suburbs like Overland Park, Independence, Lee’s Summit, or Olathe, a realistic timeline might look like this:

Week 1–2: Study for and obtain your CLP.
Week 2–6: Attend full-time CDL training (classroom, range, behind-the-wheel).

Week 4–7: Schedule and take the CDL skills test.
Week 5–8: Receive your CDL and begin applying for driving jobs.

This means most first-time applicants can be licensed and ready to start driving within roughly 1.5 to 2 months.

Planning Your CDL Path

Getting a CDL near Kansas City, MO, is achievable in 6–8 weeks for most students on a full-time track. Accelerated programs can shorten this timeline, while part-time schedules or scheduling delays may extend it. Choosing a quality, ELDT-compliant school, staying focused on training, and preparing for testing are key to completing your CDL quickly. With proper planning and commitment, you can transition from a student to a professional truck driver ready to meet the growing demand for qualified CDL drivers in the Kansas City area and beyond.

Take the Fast Lane to Your Commercial Driving Career

Kingdom Trucking Academy, located at 6550 Sprint Parkway Suite 200, Overland Park, KS 66211, provides an accelerated Class A CDL program designed to prepare students for the skills test and the road ahead. Their course includes hands-on training for pre-trip inspections, vehicle control, coupling and uncoupling, and on-road driving.

For those ready to start quickly, Kingdom Trucking Academy offers expert guidance and a condensed program to help students launch their trucking careers efficiently. For inquiries, contact Kingdom Trucking Academy at 816-200-1139 or info@kingdomtruckingacademy.com.

making ads easy