Kansas City conveniently sits at the center of the United States freight network, making it one of the largest trucking hubs in the country—according to the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2025.1 With major interstates like I-70 and I-35 intersecting in the metro area, local carriers move everything from agricultural products to manufacturing freight across the Midwest and beyond. This sound transportation infrastructure lends to a consistent demand for trained commercial driver’s license (CDL) A drivers in both Missouri and Kansas. This makes Kansas City a practical place to start your future trucking career.
No matter if you’re looking for a fast, four-week program to start working right away or a more flexible part-time option where you can learn around your current schedule, Kansas City offers a wide range of CDL schools with different schedules, truck equipment, and tuition assistance options. This can help set you up for a rewarding career in trucking.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of entry-level driver training programs in the region, a breakdown of licensing requirements, cost expectations, and tips to help you choose the program that fits your goals.
How We Evaluated CDL Programs in Kansas City
Each school was reviewed using the following criteria:
- Accreditation and state approval: The following programs meet Missouri and Kansas CDL training standards and are approved training providers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation.2
- Behind-the-wheel training hours: These schools offer hands-on driving time on real roads rather than just simulators.
- Job placement support: These programs offer direct employer connections, hiring events, or interview opportunities.
- Tuition and financing options: These programs offer some low-cost options, with access to grants, GI Bill benefits, or employer sponsorships.
- Training equipment: These schools use modern trucks, with a mix of manual and automatic transmissions and full-size tractor-trailers.
CDL Training Programs in Kansas City to Explore
Below is a list of entry-level driver training programs in the Kansas City metro area for you to explore. This list reflects training quality, hands-on experience, and whether job placement support is provided.
Note that all information has been verified as of November 2025 and is subject to change.
Apex CDL Institute
Apex CDL Institute offers an accelerated Class A CDL training with hands-on driving hours, modern equipment, and employer partnerships.3 Apex CDL Institute instructors train their students on full-size automatic tractor-trailers. With financial aid, federal grant acceptance, and job placement support, this is a solid option for career-oriented learners.
- Tuition: $6,000
- Program length: Four weeks
- Class A/B availability: Class A
- Endorsements offered: N/A
- Job placement: Yes
- Location: Kansas City, KS
160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy operates two Kansas City locations—one on the Missouri side and one on the Kansas side.4 This Class A CDL program offers a mix of classroom learning with 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Students can complete their CDL training in as little as four weeks. The school’s nationwide reputation and carrier partnerships give students access to tuition reimbursement opportunities. 160 Driving Academy offers its EDLT training for free upon enrollment.
- Tuition: Contact school for details
- Program length: About four weeks
- Class A/B availability: Class A
- Endorsements offered: Hazmat
- Job placement: No, but their website does mention “career guidance”
- Location: Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS
Zeta Driving School
Zeta is a Kansas City-based truck driving school with a hybrid, self-paced CDL A program.5 The entire theory part of the training can be completed online, making it a good choice for working adults. After 10 hours of simulator instruction, students get 100 hours of hands-on practice with full-size trucks—gaining real driving skills on both a closed range and the open road. Hiring partners include Walmart, Carvana, TMC, and more.
- Tuition: Contact school for details
- Program length: Self-paced
- Class A/B availability: Class A
- Endorsements offered: Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger, Combination Vehicle, Air Brakes, School Bus
- Job placement: Yes. Individualized career services are offered upon graduation
- Location: Kansas City, MO
Johnson County Community College (JCCC)
Johnson County Community College offers a CDL A program through its continuing education division.6 With a 98% graduation rate, students benefit from experienced instructors, a structured curriculum, and access to campus resources. The program emphasizes safety, professionalism, and road skills, making it well-suited for students who want a traditional academic environment.
- Tuition: $6,999
- Program length: nine-week or four-week option
- Class A/B availability: Class A
- Endorsements offered: N/A
- Job placement: No, but their website mentions that they occasionally have CDL job fairs
- Location: Overland Park, KS
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Metropolitan Community College offers a 160-hour automatic CDL A program in the Kansas City metro area.7 Students receive a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on driving training—practicing on full-size trucks. With class size limited to four to six students at a time, this is a supportive learning environment for those who prefer a more personalized experience.
- Tuition: $5,000
- Program length: Contact school for details
- Class A/B availability: Class A
- Endorsements offered: No
- Job placement: No
- Location: Independence, MO
CDL Licensing Requirements in Missouri and Kansas
Before you can begin driving a commercial vehicle, you’ll need to meet the licensing requirements for either Missouri or Kansas. While both states follow federal CDL standards, each has small differences that students should understand before enrolling in a program.
To start, you must obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This requires passing written knowledge tests, providing proof of identity, and meeting medical qualifications. Most students complete this step before beginning behind-the-wheel training.
Age requirements also differ based on the type of driving you plan to do. Students must be at least 18 years old to drive within Missouri or Kansas. To drive commercially across state lines (interstate), you must be at least 21. After obtaining your CLP, you’ll need to pass a skills test that confirms your knowledge in pre-trip inspection, backing exercises, and road driving. Both states also require students to hold a valid medical certificate and may direct them to approved testing sites for their final exam.
Cost of CDL Training in Kansas City
CDL training costs in Kansas City vary depending on the type of school, program length, and included services. Students can expect the total cost to include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and access to trucks for the skills exam, unless noted otherwise on provider websites.
There are Kansas City CDL programs that accept GI Bill benefits, workforce grants, and scholarships. Some local and regional carriers offer company-sponsored training or tuition repayment programs for students who agree to work for the company after earning their license. Additional fees—such as the CLP test, medical exam, background checks, and endorsement tests—should also be factored into your total budget.
Choosing the Right Program
You should think about your long-term career goals in the trucking industry when choosing a CDL school in Kansas City. If you’re interested in regional routes, you may benefit from programs that have partnerships and connections to Midwest carriers. Schedule flexibility is another important consideration, especially if you’ll need weekend or evening class options due to work or personal responsibilities.
Next Steps
Kansas City can be a strong place to begin your trucking career, thanks to its central location, strong freight movement, and variety of CDL training programs.1 With options ranging from accelerated schools to community college programs, you’ll be able to find a path that matches your needs and commitment level. After comparing programs, consider scheduling a campus visit, speaking with a recruiter, or beginning your commercial learner’s permit preparation to start moving toward your CDL.
Explore accredited CDL training programs in Kansas City, apply for a CLP, and start your successful career as a truck driver today.
CDL Training Kansas City FAQs
How long is CDL school in Kansas City?
Most Kansas City CDL programs take between four and eight weeks, depending on schedule, program length, and student availability.
Are weekend or evening classes available?
Yes. Several schools in the Kansas City area offer part-time, evening, or weekend schedules for working students.
Can I train part-time?
Some programs allow part-time attendance, though part-time students may take longer to complete their CDL training.
Which schools offer job placement support?
Many Kansas City CDL schools provide job placement support, including employer partnerships and hiring events.
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Sources:
1 https://www.modot.org/kansas-city-district-freight-plan
4 https://www.160drivingacademy.com/locator/15619.14609.160-driving-academy-kc/
5 https://www.zetacdl.com/courseclassa
6 https://www.jccc.edu/academics/ce/commercial-drivers-license-ce/
7 https://mcckc.edu/continuing-education/transportation.aspx
