Truck Driving Schools in Minnesota

Students in Minnesota obviously have to choose which truck driving school they would like to attend. However, the process through which they make their choice continues to confuse many people. In many cases, they place too much attention on the least important factors, while failing to thoroughly examine the most vital features. The best education you can get for your money is critical, but finding a job after graduation is even more crucial. There are a few such things to bear in mind while assessing truck driving schools.

Criteria for a CDL in Minnesota

You need a commercial license to drive the following:

• Combo of vehicles in which the GCW (gross combination weight) is more than 26,000 lbs., and towed unit has GVW (gross vehicle weight) of more than 10,000 lbs.
• Single vehicle with a GVW of more than 26,000 lbs.
• Vehicle that transports more than 15 people including driver
• Any vehicle requiring hazardous materials placards
• School bus

To be qualified for a CDL in the state of Minnesota, you must meet the following:

• 18 years old
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Valid medical certificate

Type of CDLs

Class A – vehicle towing a unit with GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs., with a gross combo weight rating exceeding 26,000 lbs. GVWR

Class B – single vehicle over 26,000 lbs. GVWR

Class C – single vehicle less than 26,000 with one or more of the following endorsements: hazardous, passenger, school bus.

How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Minnesota

Do Your Homework 

In order to make an informed decision on the program to enroll in, you need to do thorough research. As you evaluate various truck driving schools, keep these points in mind. Think of how well a school is remembered by its past students. Consider the price of attending the program. Also important is the time required for training.

Locations of Schools 

Check to see whether it is easy to get your CDL back into the state of Minnesota before deciding on a truck driving school. Rules differ by state. You may easily transfer your CDL license to a new state by filling out a form and mailing it in. 

In certain states, the written CDL exams must be retaken, while in others, the written tests and the road test are both necessary. Getting your CDL someplace else may not be the best idea.

Kinds of Driving Schools 

Private schools and for-profit programs are the two primary varieties of truck driving schools. It’s common for firms to provide paid training programs in order to find new employees once they’ve completed them. 

When your training is complete, you are employed as an employee and compensated for your time. The cost of private school tuition is high, and you may not get a placement if you complete the program. As a result, you’ll have to find a job on your own instead.

Cost of CDL Schools in Minnesota

CDL training in Minnesota is averaging a little over $5000. Here are some examples of CDL tuition costs:

Interstate Truck Driving School

• Class A Tractor Trailer Program: $6,495 (automatic), $7,495 (manual)
• Class B Dock Truck Program: $5,495
• Location: St. Paul, MN, they also have a location in Wisconsin
• Financing options: you can use your GI Bill benefits to pay for tuition; financing options available with Climb and Meritize
• Website: interstatedriving.com

Class A Leasing

• Cost of tuition: $2,980 – $8,900
  • Most comprehensive: Automatic School Program: $7,900, Manual: $8,900
• Location: Arden Hills and Plymouth, MN
• Website: classaleasing.net

There are various funding options available if you want to become a truck driver. Check out our CDL grants and scholarships resource. Also, the Minnesota Trucking Association offers scholarships, so it may be worthwhile to check that out. 

A new school may be trying to attract new students by lowering the cost of its classes. Assuming that the institution has a good reputation and is well-equipped, you may receive your money’s worth. 

To make an informed decision while comparing truck driving schools in Minnesota, consider the factors that go into determining each school’s pricing. Find out what sets them apart from the competition.  

Instructors of High Quality

When it comes to learning how to drive a truck and living on the road, experience is essential. Being well-versed in your field is a huge advantage. Personnel qualities have an important role in the quality of a CDL instructor. Seeing their pupils grow into competent truck drivers should provide them satisfaction. 

Working only to earn a living isn’t good enough. Take the opportunity to meet some of the current students and teachers when you’re there for a visit. Inquire as to whether or if the teachers really like and value their work. The teachers must also be patient and compassionate towards their pupils.

Teacher Qualifications

In order to become a professional truck driver, one must first complete training at a truck driving school. Learning vital abilities in an easy-to-use manner is essential at this period. People who are well-trained and have a lot of experience are the finest teachers. Learn about the teachers’ backgrounds before you enroll in a truck driving school.

Finding a Job

As a truck driver, the next stage is to hunt for a job. Job placement services should be considered if you want to attend a private training school that does not employ its graduates. When looking for a truck driving school, inquire about the school’s job placement services and records. Choose a truck driving school that has a good track record of getting its graduates employment promptly.

Truck Driver Salary in Minnesota

The mean annual salary for truck drivers in the state of Minnesota is $54,820 or $26.36 per hour according to BLS.gov (May 2021 data).

According to Indeed.com, truck drivers salary in Minnesota averages at $69,659 (as at May 4, 2022). If you are a new driver, expect wages to be below that, however, if you are more experienced, you’ll be making north of $70,000 per year.

Conclusion

Almost all truck driving schools in Minnesota use the same basic curriculum to teach their pupils. In order to get their Minnesota commercial driver’s license, students must pass a written knowledge exam. This test is taught in the classroom. Some schools are better than others. So, before settling on a truck driving school in Minnesota, you’ll want to conduct some research beforehand.

List of Trucking Schools in Minnesota