We’re committed to helping our students gain the skills and confidence they need to start successful truck driving careers. Our passion for CDL training comes from seeing students grow into professional truck drivers and gaining financial stability for themselves and their families.
Become a professional truck driver in just 4 weeks!
Apex CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training is the first step to starting a career as a professional truck driver. Earning your CDL A demonstrates that you’ve met the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Your home state will issue your CDL license; state-specific requirements may vary.
When obtaining your CDL, federal law requires formal training from an ELDT-registered and state-licensed truck driver training school like Apex Technical Institute. Our 4-week training program ensures you’re fully prepared to enter the industry as a qualified, safe, and professional truck driver.
Best Truck Driving School in Kansas City
Apex Technical Institute is excited to be a part of your journey toward a new career in the trucking industry. Despite the challenges of today’s economy, the commercial trucking industry continues to offer incredible opportunities for those willing to take the first step. Our CDL training program is designed to help you gain the skills you need to start your career and secure a stable, well-paying job. At Apex Technical, we offer training that meets state and federal requirements and the expectations of leading trucking companies. We aim to give you the tools to obtain your Class A CDL and begin a rewarding career in just a few short weeks.
Phase 1: CDL Orientation and CDL Learners Permit Preparation
Monday through Thursday is time allotted for studying for your CDL learners permit. If you already have your permit you receive credit for the week, until Friday. This portion of the training is provided to Apex students that need assistance obtaining their CDL learners permit and is not counted against your hands-on training time.
Most local schools require that their students already have their learners permit because they cannot or do not want to invest this extra time into their students’ training. At Apex our students’ success is what matters most to us which is why we provide this needed classroom time free of charge to Apex students.
On Friday students will begin the hands-on process of understanding a proper and thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, learning about hours of service and logbooks and basic vehicle control.
Phase 2: Yard Training
The second week of training at Apex Technical Institute out in the training yard of our facility. In the yard, students performing training will be taught the fundamentals of safe truck and trailer operation and the follow up on pre-trip inspection. The second week will be spent mostly behind the wheel of our modern automatic trucks. During training, students will be taught the proper methods for truck and trailer backing, which includes straight-line backing and off-set backing. This period takes place from Monday to Thursday. Students proceed to phase 3 on Friday.
Phase 3: Advanced Yard Maneuvers
In the third week, your training will continue in the yard while you learn the more complicated backing skills such as parallel parking and alley docking. Students will also continue with the pre-trip inspection as well. On Friday of this week, students will progress to Phase 4, road training.
Phase 4: Get on the Road!
The last week of training at Apex Technical Institute is when it all starts coming together. Under close supervision of our qualified instructors, students will learn to operate large Class A-rated commercial vehicles on the streets and open highways. They will learn safe operation in a variety of environments and conditions. They will further develop the skills required to operate a large commercial vehicle transmission and negotiate turns and cope with a variety of traffic conditions.
Class A CDL Training Course Outline, 4-week, 180-hour
The courses at Apex Technical Institute take place Monday – Friday. The total course hours are a minimum of 180 hours of training time. New training classes start every Monday and classes graduate every Friday.
Four Phases of Class A CDL Training
After successfully completing the classroom, range and behind the wheel road training, students will be ready for their Class A skills test on Friday of week four. This test will be administered by Apex Technical Institute’s licensed 3rd party CDL testing examiners. Students at our Kansas truck driving school will have the benefit of testing on-site in the same yard they trained in and using the same equipment they were trained in. We can test students from all over the country, allowing the student to return to their home state and receive their CDL license when they arrive.
Need CDL Training with a More Flexible Schedule?
We understand that not everyone can step away from work or family responsibilities for CDL training. If our traditional full-time Monday–Friday schedule doesn’t quite fit your life, we may have a solution. We’re currently exploring flexible training options for students who need more time or alternative scheduling to complete their training. Whether you’re balancing a job, childcare, or other commitments, we want to help you get behind the wheel on your terms. Interested in a flexible training schedule? Contact us to let us know, and we’ll reach out to discuss your options!
Our Class A CDL Training Focus
Our job at Apex Technical Institute is to teach students the skills required to take and pass both their Class A CDL learners permit and their Class A CDL skills test so that they can acquire their Class A license from the State of Kansas or Missouri. Once you finish the training, passed our Kansas City truck driving school, and received your CDL license and diploma, you are ready to begin your career as a commercial truck driver.
John P. – Apex Graduate
“The school and the staff are all very professional. A big THANK YOU to all the staff for helping me obtain the skills necessary to pass my CDL and get a better job.”
Working With Trucking Companies to Help You Start a Successful Career
At Apex Technical Institute, we don’t just train you—we help you take the next step in your career. We work with industry-leading trucking companies who recognize that training at Apex ensures our graduates are prepared for the job. Many of these companies have finish-level training programs that last 3-8 weeks, during which you’ll receive paid training while gaining valuable real-world experience and apprenticeships on the road. Every month, the nation’s leading OTR, regional, dedicated, and local carriers are visiting campus to meet our students.
The Apex Technical Difference
Hands-On, Real-World Training: Modern equipment and expert instructors.
4-Week, Accelerated Training: Get trained and ready to work as quickly as possible.
Financial Support: Accessible in-house financing for qualified students.
Our Commitment to Your Success
Apex is not just another trucking school. We believe in putting our students first. Unlike other programs, we never overcrowd classes, compromise instructor quality, or promise things that aren’t achievable. Our instructors are committed to giving each student the time and attention they need, ensuring your success in the trucking industry. At Apex Technical Institute, we believe in honesty and transparency. We want to set you up for success from the beginning. We understand that there can be issues with your background or driving record that might hinder your job search, we’ll be upfront with you.
Christina K. – Apex Graduate
“My husband and I just graduated from Apex! It’s the best decision we have ever made. We recommend Apex to anyone who wants to get their CDL. The instructors really care about teaching you the right way!”
To start training with Apex Technical Institute, request information today or call (913) 444-5664.
