Getting CDL training in Mississippi is possible for all drivers in the state and opens up a new world of employment opportunities for those who are interested in commercial driving careers. Attending an MS CDL school helps tremendously with the learning curve of operating a commercial vehicle, as CDL classes involve going through comprehensive lessons on commercial driving rules and terminology, performing driving practice tests and more. Commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) are unique documents in that they allow drivers to legally operate trailers, buses, tractors and more. Distributed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), these documents are also much more difficult to obtain thanks to the difficulty of operating those vehicles.

Truck driving school in Mississippi is not always legally required to get your CDL, but even if you are not using one of the vehicles that require mandatory training in the state, it is always a good idea to get at least some training. This is because applying for a CDL is hard work, as it involves taking numerous tests and filing a lot of paperwork. In order to avoid having to retake or resubmit anything to the MS DPS, it is usually within your best interest to learn as much about CDLs as possible. This article will help you to do just that and get the CDL prep that you need to begin your new commercial driving future.

What is CDL training in Mississippi?

If you need to get Class A CDL training in Mississippi, then there are usually quite a few different ways to do so. This is because of the popularity of this type of CDL, which is used by a vast majority of commercial drivers in the state.

Class A CDL training helps you obtain this kind of license, which allow you to operate commercial vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds and can carry more than 10,000 pounds. These vehicles are usually quite large and may be more difficult to maneuver on Mississippi roads.

If you do not need Class A, then the Class B CDL training in Mississippi allows you to operate commercial vehicles that are more than 26,000 pounds but only carry less than 10,000 pounds. Because of their lighter carry loads, these vehicles often have greater maneuverability.

Finally, Class C CDLs provide coverage for commercial vehicles that can transport 16 or more people or carry hazardous materials.

Each of these commercial licenses in Mississippi requires a different amount of CDL training and endorsements can be added for school bus driving, tank driving and more.

Is CDL school required in Mississippi?

Getting CDL prep in Mississippi is the preferred option before attempting the driving and knowledge-based tests through one of the DPS office locations in the state, but it is not the only option. If you would prefer, then you may go into the application process without any formal CDL training and only with your personal research.

This course of action cannot be easily recommended, as it is more likely that you will fail your driving test at least once without proper practice from a training institution. However, you may choose the option that is right for you.

You may need an MS CDL course after receiving your license if you have a school bus endorsement. This is so that, as a school bus driver in the state, you can prove that you are a skilled, competent driver who knows how to react in case of emergencies.

You will also need to renew your training each year in order to continue driving school buses in Mississippi. While not every state enforces these stricter rules, they can help to keep students all across the country safe.

Curriculum of Mississippi CDL Classes

Taking CDL classes in Mississippi is a complex process and there are many different topics that are covered under such a program.

While every CDL training course is unique and offers its own positive and negative aspects, there are certain elements that remain constant across all courses as mandated by the MS DPS. Participating in this type of service can help you to prepare for your CDL in a number of different ways.

In-Class Instruction for the CDL Written Test

Unfortunately, completing your MS CDL training online completely is impossible in the state. Although there are many great resources and manuals online through the DPS that can help you to prepare, the primary way of gaining CDL information is through in-person classes.

These CDL classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors in small classrooms and can cover such diverse topics as:

• Mississippi driving laws for commercial vehicles.
• How to maintain and refuel your commercial vehicle.
• What road signs to look out for and what bridges you can and cannot fit under with your commercial vehicle.

You will also cover a variety of MS CDL permit test questions in your classroom, which will be useful to study when you are applying for your permit through the DPS. Your in-person classroom time has been designed to act as a formal study session, where you will be able to ask questions, complete practice tests and more in preparation for your later tests.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction for the CDL Driving Test

Before taking your CDL test in Mississippi, it is usually a smart idea to get some driving practice in as well.

Your CDL driving test will be comprised of different maneuvers in a commercial vehicle, and these training programs are designed to mimic the actions that you will be asked to take in your test.

For example, during your DPS appointment for the driving test, you will be asked to go on the road with an instructor and demonstrate how to pull onto the highway, turn properly, park, merge lanes in traffic and more.

How long is CDL training in Mississippi?

The length of the average CDL training period in Mississippi is roughly four to six weeks, although some courses have longer or shorter schedules.

This time period is mostly based on how many days per week your CDL classes are, how many hours they last per day and how strenuous or relaxed the class is designed to be. Usually, the more hours are in a training program, the more in-depth your preparation will be at test time.

Best CDL Schools Near Me in Mississippi

Wondering, “How can I find an MS truck driving school near me that suits my needs?” is common among drivers in the state who want to break into the commercial driving profession, but do not know where to start.

There can be many different truck driving school options in the state of Mississippi, but it may take some time to find the program that works best. Some of the most highly rated programs in the state currently include the:

• CRW Truck Driver Training School. This is a comprehensive service that offers a 200-hour basic program as well as multiple additional programs for other license types and endorsements. They also offer flexible class times during the week or on weekends.
• Mississippi Truck Driving School. One of the best CDL schools in Mississippi according to numerous reviews, this school offers an effective CDL job placement program, financial aid options for those who qualify and even the ability to get your CDL in as little as 18 days.
• Truck Driver Institute, Inc. This program puts a focus on the technical and operational knowledge needed to effectively operate a semi-truck in Mississippi. They also provide final license tests once your training is complete.

Benefits of Completing Mississippi Truck Driving School

You can get a number of different CDL jobs in Mississippi through completing an approved training program, which is one of the best ways to get started on this career path.

Many CDL training programs have developed strong relationships with recruiters and commercial driving companies, and they may even have a direct pipeline sending qualified candidates to jobs immediately after getting their license.

Even if CDL job placement does not occur to you immediately as a Mississippi driver, having the training to drive a commercial vehicle is still an excellent resume booster.

Many different companies look for this training in particular and may hire someone with training more readily than someone without it. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consider this type of training as an investment in your career, rather than just an expensive certificate.

CDL Training Costs in Mississippi

Indeed, your Mississippi CDL training cost is not likely to be cheap due to the in-depth training process that is required to drive a commercial vehicle.

You can find cheaper and more expensive options all throughout the state, but the average tuition cost for a four- to six-week program is around $4,000. Most CDL training services offer financing for these costs as well as scholarships and payment plans that will help to make your responsibilities more manageable.

All training costs will be separate from licensing cost, such as the expense for the mandatory DOT physical exam for CDL credentials.

You may get paid CDL training if you work for a company that needs to invest if you as an employee. Company paid CDL training will depend on the organization you work for.

How to Self-Prep for Mississippi CDL Exams

To properly study in Mississippi, a CDL practice test is highly recommended. You can take these in person or on the road at your chosen training program listed above, but there are also ways to find this information online from the comfort of your own home.

These paid or free CDL practice tests are meant to challenge your knowledge of CDL concepts and see how much you will be able to get right when the real test comes along.

Using the MS CDL handbook found online through the DPS, you can review all of the information that was shared in your in-person training. The information in the commercial driver handbook will allow you to make sure that you are ready for the final tests when it is time to go for your official CDL.

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