Missouri's prehistory goes back to some 12,000 years. Archaeologists have traced the civilization known as "Mississippi Culture" that far back and this far north with astounding city ruins. In the modern day, Missouri was central to the expansion of the early US to the west. The city of St. Louis has a world famous Gateway Arch. However, St. Louis is not the state's capital - that honor goes to Jefferson City. Kansas is to the west of the state with Arkansas to the south. Iowa borders to the north with Illinois to the east. To the southeast, it shares a short border with Kentucky. The topography is a mix of Great Plains and rolling hills to the north while the south rises towards the plateau of the Ozark Mountains. A small area to the southeast is known as Bootheel Region, part of the floodplain of the Mississippi River.

Which CDL Licenses are Available in Missouri?

Federal regulations apply in Missouri as with all states for criteria on licensing. The categories and criteria are listed below:

Class A CDL

This class applies to commercial vehicles of the heaviest weight category (upwards of 26,001lb) towing heavy trailers (upwards of 10,000lbs).

Class B CDL

This class applies to commercial vehicles of the heaviest weight category (upwards of 26,001lb) towing smaller trailers (below 10,000lbs).

Class C CDL

This class applies to commercial vehicles of the lightest weight category (not exceeding 26,000lb). It is also required of drivers of hazmat vehicles and passenger vehicles carrying 16+ persons.

Class F

Applicants for the categories above must hold a standard driver's license - Class F - at the application.

Your Class F license must be is in good standing with no penalties or convictions for a period of two years prior. Medical testing is mandatory in all cases, as is the knowledge exam. Some drivers are permitted to bypass the driving section of the test. More details are below.

CDL Eligibility in Missouri

All states are required to submit to Federal regulation on CDL application and allocation. There are some areas where each state is permitted to change some requirements within the laws of the state. These can center on location conditions, industry, road safety and technology. TSA screening is required of all applicants.

License and Permits

• All prospective CMV drivers must possess a Class F license with a period with no motoring convictions for the previous two years
• All prospective CMV drivers must submit to all required medical checks and testing including eyesight. Some medical conditions will void your application
• Prospective CDL applicants will find a large number of private organizations offering training courses to learn to drive CMVs. Such courses are not obligatory, but most people will benefit from them
• Only when all health and security checks and complete will the applicant be permitted to proceed

Age

• The minimum age at which an individual is permitted to apply for a CDL is 18
• The minimum age at which an individual is permitted to apply for a CDL with interstate driving (driving to and through other states) is 21
• Those in the 18-20 age group are only permitted to drive within the state of Missouri
• The minimum age at which an individual is permitted to apply for to drive a hazmat vehicle is 21

Proof of Residence of Missouri

• Each applicant is required to prove up to date home address details in the form of valid ID
• Each applicant is required to prove his or her right to work in the US. This usually means a valid Social Security Number

CDL Requirements for Missouri Residents

• Your valid ID must have your present home address. Should you change your address, you must register this within 30 days
• Your valid Social Security Number card is required at application
• You are required to prove you have insurance
• A TSA screen is required of all prospective CDL applicants

Missouri CDL Requirements for Out-of-State Residents and Transfers

Missouri residents who have recently moved to the state from elsewhere within the United States must go through the following steps:

• Your out of state license must be transferred to one issued in Missouri
• If it has not expired or if it expired less than 24 months ago, you will require only a straight swap
• All residents must prove their US citizenship, proof of current address and Social Security Number
• Any pre-existing medical condition should be declared at the application
• Should you possess relevant exemption paperwork, this too should be declared at the application

Non-U.S. Citizen Requirements for Missouri CDL

Non-US citizens are permitted to apply for a CDL in Missouri under certain conditions:

• Only designated Permanent Residents may apply to drive a CMV. Your Green Card should be made available for examination by the authorities
• Residents with refugee status and permission for Permanent Resident status should present all paperwork related to their immigration status
• A passport issued in the country of birth is required of all Permanent Residents. Should you possess a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, this too should be brought to the application
• If you are in possession of a driver's license from your home country, authorities may request to see it. It may be required that you surrender it permanently
• Only citizens are permitted to apply for hazmat privileges

Do I Need a CDL?

Only citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for a CDL in Missouri. Some groups are permitted to bypass certain sections of the application process. For example, the "Troops to Trucks" scheme permits retired military personnel - those who retired no more than one year ago, and those retiring in less than 90 days, can apply for a driving skills test waiver. Troops to Trucks requires applicants to pass the written test (including endorsement sections) before a license is granted. Other retirees from public service may also be eligible under this scheme.

Other situations where as CDL is not required include:

• Drivers of hazmat vehicles designed to carry small volume waste
• Under emergency conditions in which a peace officer is permitted to instruct any person to drive a CMV
• Under conditions where any authorized person instructs any other person to drive a clearing vehicle
• Drivers of recreational vehicles
• Drivers of agricultural equipment operating within a 150-mile radius of the ranch or farm
• Drivers of firefighting equipment, qualified ambulance drivers and police drivers, or any other public service vehicle drivers

Even with exempt personnel, any present or pending driving convictions could void your CDL application. These include DUI convictions involving alcohol or controlled substances, speeding, and leaving the scene of an accident. Any previous cancelation or revocation of your license for any reason, including any felony where a motor vehicle was involved, could potentially result in rejection.

Medical and Physical CDL Requirements

• Medical testing is required of all applicants. This will include an eye test and medical records check to ensure you do not suffer from potentially dangerous pre-existing conditions. Our resource list at the end of the article list examiners authorized to conduct these checks
• Once complete, the examiner will provide you with two documents: a Medical Examination Report Form and a Medical Examiner's Certificate
• These documents will be required in support of your application
• Explain whether you require intrastate or interstate driving on your CDL
• The applicant will then receive a Federal Medical Card
• Should you fail to pass the medical testing, you may be eligible for restrictions in some cases
• For most applicants, the employer will pay CDL costs. Your workplace contact should always be the first point of call for queries

Background Check for CDL Applicants

All applicants must go through TSA screening. Therefore, only US citizens and foreign nationals with permanent resident status may apply for a CDL. Fingerprint checking and other steps may be required for those wishing to drive hazmat vehicles. Only citizens may apply for hazmat. Should you later leave the country and revoke citizenship, you will lose hazmat privileges, even while your CDL is current.

CDL Testing in Missouri

Once medical testing and TSA screening are complete, the applicant may then apply for the Knowledge Test and Driving Skills exam.

CDL Knowledge Test

This is 50 multiple choice questions requiring a minimum number of correct answers. Applicants applying for further endorsements must complete another 20 multiple choice questions per endorsement. Each tests your knowledge and understanding of road safety, law and regulation.

CDL Road Skills Tests

The driving test will only take place once the applicant completes the Knowledge Test and endorsement supplementary questions.

• The first part of the driving test requires the examiner to check that the vehicle is safe, eligible and of the sufficient class
• The second part requires the examiner to test the applicant's knowledge of interior controls such as seating arrangement, mirrors and other adjustable elements
• The third and final part is the driving test in which the applicant must drive a route under normal road conditions

Missouri CDL Office Locations

Missouri vehicle licensing comes under the Department of Revenue in the state government. The following are CDL office service location:

Ballwin

• Driver Examination Station
  703 Big Bend Road
  Ballwin, MO 63021
  (636) 256-3951

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  15533 Manchester Rd
  Ballwin, MO 63011
  (636) 230-5041

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  1080 Old Des Peres Road
  Des Peres, MO 63131
  (314) 909-1514

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  1684 Old Gravois Road
  High Ridge, MO 63049
  (636) 677-3339

Columbia

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office (including Driver Exam Station)
  403 Vandiver Drive
  Columbia, MO 65202
  (573) 884-1399

• Columbia South License & Registration Office
  1101 Grindstone Pkwy
  Columbia, MO 65201
  (573) 442-2134

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  354 Country Meadows Lane
  Fulton, MO 65251
  (573) 642-1100
• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  106 East Davis
  Fayette, MO 65248
  (660) 248-1107

• Driver Examination Office
  600 W. Morrison
  Fayette, MO 65248
  (573) 355-0407

Independence

• Driver Examination Office
  16647 E. 23rd St.
  Independence, MO 64056
  (816) 325-5925

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  16643 E. 23rd St.
  Independence, MO 64055
  (816) 252-7557

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  6138 Raytown Trafficway
  Raytown, MO 64133
  (816) 895-0005

Jefferson City

• Motor Vehicle & Driver License Office (Central Office)
  301 W High St
  Jefferson City, MO 65105
  (573) 526-3669

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office (including Driver Examination Office)
  1617 Southridge Drive
  Jefferson City, MO 65109
  (573) 751-0469

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office (including Driver Examination Office)
  1200 E. Main
  Linn, MO 65051
  (573) 897-4012

• Driver Examination Office
  1501 Westminster
  Fulton, MO 65251
  (573) 418-3269

Kansas City

• Driver Examination Station
  6150 Raytown, Trafficway-Center 63
  Kansas City, MO 64133
  (816) 358-4023

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office (including Driver Examination Office)
  615 East 13th St.
  Kansas City, MO 64133
  (816) 889-2672

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  2421 Burlington Drive, Suite B
  North Kansas City, MO 64116
  (816) 472-0555

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  521 S. Sterling Ave.
  Sugar Creek, MO 64054
  (816) 836-9191

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  5943 NE Antioch Road
  Gladstone, MO 64118
  (816) 455-5100

• Driver Examination Office
  6012 NE Antioch Road
  Gladstone, MO 64119
  (816) 889-3913

Lees Summit

• Driver Examination Office
  1950 N.E. Independence Ave.
  Lee's Summit, MO 64064
  (816) 622-0720

• Blue Springs Driver License & Registration Office
  2402 SW State Route 7
  Blue Springs, MO 64014
  (816) 228-0128

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  276 SW Blue Pkwy
  Lees Summit, MO 64081
  (816) 944-4000

O'Fallon

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  2421 Highway K
  O Fallon, MO 63368
  (636) 474-8790

• Driver Examination Office
  580 North Service Road
  Saint Peters, MO 63376
  (636) 278-2925

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  1420 Business Hwy. 61 S.
  Bowling Green, MO 63334
  (573) 324-0555

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  807-B E. Pearce Blvd.
  Wentzville, MO 63385
  (636) 332-5909

Saint Charles

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  2499 Raymond Drive
  Saint Charles, MO 63301
  (636) 946-4456

• Driver Examination Office
  2495 Raymond Drive
  Saint Charles, MO 63301
  (636) 940-3320

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  11977 St. Charles Rock Road
  Bridgeton, MO 63044
  (314) 298-0127

• Driver Examination Office
  7232 N. Lindbergh Blvd
  Hazelwood, MO 63042
  (314) 731-4418

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  4217-19 Old Hwy 94 South
  Saint Charles, MO 63304
  (636) 441-6074

Saint Louis

• City Hall Contract Office
  1200 Market St. Room 106
  Saint Louis, MO 63103
  (314) 622-4231

• Driver Examination Office
  3101 Choteau Avenue
  Saint Louis, MO 63103
  (314) 933-7292

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  12943 Olive St. Road
  Saint Louis, MO 63141
  (314) 878-2110

• Central West End Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  3917 Lindell Blvd.
  Saint Louis, MO 63108
  (314) 531-0700

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  4628 S. Kingshighway
  Saint Louis, MO 63109
  (314) 752-3177

• Driver Examination Office
  3256 Laclede Station Road Suite 100
  Saint Louis, MO 63143
  (314) 877-0199

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  3238 LaClede Station Road
  Maplewood, MO 63143
  (314) 645-1044

Springfield

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office (including Driver Examination Station)
  149 Park Central
  Springfield, MO 65806
  (417) 895-6549

• Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  1002 S. Glenstone Ave.
  Springfield, MO 65804
  (417) 831-2600

• South Springfield Driver License & Vehicle Registration Office
  319-P E. Battlefield
  Springfield, MO 65807
  (417) 823-8484

• Driver Examination Office
  711 E. Miller Road
  Republic, MO 65738
  (417) 942-8029

Missouri CDL Endorsements

Missouri Secretary of State permits the following endorsements for CDLs issued in the state:

• Hazardous material vehicle (H)
• Tank vehicle (N)
• Passenger transport (P)
• School bus (S)
• Double/triple (T)
• Tank hazmat vehicle (X)

Missouri CDL Disqualifications

CDL holders are expected to conform to a higher standard of driving. Therefore, punishments for equivalent infractions are higher than applies to holders of a Class F driver's license. Below is a list of infractions for which the driver will incur a 12-month driving suspension as a minimum when convicted for a first offense. Any second offence to follow in a three-year period results in a life suspension. For a first offence in a hazmat vehicle, an automatic three-year disqualification applies. Should a CDL holder use a vehicle to sell or transport controled substances, he or she will receive a life suspension. Missouri courts are at liberty to impose further sanctions beyond these standard regulations.

• When tested for alcohol content, the driver records a 0.04% rating when in charge of a CMV
• When tested for alcohol content, the driver records a 0.08% rating when in charge of a vehicle other than a CMV
• When the driver is requested to take a blood test and refuses
• An accident occurs in which the CDL holder is a part and fails to report it to the authorities
• An accident occurs in which the CDL holder is a part and fails to stop as required by law
• Where the CDL holder uses a CMV for any crime not related to vehicle crime
• Where the CDL holder is responsible for an accident where a fatality occurs
• Where the driver's CDL is canceled, revoked or suspended but drives a CMV without authorization

Any alcohol test that reveals a reading of .04% or below, the CDL holder will be subject to a 24-hour suspension.

The following list is of offences incurring lower penalties. For each first case, no penalty applies. For every subsequent second offence, you will receive a 60-day suspension as a minimum. Third offences will lead to a suspension not less than 120 days:

• Speeding where the vehicle was traveling at more than 15mph over the designated limit
• Driving in such a way as to put other road users and pedestrians in danger - dangerous and reckless driving
• Driving erratically and engaging in risky maneuvers such as improper lane changing
• Driving close to vehicles in front in a way deemed dangerous to other road users. This is known as "tailgating"
• Not paying full attention to minor driving laws in Missouri not listed here
• Driving a CMV when not qualified with a CDL
• Driving a CMV with insufficient qualification. While Class A holders can drive a Class B vehicle, Class C holders may not
• Driving a CMV without the correct endorsements
• Driving a CMV while not being in possession of your CDL documentation

Sometimes, a vehicle will be subject to an Out of Service order (OOS). This is when the vehicle is damaged or deficient in such a way that it is unsafe or unsuitable to drive. Should the CDL holder break the OOS order, a 90-day disqualification is imposed. Any second breaking of an OOS is a disqualification of not less than 10 years. A first OOS offence involving the use of a hazmat vehicle, this is a suspension of between 3-10 years.

Railroad regulations in Missouri are as follows: For any first offence from the list below, the driver will incur an automatic 60-day suspension. For a second offence from the list over a three-year period, the driver will incur a 120-day suspension. A minimum of a 12-month ban will be imposed for a third offence:

• The driver must slow at a railroad junction to ensure the tracks are clear at junctions where they are not required to stop
• The driver must stop at a railroad junction when the tracks are not clear at junctions where they are not always required to stop
• The driver must stop at any railroad junction where instructed to stop, even when the road ahead and tracks are clear
• The driver must ensure there is sufficient space to cross through a railroad junction without stopping before passing onto the junction
• The driver is required to obey all traffic control technology and enforcement officers at a junction
• The driver must ensure that their vehicle has sufficient undercarriage clearance to pass through the junction

Missouri CDL Salary, Employment, and Prospects

BLS is a body of the Federal government created for the purpose of monitoring employment statistics and trends for such things as impending collapse of demand, skills shortage and pay. From most recent statistics released in May 2017, commercial driving reported an expected growth of 5% between the years 2014 and 2024. With the national average recorded at 7% for all jobs, this means a slowdown for commercial driving.

Heavy Trucks

The highest paying area of commercial driving is heavy trucks. Unsociable hours and long distance driving is a staple of the career. National average pay at present is $41,340 for those paid a salary and $19.87 for those paid by the hour. The group earning the lowest 10% salary band earns an average salary of $26,920 while the highest paid 10% salary band is presently $63,140. Missouri statistics show heavy truck drivers in the state earn a similar amount to the national average with a salary of $42,460 and hourly pay rates of $19.75 as a median and $20.41 hourly.

Light Trucks

Slightly less paid, drivers in this area tend to live and work locally - hours vary but they are often not away from home for days at a time. There is presently a phase of low growth in the industry at present with a projected 4% increased between the years 2014 and 2024. This is a little over half the national average of 7%. National pay averages are presently $34,790 for those paid a salary and $16.73 for those paid hourly. Light truck drivers in Missouri earn around these averages with a salary average of $35,050 and hourly pay of $14.74 median and $16.85 mean.

Passenger Vehicles

All drivers of public transport vehicles are required to pass testing and standards for a Class C license. A 6% growth is predicted for the dates 2014 to 2024. The national picture shows an average salary pay of $31,920 and an average hourly pay of $14.96. For Missouri, pay is slightly lower than the national averages. Expected salary in the state is $28,100 salary whereas the average hourly rates are $13.03 median and $13.51 mean.

BLS Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm

Resources for Missouri CDL Requirements

• Missouri Commercial Driver's License Manual
• Missouri Motor Vehicle Titling & Registration

Learn more about Missouri trucking schools.