If you’re thinking of becoming a truck driver, training is essential.
You probably already know this, but driving a truck is nothing like driving a sedan or SUV – there are a LOT of different skills you need to master.
There are several great trucking schools you can sign up for, but this begs the question:
What are the best trucking schools in Omaha?
No need to worry about that because in this post, we’ll help you identify the best trucking schools in the city.
So if you’re ready to start learning, let’s get right to it.
Best Trucking Schools in Omaha, NE (Private)
Before we begin listing the schools, let’s first answer this question:
What does it mean to go to a private trucking school?
Enrolling in a private trucking school requires you to pay out of your own pocket. Meaning, no company is paying to learn how to become a truck driver.
The opposite of this is what people call free company-sponsroed trucking school. Since it says ‘free’, does it mean that you pay for anything?
The company that sponsors you pays for lodging, transportation, and meals. However, once they hire you as a truck driver, the investment they made in you would be deducted from your paycheck.
Hardly an investment, isn’t it? But the good news is that you get reimbursed for those deductions if you work for them for more than a year or two.
In the next section, we’ll give you recommendations on free company-sponsored truck driving schools. But for now, we’ll mention our top private trucking school suggestions.
1. Roadmaster Drivers School
10008 Sapp Bros Drive, Suite C
Omaha, NE 68138
Our top choice is no other than Roadmaster Drivers School. If you’ve done some research already, you’ll know that this trucking school has been teaching truck drivers for the past 3 decades.
What sets them apart is that their facilities and trucks are new and in the best condition. You won’t have to worry about practicing in an old battered truck.
Once you enroll, you’ll start a four-week training where the first week is meant for orientation and theoretical subjects. You’ll be thought the rules of the road, mapping, and trip planning too. In the second week, that’s when you get hands-on training.
There are many advantages to enrolling at Roadmaster Drivers School. Here are some of them:
- Get experience driving and maneuvering a 53-foot trailer
- Receive financial assistance or job guidance
- Instructors are professional and knowledgeable
Its Google Reviews and site reviews are proof that its graduates have learned a lot and enjoyed their experience.
Want to be a Roadmaster Drivers school graduate? You can start your truck driver journey by contacting them at (402) 932-0000 or applying on their website.
2. 160 Driving Academy
7408 N 30th Street
Omaha, NE 68112
If you’re looking for rigorous training, 160 Driving Academy is the best choice for you. With a 1:4 instructor to student ratio, you get lots of training when you’re behind the wheel.
CDL training in this school takes up to four weeks, a fourth of which is only spent inside the classroom. After that, you get to do hands-on skills training on local roads and highways. You’ll be taught all sorts of skills from inspection to handling accidents.
We also want to emphasize that instructors here are strict and determined for you to pass your CDL exam. The training is difficult but it’s worth it. The school’s high passing rate and successful testimonies from its graduates show it.
If you choose 160 Driving Academy, you also get to enjoy these benefits:
- Job assistance per student before graduation
- Lots of training facilities to choose from nationwide
- Partnership with trucking companies to help give you sponsorships
The reviews at Glassdoor and Google Reviews might be intimidating, but this school takes its training seriously.
If you’re up for the challenge, apply on their website or call (402) 620-6983.
3. Custom Diesel Drivers Training
5020 L. Street
Omaha, NE 68117
Another great choice is Custom Diesel Drivers Training. This school has nothing but amazing reviews because of its hands-on instructors and flexible training hours.
The CDL training is a 160-hour program where you can pick if you want to take it on weekdays or weekends. If you’re training on weekdays, you can finish it in just four weeks.
What’s unique about CDDT is that you get a mix of classroom and behind-the-wheel training each day. This is unlike other schools where classroom learning is compressed in the first week. At CDDT each part of the day has a perfect balance of different types of learning.
Students will also be taught how to drive a 53-foot dry van trailer and even experience road tests thanks to CDDT’s partners.
Other than that, students can get these other benefits:
- Comprehensive curriculum including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations
- Possible free additional training if needed
- In-house financing options
Trust us when we say that a lot of CDDT’s students love this school. Their Indeed and Google Reviews show just how amazing the instructors and the curriculum is.
Ready to enroll? Contact them at (402) 894-1400.
Additional Trucking Schools in Omaha City
Want more options? Here are some trucking schools inside and near Omaha.
1008 Sapp Brothers Drive Omaha NE 68138
402-932-0000
Central States Safety and Driver Training
2019 Ave. F, Kearney NE 68847
308-455-3035
Free Company Sponsored Truck Driving Schools
As promised, we said we’ll give you a list of free company-sponsored truck driving schools.
Roehl – While slightly far from Nebraska, Roehl is one of the best trucking companies you want to consider training in. The training is in two phases where the first part focuses on getting your CDL and the second phase focuses on on-the-job training.
Schneider – Located in Iowa, Schneider offers a facility where you can lodge, train, and learn all the things you need to know to become a truck driver in the company. You only need a commercial learner’s permit to get started.
Swift Transportation – Want shorter training sessions? Swift Transportation offers a 2-week training course where you focus on the necessary skills and knowledge to get your CDL. The nearest facility is in Kansas.
Prime Inc. – Prime Inc. is another option if you need help in processing your learner’s permit. What’s great about this training program is that you can apply even if you have no experience. Someone will help you get your learner’s permit and then you can start with the company’s orientation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re choosing a private trucking school or a free company-sponsored trucking school, there are a lot of options you can choose from in Omaha.
You’ll notice that most training are similar, but the key to choosing the best school is knowing what inclusions on the package you wish to take advantage of. It may be rigorous training, job assistance, or new facilities.
We wish you the best of luck in your trucking career!