Missouri Truck Driving School - Where It Began

As I continue my blog writing about 50 states, 50 adventures and 48 truck routes - I find myself less than 2 miles away from where my truck driving career started. I'm in Strafford, Missouri. This is the home of C1 Truck Driver Training - Springfield. In fact, I started truck driving school in Missouri almost 3 years ago to this exact date. I will never forget how Driver Solutions and C1 Springfield changed my life and afforded me a chance at a new career in trucking.

At times, it seems just like yesterday that I failed my first CDL test. Oh yeah, I sure did. I was a nervous wreck. I had way too many things on my mind before hopping in that truck.  I was trying too hard to impress the CDL state tester. Needless to say, he wasn't impressed!  With the help of the truck driving school instructors, I learned a valuable lesson and and passed with flying colors on my second attempt and I've never looked back...

Truckin' Through Missouri

Since then, I've been able to drive through so many beautiful states and Missouri, for me, is one of my favorites for a variety of reasons. It's a very beautiful state, for sure, but it also is in the heartland of America. If your heading East, Missouri is a reminder to you that huge cities, more traffic, and tougher driving conditions (not tougher than snowstorms in the West for clarification), are coming up quickly. If your heading West, Missouri is a reminder of the open road, bigger states and bigger mountains ahead. Missouri is indeed a state of many wonders.

Yesterday, as I cruised down I-55 South and turned a corner, I caught a glimpse of the St. Louis Arch.  In just 5 miles, you will be able to see this national treasure in all its glory. You drive right by it without even taking your eyes off the road. I was heading toward I-44 West. I always get excited at this point. I know the rolling hills of Missouri are just a few miles away. Be careful on those beautiful, green rolling hills though! As a newbie with 75,000-80,000 pounds, these rolling hills and gravity can really get your MPH up there. Pay attention and make sure you're in the right gear. It's nothing huge, but when you're first learning how to drive, the speed can catch you off guard. Good practice for the larger mountains looming West.  As beautiful as I think parts of I44 are, how about "Lake of the Ozarks?" Or I-49 South toward Arkansas? I've been to just about every part of the state and it's all a great ride.

Missouri Memories

As I mentioned earlier, I got my start here in Missouri.  I have a lot of memories in this state and enjoy passing through to see all it has to offer. I'm a former student of C1 Springfield, and I worked with Driver Solutions to get my first truck driving job. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a walking (or driving) billboard for these guys. I'm just stating the truth. I wouldn't be having the fun I'm having now if it weren't for these two companies.  And that's something I'm thankful for every day. 

About The Author

Wayne got his start in trucking by going through the Driver Solutions company paid CDL training program back in 2012.  Since then, he has traveled over 300,000 safe miles and counting! After seeing his photos and reading about his adventures, we knew we had to share them on our blog. Join Wayne on his journey for a first hand look at life on the road!