Frequently Asked Questions

Really depends on route, season, goods you are caring. Read our article here. But in general OTR driver makes $0.44 - $0.58 per mile (up to 3 000 miles per week), regional driver earns $0.37 - $0.55 per mile (up to 2 800 miles per week), local driver salary is $0.42 - $0.71 per mile (up to 2 500 miles per week)*.

Please see each program’s page for course fees and additional fees. Since applicants will not be under contract, we require a 50% down payment due on the first day of school. NSTS works with many leading trucking companies who are willing to cover 100% of a student's tuition if he or she meets certain requirements and accepts a job after graduation. We're here to help make your education as affordable as possible. Read more.

Absolutely! The average commercial truck driver makes $68,067 a year, and most industry jobs pay a starting salary of at least $55,000. If you decide to return and earn additional endorsements, you could eventually make over $100,000 a year!

We accept cash, credit card, and money orders. Payment can be done via this website, at Enrollment section, check Home Page. We accept all major credit cards. And no we do not charge credit card fees.

After you register for a course, we will provide you with contact information for our preferred testing facility. You can set up the appointment for yourself with an approved physician from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

You must complete a full application and obtain your Class A Learner’s Permit (CLP) prior to starting the CDL Program.

• Must be at least 18 years of age. (The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all interstate drivers be at least 21 years of age.)
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must provide a driving record free of current serious violations
• Must be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical as required by Federal & State agencies.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen when administered.
• No felony convictions in the past five (5) years.

Our Admissions Department will cover any and all additional enrollment requirements for those who wish to enroll at NSTS as a student, and will provide a list of items that must be completed prior to enrollment.

Give us a call at 253.210.0505 or fill out our online contact form here, and our Admissions Department will contact you within 24 hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

In order to become a Class A truck driver (a category that includes almost all tractor trailers), you'll need to earn your Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). In order to receive CDL certification, you will have to pass the state exam.

Our CDL A course is 4 weeks long and provides 160 hours of truck driving training. The CDL B course is 3 weeks long and provides 80 hours of training. Although, 160 hours of training might sound like a lot, with New Sound Trucking School, you can finish our program in just four 40 hour weeks. We also offer night classes for students who have jobs and other obligations during the day. Upon completion of the course, students take a Skills test to obtain their license and receive a Certificate of Completion.

For more info on our programs please see our WA state Career Bridge Page. Double check prices at NSTS managers.

NSTS will prepare you for your exam with 40 hours of classroom instruction. Our driving training involves 120 hours of training learning the pre-trip inspection, backing and behind the wheel on local streets, highways, and interstate roads.

For more information on training requirements, visit the DOL website here.

We keep our class sizes small because we are focused on making sure each student has time to practice and learn the skills they need to pass their test and obtain their CDL. Our student to instructor ratio is 3:1 when on the road. The ratio varies in the classroom.

No. Our normal hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm—excluding public holidays. Evening classes are available on an as needed basis.

Absolutely! We can prepare you for the Tanker, Passenger, or HazMat written exams. Getting an endorsement in addition to your CDL can greatly increase your salary and job prospects.

Our CDL training facility is in Milton, WA.

We have a 98% graduation rate and a 100% hire rate right out of school for local & over the road (OTR) jobs.

We accept and work with the following programs:

• Amazon employee training benefits
• Boeing current employee training benefits
• Corrections Clearinghouse
• Department of L&I retaining benefits
• TANIF education and training benefits
• WorkSource
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
• Unemployment retraining benefits

We also work with trucking companies who offer tuition reimbursement to students.

For those who do not qualify for any of the above programs we accept student loans through Climb Credit and Paramount Capital.

Please note that Climb and Paramount are loan companies and they charge interest and additional fees.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) details the delivery of federally funded employment services, workforce development, basic education for adults, and vocational rehabilitation activities for people with disabilities. The system is intended to be customer-focused, to help Americans access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high-quality services, and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers.

To learn more about WIOA visit the Workforce Training Board website.

Yes! NSTS provides assistance with job placement to all graduates who are in good standing with the school and wish to use the service. Although we cannot guarantee any job, graduates who wish to do so may take advantage of a number of services provided to them, including assistance with updating resumes, preparing for job interviews, employer referrals, or other services.

Our Job Placement staff will provide you with the tools that are necessary for you to find employment, including helping you search and apply for current job openings with a wide variety of local, regional, and national trucking companies and employers that consistently hire our graduates. We also regularly host employers on campus for presentations and recruiter visits.