160 Driving Academy of Kansas City

Positive experience: Instructors care about their students and they want you to succeed and be safe!

Fantastic experience: They are all business! If you not serious about getting your CDL then don’t waste your time! They are committed to getting you all the knowledge & skills to pass your exam at the DMV. Trust what they teach & practice it everyday. Big thank you to Jabrelle, she made the process simple & smooth. Love her for that. Thanks Dean, Dom, & mike for the help on the yard.

Negative experience: DO NOT absolutely DO NOT pay out of pocket for this academy. it’s a waste of time and they could care less about your future. 18 students and 2 instructors, the regional manager the branch manager and the yard director are a joke this company only exist because of the government grants students and Amazon contract. Please don’t spend your money out of pocket do your research go thru a better academic experience this is not the place to go wish I would have did some research before going with the first place I found near me. By the grace of god I got my CDL but with little to no help from any of the people listed above even corporate in Illinois is a big let down disgraceful of a company all around! Save yourselves a head ache of dealing with them.

Negative experience: I went to the Kansas City, MO location First off- they say have your CDL in 4 weeks. It took over 8 weeks! I completed my first week of online courses. I was supposed to go right into 3 weeks of yard training. I was told I had to wait a week. Then when I called to find out if I was starting the following week, they told me that due to a testing delay, I had to wait another week. Finally, I started yard training. My second day, the office called me to tell me I had to go take a drug test. Something I could have done while I waited those 2 weeks! I lost another week. So that was 3 weeks sitting at home. I finally was able to start yard training. The equipment is all crap. The trucks are barely functioning. The pavement is all broken up with rebar sticking out of it. People were getting turned away from testing because the truck failed inspection. They do not have enough instructors. Most days I would only get about 20 minutes total to work on my maneuvers and maybe 30 minutes of drive time. That’s out of an 8 hour day. The rest of the day I’d just have sit and “observe” while I waited my turn. When it came time for me to test, they brought me a 53’ trailer instead of the 48’ trailer I had practiced with the entire time. 5 extra feet changes a lot when you’ve been practicing for 3 weeks on a smaller trailer. I managed to pass but I credit my previous experience for that. Finally- as a woman, I was told I would have a hard time finding a job since I was a woman by an instructor. When I disagreed, he continued to say it was because men won’t be comfortable working with me because they won’t be able to make their inappropriate jokes without me reporting them. I had multiple job offers within a week of getting my license. The ONLY positive was the instructors- except the one mentioned above. They do their best when corporate starts too many students. They break everything down and make it easy to learn.

Fantastic experience: Hey shout out to all the guys at 160 academy especially dean, mills and j-mack on blue ridge, they really helped me face challenges that I wasnt sure I would overcome in 3 weeks, but by listening and studying hard I achieved success through their guidance and redirection

Negative experience: As someone who has experienced it firsthand, let me save you the trouble and tell you straight up: do not come to this school for your CDL training. Trust me, I wish someone had given me this warning before I wasted my time and money here. First of all, let's talk about the actual education. Or should I say lack thereof. I don't know about you, but when I signed up for this school, I expected to actually learn something useful and important for my future career as a truck driver. But nope, that was not the case. The so-called "instructors" here barely even teach. They just spout out the same information from the textbook over and over again, without any real hands-on training. And when you ask them a question, they either give you a vague answer or make fun of you for not knowing. Yeah, real professional, I know. Oh, and let's talk about those instructors for a minute. These so-called "experts" in the trucking industry couldn't care less about you or your success. They're just here to collect a paycheck and move on to the next batch of clueless students. They don't bother getting to know you or your individual needs and learning styles. In fact, they'll probably forget your name the minute you walk out of the door. And when it comes to actually helping you out, good luck with that. They're more likely to laugh at your mistakes than actually offer guidance and support. But guess what's even worse than the instructors? The other students. Let me tell you, the environment here is toxic as hell. It's like high school all over again, but worse. Everyone is constantly trying to one-up each other and show off, instead of actually focusing on their studies. And if you happen to be struggling, forget about asking for help. You'll just be met with eye rolls and snickers from your fellow classmates. With all that being said, if you're serious about becoming a truck driver, do yourself a favor and find another CDL school. This place is a complete waste of time and money. I know, because I've been there. And now, I'm paying the price. Not only did I not learn anything useful, but I also wasted thousands of dollars on this excuse for a school. Trust me, it's not worth it. In conclusion, if you don't want to end up like me, feeling angry and ripped off, then please, stay away from this school. They don't care about your education or your future. All they care about is making a quick buck. So save yourself the trouble and find a reputable CDL training program. It may take some extra time and effort, but trust me, it'll be worth it in the long run. Don't make the same mistake I did. Just find another school.

Fantastic experience: They are professional, full of knowledge and skillful. I had the best experience in this place!Thank you Dean, J-Mack, Donald, Mike, Miller and Ryan. I would recommend to anyone who looking for a Professional CDL training.

Fantastic experience: When I came to the academy I had general knowledge of driving. When I left I had the confidence and proper knowledge I needed in order to move forward in my driving career. Thank you J-Mack for being patient and kind in my learning! I also want to thank Don. You've made this experience a fun way to learn! The job you guys have takes alot of patience. To all the other staff...keep being great!!

Fantastic experience: I'm taking these courses and I absolutely love it. The class part was extremely informative in order to get my permit. Jesse and Don are real helpful coaches while working on maneuvers and driving

Fantastic experience: Very great school to attend. Instructors was very great. Really enjoyed my time here, highly recommended

Fantastic experience: When I started the 160 academy Afp training I still had a lot to learn and master. Mike is very knowledgeable and patient. He taught me a ton and made me a better driver

Fantastic experience: So glad I made this decision! Jay at christin out of Kansas city location where great people to get you going! They really stick a hand out and get things done! And Andy and Don the instructors at the yard where very informational and will help you learn to be a one and done!! Please give this school a shot! It's worth it, I was a one and done because of all these great people!

Fantastic experience: Shout out to everyone at 160, from Jay in the office to the guys on the yard. Thanks fo4 helping me achieve my goal

Fantastic experience: I had the best people here at 160 jay and Christin are good people they will help you out no matter what. My instructors was amazing but the one I have to say a big thank you is Kevin taught me a lot on the yard and on the road I will take everything I learned from Kevin and move forward… thank you 160 driving academy.

Fantastic experience: Great experience! The online instructors are good at keeping the PowerPoints engaging and interesting. The yard instructors are super cool and genuinely want you to succeed.

Fantastic experience: Awesome Instructors, easy to learn and helped out a lot! Thanks!

Positive experience: Pretty fast and easy going process the manual instructors on the lot are very patient through the entire process

Fantastic experience: Had a good experience, thank you to the instructors Dean, Mich, Ryan and my handler Jay and also free world. appreciate you all very much !!

Fantastic experience: Awesome experience made the process extremely easy staff was great very helpful everyone

Fantastic experience: 160drive was a great experience. The instructors were very thorough on explaining how to do the maneuvers and when going over the road. The instructors were great!

Fantastic experience: All the instructors were great, patient, and easy to understand

Fantastic experience: Jay was very helpful during my first appointment. He explained the process of getting my cdl and what moves can be made after getting my cdl. He made it very clear that it’s all about what you make it ! Was very motivational and understanding at the same time.

Fantastic experience: My experience was great… I would definitely recommend coming here… the class was smooth… the instructors were great… any questions I had they were more that gladly to answer them…

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend 160 ! Every instructor is so genuinely wanting you to succeed and they treat like family and not a student. They have a nice big spacious yard, multiple trucks, strong culture and a organized daily agenda to help everyone succeed. The only con I can say is they only allow you to test twice, which I feel they should switch back to allowing students to test three times.

Fantastic experience: Great school and by the book.. The class room is great and so are the instructors at the yard.. I would 100% recommend this school.. 160 Driving Academy definitely gives you the knowledge you need to be safe and proficient as a Commercial Diver..

Fantastic experience: Loved my experience at 160 Kansas City! Very knowledgeable instructors. No matter what you make the experience what it is. Ryan is an excellent instructor with lots of patience and he cares about his job and training the next generation or truckers. Thanks to Kelly for getting me in and through so fast! You guys helped me get to a better path and I can’t thank you enough!

Fantastic experience: Kelly was inspiring and encouraging in helping me in getting enrolled and in the classroom. This is my 1st week on the yard is very nice the guys are helpful and teaching me what I am gonna need to pass my CDL LOVE THIS SCHOOL strongly advise if u want a CDL come to See Kelly at 160 driving academy

Fantastic experience: One of the best experience I have had, I went from knowing nothing until I went to this school! Everyone is super helpful in class and on the yard!

Negative experience: I usually don’t leave reviews but just wanna let others know so they don’t make a same mistake I did and choose this school. First week of school with Kelly was a disaster trying to learn on online class with all them noises, Kelly would be on the phone talking loud and it was hard listening to instructor all the way from Chicago in laptop ( which I was expecting to have a teacher in the class ) she would talk to you nice and all that before joining the 160 and ones you join she will talk and treat you like a kid!! Then ones you get to the yard you will have to deal with unorganized training… sometimes they will have up to 8 students with one instructor and one truck so you will get lucky if you be able to do One maneuver that day, they had a instructor very unprofessional name TJ that I had to put a request to change my instructor cause he didn’t know how to talk to people at all. If I wanna write more I will have to write a book about it just DONT DO IT!!! Many companies like Werner would not hire you cause they don’t meet their standard requirement Training. ( Andy was a good instructor and helped me a lot same as James)

Fantastic experience: Ryan is an amazing instructor! After graduating I took a road test and they said I'm driving better than people who had 3 months of experience, thanks to Ryan it has not been as intimidating to drive a semi.

Fantastic experience: 160Drive is an excellent school for obtaining your Class A CDL (manual or automatic) everything was refreshing and you even get refresher days to brush up on skills right before your actual exam HIGHLY RECOMMEND.....Thanks Kelley, Anthony, Andy, Ryan, Don, Mack and my man Irvin I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL YOU GUYS Now lets see what trucking is going to do for me and my family.....

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with 160 driving academy…. I was a one and done at the dmv when I took my test and that’s because of the great instructors. They break everything down and made it simple to learn all the material. Also a special thanks to Kelly AlQammaz who helps everyone out through the entire process.

Fantastic experience: Great staff kelly shes doing her job wonderfull great experience in 160 academy thanks to my teacher rashid and other staff too all were really helpfull even when its hot as hell almost 102 in summer they were standing with you helping you out

Negative experience: Kelly is soo unprofessional, she barely care about her student and is very poor in communication. Wasted my time and money thinking she know what she was doing.She technically mistreated me just because I was out of pocket paying student.Tonny is never willing to teach and messed me up for a good 5 dyas

Fantastic experience: The best school and Kelly she very nice and she help everyone he need help . There is a teacher named Mac. He is very wonderful and gives the student everything he needs. Rather, he gives him from his experience, and I learned so much from him that no one can give it to a student, and also all the existing staff are experienced and teach the students what he needs most to pass the exams. Whatever your teacher's reaction there, this is from his fear of you and he wants you to be the best. Rather, he treats you like a brother or a son, and you will realize this after working life begins after school.

Fantastic experience: Kelly was amazing in working with my sponsor to get me enrolled. Very knowledgeable, and professional. Kelly was always just a phone call away with answers to me and my sponsors questions. I struggled at first with my maneuvers, and at one point doubted if I would get my CDL. The Lead Instructor Dean personally taught me to parallel park the truck when he seen me struggling with learning it. Dean is a true truck driver AND teacher. If you have the commitment and drive Dean will not let you fail. Thanks to Anthony (Mr. Manual) you were great, would of never passed my pre-trip without you. Mac for the offset, and special thanks to Andy for teaching me how to drive. 160 is a great school, but keep in mind that it is a accelerated program. Truck driving is not easy, but If you have the commitment and willingness to learn you will get your CDL at this school. I did. Update 4/19/2022. Just completed my training at FEDEX, which is one of the many companies that recruit straight out of 160 Driving Academy. Making more money than I ever made. On track to pop more than 90 grand this year. 160 Driving Academy is real!

Positive experience: Monica and Ervin are really good instructors and helped me a lot

Fantastic experience: 160 was wonderful to me! Helped me began a brand new career as a trucker. Starting with Kelly she was amazing from the first day we met and all the way till I finished, could not ask for a better branch manger. I loved all my instructors at the yard and they give me every tool they could for me to be successful and it sure did payoff, Thank you 160 truly blessed for you guys!!

Positive experience: I say overall it’s pretty good school. The instructors are all very helpful. If you have any questions they’ll do their best to find the answers. And they’re all pretty easy to get a long with so that goes a long way. Big thanks to my instructor Andy, pretty cool dude and easy to get a long with, he does his best to make sure his students know what they’re talking about. Probably why I passed my test on the first try. Also Kelly, she kept in contact with me and made sure I was up to date with everything that I needed. Only thing I would say needs improvement is being a little bit more organized. But overall, great experience.

Negative experience: If you already have your stuff together then yes if not, don't even bother. Wasted my time because of lack bad of management and training instructors. Find someone else who will commit to teaching you the right way to drive a semi truck.

Negative experience: $3500 to come to a class and have 3 days of online classroom training before you are sent off to do the permit. Then not to mention you can barely hear the instructor threw the headphones because Ms. Kelly is talking the entire time you are in class from the front desk so loud that a person like myself who need to really pay attention can't even focus. I am so mad. I rather did this from home. Then she calls you out at least 2 or 3 times while the instructor is still going on with the class. I like Ms. Kelly but thus class cost to much tonot get the full benefits of it because she don't want to close the door an allow the class to hear the instructor properly.

Negative experience: Good schooling teaches a lot. But won’t work with someone that gets Covid. You get kicked out and loose funding. When explaining my situation I got yelled at to leave. Not much help, not told when to come back in

Negative experience: Took my money, teachers were not patient or professional. They were discriminating against me for being a different race. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE !!!!!

Positive experience: Great instructors on driving range! They really invest time and insure that you pass your test! Also good branch manager in Kansas City,Mo location!

Fantastic experience: Instructors care very much about their students. With effort, you’re almost guaranteed a class A CDL!

Fantastic experience: Great school

Fantastic experience: The school will help you get all your training without problems and they know what they are doing very professional. They are also cheaper than the other schools so it's a win win!

Fantastic experience: It is a good school with good instructors. Tim and Percy were very helpful. As was Kelly with all the information and getting me enrolled. The only complaint I have is the yard. It is gravel with a lot of holes. But if you can drive on gravel, driving on pavement will be a piece of cake

Positive experience: It’s a good place to learn

Fantastic experience: The instructors are very knowledgeable and kind. Kelly was very helpful in getting me into the courses and Dave is literally the Casey Kasem of instructors. Thank yall so much.