Comments By BK

I'm exploring whether truck driving could be a option for me, given that I am in my 50s and never worked in a job even remotely related to trucking. In other words, apologies in advance for my dumb questions... On your website I noticed several companies that offer CDL training indicate they hire from the lower 48 states yet their terminals/drop lots are only in a few large cities. How does this work if you live hours or even states away from your employer's hub/terminal? I live in Southern Arizona, about 4 hours from Phoenix where a few companies have a terminal/drop lot. I can't visualize hopping in my car and commuting four hours each way to the terminal when I may only be getting a day or two off at a time. Hopefully I am missing the obvious here. Thanks.

Michelle, your biggest concern should not be where you live. You stated that you are in your 50’s and have never even remotely done anything related to truck driving. How knowledgeable are you about the challenges you would face? Are you mechanically inclined at all? It’s a tough job. Not to discourage you, but you need to get a realistic idea of how difficult it is. Do you have any specific questions about the profession that we can answer for you?

John, you can only come to a complete stop in high gear IF the clutch is disengaged. But after you stop, you have to get it in 2nd or 3rd gear to get moving again. Of course, it’s easy to downshift if you are stopped. The examiner is looking to see that you at least have the concept of downshifting to slow the truck. You don’t usually have to be perfect, but good enough to demonstrate that you have the general idea.

Will you be driving a manual when you pass the test, or don’t you know yet?

You are over thinking and ahead of yourself.

In 9 years i have only once had my fuel stolen. Other than that, i have suffered none of which you typed.

I’ve only had 3 years on the road, not over 9 like Kearsey, but I agree with her comment. Things can happen, but if you just use common sense you will be okay.

And please, don’t give money needlessly to lawyers.

John, I feel your pain. When I tested out in a manual, I had the same worries. The key was to drive the test as slow as possible (without impeding traffic), which gave me more time to think, react, and downshift. When I tested out, all I had to do was to get down to 3rd gear in the test truck. I could start from a dead stop in 3rd gear. I’m not sure if all trucks can do this, but 2nd gear should always be low enough. And, yeah, I ground some gears but I still passed the test. Most examiners are aware of the fact that you are still learning when you test out. Try to relax, think and take it easy. Good luck!

I would have to agree about trucks blocking fuel lanes. Some drivers just weren’t raised right.

Hello Max,

That incident might be a factor with some companies but a lot of time has passed and if your have an otherwise spotless record, you should be able to find a job. There are other people here on this forum who can give you a more definitive answer, so just wait until you get a few more responses on this.

The other issue is the trucking economy right now. Hiring is really slow and companies are being very picky about driver’s qualifications. However, there is always driver turnover, so hiring has slowed but not stopped.

I you decide to pursue this, check out the links below for a better understanding. Also, definitely go with company sponsored and company paid training.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

High Road CDL Training ProgramPaid CDL Training ProgramsTruck Driver's Career Guide

• CDL Practice Tests
• High Road Practice Questions
• Android App: CDL Practice Tests

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

I'm not trying to sound like a punk, I love working hard. I have heard about 10 hour resets and stuff but I don't know if we get any other time off.

Hi Tacoma. The 10 hour break is generally referred to as a break. The 34 hour time period is what is called a reset. If you drive or work either a 14 hour shift or a 11 hour drive time, you have to take a 10 hour break. When you use up 70 hours of on duty/drive time, then you are required to take a break for at least 34 hours to “reset” your 70 hour clock.

Every driver gets other days off either for vacation time, paid days off, or regular home time. Every company has different policies about days off. Some drivers like lots of days off, some drivers want to work as much as possible for as long as possible.

One of the biggest challenges truck drivers face is consistently finding quality loads that fit schedule and preferences. What strategies have worked for you to secure steady loads? Do you prefer working with brokers or using load boards? I’d love to hear how others are navigating this!

I have a proven strategy for getting good loads that fit my schedule: Being a company driver. Works like a charm!

Paul, I sometimes wonder if a driver like you trying to get hired again would benefit from looking into team driving opportunities. You would have to tolerate team driving for awhile, but it could give you the recent experience you need. I was just perusing some driver job listings and several were looking for a team driver. Might be worth a look-see.

I recently “enrolled” in a 20 week program. Im having some doubts, should I back out and look for a 1 month program?

Hello Nikole,

You provide no details of your situation, so nobody can give you any reliable answer. Is the longer program weekends only? Either program would have its pros and cons.

We generally recommend getting your training with a company that brings you in for their own training program and pays you to train. Check out the links for going that route:

High Road CDL Training ProgramPaid CDL Training ProgramsApply For Paid CDL Training