How Old Is Too Old To Become A Truck Driver?

Jack, Don't even let it concern you. I got hired into the industry at 53, and the very same week I got hired another gentleman in our group who was 73 got on board also! If you can do the job and pass the fairly simple physical you won't have a problem getting your first truck driving job.

Thanks, buddy!

OK, Thanks!

I would like some opinions on whether or not I would be wasting my time trying to get into the trucking industry. I'm 60 years old, in very good health and except for being a little overweight, am in good physical condition. I've been retired for 5 years but would like to go to work as a truck driver. I have good credit, an excellent employment history, no criminal history and an unblemished driving record. I would hate to pay for a truck driving school and go through all the training, only to find that trucking companies aren't interested in a 60 year old "recruit". I'm also a little apprehensive about asking this question to a driving school recruiter. I'm sure they would all say "Sure, no problem at all! Will that be cash, or check?" Thanks!

Welcome to TT, Jack!

I, too, am an old guy. I will be 60 next month. Age does not seem to be a factor in this industry. I figure to have another 15 years or better. You will hear from the experts here that age is more times preferred as older drivers are more mature and do not get easily rattled. As long as you are healthy and alert, along with having the desired attitude to driving, you can drive as long as you want! But I'll let the experienced drivers tell you that. I am making a major relocation from Germany to the USA just to get into this field. I can hardly wait to get back and get started. You will do fine!

Hey Jack,

Age is not an issue in this industry. I am older than you (not saying by how much!) and encountered no problems in this regard. I had concerns about passing the physical, so I paid for one on my own nickel prior to enrolling in a truck driving school and passed with no problem. However, this is not an easy job, so be prepared for long, erratic hours with lots of solitude (unless you drive team). My over-all experience with Roehl has been good and recommend that you at least talk with them in the process of choosing a company. Good luck to ya!

OK, Thanks! Yeah, Roehl is one of the companies I've been looking at.

You'll be fine. My story and beginning parameters are quite similar. I started at 57, and although I want to do flatbedding, I'm going to wait at least until next summer to that. I'm doing Dry Vans now.

Here's a link to my story on Trucking Truth: YANG

Assuming 60yo Jack didn't follow-through. Zero posts since this one inquiry. Curious what happened?

signed: also 60

Assuming 60yo Jack didn't follow-through. Zero posts since this one inquiry. Curious what happened?

signed: also 60

That happens quite a bit. You're not too old and age discrimination doesnt exist in this industry. If you can pass a DOT physical and any agility test the company does you'll be able to be hired. Agility tests vary by the company but most are having you safely climb in/out of the tractor and trailer, then squat and duck walk under the trailer to demonstrate you're capable of getting down there to inspect the equipment. They're not expecting you to be in the best shape of your life which is a good thing based on how overweight many drivers are but they need to be sure you can safely do the job without hurting yourself. You should read through the Truck Driver's Career Guide. There is also a part in there about age.

I was in Joplin last week talking to a guy who’s in his mid-80s and still driving( o/o ) He only does about 50,000 miles a year and since his truck has been paid off for about 15 years he’s been able to take it easy.

Obviously you can’t take it that easy at a big company because they have to make a large portion of money to make the truck payments, but The idea is still the same

If you are in a box underground, you’re too old.

I started at 59, just about to hit 2 years solo.

I just turned 31 a month ago and have been at it for 3 years if I can keep doing it at my old age you'll be fine.

But seriously we have a driver who is in his 70s and he is able to get it done.

Welcome Jack, I am 61 and in Student driver at Prime right now. So far I have been complemented on not having to have a phone in my hand, and actually listening and retaining what I heard

Good luck to you