How Old Is Too Old?

So I'm thinking driving would suit me fine but I'm 66 years old and have doubts about getting a job. Don't want to pay for training or head off to a company training site to then get told no thanx, you're not qualified or whatever when the real reason is I'm too old for their tastes. Any advice?

You'll find that age discrimination doesn't exist in trucking. Many companies seem to think older is better. I started this as a second career at the age of 53. The day I got hired the company also hired another gentleman who was 73! Since that time I've met 3 different drivers who were in their eighties. If you can handle the responsibilities, the long hours, and pass the physical your age won't count against you.

Here's some great information you should look into as your considering taking the plunge.

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

DCL, you just made my day! I’m 66 and just started my new career last October. This has been a fantastic experience and I’m not at all alone in my situation or opinion. Yesterday I met another driver from my company, Schneider, who is 71 and has only been driving for 6 months. We had so much in common that we are wondering if we might be from the same parents and somehow got split up. Schneider had no hesitation about bringing me on board and treated me with respect and reasonableness. I love my job and I think the challenges I face and all drivers face is vital for my continuing mental and physical health. Perhaps there is a way for us to exchange contact info and I would be delighted to tell you about my experience and what I’ve learned that could help you.

DCL, you just made my day! I’m 66 and just started my new career last October. This has been a fantastic experience and I’m not at all alone in my situation or opinion. Yesterday I met another driver from my company, Schneider, who is 71 and has only been driving for 6 months. We had so much in common that we are wondering if we might be from the same parents and somehow got split up. Schneider had no hesitation about bringing me on board and treated me with respect and reasonableness. I love my job and I think the challenges I face and all drivers face is vital for my continuing mental and physical health. Perhaps there is a way for us to exchange contact info and I would be delighted to tell you about my experience and what I’ve learned that could help you.

Thanx for that, good news indeed.

Go for it brother. My girlfriend's uncle is 76 he's been driving for 40 years and just just took a job with another company last year running US mail so he can be at home each night. And I understand they absolutely love him.

If anything, I think there is much more hesitation for drivers that are "too young".. say 21-24. But age discrimination just doesn't exist in trucking! I started at 53 also. I've said before, this lifestyle is much kinder to those with some life experience behind them.

I started at age 54. I’ll be 60 this month. Most of the top performing drivers I work with are in the 45-65 age range. There are certain things that can only be taught through decades of life experience. If you are healthy, have a good work and driving history, consider your advanced maturity an asset, not a detriment.

Please carefully read the replies of Old School and Susan. Valuable and relevant information for you to leverage as motivation and a catalyst for making “this” happen.

Good luck.

Yeah, OK. I was born in 1951 - you do the math. I took my CDL school five years ago. Still holding onto that steering wheel!

Maybe you want be old and sit on the porch to pass the days. Well, a driver's cab has a comfortable seat, and the scenery is always changing. Don't let big age numbers stop you!

Love this thread. At 52 I'm considered an "old dog" in law enforcement. If I get into trucking next year I'll be the new kid!

I’m in my lower 60s and attended school and driving after retiring from my first career, so you can do it, too. Age is just a number on paper. I’m still 18 in my head.