Is 50 Too Old To Start With Pro-driver Career?
Topic 25530 | Page 1
Welcome Yuriy,
Not too old at all. Any CDL paid training that would accept you would be good at training people in all age ranges. I'm 66 and I went through the same training as the students in their 20's. (Of course, they had trouble keeping up with me).
No program will custom train you based on your age as far as I know. If you apply and they accept you, it means they think you can make it, otherwise they will turn you down.
Weight might be an issue. If you are over a certain size you are almost certain to be tested for sleep apnea.
Call a company and talk to a recruiter. And there is a boat load of info you can review here. I'm sure someone will post links for you to read. Good luck!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Weight might be an issue. If you are over a certain size you are almost certain to be tested for sleep apnea.
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for words of encouragement. But I must ask, is sleep apnea something that would prevent me from getting through physical?
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
Yurly,
No, you can still get through the physical but might get sent for a sleep study, like I just did. Medications are another issue that has to be evaluated by the company.
Roehl and prime we’re my two choices when I began. However Roehl was only hiring for flat bed and I’m just to old for that. Sleep apnea will not disqualify u from getting a cdl. But u will have to comply to using a cpap machine. Hey, you’re years younger than me, so go for it!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
You’ll be my age in just under 11 more years, so yes, you can start at just about any age, as long as you can hack it. Most can’t. Good luck.
Welcome Yurly!
I started my trucking career at 53. The day I got hired the company also hired a gentleman who was 73! You're just a young sapling! Go for it!
There are other companies offering Paid CDL Training Programs. You can click on that link for more information.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
I'm only 29 so I leave most of this to the...... more senior drivers. but i have seen plenty of drivers 50+ we have one I know of who is 70.
I'm only 29 so I leave most of this to the...... more senior drivers. but i have seen plenty of drivers 50+ we have one I know of who is 70.
We definitely cannot add, either! At 50, you’ll be about 11 1/2 years younger than I when I started this, my latest adventure.
Last year, I started last school at the age of 56. If you are physically and mentally fit to perform the duties involved, then you will be good to go.
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Hello Ladies and Gents,
For many years I have been interested in trucking career, now life gives me an opportunity to step up and follow my desire. However, I am not a young lad anymore. I managed to get some extra weight and diabetes in those wonderful 50 that have gone by. In my research I've found 2 companies that offer paid CDL training. One is Prime, and another one is Roehl. Which one would you recommend for an older guy such as myself, who may need some extra patience from trainers, and has some health issues? Or is it too late for me?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.