1 Year DL Requirement

So I just recently got my drivers license and wanted to know which states that you personally know of that the “must hold a DL for 1 or 2 yrs requirement” wasn’t an issue or asked about when you went to obtain a CDL or wasn’t a requirement? Thanks in advance.

Hello, Tee, welcome to Trucking Truth.

First, a little real-world fact: getting a CDL and getting a CDL job are different animals. You can get a CDL if you are 18 (this requires a CDL road test and a regular driver license to get the CDL license.)

The other part of your question (a job) is different. If you're under 21 (are you under or over 21 now?) you can only drive within your state, no interstate driving. Few local companies would hire you anyway.

Once you have that CDL, and are over 21, and if your driving record and your work experience are clean, many interstate trucking companies that hire brand new drivers would like to talk to you.

Here's some questions from us that will help us better answer your questions:

* Are you over 18? Over 21?

* Do you have a "regular" driver license now, with a clean record?

What have you done to prepare for being a "big truck driver"?

Here are a few things we offer new/potential CDL drivers:

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

Hey thanks for the reply I didn’t think I would get one! Okay I’m 23 years old. Clean driving record but had my license for a month now. I’ve done several ride alongs, read forum and drove my grandfathers trucks and it gives me a thrill I’ve never felt. I watch videos all day. I live, breathe, dream about becoming a truck driver.

Not sure if I mentioned in the previous reply but I had my license for a month so my driving record is clean but I’m just not sure if I had to wait a whole year before I’m able to apply to a school.

If you ask a recruiter, the worst that could happen is they'd say "No".

Actually, if everything else looks good, your recruiters (I hope you get several) might just say "Come back in a year".

Also, if you must wait till next summer, start studying for the CDL test (it's how you get your CDL learner permit) now but don't take the test till you're ready to make your move. Study using the High Road CDL Training Program linked above.

And be sure to hang out on this forum, and check out the CDL Training Diaries so you don't have any surprises.

Here's a YouTube v-log to follow: Truckin Along With Kearsey. Kearsey shows up here as Rainey.

Rainey has written tons of articles that are worth your time to read. Though she has cut back her forum participation a bit, read her stuff. That's an assignment for you.

Thanks I spoke with a recruiter today who told me it wasn’t an issue. Appreciate the help and advice!