16 Year Olds Driving Big Rigs
Topic 31041 | Page 1
Private property? Go for it. Driving on public roadways? Not a chance in hell. Look at the typical 16 year old and how they drive. I don't trust being around them in their moms minivan much less something capable of hauling 80k pounds.
I agree with Rob ^^^
Kids have been driving trucks in farms for a long time
Hi James,
16 year olds can not drive big trucks because they are minors and (generally) can not be held liable in court. It all comes down to being legally responsible for your actions.
Did you know that even at 18 you can only drive within your state, and only after 21 can you drive out of your state with a commercial motor vehicle?
Commercial Motor Vehicle:
A commercial motor vehicle is any vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property with either:
- A gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more
- A gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more which includes a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
Farm vehicles on a relative's private property, sure thing, as long as I'm not paying the insurance. Pulling a trailer from the fields to the silos, barns, or a transfer area is fine by me.
As for the public roadways, I don't think anyone under 25 should be driving. It's way too easy to get a license and a vehicle to drive in this country. That's my opinion.
Yes, I did know that you can drive trucks at 18 and actually know more than the general high schooler about trucks with my dad being the lead truck driving instructor at the local college for the past 12 or so years and my parents actually meeting each other through truck driving.
Thanks for all your feedback.
Yes, I did know that you can drive trucks at 18 and actually know more than the general high schooler about trucks with my dad being the lead truck driving instructor at the local college for the past 12 or so years and my parents actually meeting each other through truck driving.
Thanks for all your feedback.
Hi, James!
As the wife of a trucker (and have done some myself throughout life) and the mom of a guy your age, I would LOVE TO SEE your research paper. Of course, being here in Ohio, we have guys your age moving farm equipment and T/T's around here, all the time. Not sure if it's 'legal,' but oftentimes these guys DO cross some of our 'County Roads.' Never known it to be a problem, pulling from point A to point B.
Bothers me not; except when y'all wake me up at 0430 and we work nights, haha!
Sounds interesting, James. My son has been driving since ... idk ... 11, 12? Our property & family stuff, but .. does fine, moving the sticks/manuals, and the lawn trailers, etc.
If you have any more 'specific' questions, please post 'em! You sound quite astute for your age; I'm liking it!
You'll eke into the industry just fine, young man!
~ Anne ~
Be prepared to wait until at least you are 21 to drive on the road. But the experience you are gaining doing farm driving will make you a super star when you go to CDL school unless you prove to be a total idiot, which doesn’t appear to be the case, lol
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.
Hi James,
I think it's really cool that you are learning how to drive a truck. Honestly, as long as you are not texting, playing around with a phone or acting stupid when on the road then go for it! However, at 16 I would suggest that you STAY IN SCHOOL. Dude, go to college... Live a bit. Trucking isn't going anywhere and will be here in the next few years and long after that.
Hi James,
I think it's really cool that you are learning how to drive a truck. Honestly, as long as you are not texting, playing around with a phone or acting stupid when on the road then go for it! However, at 16 I would suggest that you STAY IN SCHOOL. Dude, go to college... Live a bit. Trucking isn't going anywhere and will be here in the next few years and long after that.
Well said, you!
How've YOU been ?!? How's YOUR driving plight??
Excellent advice.
Hope you are well!
~ Anne ~
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Hey, I'm a high school student that has been around trucking my whole life, and I'm currently doing a research paper for my class and what wondering what you guys thought on 16-year-olds driving trucks. Obviously not over the road or interstate but just driving for a farmer or something like that.
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).