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Topic 32640 | Page 1
If you can pass the physical it is not too late.
Several members are..... about your life experience level so they can probably help further.
Mark C.
Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to Trucking Truth.
A Moderator will be along later to give you the usual welcome links to various resources on this site.
You are not too old at 68, if you can pass the DOT medical exam. I was 65 when I obtained my Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) in November 2021. I had to clear up a couple medical issues first to pass the medical exam.
My search for company paid CDL training is documented in the following link.
Have you been working during the past 3 years? That was my biggest challenge because I had been retired for 5.5 years. Most companies want to see verifiable employment during last 3 years to satisfy Federal regulations. Only one company, out of 11 applications, was willing to give me a chance.
My search for paid CDL training
Some useful links
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
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.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
I was 66 when I decided to start driving with no previous experience in an 18 wheel vehicle. I’m 70 now and I wish I had started driving 20 years ago. The process was not easy, but that goes for probably every driver. Not easy, but very fulfilling.
The process was not easy, but that goes for probably every driver. Not easy, but very fulfilling.
I agree with BK. The process is not easy, but is worthwhile if you are committed to making the lifestyle change to start out driving Over-The-Road (OTR).
There are many excellent articles in the Career Guide, Brett’s book and the Trucker’s Blog section about realistic expectations for training and your rookie year.
OTR:
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.
Dennis, you are back in the saddle soon arent you?
I start Prime Orientation on December 5th in Springfield to rehire. Not far off.
Trucking is 1 industry where your age don't matter. Some had started at 70+, I started 3 months before my 60th birthday, in 2019. Should'a started 5+ years earlier though lol Even though am now retired, and enjoying that, living in S.E. Asia now
Age should not really be a factor, as long as your physical health presents no major limitations like major arthritis, missing limbs, paralysis, or diabetes. The average age of drivers is in the early 50s, with some into their 80s.
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Any advice on someone considering starting into the trucking industry at 68 years old I don’t have a license yet I would have to go to school I live alone did I wait too long could I get some input on this please