Deciding On A Career Change To Become A Truck Driver

Hello all,

I have been in IT for about 30 years now and have been thinking about a career change as my job is coming to an end in another week. A very possible change is becoming a Truck Driver. I love driving long distances and seeing new places. I know it's not all about that but from some of the drivers I met, it sounds like something I would still love to do. I would of course need to get my CDL license but would try and find a sponsor so I could go to school for free. Being former military, there may be programs I might qualify for.

I am posting for a few reasons.

The first just to get more knowledge about truck drivers. What are the main pros and cons? challenges? (I know traffic would have to be one challenge).

The second is any advice for someone in their 50's that wants to get a CDL and start a new, great career as a Truck Driver.

The third is my wife would like me first to travel with a truck driver for a week to see how I like it first. As my wife is the smartest, wisest person I know, I would be a fool not to listen. How would I go about finding someone who drives trucks to just let me ride with them for a week? I would be glad to help out if allowed as well. I'm about an hour and a half outside of Nashville, TN.

It is great to be a part of this board in hopes I can learn more about truck driving and the life of a truck driver.

Sincerely,

Kevin

Here are some links to get you started. We recommend going through company sponsored training because they will be getting you ready for a job with them. After giving them the time required, the schooling is paid off.

As for riding along with somebody, while not impossible, it could be hard to do because of companies policies.

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

You are in the right place to getting questions answered. At the top left there are three bars. That leads to more information. Once you get done with the above links, go and start reading some more info. When you have a question, just post it and somebody will be along to answer it.

Laura

Hi Kevin. Like Ramper said, the ride along is difficult to arrange. But not impossible. I would be willing to explore the idea since you are in IT and could perhaps help me with some technical stuff with my devices and truck.

Technically, passengers are not allowed to help the driver with the work flow, but there are things to be done that could be helpful. The passenger is basically just an observer, but during the trip the driver’s commentary would be very beneficial to someone thinking of becoming a driver.

I’ve only had one passenger and that was my 18 year old grandson one year ago. I loved having him with me, but after 4 days he got bored and wanted to go back home. I ended up taking him to the OKC airport and he flew back to Wisconsin.

The passenger has to be able to climb the ladder to the top bunk and get down again and to be physically able to get safely up and down the steps of the truck. For me, I would find it difficult if the passenger snored and kept me awake when I needed to sleep. And if there was the passing of gas, forget about it, lol.

A round trip is another difficulty. My company will allow a passenger but will not alter their assignments to accommodate picking up and dropping off the passenger, so that has to be separately arranged.

But I will say that it would be nice to have some company along once in a while.