Getting back in

The short answer is: yes, you are dreaming
New regulations just put into place require you to go to a formal training program to get a CDL.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) | FMCSA

After you get the CDL, financing will be impossible, unless you pay cash for the tractor, glider kit trucks cost 50% more than the equivalent ELD tractor
If you do get the tractor I cannot imagine any insurance company willing to write insurance on a driver and DOT number with no CDL experience, which is how you will be classified.
If you do get the insurance, learning the in's and out's getting compliant and also finding loads with brokers will be borderline impossible. Brokers will not be willing to do business with a DOT number with no track record.
And besides, this is a crummy business relative to the one you were used to 20 + years ago.

 

Feb or Mar 7th was the cutoff date for a CDL. If you didn't have a cdl after that date, must attend cdl school. That's a federal law, not some rumor.
@Moose1958 is our "go to" guy for the accurate details.

 

www.OOIDA.com is a business website for the owner operator.

 

You know, it's a tribute to the human spirit to think this may work today. It's what happens when out of the loop too long. 20 years ago, was the beginning of the "end", as I call it. We lost a lot of drivers, me included, that didn't want to put up with changing regulations. Well, a lot has happened in 20 years, and this person clearly hasn't been keeping up. "The old gray mare she hain't what she used to be",,

 

Only real difference is you HAVE to go to an approved school and an approved medical examiner. Then there’s a theory course that you basically do online from home — depending on your school. Use the links below to search for both in your area.

Training Provider Registry


FMCSA National Registry

20 years is a long time…

 

Holy cow !!
Things ain't as easy as they used to be back in the olden days.
Feel sorry for the begin again beginning again types now days.

 

Hey, look at it this way, years ago before this site, you would have gone ahead, and just dealt with the hassles. Now, those "hassles" are multiplied ten fold, insurmountable, in some cases. Fear not, however, if you can hold out say another 5 years, the world will be in ruin, and an outlaw trucker just may have a chance,,,again.

 

As stated, you're dreaming. First, you will be required to go back to school. Second, the glider kit loophole had been closed, so you can only buy used and at a premium.

Perhaps you can partner with a local farmer and get your fix hauling for them. No CDL required for farm use, and all runs will be local.

 

If you really want to drive, just do what it takes. There's really no other choice. Just get it done and over with.