Thinking about becoming a truck driver after I graduate next year.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Christian H., Jul 13, 2019.

  1. Christian H.

    Christian H. Bobtail Member

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    Jul 13, 2019
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    So I get out of highschool next year and I'm thinking about joining the Marine Corps to get my CDL. Is that a good option or is there a better way to obtain my CDL?
     
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  3. FlaSwampRat

    FlaSwampRat Road Train Member

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    My buddy was in the Marine corps and drove in the motor pool. He had to get a CDL when he got out, I don't know if things have changed but if they haven't you won't come out with a CDL.
     
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  4. Ridlingdj

    Ridlingdj Medium Load Member

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    Just go to a company that hires new drivers they will pay for you school or just go to school on your own and the school normally can get you a job but personally I would wait till I was 21 so you can drive out of state
     
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  5. Christian H.

    Christian H. Bobtail Member

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    I was thinking about that but if i have to wait till im 21 to drive cross country anyway wouldn't it be a good idea to get my CDL through the military so when I come out of active duty I would be 21 with a CDL and whatever benefits the military would give me.
     
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  6. Ridlingdj

    Ridlingdj Medium Load Member

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    No not necessarily if you wish to serve the country then by all means please do but there are other options than driving out of state why do something that won't your future if this is what you really want to do
     
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  7. FlaSwampRat

    FlaSwampRat Road Train Member

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    Double, triple, quadruple check you will come out with a CDL of that's something you want. Nobody I know has ever come out with a CDL. Military vehicles are not bound to federal and state laws...hence why they don't have license plates. This may have changed in recent years but just verify it from people with experience.
     
  8. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    I think you joining the Military is great. I would think highly about getting into another profession besides trucking though... The trucking industry is not what it once was. Sadly it's a bottom of the barrel industry these days.

    Best of luck to you.
     
  9. Dick Danger

    Dick Danger Medium Load Member

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    Get your 20 in then worry about a 2nd act. At 38-40 there will be plenty of time left for you to learn to hate life trucking.
     
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  10. Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    Marines makes you a better person IMO. I was a lazy no drive person before the Marines. It’s more of a life lesson then anything. My buddy got his CDL before he got out. Marines paid for it. It’s something you got to do on your own time. He took a civilian course on his personal time. He was also motor T. You don’t have to do motor T.
     
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  11. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Or just drive local or within your state driving straight truck, work your way up to semi truck. Then when you turn 21 you’ll already have some experience when you get your CDL.
     
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