Challenges for a 21 year old

I turned 22 in February and I've been driving since last September. You'll be alright. Don't let anyone discourage you by saying you're too young to drive. Keep your cool and pay attention to your surroundings and you'll do fine.

 

Maturity in a 21 yo these days is rare in my opinion, not saying your not mature, but sit back and think about what's important to you? Being new to the industry and age, you will more than likely end up driving OTR, it's a very isolated job, not much room for social life, meeting friend, girlfriends, and other things, if this is something you like to do? Which I did at your age, this might not be the right road for you to take(excuse the pun). Think long and hard about this, lots of young people think this is the job they want only to find out once they are on the road, they hate it and end up home looking for work but with a debt for the cost of training, but if this is truly what you want? Best of luck

 

Everyone is different at 18, 20, 21, 50.

Some are mature, while others are still going through puberty.

Some are old, when they are born, some are young when they are 90.

The life on the road can be one of many inconveniences, and at 21 you may not be aware of them just yet. Once you get out there, and see first hand, you have some deciding to do.

Stick it out, man up and get it done, or tail between the legs and cower out.

No one can say for sure what is right for you, only you know that, at least I and many others hope.

I personally would rather you go back to college, get that degree, maybe in marketing/accounting facets?

This way, you will have a much better understanding of the way things are regarding money, and money management, if some day once you start driving, you set your sights on becoming an O/O. I think you would be one closer step to success in being an O/O than those that "just wing it" and are here crying on how they can't make it. Like in some other threads.

Best of luck to you

 

I went to central refrigerated truck driving academy in fontana, ca. There was 5 of us between the ages of 21 and 26 years old. The rest were 30 years and older.

Not sure how many are still driving since I left that company. Almost 23 years old now and will have one year experience coming up soon. Currently on track to make close to 60k for my first year with covenant transport. Definitely planning on trying out foodservice or local soon to see if I like it.

Most of my other fellow twenty year olds still have no clue what they're doing with their life. I don't either really but at least I'm making money I guess.

 

Twenty one is the legal age to drive a semi on the interstate but some carriers require 23 to be the magic age.Before applying to any company I would find out there age requirement.Judgeing from your post you sound older then 21,take that as a compliment.Also companies do have a reimbursement program.They pay for your schooling if you stay there so long.

 

You could go the route that I did and it won't cost you any $ to get your CDL. I got a job with Pepsi-Cola as a merchandiser(shelf stocker). I went to the DMV and took and passed my written test which gave me my learners permit. I was then able to ride with some of the drivers at our place and also get some practice behind the wheel. After I felt ready to take the pre-trip and written part of the CDL test I contacted our(Pepsi) own state certified tester and passed my test. Total cost out of my pocket was just the cost of adding the endorsement to my license. I got my CDL when I was 19 and started driving for Pepsi when I was 20.

 

When you are that young make sure you baby your mvr record. for most places it has to be squeaky clean.

 

You were lucky back then. Here, no matter what Coke and Pepsi had, ALL people had to go to the DMV test site.

Given today's CDL rules, can that way of getting a CDL still being done at Pepsi?

If not, then he certainly cannot go the route you once did.

 

Im 23 been driving since i was 21. Started school a month b4 my 21st bday. And havent had any problems since i started because of my age. granted there are some jobs that you wont be able to get because they have hiringbages of 23 or 25 with multiple years exp. But think about it. Once you hit the age requirements for the job/company you want youll be more then r eady.

 

I am not sure. I know our lead mechanic was also a state certified CDL tester. I guess I am unfamiliar with exactly what rules you are referring to. It could be possible with the ever changing rules in trucking.