Started when I was 22 driving trucks, I was stupid still in my personal life decisions but did fine trucking.
Hell, I started at 23 after getting out of the Navy and I'll admit I was probably not the most mature driver out here. I did it for two years, swore I'd never be back when I stopped, and knowing what I know now, I will be a driver the rest of my working years.
There are those on both ends of the spectrum that should not be driving big rigs. Those too immature because of a young age, and those too past their prime. I'd be interested in the stats of the accidents involving both groups.
I'm 24 and am grateful for the opportunity to work a job that Gives me self reliance, freedom, and let my hair grow ot and not have to hide my tattoos (used to work for Starbucks) i take the responsibility of driving a big rig seriously, to generalize and say all youngsters or older people are no good for driving is the wrong approach in my eyes, everyone's different
From when I first started back in the 70's and then again in the early 90's, I have seen a large shift. I have seen those that are responsible, and those, heck, I would not let them drive my car. When I walk into a terminal and I see students waiting for a mentor, pants half way down, hats on back words, then I wonder. Remember, these are the drivers that are representing the company. I have seen the young one, drivers seat all the way down, bull hauler, in his early 20's, and think that he is cool. Maybe he can handle that truck, but the way that he acts, then I am not sure. I had one student that was 24, and he was great. he was willing to really learn and he took to it, and then had one that was in his early 50's, and he was pulled from my truck. After 100 hours, he still could not even remember is driver code. As far as us older drivers, keep in mind, many of us have forgotten most of what we have learned, but remember it quick when the situation arises. The problem among many young drivers, they seem to think that they already know it all and really do not want to listen. Personally, I will not let them in my truck. Something a old timer told me almost 23 years ago, the day that you think that you know it all, that is the day to turn in your keys.
I definitely agree with you, I'm 20 going on 21 and am dying to get into the industry, I take pride in my safe driving an I wish some of these recruiters could see that!
I started driving charter buses(the Greyhound style 'motor coach') when I was just 21! 55 people sitting behind me! I took it very seriously. I was a professional.
