How long can you stay out of trucking to keep your experience recent?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Gtrucking, Mar 24, 2023.

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  1. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    The other members nailed it. You don't forget how to drive a truck, especially if you were a good driver before you took off. At my company, there was a guy in my orientation class that hadn't driven in 4 years and they hired him, amd he didn't do a refresher. He had so much experience beforehand, something like 18 years. Some companies will make you do a refresher, others will just put you to work.
     
    bryan21384, Mar 25, 2023
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  2. DixonM

    DixonM Medium Load Member

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    Yea I believe it’s a racket also it’s the same idea as a bicycle I haven’t ridden one in years but I guarantee if you hand me a bike I will be able to get around the block with out any issues.
     
    DixonM, Mar 25, 2023
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    lual Thanks this.
  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Truck co's insurance co's have a big say in this matter. And they run on statistics. I notice seems most co's want experience with-in the prior 12 months. I've never understood truck co's that really don't allow local driving as experience. Compare daily city driving and traffic and bumping docks 12 times a day to jumping on the interstate and getting off 1500 mi later (OTR)
     
    Allow Me., Mar 25, 2023
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  4. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    It depends on the trucking company you want to get hired by. Some are a few weeks and some will take you if your experience was in the last 2-3 years.
     
    tscottme, Mar 25, 2023
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    lual Thanks this.
  5. slim shady

    slim shady Road Train Member

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    Important thing is to keep up your medical card up to date or let dmv know
     
    slim shady, Mar 25, 2023
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    kemosabi49 and lual Thank this.
  6. Space Truckin

    Space Truckin Light Load Member

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    Also keep in mind it seems we are heading into a slowdown. If it gets worse then maybe it becomes even harder to get hired. Although a good driver with many years of experience and safe driving is like finding a gold nugget, so you probably would be OK I guess.
     
    Space Truckin, Mar 28, 2023
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