OTR @ 21?

This world is so different from what I remember. A carrier would not hire a driver under 23. Insurance. I am not saying a 21 year old can't be taught, far from that. If you get lucky enough to learn from a real trucker do it! England has this nasty habit of putting 2 new drivers in one truck hoping they will learn from each other. I and every road tick made fun of JB Hunt, Schinider, and others. We were wrong but I believe it's a lot safer than turning two young drivers loose with a rig. My brother in law was a full time trainer with Hunt. He did a pretty good job. I spent a year with a real trucker learning, many years ago.

 

We send 18 year-olds overseas to fight for our freedoms (or oil... but whatever), but they are not of legal age to experience those freedoms at home. I am NOT for lowering age requirements, but it would be nice if maturity could be taken into consideration. I know immature 18 yo kids, sure, but I also know immature 26 yo's and very mature 16 yo's.

About experienced trainers though: I definitely hope I get a good one!

 

As far as your pulling over instead of driving it's your call. Period. If you let a dispatcher push you around they will. You can make a stance without being rude or disrespectful. Just remember only you can prevent avoidable accidents. lol