Retired & Rewired

Hi all. I'm 64, in Minnesota and driving school bus for 4 yrs now. I'm thinking about taking a Class A CDL course at a local community college and going on the road. I have a very clean driving record and spotless criminal history, so no problems there. I also have a good record with my current bus company, and I've been with them my entire bus career. I hope that might count for something with a prospective employer. I'm going to do some research for the next few months, then make a decision.

Any suggestions or feedback are welcome. Even if you think I'm being ignorant or unrealistic, please say so.

Question: Is it worth it? The course costs about $3400. This seems fairly cheap, as these things go, and the college is placing people with Werner and others, according to the admin office. Obviously, I'd make the tuition back quickly driving full time. I'd also get the experience of driving, and maybe cure this little case of white line fever I've been carrying all my life. My only real fear is about not being able to get a job, or only being able to get a job where I'm expected to break the rules, which I won't do.

At 64, I'm obviously not going to do this for too many years. I'm thinking 3-5 years. Or I could just forget the whole idea, file for Social Security, and go fishing.

I'm thinking about trying to specialize in hazardous materials and/or tankers. Good idea or no?

I don't want to run double. I'd love to drive into Canada and Alaska, and the western US. I'd just as soon avoid the US east coast, if possible.

Comments? Thanks!