Can I be a Truck Driver at 18 years old?
As an adult, the world is your oyster. When you reach the end of your high school career, the idea of a career in trucking might catch your attention due to its low barrier to entry and great pay.
The question is: can an 18-year-old become a truck driver?
According to the United States Department of Transportation, qualified individuals 18 years old are eligible to apply for CDL Class A and B. However, despite meeting these requirements, it is important to note that individuals with a CDL Class A can only transport goods across state lines and operate in interstate commerce once they reach age 21. Although individuals of 18 years of age and older can switch to a career in truck driving, waiting until reaching the age of 21 may prove to be a more beneficial decision regarding potential earnings and training opportunities.
What Types of Trucking Can I Do?
Enrolling in trucking school to obtain a CDL Class A is an excellent choice upon reaching 21. Although obtaining the license at 18 is possible, federal regulations dictate that drivers must only transport intrastate cargo within their state of domicile until they turn 21. This can challenge larger logistics companies looking to hire new drivers who can travel between states. However, various options are available to gain practical experience without crossing state lines. These options include opportunities within the logistics industry and driving larger commercial vehicles to acquire the necessary skills.
What To Do While You Wait
Being enthusiastic about commencing a career while being restricted due to age can be frustrating. Three years can seem like an eternity. Here are some suggestions on how to occupy yourself during this time.
Stay Healthy
To drive long distances safely, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. To become a truck driver, you must first pass a US Department of Transportation physical exam. Eating nutritious food and exercising regularly will help you stay in the best physical condition possible.
Don’t Do Drugs
Using drugs is a crucial mistake that should be avoided at all costs. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) can only be obtained after passing a comprehensive five-stage drug test, and random drug tests are conducted on drivers with a CDL. Some carriers even use hair follicle tests that can detect drug use in the preceding 90 days or longer. In the event of a positive result, your CDL will be taken away, resulting in you losing your income. Keep in mind that drug prohibitions in commercial driving are based on Federal regulations, regardless of whether a state has legalized a prohibited substance like marijuana.
Keep a Clean Criminal Record
It is also worth noting that if you are under the age of 21 in the United States, it is illegal to consume alcohol, and it is always illegal to use illicit drugs at any age. Carriers will review your criminal record during the hiring process. It is important to avoid criminal convictions throughout your career as a commercial driver.
Drive Safely
Maintaining a spotless driving record is crucial for new truck drivers, particularly those below 21. Reckless driving, DUI, and other hazardous driving-related convictions or charges can adversely impact your job prospects and chances of getting hired.
When driving, it’s important to obey all traffic laws and observe the posted speed limit. Avoiding traffic convictions and citations is crucial for those who aspire to be truck drivers. The repercussions of failing to obey traffic laws can go beyond simply losing your license or job prospects. Failure to obey traffic laws puts yourself and others on the road in danger.
Stay Local
If you stick to local driving and obtain a Class B CDL license, you can gain valuable experience. With this license, you can drive trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or less and a towed capacity of no more than 10,000 pounds. This license type unlocks many local commercial driving opportunities with specialized vehicles, including larger fire trucks, dump trucks, and bucket trucks often used in various local industries. Utilizing a Class B CDL in this manner can enable you to optimize your potential and cultivate your driving skills until you are eligible to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.
Do you Still Want to Pursue Your CDL Class A at 18?
Driving for local logistics companies or regional companies within your state’s border is probably the best option, as it’ll give you more real-world experience driving a truck and trailer with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds and a trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds. Once you are 21, you can pursue other CDL jobs, such as over-road truck driving.