Profile For Jan S.

Thank you very much & my best to you on your test! I will check into some technical colleges too. I won't be seriously getting into it until another few months or more. Thank you again!!

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, I'm 58 years old, Grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren and blessed with two daughters. I retired last August from 25 year career in Law Enforcement , started CDL school at Technical College here in Valdosta, Ga. , Jan alot of Technical colleges offer the CDL course and they have several grants to apply for that pay for every penny of the class. Do your research first if there are any tech schools near you. I take my State driving test Tuesday morning August 11, 2015. This lady worked circles around the younger students. You have to put alot into the study part of the course and do not give up if it's really what you want to do. I finally get to do something for my self instead of always putting others first. It's my new career and it's never to late. I've been researching. Trucking companies since I retired to make the best choice for me. I will be a great asset to the company that I choose but I want to choose one that will appreciate that in an employee. Good Luck :)

Since when is 50 old? When I saw the title of this thread I was expecting to see someone in their 90's starting their career. I'm 56 and have been driving for 19 months. You might be insane, but your not crazy. I retired from teaching, got bored and decided to start a second career. Many companies like more mature drivers. Best of luck with your career.

Haha, I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend anyone. I just wanted to know that there are others out there who have picked this career at a riper age. I love to drive, always have, and I really want to try this.

I haven't decided yet. I can't afford to go to school so I'm looking into company financed programs. But....I can't afford to quit my current job because I need to have some income, so I would need to find something in my area. I really do want to give this a try. I just have a lot to figure out yet.

Start by looking at trucking companies now. Recruiters can tell you how much their company will cover your school tuition/hiring bonus. Many community colleges have driving courses that last the semester. Some proprietary schools, too.

Do the Pre-Hire thing and take those letters to your chosen school. Some schools make you sign a note so you could skip that out-of-pocket.

Once you have the CDL-A in hand (maybe by the fall) make your jump to company orientation and youth new job.

Can I find how to do those 'pre-hire' letters online?

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan

Hi Jan, welcome to TT. I got my cdl 4 weeks after my 5th birthday. I know there are quite a few over 50s, both women and men. Age is not such a big deal.

Don't know about Minnesota coz am in New Jersey. All the trucking companies l have researched pay you during orientation and training but the amount depends on the company.

You might want to post on the genreal forum. Am sure you will get answers re train schools in Minnesota.

I did re post it there too. Thank you. It's nice to know I'm not the only older woman that has thought about doing this.

Jan, some companies check your physical ability - like being able to get under a trailer (about 3 1/2 feet high). Also, that landing gear crank can be hard to work, depending on the weight of the trailer. And, of course, climbing those steps into the cab.

If you can pass the DOT physical, as well as the CDL permit tests, you're good to go for driver training. Some companies do the agility tests, some don't. Your recruiters <-(there's a plural there) will be able to tell you.

I do appreciate all your advice. I'm not too concerned about the physical aspects of trucking, as my current job has some physical aspects to it also. Except I am a smoker......so I can get winded.....

So when do you start?

I haven't decided yet. I can't afford to go to school so I'm looking into company financed programs. But....I can't afford to quit my current job because I need to have some income, so I would need to find something in my area. I really do want to give this a try. I just have a lot to figure out yet.

I am a 50 year old divorced woman looking for a career change & have always wanted to drive a semi. Any thoughts on this? How or what is the best way to get started? I am currently employed full time and would like to make a smooth transition.

So......you don't feel that starting this type of career at my age is......insane of me??

I am a 50 year old divorced woman looking for a career change & have always wanted to drive a semi. Any thoughts on this? How or what is the best way to get started? I am currently employed full time and would like to make a smooth transition.

I am a 50 year old woman looking for a career change. Would employment be a problem at my age? Also, are there company sponsored programs in Minnesota, preferably the Twin Cities area? Do you get paid while training? I would need to have some sort of income. Jan