How Long Can I Wait Between Getting License And Looking For First Job?
Topic 28359 | Page 1
That long a period will just mean you will need to do it all over again. It's what is known as "stale" experience. More than 6-9 months after getting a CDL , then no experience driving, is going to get you nothing but passed over by any employer.
Best to wait.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
That long a period will just mean you will need to do it all over again. It's what is known as "stale" experience. More than 6-9 months after getting a CDL , then no experience driving, is going to get you nothing but passed over by any employer.
Best to wait.
I dont mean to argue with a moderator. that is not my goal in this comment. Pack rat i hadn't driven a 18 wheeler since 2015 when western express hired me. I had to drive with my trainer for 250 hours. It was worth it and I am blessed that western express picked me up.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
That long a period will just mean you will need to do it all over again. It's what is known as "stale" experience. More than 6-9 months after getting a CDL , then no experience driving, is going to get you nothing but passed over by any employer.
Best to wait.
I dont mean to argue with a moderator. that is not my goal in this comment. Pack rat i hadn't driven a 18 wheeler since 2015 when western express hired me. I had to drive with my trainer for 250 hours. It was worth it and I am blessed that western express picked me up.
Yes, you were extremely fortunate, plus you had some prior experience, correct?
The OP doesn't have that going for him.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
That long a period will just mean you will need to do it all over again. It's what is known as "stale" experience. More than 6-9 months after getting a CDL , then no experience driving, is going to get you nothing but passed over by any employer.
Best to wait.
I dont mean to argue with a moderator. that is not my goal in this comment. Pack rat i hadn't driven a 18 wheeler since 2015 when western express hired me. I had to drive with my trainer for 250 hours. It was worth it and I am blessed that western express picked me up.
I’m very lucky to be where I am at the moment. I haven’t drove in ten years and Schneider is giving me a chance. Recent experience is important in this profession. I was told by several companies to get recent experience and then call them back.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Forrest and Mike, yes your both fortunate, but you both had prior experience. Not a brand new cdl and no experience. That is the huge difference from what the op is talking about. I agree best to wait. Schools are not going anywhere. The other thing to consider is if he gets that shinny new cdl he then has the increased regulations that go with it. IE lower bac level for a dui , all tickets count against the cdl.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
Pj I agree I miss read i thought he said he had experience
Forrest and Mike, yes your both fortunate, but you both had prior experience. Not a brand new cdl and no experience. That is the huge difference from what the op is talking about. I agree best to wait. Schools are not going anywhere. The other thing to consider is if he gets that shinny new cdl he then has the increased regulations that go with it. IE lower bac level for a dui , all tickets count against the cdl.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DUI:
Driving Under the Influence
You may find what is called a "second chance" outfit that will take you on, but likely not with a 3 year gap. I got my cdl in july, 2012. Started driving in july 2013. I had an injury that i needed to take care of before i left my employment. ALL of the bigs were uninterested in me, found a smaller independent that gave me a shot. Without prior experience, or knowing someone, you're likely spending 4 or 5 grand for nothing.
Good luck.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Thanks. I can wait. I think I have everything lined up for when I get some space from my present job. Very helpful forum, appreciate it.
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HI, I am 55, and starting to get too old for my physical job. Trucking looks like viable back up for when I need to leave my present occupation. I have some time due to covid, so I could take this opportunity to get through the schooling, but I may not have time to work as a driver for 3 to 5 years. Does it make sense to go to school now? Or will employers frown on a five year old cdl with no experience?
Thanks, Chris
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: