Question About (21) Year Old Driver?

Hello, everyone! Thanks for taking your time and reviewing this question. I'm 21 years old, and I've been interested in truck driving for a long time now. I know that most companies hire at 22 due to insurance policies, so I'm waiting till' June of this year before I apply and start school. I was just wondering If I should test for my CDL permit with all the endorsements now, or should I wait before I begin with school and everything? Also, I don't plan on working local or regional in my future, so does anyone recommend any OTR companies to work for in the long run? Thank you all for your time, and input! Safe travels to all of you!

Sweet! I love these "21" year old threads.

Jerry, before I begin. Let me tell you that a week after I turned 21 I went to trucking. I've been a driver for well over a year now and I'm 22. So still familiar of what its like to be young in an industry dominated by older gentlemen.

You're wrong about most companies requiring drivers to be at least 22. There are a handful of companies out there who will hire a 21 year old. So get this off your mind. Your age will not hinder you getting a job as a driver.

I currently drive for Prime Inc. Amazing company and they do hire 21. They pay far better than most companies but besides that they're pretty much the same as any other OTR company. What I love about Prime is that they have different types of frieght to haul. So if you get bored with Reefer you can go Flatbed. They also have Company Driver trainers. A lot of companies require you to lease a truck in order to be a trainer. Here's a link to their website that shows the minimum requirements. Prime is definitely one of the most "stubborn and strict" companies when it comes to hiring. They are a lot more picky in their applicants. So if you qualify for Prime, you'll pretty much qualify for a majority of all the other companies out there.

Prime's Minimum Qualifications

Now since your mind has been set at ease. Let me move down your post.

You absolutely MUST get your Class A permit BEFORE attending a company sponsored school. Believe me when I tell you, but these trucking schools are no joke. They are extremely fast paced and difficult. They break you down mentally if you're not prepared. And a lot of that stress comes from having to study for the permit test in a day or two. Think about all the information you need to know to pass your permit tests. Now imagine being forced to learn all that stuff in two days spending 12 hours a day in a classroom. Its barbaric.

So before you do anything make sure you have that permit. Its a giant bonus to get all those endorsements. The endorsements are fairly easy to pass so there's little reason why to not do them. Consider this; when you're going to be a solo driver you're going to be working up to 70 hours a week. At the end of each day you're going to be extremely tired and you'll literally pass out the moment you hit that bed. Under those circumstances, you won't have time to study for anything - trust me.

So get your permit and endorsements now. And apply to companies and see who will hire you. Any other questions feel free to contact me or reply!

My suggestion.... apply to companies. While you are applying and waiting, study the High Road CDL training on here. One you have decided on a company or school then go test about two weeks before you go to school. The reason being, a CDL learner's permit is only good for 6 months in most states. If you do the High Road training on here, you will pass all your test first try. Don't worry about hazmat endorsements. You can not have a hazmat endorsement on a learner's permit.

My suggestion.... apply to companies. While you are applying and waiting, study the High Road CDL training on here. One you have decided on a company or school then go test about two weeks before you go to school. The reason being, a CDL learner's permit is only good for 6 months in most states. If you do the High Road training on here, you will pass all your test first try. Don't worry about hazmat endorsements. You can not have a hazmat endorsement on a learner's permit.

The HAZMAT part is not totally true, I have mine on a permit in my state, well I mean as far as being able to test for it while testing for permit. I still have to do the TSA and fingerprinting before its completely official, so it would depend on your state. And yes, you can pass the tests first try if you study the High Road Training Program here, I did