Whether you are ready for a career change or simply need a steady income, enrolling in truck driving school can help you enjoy a rewarding job on the road. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 576,000 people over the age of 55 worked in the truck transportation industry in 2018. It's also becoming increasingly popular for people over 50 to become truck drivers.

Why Truck Driving Is a Rewarding Career for Older Men & Women

1. No Maximum Cutoff

While drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate a semi-truck, there is no maximum age cutoff. As long as you pass the Department of Transportation physical, you are eligible to start driving. Keep in mind that you will also need to pass your truck driving school exams to remain eligible. Don’t think that you will be one of the only “older drivers” on the road, either, as the median age of drivers as of 2018 is 47. Many people in their 50s and 60s still receive their commercial driver’s license.

2. Job Freedom & Great Benefits

Truck drivers typically make their own schedules, something especially enticing to people with families or second jobs. Drivers make about $40,000 in their first year, with plenty of opportunities for growth, and since truck driving school is so affordable, they often start earning right away. They also enjoy standard benefits, such as health and life insurance, 401(k), and paid vacation. 

3. Travel Opportunities

The job freedom you experience as a driver includes getting to see much more of the country. You can travel to different cities and states, enjoy the beauty of the open road, and bask in the varying landscapes throughout the U.S. If you have always wanted to travel across the country, a truck driving job provides the opportunity to do so while making money.

If this career is right for you, enroll in Great Lakes Truck Driving School. The truck driving school provides residents throughout Lorain County, OH, with comprehensive training and offers flexible night and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules. Work with industry veterans and enjoy perks, such as job placement after graduation. Call (440) 236-3436 today to start your education, or visit their website to learn more about their classes.