Being a truck driver is a lucrative and fulfilling career, but if you’re coming to it later in life, you may be wondering if it’s too late to begin. The short answer is that there’s plenty of time. Whether you’re middle-aged or older, there are many benefits to starting now. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.

Restrictions

To become a truck driver, you must be at least 21 years old, but there’s no maximum age. If you’re in your 50s, you’ll fit right in with the average age of truckers in the United States. Entering the trucking industry comes down to other factors that don’t have much to do with age, such as passing the physical exam mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and being in good health.

The medical areas that are tested include blood pressure, mental health, eyesight, and hearing. This physical is valid for two years, and the certificate stating that you passed must be present as you operate the truck.

The first step is to pass the CDL test to obtain a Class A CDL license, a necessity for commercial drivers to operate big rig trucks. Going to a truck driving school is the best way to achieve that. Companies also like to see real-life experience, which many programs provide in their CDL training courses.

Benefits of Starting Later

The benefits of becoming a truck driver, particularly later in life, run the gamut. The job takes you all around the country, letting you visit places you may not have seen yet or in quite some time. You may even meet up with friends or family you don’t get to see often.

Truck driving comes with reliable pay and quality benefits, such as medical insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Even if you’re close to retirement age or have already retired from a previous career, getting your CDL can be a new fulfilling job or a solid supplement for retirement finances.

Truck drivers enjoy job security, mainly because it’s a career that can’t be outsourced. There are also plenty of openings right now since the industry is looking for quality drivers to fill spots. Many companies prefer mature drivers with life experience that can help them manage their time on the road, especially for long stretches away from home. If you have military experience, you may also have useful skills in the business, such as adapting to any environment and observing your surroundings at all times.

If you’re ready to jump-start your career as a trucker, call Great Lakes Truck Driving School. Located in Columbia Station, OH, the professional instructors offer decades of experience to every student interested in receiving CDL training. The truck driving school also offers heavy equipment training for forklifts and other machinery as well as a pipeline safety course. To learn more about their options, call (440) 236-3436. Visit their website for financial aid information.