I want to be a truck driver

If you can afford it, go to a private CDL school. They are expensive, but you will get more attention to detail and individual training. There are plenty of trucking companies that will school you but you will be under contract with them until you pay off their tuition. You may not get very educated with a "crash course" through a trucking company.

 

Btw a private school will help you with job placement based on your needs, and try to find you a good fit.

 

Why do you want to leave the TV and film industry?

I only ask because some of what you're trying to get away from might be greatly amplified in the trucking industry.

Over regulation and electronic micromanagement have taken a lot of the fun out of this job.

One more thing, and not judging or accusing, just telling you upfront and in plain English.

No matter what anyone else tells you, YOU CANNOT SMOKE CANNABIS OR USE THC IN ANY FORM AND DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRES A CDL.

State Medical Marijuana card doesn't count.....THC is still Schedule 1 on Federal gummint list, and that takes priority.

Piss testing is mandatory. If you're not clean, get clean and wait another year.

If you are clean, 48 is not too old as long as you can pass the DOT physical. Good luck to you!

 

I was 50 when I started. Manual trannys in a 4 wheeler are completely different than a large truck. You have to learn the new manual skill. But most trucks are automatics now. Best of Luck

 

On the "am I too old" question: RE-lax!

Many carriers actually prefer someone older -- largely because older drivers are (mostly) more settled and more mature. We're through showing off and "lookin' cool"....

I started out when I was in my mid-50s. So on the age thing -- you're fine.

A bigger problem: the CDL job market right now is in a slump. Jobs for new(er) drivers right now are much harder to find than earlier. Your takeaway here: go to a private school -- and take your time.

Shop around for a good CDL school at a community college, or tech school. Shoot for a school that is rated for AT LEAST 160 hours (and more is of course, better). Also: look for a school that will teach you and final test you on tractors with manual transmissions. That way: you won't get an "automatic transmission restriction" placed on your CDL.

To counter the poor job market: when you get your CDL -- go ahead, and get ALL of the relevant CDL endorsements: tanker, hazmat....& also, doubles/triples.

Those endorsements will make you stand out from other rookie drivers -- and also....more attractive to prospective employers.

You'll need that.

-- L

 

Covenant (drive4covenant.com)
Family Plan & Buddy Plan Training:
Covenant can train husband and wife teams together, and our Buddy Plan allows friends and/or other family members to train together.
If you and the wife attend an approved cdl school, Covenant will reimburse the tuition back to you both, up to $10,000.00 each.
ADDITIONALLY, TUITION WILL BE PAID MONTHLY AT $250 FOR EACH STUDENT’S SCHOOLING, UP TO $10,000 TOTAL. - after verifications are established

The student must have completed and passed a certified truck driving school with a minimum of 120 hours in the last 18 months. Who is eligible? Any student who paid for school with cash, who applied and secured a loan, or departing military. All qualified students receiving tuition reimbursement will be required to submit proof prior to orientation.