Class A CDL Requirements
Anyone who wants to be a truck driver, no matter how old or young, must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical fitness requirements, which include passing the physical exam and being healthy enough to do their job safely and well. These are essential Class A CDL requirements. On the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you can find out more about the basic medical standards.
The main age requirements are being at least 21 years old, being physically healthy, and being able to follow the rules. Otherwise, age shouldn’t affect your decision to become a great truck driver, just like it shouldn’t affect anyone else’s decision to work.
Better yet, one of the main reasons so many people are choosing to become truck drivers full-time is that the job has a lot of benefits for workers of all ages. No matter if you are returning to work after a break or wanting to leave a different field.
Here are some reasons why learning how to be a truck driver is a good idea for people of all ages:
As a student at Orlando, FL United CDL Academy, your training will include:
How old do you have to be to drive a business truck?
Although you have to be at least 21 years old to become an interstate truck driver, one of the great things about professional truck driving is that there is no upper age limit.
There are no federal or government rules that say how old a professional driver can be. You shouldn’t have any trouble becoming a business driver if you’re older as long as you meet the CDL standards, pass the medical examiner’s test, and are physically fit enough. For most jobs, you also need to pass a security check and have a clean driving record. A skills test can help you choose if you want to be a truck driver.
Many men and women who work as truck drivers are older than 40. The average age of a CDL driver in the United States is about 49 years old right now. People in their 50s and 60s also often get their license and start driving.
So what age limits are there for driving a truck?
Why becoming a skilled truck driver is a good choice for women and men over 50
People who drive commercial trucks get to go all over the country and cross many state lines. Yes, you will likely drive through a city or area near a family member or friend you haven’t seen in a while.
There aren’t any days that are the same. Every day, commercial drivers go to new places. Those who drive trucks get to see landmarks and places they’ve always wanted to see but may not have had the time or money to.
Don’t forget about the benefits that truck drivers get, such as a 401(k), medical insurance, life insurance, and a lot more. These benefits are pretty normal in the business.
Giving yourself the training you need for a new job as a truck driver might be a great way to add to the money you already get from retirement, a pension, or social security, given the average pay and perks. Otherwise, if you haven’t started saving for retirement yet, getting the training you need to become a truck driver could be a great way to start.
Oh, and truck drivers get paid for these things too. Plus, they get to enjoy the freedom and new experiences that come with being on the open road.
How truck driving can help young people get their jobs off the ground
The same average pay and perks apply to young people who are thinking about getting training to become professional truck drivers.
One more benefit for younger CDL drivers is that the trucking business gives you a chance to start your career excitingly after getting your Class A CDL. You can do almost anything when you’re in your twenties, which is an exciting time. You should see the world, and driving a truck can give you the freedom to do that.
A position as a truck driver also offers good job security because the job can’t be outsourced.
Because the trucking industry needs skilled drivers—there’s a big driver shortage right now—it’s easy to see why training for a career in trucking is the best way to start a successful, safe job at any point in your career.
But don’t just think about the safety you can get from driving a truck. Look at the big picture: If you train to be a professional truck driver, you will learn skills that you might be able to use if you decide to change careers later on. You might end up working in a different field later on and be unhappy or out of work. Things happen. But knowing that you can become a professional truck driver can give you peace of mind that will help you a lot as you look for work for the rest of your career.
Becoming a Class A driver after passing the CDL test
As long as you’re at least 21 years old, everything we’ve talked about so far is meant to show you that it’s never too late or too early to start training for a new job that can make you money, give you more experiences, and give you an adventure. No matter what age you are, tucking could be the chance you need to make your life better.
You don’t have to question, “Am I too old to drive a truck?” or “Am I too young to work as a truck driver?” Because, no matter how old you are, after age 21, you should really think about becoming a truck driver!
The most important thing you’ll need to do to become a professional truck driver is to get your national Class A CDL license. This is the Commercial Driver’s Licence you need to drive Class A commercial motor vehicles, also known as ‘big rigs’. This will let you haul loads both within and between states.
You have to pass the CDL skills test to get the license. This can be hard if you haven’t had enough training. Also, most companies won’t hire you unless you have official training, like what you get from going to a good, reputable CDL training school. This is true even if you pass the skills test without training. Simply put, it’s very important to get your CDL from a school with a good reputation.
Things to Do While You Wait
As exciting as it is to start a job, it can be hard when your options are restricted by your age. It’s tricky to believe that three years have passed! Still, being a great truck driver means being responsible. While we wait, here’s what you can do.
Keep yourself healthy
You need to be healthy to drive long distances. Make sure you’re in good shape if you want to live the driver’s life! By the way, most people who want to get a CDL have to take physical exams. Get enough to eat and work out hard!
Do not use drugs
This is clear! To get a CDL, you have to pass a five-stage drug test. All drivers with a CDL can be randomly tested for drugs as well. (Many carriers use hair follicle tests to see if someone has used drugs in the last 90 days.) Your CDL will be taken away if you test positive.
Keep your record clean
When you first start working as a truck driver, especially if you are younger than 21, one of the worst things you can do is keep your driving record clean. Accidents, where you were at blame, DUI charges, and other dangerous driving situations, can hurt your job prospects and even make it harder for companies to hire you.
Don’t get speeding tickets
Speeding tickets are something else to keep an eye out for. Most people who drive have broken the speed limits in their state at least once. If you want to become a truck driver, you should stay away from this at all times! Not only can speeding tickets keep you from getting a license and job opportunities, but going over the speed limit also makes you and other cars on the road more vulnerable.
Stay close by
Getting a Class B CDL and a neighborhood driving job will help you learn. A Class B CDL truck has a gross vehicle weight limit (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds, which includes the weight of anything it can pull. Some of the best ways to use a Class B CDL are with fire trucks, dump trucks, bucket trucks, and other vehicles used in business.
Do you still want to get your Class A CDL at age 18?
The best thing to do is probably work for a local shipping company or a regional company within the line of your state. This will give you more real-world experience driving a truck and trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds and has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds.
Also, if you’re in the military, you don’t have to take a CDL driving test if you have a clean driving record for at least two years. This is possible in every state thanks to the Military Skills Test Waiver Programme. Remember that if you want the waiver, you must have worked for the service in the past year.
How to Get a Truck Driver’s Health Card
Follow the FMCSA’s rules to make sure a truck driver is healthy enough to drive a commercial motor vehicle (the truck that CDL drivers drive):
- Has passed the medical exam requirement
- Has not lost a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm, or has been given an award for skill performance
- Not having a problem with their hand or finger that makes it hard for them to hold the wheel and drive the truck
- Doesn’t have a problem with their arm, foot, or leg that makes it hard for them to do the normal things that come with driving a business motor vehicle.
- Has no known medical background or clinical diagnosis of diabetes that needs insulin to control
- Doesn’t have any air issues that could be dangerous while driving
- Hasn’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure yet which would make it hard for them to do their job as a truck driver.
- Doesn’t have a past or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscle, neurological, or circulatory disease that makes it hard for them to safely drive and handle a business motor vehicle
- Does not have epilepsy or any other disease that could make a driver lose awareness while driving and has never had it.
- Hasn’t been diagnosed with alcoholism yet
- Has not been diagnosed with a myocardial attack, angina pectoris, coronary weakness, thrombosis, or any other heart disease that is known to cause fainting, shortness of breath, fall, or congestive heart failure. (This one seems hard to understand, but it’s basically leaving out people with heart problems that could get worse while they’re driving or doing trucking work. To find out more, talk to your doctor or specialist.
- Does not have any mental, nerve, biological, functional, or psychological disorders that could make it unsafe for them to drive a business motor vehicle.
- Can see far away without glasses or contacts and tell the difference between colors of light
- Has good hearing and can pass a hearing test
- Don’t use drugs, amphetamines, or anything else that is against the law. Even prescription drugs can’t make it impossible to drive.
You might think that all of this medical information is a pain, but these requirements make the road safer for everyone. The best way to make sure you meet all the physical standards for becoming a CDL truck driver is to talk to someone from your truck driving school.
What kinds of health problems might make it impossible for you to get a CDL?
Truck drivers are in charge of moving huge pieces of equipment across the country, so they should take care of their health to do their best work. We’re more likely to break down if we don’t do regular maintenance, just like our trucks. That is very dangerous for everyone on the road, especially since the truck and trailer are so big.
The FMCSA’s list of requirements for truck drivers starts with:
The driver of the truck must be healthy enough to not only drive it safely, but also to check for safety before and after the trip, tie down the load, and make sure it hasn’t moved.
Even though moving the truck is what a CDL truck driver does all day, other tasks like unloading and checks are just as important. It is important for the driver to be physically fit and healthy enough to do their job.
The first thing that the FMCSA says keeps someone from being a driver is “hearing loss, vision loss, epilepsy, or insulin use.” Drivers who need an extra permit for diabetes or vision in order to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are not allowed to do so until they get one.1
The rules are basically there to make sure that no driver has a condition that could hurt them or other cars. The rules also say that truck drivers must be able to show proof of their health, which is generally a medical document.
Are you prepared to embark on your journey?
Take action now to obtain your Class A CDL license and begin exploring various career opportunities. Reach out to United CDL Academy today to learn about our comprehensive training programs and the ways in which they can significantly impact your future. Contact us to discover more about our CDL training, how we can assist you in achieving your objectives, and the registration process. With United CDL Academy, you can initiate your route to a fulfilling career as a truck driver today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Class A CDL requirements?
Class A CDL requirements typically include meeting certain age criteria, passing a skills test, obtaining medical certification, and having a clean driving record. These standards ensure that individuals are qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles safely and responsibly.
What are the age requirements for obtaining a CDL Class A license?
The age requirements for a CDL Class A license vary by state but generally require individuals to be at least 18 or 21 years old. This criterion ensures that drivers have the maturity and responsibility necessary for safely operating large commercial vehicles on the road.
What does the CDL skills test entail?
The CDL skills test evaluates a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely and proficiently. It typically includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving assessment. Passing this test is a crucial step in obtaining a CDL license.
What are the benefits of pursuing a truck driver career?
A truck driver career offers numerous benefits, including competitive pay, job stability, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to travel and explore different regions. Additionally, many trucking companies offer attractive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible schedules.
How severe is the current truck driver shortage?
The truck driver shortage is a significant issue affecting the transportation industry, with a growing gap between available driving jobs and qualified drivers to fill them. Factors contributing to the shortage include an aging workforce, high turnover rates, and increased demand for freight transportation. As a result, there are ample opportunities for individuals seeking a career as a truck driver.
