why do they even let you get a CDL at 18 then???? That's like saying you can drink beer at 18 but only LIGHT beer you have to wait to your 21 to drink the full flavor. :lol:

 

I would just like to know the reason behind this law wheres dawn at when you need her LOL

 

Some kids can still be grounded by their parents at that age :lol:

 

Banditscousin, you say you grew up a lot between 18 and 21, but I guess you still didn't learn proper grammar and spelling between those ages. That is evident in your posts.

 

Mackman, again I have to agree strongly with you. If the lawmakers know that most employers won't even hire you until you are 23 or 25 or whatever the hell it is, why do they even let you get a CDL at age 18? They have to know that no one will hire you at that age. That is like your parents giving you a $20 allowance but telling you that you aren't allowed to spend it. It doesn't make any sense, and it probably never will.

 

Much more like your parents giving you a $20 allowance and telling you that you can only shop at 2 stores not the whole town. As we have said, there are places who will hire you, it just takes a little bit of diligence.
But, from what I've seen, your attitude regarding the age restrictions defines very well part of why it exists. Loosen up, and realize the world doesn't revolve around you, and be a little nicer to the people you asked for help, it will get you much further in life.

 

My point is that it shouldn't take as much diligence, as you stated. If companies are constantly advertising how they are in dire need of drivers, they should maybe fix up their standards to make a little more sense pertaining to the job itself. An example is how they all want you to 'fill in the gaps in employment'. So what if you were unemployed for a while? How does that mean that you would not be a safe and reliable worker? I just don't get it.

And another thing is, although I've never been in trouble with the law, many employers will disqualify someone because they had some small misdemeanor about 5 years ago. That is rediculous. If they want drivers to meet the growing demand for them in the economy, they need to set their standards to a level that makes more sense pertaining to the job itself. That is my point, and the age thing is just a small part of it.

And yes I might have an 'attitude' about it all, but that should show that I actually care, which I do. If they only want people that have been close to perfect in life, they are digging their own grave. If these people were close to perfect in life, they wouldn't have to drive a truck for a living.

 

TJV189, to your response that noone will hire you at 18, well you might want to do some research before you so quickly come to that decission. Just like Mackman, i got my license young, 19 to be exact, and i've been employed since, i drive local only because i choose too. That 21, 23, 25 age thing is the norm. for all OTR companys, but why don't you do some looking in to it in your area and you might just find someone who will give you a chance to drive a truck, and you might just find after a few years that OTR isn't even what you want at all. Just my two cents, but you gotta have a little bit of hope, and believe me, i'm young like you and it gets frustrating as heck, but just keep your eyes and your ears open, if you see a truck at someones business, go in and ask if they're hiring, all they can do is say no.

 

That's kinda whats happen to me all i wanted to do was go OTR. But after driving locally for 5 years i think with my hr. rate and time and a half after 8 hrs am better where am at now. There something inside me that just wants to go OTR but i think after i do it a month or two and get it out of my system i will be back local again. With me having no exp. The only job a found going OTR wanted to give me 36cpm. Once i added it all up i think am worth more then that.

 

Mackman, who do you drive for now? Are you a city driver or something to that effect?