Is Lowering the CDL Age a Good Idea?

CDL Tests for Truck DriversPeople need to be 21 as of right now to obtain a Class A CDL and become a truck driver. That said, there has been some talk in recent years about potentially lowering the age at which a person can obtain a Class A CDL down to 18. This could help the trucking industry in a variety of ways. Check out some of the reasons why this might prove to be a good idea.

Makes it possible for people to choose trucking as a career following high school

Most people are 17, 18, or 19 when they graduate from high school. And when they do, they’re asked to start thinking about what they want to do with their lives. Some people go away to college, while others jump right into the workforce. Those who choose to start working can’t work in the trucking industry as of right now. This puts the trucking industry at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting young drivers.

Alleviates the trucker shortage plaguing the nation at the moment

The trucking industry is in need of tens of thousands of drivers right now, and the trucker shortage that’s affecting the industry is only expected to get worse in the near future. There simply aren’t enough truckers to go around. Lowering the CDL age to 18 could help reverse this trend. More young people would sign up to be truckers, and they could potentially make the trucker shortage a thing of the past before long.

Changes the perception of the trucking industry

Many of the truckers in the trucking industry right now are getting up there in age. It’s making the future of the industry look bleaker and bleaker by the day. Incorporating more younger drivers into the mix in the coming years would work wonders for the perception of the industry. People would start to see it in a whole new light.

At Platinum Drivers, we’re excited to see what the future holds for the trucking industry. We work with drivers to help them find great trucking jobs and would love to show you what we can do for you. Call us at 844-800-1421 today to get access to our excellent driver resources.