18-Year-Olds and Semi Trucks Out of State: What You Need to Know

If you're an 18-year-old with a dream of driving a semi-truck out of state, you're not alone. Many young people are drawn to the idea of a career on the open road.

In most states, you'll need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a semi-truck. However, the requirements for obtaining a CDL can vary from state to state.

To drive a semi-truck out of state, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the state you plan to drive in. This includes understanding the state's CDL requirements, as well as any additional permits or endorsements you may need.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is allowing 18-20 year old drivers to drive semi-trucks across state lines under a pilot program. This program requires the driver to be supervised by an experienced driver for two probationary periods, totaling no less than 240 driving hours.

The drivers must be supervised by an experienced driver for two probationary periods, totaling no less than 240 driving hours. This is a crucial part of the program, as it ensures the younger drivers receive proper training and guidance.

The program allows the driver to operate alone after completing the 240 driving hours. This is a significant change from the previous rule, which required truck drivers to be at least 21 years old to drive large trucks in interstate commerce.

Monthly crash, inspection, safety, and exposure data will be reported by motor carriers participating in the program. This data will help monitor the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

The American Trucking Associations estimates that the industry is short 80,000 drivers. This shortage has led to the need for the pilot program and other initiatives to recruit more truck drivers.

Driving a semi-truck out of state as an 18-year-old comes with unique safety concerns.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines.

Fatigue is a major risk factor for young truck drivers.

According to the article, the FMCSA reports that 13% of all truck crashes involve driver fatigue.

Driving at night can be particularly hazardous for young truckers.

The article notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that nighttime driving is associated with a higher crash rate.

Young drivers may not have the experience or skills to handle challenging driving conditions.

The article cites a study that found 18-20-year-old drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes during inclement weather.

Additionally, the FMCSA requires truck drivers to keep a log of their hours, but young drivers may not always follow this rule.

This can lead to driver fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is allowing drivers aged 18 to 20 years old to drive semi-trucks across state lines under a pilot program.

Currently, only drivers aged 21 and older are allowed to drive large trucks in interstate commerce. However, this new program will allow younger drivers to drive across state lines while supervised by an experienced driver.

The apprenticeship program requires participants to complete a minimum of 240 driving hours under the supervision of an experienced driver. After completing the required hours, the driver can operate alone.

The program aims to alleviate supply chain woes by increasing the number of truck drivers available to transport goods across the country. The American Trucking Associations estimates that the industry is short approximately 80,000 drivers.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November 2021, requires the creation of the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is allowing 18-year-olds to drive semi-trucks across state lines under a new apprenticeship program.

Safety technology must be installed in all trucks used in the program, including automatic limits on speed set at 65 mph, automatic emergency braking, and forward-facing video cameras.

Apprentice drivers will be supervised by an experienced driver for two probationary periods, totaling at least 240 driving hours, before they can operate alone.

The apprenticeship program aims to alleviate supply chain backups by getting more truckers on the road.

The program requires that apprentice drivers be at least 18 years old, hold a commercial driver's license, and currently be employed in good standing as a truck driver.

Drivers training apprentices must be at least 26 years old, have at least five years of experience driving semi-trucks, and two years with no citations or crashes.

The apprenticeship program is allowed under the recently passed infrastructure law, which included a Trucking Action Plan to improve trucker retention and recruit more truck drivers.

Here are the key requirements for the program:

The program is an effort by the White House to help alleviate supply chain woes, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, almost every state allows people ages 18 and older to apply for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and drive commercial trucks on trips within their state.

However, for routes that cross state lines, drivers must be at least 21 years old.

This means that, if you drive on the interstate in California or Texas, you could be sharing the road with an 18-year-old who has been in control of an 18-wheeler for eight consecutive hours or more.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in November 2021 is about to begin an apprenticeship program to train interstate truckers.

To enroll in the program, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a CDL, and currently be employed in good standing as a truck driver.