Am I Too Old to Get My CDL?

Many people consider a trucking career later in life. Some are leaving a job they no longer enjoy, some are coming out of the military, and some just want a steady career with good pay. A common worry among them is whether it is too late to start. For most people, the answer is no. Trucking is one of the few fields where a new driver in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s is common.

What Is the Average Age of a Truck Driver?

The average truck driver in the United States is around 47 years old. According to a 2025 report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), that number has risen from 42 in 1995. Some surveys of long-haul and owner-operator drivers put the average even higher, in the mid to upper 50s.

The same ATRI data shows that Generation X and Baby Boomers make up more than 60% of all truck drivers. Gen Z, the youngest group of adults, makes up only about 7.5% of all truckers. In other words, most drivers on the road today are middle-aged or older. A new student in their 40s or 50s fits right in with the people they train and work alongside.

Is CDL Training Open to Anyone?

For the most part, yes. Federal rules set a minimum age for a CDL, but there isn’t a maximum age for truckers. As long as a person meets the basic requirements, they can enroll in CDL school. At CDA, those requirements are:

• A minimum age of 18 (21 for interstate driving)
• A valid driver’s license
• A high school diploma or GED, or a passing score on a basic skills test
• The ability to read, write, and speak English to the proficiency level set by the FMCSA
• The ability to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screening
• A driving record with no major violations (such as a DUI)
• Proof of residency in the state where the student enrolls

Students come to CDL training from many backgrounds. Common types of students in any CDL training program include recent high school graduates, veterans, parents whose children have grown up, and workers changing careers after 20 or 30 years in another field.

Training programs are built to fit adult lives. CDA offers a 4-week Class A CDL program and a 2-week Class B CDL program. Students who need to keep earning a paycheck can keep working during CDL training with certain training schedules. For anyone intimidated by the cost of training, some career changers can access tuition and financing options if they meet certain requirements.

Students under 21 can train for their CDL, but face restrictions that older drivers don’t have to worry about. Drivers under 21 cannot drive trucks outside of their home state, limiting them to local or regional driving jobs only.

What Should Older Drivers Keep in Mind?

Age alone doesn’t stop anyone from earning a CDL, but health does matter. Older students should plan for a few things before they start training.

The DOT physical. Every commercial driver must pass a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner. The exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. A passing exam is good for up to 24 months, but drivers with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes may need to renew more often. Many common conditions don’t disqualify a driver as long as they are treated and under control.

Physical demands. Truck driving involves more than sitting behind the wheel. Drivers have to regularly climb in and out of the cab, inspect their trucks, and may couple and uncouple trailers. Long hours of sitting can also strain the back and joints. Staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep help drivers of all ages stay healthy on the road.

Choosing the right job. Not every trucking job is the same. Older drivers who want more home time or less physical work can look at local routes, dedicated routes, or “no-touch” freight, where the driver doesn’t load or unload the trailer. Job placement teams, like CDA’s, help graduates compare jobs from several carriers before they choose one.

Life experience counts. Older students often bring strengths that carriers value, such as a steady work history, patience, and good judgment. These traits can help a new driver build a safe driving record and grow in the job.

When Do Truck Drivers Usually Retire?

There is no mandatory retirement age for truck drivers. As long as a driver keeps a valid CDL and passes the DOT physical, they can keep working.

Many drivers stay on the road well past the typical retirement age. In a 2026 Truckers News survey, about 34% of drivers said they plan to retire between 65 and 70. Others planned to stop at 65 or 67, and many had not yet decided. Some drivers keep working because they enjoy the job, while others want to keep earning a steady paycheck.

A person who earns a CDL at 50 could still have a career of 15 years or more. Even a student who starts at 60 may have several years in their career to look forward to, especially in local or regional roles.

It Is Not Too Late to Start

Trucking welcomes drivers of many ages. The average driver is in their late 40s, and there is no upper age limit for earning a CDL. Drivers aged 18 to 20 face some limits on interstate driving, while older drivers mainly need to stay healthy and pass the DOT physical. Many drivers work well past 65, so even a later start can lead to a long career.

The industry needs new drivers. As more experienced drivers retire and fewer young people join, carriers are looking for people ready to take their place. That gap creates opportunity for new drivers of any age. Explore CDL training at CDA, find a campus location, or contact the admissions team to learn more and start your career on the road, no matter your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do trucking companies hire older new drivers?

Yes. Many carriers hire new drivers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Federal law protects workers age 40 and older from age discrimination in hiring.

Is the CDL test harder for older students?

No. The CDL exams are the same for every student, and training prepares each student for the knowledge and skills tests.

Can drivers wear glasses or hearing aids during the DOT physical?

Yes. Drivers can use glasses, contacts, or hearing aids to meet the vision and hearing standards, but they must wear them while driving.

Can someone who takes insulin get a CDL?

Yes, in most cases. The driver’s doctor must confirm that their diabetes is stable, and the driver usually needs to recertify every 12 months.

Can retirees drive a truck part-time?

Yes. Some carriers offer part-time, seasonal, or local jobs that can fit a retiree’s schedule.

Is there an age limit for WIOA funding for CDL training?

No. WIOA adult programs serve people age 18 and older, and eligibility depends on factors like income and employment status rather than age.

Do new drivers need to be good with technology?

No. Drivers use tools like electronic logging devices and GPS, but CDL training and carrier onboarding cover the basics.