Every process in life has its requirements. Like getting a job, passing an exam, getting a scholarship, etc., driving a truck also has its requirements. As a driver, you need to meet these requirements before you can be considered a truck driver. But first, you need to know which is and which is not a requirement to be a truck driver.
As much as you need to be physically fit, there is no height limit to becoming a truck driver. As long as you meet other requirements, height isn’t a barrier to becoming a truck driver. Even dwarfs can be truck drivers once they pass other requirements.
Height is not a restriction to being a truck driver. You might be wondering how then can a short person drive a truck. Read on to get answers to your questions.
Can Short People Drive Trucks?
It is not an uncommon thing to see small cars designed for short people. We also get to see short people drive different vehicles. But trucks are one of the largest vehicles that ply our everyday roads. How well can people with low heights fit as truck drivers?
It is quite obvious that their legs might not be able to reach the pedals. Or they might not be able to get good visibility, depending on how short they are. They might even experience both issues, making them far from the pedals and visibility. As a short person, is there any hope for you to become a truck driver?
Yes, you can be short and yet be a truck driver. All you need to do is get the right accessories for driving. These accessories will help you fix your height problems while giving you the chance to fulfill your driving dreams. The accessories will not make you any taller but will make you do what taller people can do.
Driving Accessories for Short People
As a short driver, here are accessories that will help you drive your truck with no issue.
- Seat cushion: Short people do not only have problems reaching the pedal but also getting visibility. Using a seat cushion will help add a few inches to your sitting height, allowing you to reach more visibility. You should get a comfortable and long-lasting seat cushion for improved comfort while driving.
- Seat booster: Like a seat cushion, a seat booster also greatly increases the driver’s seating height. Using a seat booster will help you reach the windscreen and be able to get good visibility. Get the seat booster that suits you well for you to reach the preferred height.
- Pedal extenders: The pedal extender is arguably the most important driving accessory for shorter people. These accessories attach to the gas, brake, and throttle pedals, allowing you to reach them easily. You should get the extenders that best suit you and your truck.
- Seat belt adjuster: Short people usually have problems with the placement of their seat belts. With the seat belt adjuster, you can be able to make use of your truck’s seat belt with ease. You will be able to place the seat belt the right way that suits you.
- Head and neck support: Short drivers do not always reach the seat’s head and neck rest. They need additional head and neck support to help them keep their head straight while driving. You should get ahead and neck support to help you while driving your truck.
- Sun visor extender: Short people tend to have the problem of sunshine. The sun visor in normal trucks is too short of blocking the sun rays from getting into their eyes. The sun visor extender helps increase the length of the sun visor and allows a short version to set the position of the visor.
There are also several other accessories you can use to help you drive your truck. Being a short person should not deprive you of driving your truck. You should drive it as much as you want.
Requirements for Driving a Truck
To be a truck driver, you need to meet some requirements. These requirements are compulsory as they will determine if you can be legally referred to as a driver. Here are some of the requirements for driving a truck.
- Age requirement: You need to be at least 21 years of age before being considered a truck driver. You can’t join a truck driving school if you are not at least 21 years old.
- Health requirement: You have to be medically healthy before you can be a truck driver. You need to pass the alcohol and drug test before you can be a truck driver.
- Have a clean driving record: You also need to have a clean driving record before being considered a truck driver. You can gain a driving record by attending a truck driving school and passing the tests.
- Commercial driver’s license: You must have a commercial driver’s license before being a truck driver. The CDL shows you are a legally qualified truck driver.
Conclusion
There is no ‘too tall’ or ‘too short’ for driving a truck. You can boast of whatever height you possess and still be a qualified truck driver. You only need to have the right accessories that will help you with your truck driving.