Teens Are Being Trained to Drive 18-Wheelers Amid Truck Driver Shortage
Inside Edition visited student participants of Patterson High School who are participating in one of the first truck-driving programs for high schoolers in the U.S.
Hiring teenagers might help with the nationwide truck driver shortage, but you still don't generally see them behind the wheel of a big rig. Now that's changing.
Inside Edition spoke to a California 17-year-old, named Isabella, as she trained behind the wheel.
She’s one of several teens at Patterson High School who are participating in one of the first truck-driving programs for high schoolers in the U.S.
“There is a huge need. We’re short about 63,000 drivers today,” instructor Dave Dein said.
Isabella says her mom is a little worried.
“My mom was more nervous overall, ‘cause the idea of truck driving scares her ‘cause of all the reckless drivers on the road,” she said.
She's getting a hands-on lesson in truck maintenance and safety.
To prepare them for the real road, they spend 30 hours in a driving simulator.
Related Stories
Trending on Inside Edition
Mom of 2-Year-Old Attacked by Coyote in Huntington Beach Plans to Sue City Over Toddler's Injuries
Animals
Woman Paralyzed by Classmate in 1997 Paducah School Shooting Speaks Out as Convicted Gunman Seeks Parole
Crime
Urn Containing Human Remains Found on South Carolina Shore, an Increasing Problem for the Coroners Office
Human Interest
Missing Georgia Mother Found Dead in the Woods Naked and With Charring on her Stomach
Crime
Route 91 Harvest Festival Massacre Survivor Is Still on the Road to Recovery 5 Years After Being Shot 3 Times
INSIDE EDITION InDepth