Can Felons get a CDL License?
If you have a not so perfect past and are thinking about training for your Commercial Driver’s License, you shouldn’t worry about immediately being turned away. Not all felonies can disqualify you from being able to pursue your CDL. For some it can still be a way to change your life and start over. It’s not uncommon for trucking school students to be looking for a fresh start and training to get their commercial driver’s license is one way to do that. Read on below to find out more about how we may be able to help you with your training.
Do I need to have a perfect driving record to become a truck driver?
No, you do not need to have a spotless driving record to become a truck driver. Minor infractions like an overdue parking ticket, speeding ticket, or being the responsible party in a fender bender accident should not stop you from looking into training for you CDL license. Keep in mind that time does change things—generally for the better. If your parking tickets are paid and you have nothing outstanding against your license, then give us a call. Same goes for any misdemeanors that were taken care of and are safely in your past. Especially if they were five or more years ago.
If you do have a felony or more serious criminal conviction on your license, depending on the severity, you may be prohibited from holding a CDL but not always. First things first. Clean up any outstanding issues you might have on your record. Even if that overdue parking ticket or small driving infraction sounds minor, clean it up. If you do have a felony conviction that has your license on hold, then you will not be able to begin training for your CDL until you have had your license reissued. Serious traffic offenses may prevent you from getting your CDL so it’s important to discuss any incidents with a NETTTS representative. And be honest because the truth will eventually come out. Nobody is there to judge you and you are probably not the first person to have a situation like this in your life. If you think something may hold you back then set an appointment to meet with one of our Career Services Support Advisor’s.
Attitude on Drug/Alcohol Conviction
A driving offense where your license is currently revoked will require you to wait until it has been reinstated to begin training. The first part of training is geared towards preparing students for their CDL permit. You must have a valid license to do that. If you have been convicted of an OUI in the past, time matters. One that occurred 18 months ago can be looked at very differently from one that was ten years ago.
Do trucking companies do background checks?
Yes, most trucking companies will perform a background check or background screening in order to gain a clear picture of your past.
Background checks are standard procedure in the trucking industry. Just because you may have been convicted of a crime, it does not mean you cannot pursue your dream. Training for a CDL can be an option for people with different pasts. We recommend it best to find out about whether your specific situation sets up any limits on what you can do.
Being Honest About Your Past
Remember that we are all human. We all make mistakes. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and move on. It is important that moving forward you are upfront and honest. There are other truckers who had a not-so-perfect past. Remember that you are not alone. Be honest about the situation and sit down to confidentially explain the details of what happened.
Obstacles and Hurdles in Trucking
Trucking is regulated and driver safety is key. Drivers with a troubled past may have to jump through more hoops than those with a clean record. Keep in mind that if enough time has passed or the charges are no longer relevant, your record may not be such a big hurdle. The point is, you never know until you ask. Don’t count yourself out.
At NETTTS, we are available to sit and confidentially discuss what on your record might concern you. We understand everyone has a past and we want to help you get a second chance at success. Our Admissions and Career Service Support teams will help to you to get to know you and to clarify your eligibility.
NETTTS offers Class A and B CDL Training Programs as well as HVACR Training. There are four schools in and around the following states: Pawtucket, RI, North Andover, MA, Bridgeport, CT, and Somers, CT. At NETTS we offer CDL License training and HVAC training to help you begin a new chapter in your life. Take a few minutes by finding out more online today or call us at (800) 333-2888 to speak to someone in your area!