If a person has a criminal record, they may wonder, “Can I get truck driving jobs?” Yes, ex-felons can be truck drivers, if they get their CDL and choose the right company.
Some trucking companies don’t want to hire drivers with any criminal record. Other companies might be concerned about your lack of professional experience or professional recommendations.
Some trucking companies don’t want to hire drivers with any criminal record. Other companies might be concerned about your lack of professional experience or professional recommendations.
However, there are some restrictions in earning your CDL and in getting a truck driving job if you are a former convict.
Can Ex-Felons Get a CDL?
As we know if you want to become a truck driver, you need to get a CDL. Thanks to New Sound Truck Driving School, many ex-felons can receive their CDL. However, there are some felonies that you aren’t allowed to receive a CDL and can be related to your past experiences handling vehicles.
Such vehicle-related crimes don’t allow you to receive a CDL at the federal level:
- If it caused to a fatal accident of a pedestrian or another driver through reckless vehicle operation.
- Misconduct with a motor vehicle.
- If a commercial vehicle was used to commit a felony.
- Manslaughter in the first/second degree with a motor vehicle.
Some felonies that aren’t related to vehicles will also prohibit you to receive your CDL at the federal level, such as:
- Kidnapping.
- Extortion.
- Assault with intent to murder.
- Arson.
- Bribery.
- Treason.
Each State also has its own restrictions on what kinds of criminal records don’t allow you to receive your CDL. For, example, in Florida, if a driver has fled the scene of a vehicle accident, they are generally unable to receive their CDL.
You can earn your CDL and start looking at truck driving jobs if you meet your particular state’s requirements and have not been convicted of any of the above felonies.
Can I Get A CDL With A Traffic Violation?
As we mentioned, if you are an ex-felon you can still get your CDL depending on the particular felonies. Now let’s speak about traffic violations such as running a red light, not using a turn signal, speeding, forgetting to wear a seatbelt. Can traffic violations disqualify you from earning your CDL?
You will need to learn more about your particular state’s laws for further details because like with the types of felonies that might stop you from receiving your CDL, traffic violations that might prohibit you to get a CDL are set state-by-state.
One traffic violation does not stop you from getting a CDL, but two or more will. The federal and state governments try to be sure that truckers, commuters, and pedestrians stay safe on the roads that’s why they want truck drivers who have good driving records.
What about DUIs?
At the federal level, if a truck driver has received one DUI, they will need to wait one year before receiving a CDL. In general, one DUI will not prohibit you to get a CDL or be hired by a trucking company. However, most trucking companies prefer that your DUI happened at least five years ago.
For further details, check the hiring regulations of the particular trucking company you want to work for and the laws of your particular state.
Let New Sound Truck Driving School Help You Start Your Career!
If you are an ex-felon, to find a job can be difficult especially a job that will bring you stability and great pay. However, ex-felons can receive truck driving jobs that will allow them to have great benefits and the freedom of the open road.
Do you want to receive your CDL? Contact us at 253-210-0505 or email today. New Sound Truck Driving School will help you apply for truck driving jobs in no time.