If you’ve been considering a career as a commercial truck driver, you might be wondering if it’s possible to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) despite having a less-than-perfect driving record. After all, truck driving can be a great career path, offering solid pay, job security, and the opportunity to travel. However, a history of traffic violations, accidents, or other offenses could hinder getting a CDL. Is pursuing this career possible if you have a bad driving record?
A bad driving record can affect your eligibility for a CDL, but various factors are at play. Each state has regulations regarding CDL qualifications, and your driving history is just one of many criteria to be considered. While certain violations may disqualify you for a period, others might not necessarily prevent you from obtaining your CDL in the future.
How Your Driving Record Affects Your CDL Eligibility
Your driving record is a primary factor when applying for a CDL. The more serious the violations or offenses on your record, the more likely they will impact your ability to get a CDL. However, the type of violation and its duration can make a big difference.
1. Serious Violations That May Disqualify You
Certain violations are considered “serious offenses” and may disqualify you from obtaining a CDL, either temporarily or permanently. These include things like:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – A DUI conviction will usually prevent you from obtaining a CDL for at least one year or longer if you have multiple offenses.
- Reckless Driving – Serious offenses such as reckless driving or a conviction involving excessive speeding (usually 15 mph or more over the speed limit) can disqualify you from getting a CDL.
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Hit and Run) – If you’ve been involved in an accident and left the scene, this can result in a permanent disqualification from obtaining a CDL.
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License – If your license has been revoked/suspended due to traffic violations, your CDL application will likely be affected. You may need to have your driving privileges restored before qualifying for a CDL.
2. Less Serious Violations And Timeframes
Not all violations are as serious, and some may only temporarily affect your eligibility. For example:
Minor moving violations like speeding tickets or running a red light might not automatically prevent you from getting a CDL. However, having multiple offenses on your record within a short period could impact your application, as it may reflect poorly on your driving habits.
If you’ve been involved in accidents but were not at fault or the accidents were minor, they may not significantly impact your ability to get a CDL. However, multiple accidents or those caused by reckless driving may be more concerning.
3. The Role Of The Employer
Some employers are more lenient than others when hiring drivers with bad driving records. Larger companies with strict insurance requirements may be less likely to hire someone with a history of serious offenses, while smaller companies may be more willing to take a chance.
Overcoming A Bad Driving Record
In some cases, completing a defensive driving course can help remove points from your record or even reduce penalties for minor offenses. This shows you’re committed to improving your driving habits and becoming safer.
For offenses such as DUIs or reckless driving, you may need to wait out the disqualification period before being eligible to apply for a CDL. During this waiting period, it’s essential to maintain a clean driving record to show that you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Getting Your CDL With Help From Experts
If you’re serious about becoming a truck driver and need a reliable training source, look no further than Truck U. We offer comprehensive CDL training through night and weekend courses, making it easier to earn your CDL even with a busy schedule.
At Truck U, we understand the challenges of getting a CDL with a bad driving record. Our flexible course schedules, including night and weekend options, allow you to get the training you need while working around your commitments.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities On The Road To Your CDL
Getting a CDL with a bad driving record is challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. You can still achieve your goal of becoming a truck driver by understanding the violations that can affect your eligibility, taking the necessary steps to improve your record, and seeking professional training.
If you’re starting or looking to make a career change, remember that persistence and dedication will help you reach your goal. With the right mindset and support, your bad driving record doesn’t have to define your future.
For information about our truck driving courses, call Truck U at 702.533.3565 or contact us here!