Becoming a professional truck driver can be a challenge.
Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL), can be a rewarding adventure for anyone. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates the licensing requirements for professional truck drivers and once you get your CDL, getting a job depends greatly on your past driving record. If you have blemishes on your driving record, such as a DUI, they will not prevent you from getting a CDL, but they may prevent you from getting a job.
Instructions
1. Request your driving record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Having a DUI conviction may appear on your driving record. Knowing what is on your record will prevent accidental omissions. If your DUI is not on your record, you will still need to have the date of your offense for school and job applications.
2. Pick up a Commercial Driver Book from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need a CDL permit for truck driving school and your school will help you study for it. Or, if you do not plan to attend school, you will need to study and pass the required sections for the type of CDL you plan to get. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles will tell you what tests you need to pass.
3. Attending a truck driving school may improve your chances of getting hired.
Decide what truck driving school you want to attend. If you have a DUI in your past, having attended a truck driving school will be an asset on your application when you apply for a truck driving job. Be truthful when you apply to a school, because they will find out about your DUI when they request your driving record. Read the questions carefully, because they usually ask if you have "ever" had a DUI. If your offense was 20 years ago, don't be misled into thinking it will not show up on insurance reports. Make sure you list everything.
4. Attending every class will increase your knowledge.
Attend all of your scheduled classes and range times during school. Poor grades and attendance will not prevent you from getting your CDL, but they may make it more difficult to land a good job.
5. Pass your road test to get your license.
Take your final exam and your road test. Your school will provide the vehicle and schedule your test with a state certified tester. Once your exam is over, the state tester will enter the information into the state computer system then you will need to go to the local Department of Motor Vehicle branch to get your CDL.
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