Profile For Chuck H.

Gratz on the permit! Nice feeling, isn't it?

When I went, I took all the tests at the same session and walked out with a permit with all the endorsements (save HAZMAT as that is only put on your actual license).

Yes it is a great feeling....but also somewhat scary because I haven't had to prove myself in a job for more than 16 years. I was a manager with Home Depot for 8 yrs and quit to start my own business.....now starting from scratch....is always spooky...

Wow! I guess it's not just me that feel that way. Good luck to all of us!

Chuck, Welcome to the forum!

I'm thinking you may hit a snag when you try to get your Texas CDL drivers license. I'm fairly certain there is a legal provision that requires you to hold a regular drivers license for one year before you can apply for the CDL. If I were you, I would ask someone at the Texas DMV about this because I'm thinking you may need to have a back-up plan in place for your first years income while waiting for that time period to go by.

Welcome back to the states, and I hope you can get that CDL soon!

Thanks for your warm welcome and heads-up!

When you said, "Texas require me to hold a regular drivers license for one year" , do you mean Texas license or any other US states license?

I checked back in the Texas DPS website again for CDL license requirements and it doesn't mention anything about holding a regular drivers license for one year. The only snag that I saw could be the residency verification which could be resolved by showing them couple of documents that prove I live in Texas (Lease agreement, bank statements, car registration, proof of car insurance, etc.). However, as recommended, I will contact the DPS on Monday to verify. Thanks again.

Hi y'all,

I'm an Oklahoma native currently teaching in Korea. I been a teacher for over 10 years and think it's time for a career change where I can really enjoy traveling across America and being independent. Prior to teaching, I started my career in the army then moved on to the corporate world (Yes, I was a "suit" and actually had to wear suit to work. I hated it! :p )

Anyway, I'm returning back home and thinking about settling in Dallas/Fort Worth area. I let my old driver's license expire because I was out of country for so long, but I do have a Korean driver's license and been driving here without accidents or traffic ticket. I checked with Texas DPS website that Texas does have reciprocity agreement with Korean government where I can just exchange Korean license with Texas one.

My question is this: Since I've been out of the country for so long without driving record in the U.S., would driving record in Korea suffice to be considered for a trucking job? Also I'm thinking about going to a trucking school (not company sponsored) to get my CDL so I may have more options. I appreciate it if anyone can recommend a good trucking school near Dallas/Fort Worth area.