Refusing Chemical Test SR22

Hey there! First, I'd just like thank you all for what you're doing on this site, really helpful stuff guys so THANK YOU!

Now here's the deal- 3 years ago I was pulled over for suspicion of DUI and I refused to take the chemical test. I was never charged with a DUI but the DMV suspended my license for 1 year for "refusing a checmical test by a peace officer"- this is the charge that appears on my record. I was doing some traveling and had no need to get my license so I put it off until just about a month ago. I past all the tests and got my class A reinstated, however, the DMV required me to get SR22 insurance.

So, (sorry for the long story here, I'm almost to the point) I recently went in for an appointment at a recruiters office. He ran my info and said my record looked good and nothing should be a problem. When I told him about my SR22 deal he kinda got a little quiet and said, "just never bring it up and it shouldn't be an issue"

Well that's all great here but I'm a little concerned any company who sees this is NOT going to hire me and I'm gonna be stuck with this (pretty hefty) tuition fee.

My question is: If a recruiter at a driving school accepts me and puts me through training does this mean my criminal and/or traffic record won't prevent me from getting hired at a company?

Thanks again for all the help everyone,

James

It's kinda funny how some companies work. Some seem forgiving, others not so much.

I can't give you practical advice, but I know a guy who manufactured and distributed several millions of dollars worth of cocaine in the mid 90s. Charged felon, but he still got a job with PTL and he's doing pretty good now. I believe it has to do with the time in which it occurred. After so many years, they don't consider a problem. Just depends on the company, as some look back three years, some ten years.

My question is: If a recruiter at a driving school accepts me and puts me through training does this mean my criminal and/or traffic record won't prevent me from getting hired at a company?

Hello James, and welcome aboard!

I don't think the SR-22 is going to hurt you as bad as the test refusal, I know I remember something way back in this forum about a person with the SR-22 situation and they didn't have any problem getting a job, but I can't remember the details. You can try a search on the search bar at the top of this page, it only searches this web site, and you may find some information on it that way. I may be remembering a conversation from our old forum though, and that wouldn't come up on that search bar, at least I don't think it would. Give that a try.

Are you familiar with Company-Sponsored Training ? if you go that route their won't be any question about you getting stuck with the tuition. They will have vetted you beforehand, and once you have successfully completed their training you will have a job. There is a commitment required on your part, but trust me you will need to make a commitment no matter where you start in this industry if you plan on being a survivor and turning it into a decent career.

These Company-Sponsored Training programs are a way to get into the business without hardly any expense on your part. They will pay for your bus ticket to their training center, provide your meals for the most part, and house you while you are there. They will train you, and as soon as they are confident in your abilities they will put you into a truck. Since you actually already have your CDL they will probably consider you a "refresher" and you shouldn't have to go through their entire program. They will, however, want you to sign a contract stating that you will agree to stick around and work for them for a certain period of time. Usually it is about a year, maybe less at a few of them. It is important that you do what you say, because it is a legitimate contract. If you default on your part they have recourse to have bill collectors after you for the price of the training, and a bad hit on your credit record. But you won't be running the risk of laying out your hard earned cash for a training certificate and then being sent home after it was all said and done with nothing to show for your sacrifice. If they put you through their training program, they have already decided to hire you when you are done with it.

My experience in this business is that your first year will go flying by so fast that it will be nothing but a blur, so son't get yourself all hung up about making a commitment. Life is full of commitments, and the folks who have the stuff to make them and stick to them usually are successful.

Only give exactly the information they ask for and nothing extra. Try it and see what sticks.

Typically refusing is the same as being guilty in the laws eyes.