Looking To Get My CDL And Change Careers At 51.

Hello, Marlon!

I would suggest just going for it. Your records may be far enough in the past to be of little concern. You have nothing to lose by trying. Expunging may be helpful but I would wonder how long that might take to process.

I just got my CDL in Illinois. My record was clean. Questions about DUIs or felonies that I encountered typically had more current time frames, for example, "In the past 5 years have you had..."

And don't let your age be a concern: I got a conditional job offer while still in CDL school and started orientation yesterday with a carrier. I have 18 years on you.

Bill

Here is a news flash... Despite what people think... When it comes to expunging.. trucking companies still see it. I have seen several people sent home from orientation because of expunged DUIs they thought couldn't be seen.

2 DUIs and 4 felonies is a huge hurdle. I would apply everywhere and be honest on all applications. Answer only what is asked....don't give out any information they don't ask for specifically

"Have you been convicted of a felony in the last 3 years" is completely different from " have you ever been convicted"

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Rob T- Thank you for The posting of the portion of the Ohio CDL- wasn’t aware of the out-of-service rule for “< .04% of alcohol”. Excellent!

Here is what I found in the Ohio CDL manual although it's in line with what I've read for other states. I'm pretty sure it's the same nationwide. your previous DUI do not count towards this. They only count AFTER you have your CDL.

Having previous DUI and felonies will limit what companies will take you on but somebody will hire you. We highly recommend you Apply For Paid CDL Training. They will run all your background stuff before you even show up to orientation. Upon acceptance all you need to do is pass schooling and you'll have a job. Take a look at these companies that Hire with DUI, and those that Hire with felonies. Your record is old enough that it shouldn't cause too much issue for most companies, however some are a lot more strict than others. Great job getting things turned around. There are people out there on the road that have done much worse.

Thank you to ALL of the great and encouraging responses. I received a call this morning from Western Express. They told me that once I get my CDL , they have no problem putting me on the road. So I'm thinking, if Western Express will put me in a truck, there's got to be more companies out there that will as well. Anyone know anything about Western Express??

Thank you to ALL of the great and encouraging responses. I received a call this morning from Western Express. They told me that once I get my CDL , they have no problem putting me on the road. So I'm thinking, if Western Express will put me in a truck, there's got to be more companies out there that will as well. Anyone know anything about Western Express??

Old School got his start with them; and if he doesn't chime in shortly (he's having a medical issue with an eye, so may not be around for a bit...) you can look up his diaries with the above search bar.

They are a fine company to get on with; and as Kearsey also said, click the link in her reply and fill out the 'one and done' application for MORE opportunities~!

ps: You only need your CDL Permit to get on with Western. I just verified this for you, via facebook messenger. You would train in Nashville, TN for your full CDL.

Wish you the best~!!!!

Anne :)

Don't limit yourself to only applying at one company.

Don't limit yourself to only applying at one company.

I've heard back from 5 companies and all of them said that the DUI's and FELONIES would not be an obstacle. They just told me to contact them once I get my permit/CDL. That's VERY encouraging!

Does anyone know anything about PAM or PRIME?? I received calls from both. They are both willing to train me and give me a job. PLEASE let me know.

Here is what I found in the Ohio CDL manual although it's in line with what I've read for other states. I'm pretty sure it's the same nationwide. your previous DUI do not count towards this. They only count AFTER you have your CDL.

Having previous DUI and felonies will limit what companies will take you on but somebody will hire you. We highly recommend you Apply For Paid CDL Training. They will run all your background stuff before you even show up to orientation. Upon acceptance all you need to do is pass schooling and you'll have a job. Take a look at these companies that Hire with DUI, and those that Hire with felonies. Your record is old enough that it shouldn't cause too much issue for most companies, however some are a lot more strict than others. Great job getting things turned around. There are people out there on the road that have done much worse.

Thank You!! You are absolutely right!! I checked it myself. they are only looking for DUI's you had WITH a CDL. The irony is.... with my 4 FELONIES the thing that is disqualifying me with some companies is that I had 2 speeding tickets in the last 2 years. Go figure.

There are a bunch of us here at Prime. If you type PAM or prime in the search bar you will find a ton of info. There is also a training diary section with people who recently went through training at various companies.

I am at Prime and love it. They used to have a 1 DUI and 1 felony lifetime limit though and they needed to be more than 10 years old. I get that yours are old enough but in the past I have seen people rejected for the lifetime limit.