What You Need To Know Before Beginning CDL Training
Posted Sunday, May 07, 2023
The following information can help prepare you before you head off to school. And do not be fooled, obtaining a CDL at a local CDL school will not result in automatic hiring at a company. It will not alleviate any of the following issues, but it could put you in debt without a company willing to hire you.
You can alleviate some of the concern of not finding a job after getting your CDL by attending a paid CDL training program, which we recommend.
The following are essential for getting your CDL or landing a truck driving job:
- A reasonably clean driving record
- A reasonably clean criminal record
- A clean drug/alcohol history
- A healthy medical record
- A recent and verifiable work history
Your Driving History
Most companies are going to want a clean three-year motor vehicle record. That means no speeding tickets, careless driving, accidents, or suspensions. Yes, it matters if you have a speeding ticket for 15 mph over the speed limit because it is considered reckless driving. Yes, it matters that you allowed your license to be suspended, even if it is for tickets, lack of insurance, or not registering your vehicle. The reflection upon you is that you do not care about your driving privileges.
Do not lie on your application, and you must even inform any employers about expunged convictions. They will be found and you will appear dishonest, so be upfront.
Your Criminal & Drug/Alcohol Background
Felonies matter. They reflect your character, and although people claim some felonies are more acceptable than others, a company may take pause with your application. Burglary or theft on your record could convey you cannot be trusted with company equipment or freight. Violent crimes such as assaults might signify behavior on the road that could jeopardize the company's image.
DUI's and drug histories demonstrate you could injure or kill others without caring about the consequences. Rates will be astronomical to insure such a driver, and companies will limit how many lifetime DUI's or felonies they are willing to accept, if any. If you failed a drug test, many companies will expect you to attend a Substance Abuse Program before being eligible for employment.
Your Medical Record
You are required to reveal all medications and treatments you have received in the past or are currently taking. You should expect to produce medical records for any and all conditions. In addition, most companies are going to want at least 30 days stability regarding conditions such as blood pressure or sleep apnea.
Also understand that what the DOT allows and what a company may allow can be two different things. Companies can set their own standards for physicals, and one of the most common issues to arise pertains to psychotropic medications. Do not assume that your anti-anxiety or antidepressant will be accepted by a company.
Your Employment History
An employment history indicates what kind of commitment you will make to your new career and employer. Bouncing from company to company or resigning without prior notification demonstrates you are unreliable. Does an unpredictable employee sound attractive when you are in the business of delivering products to customers at specific appointment times?
If you are lacking in any of the above areas, you may need to wait for a year or two and work on any issues you have. Improve your health, stay employed at one company, keep your driving and criminal record clean, and save your money on CDL school until all is improved. If you were already denied by any companies, don't lose hope. Time will prove to the companies that you have learned to make better decisions and are determined to get the job done.
My History Is Great, Now What?
You will most likely need the following documents:
- A state certified birth certificate with a raised seal (not a hospital certificate)
- A Social Security Card
- A marriage certificate/divorce certificate for married/divorced female drivers
- Your current driver's license
- A voided check or bank branch deposit form for direct deposit payments
- A list of any and all medications you take or have taken in recent years
- A 30 day record of any sleep apnea treatment you may have received
- Your last three W2's, and at least three recent pay stubs
Once all of the above are in check, it is necessary the potential driver understands what he/she is attempting to get into when it comes to trucking. Most people have no idea what the trucking lifestyle is all about. Consider going to a truck dealership to see what the inside of a truck looks like.
