Can you get A CDL With a Felony?

You have a felony and are looking to start over with a job as a Commercial Truck Driver, but the biggest concern must be whether you are eligible to apply for the CDL or not. Fortunately, not all felonies can disqualify you from being able to obtain your CDL and it greatly depends on your state-specific rules and your specific case as a felon. Read ahead for more information about CDL licenses and felony convictions.

What is the Exact Regulation for Getting a CDL with a Felony?

According to the FMCSRs in Table 1 to § 383.51(b), a driver who has been convicted of a felony can still operate a CMV if the offense did not involve the use of a motor vehicle, either a CMV or a non-CMV.

What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting A CDL?

In some instances, felony charges will prohibit you from gaining employment as a big rig driver. Felonies that will automatically affect your employment options: Felonies that will prevent you from getting a CDL would include:

•  Arson
•  Sex offenses
•  Bribery
•  Extortion
•  Kidnapping
•  Treason
•  Assault with intent to murder
•  Operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%  or higher
•  Any felony committed using a CMV.

Figure 1: What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting A CDL?

Other factors that may exempt you from getting a CDL include

• Your driver’s license is currently suspended.
• Your parole terms specifically forbid it.
• There is an active warrant out for your arrest.

The age of the felony may also have an effect. Some schools (and employers) will only take you if the felony is at least 5, 10, or 15 years old. The type of felony is also a consideration. In fact, a misdemeanor traffic violation can be more of a problem than a conviction for theft. It is crucial to be responsible and trustworthy, as you may have worse long-term problems if a school or employer finds out you lied to them.

Job Opportunity for CDL holders with a Felony

Be aware that no trucking company hires any employee, felon or not, before going through an interview process, in which potential employees are vetted.

None of these carriers guarantee a truck driving job for anyone.

Still, there are some trucking companies that hire recent felons you can consider:

• Roadtex Transportation, Somerset, New Jersey
• Paschall Truck Lines, Murray, Kentucky
• Freymiller Inc. – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Britton Transport – Grad Forks, North Dakota
• Carolina Cargo – Rock Hill, South Dakota
• Covenant Transport – Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Hirshcbach Motor Lines – Dubuque, Iowa
• J&R Schugel Inc – New Ulm, Minnesota
• Maverick Transportation – Little Rock, Arkansas
• Tyson Foods – Springdale, Arkansas
• Navajo Express – North Washington Co.
• Prime – Springfield, Missouri
• Schneider National – Green Bay, Wisconsin
• U.S. Xpress – Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Werner Enterprises – Omaha, Nebraska

CDL Training For Felons

There is a government grant program available geared toward job training for felons.

• First, you need to make sure that you currently have a valid driver’s license, along with a place of residence. This is the most basic requirement requested by most trucking companies in the United States. 
• Second, choosing the right trucking company is also an important step. For starters, we highly recommend small to middle-sized trucking companies that accept felons. Contact them and ask if they can give you some kind of pre-hire note, promising that they will hire you after you complete the CDL training. Of course, not every felon can get this letter. You have to have your best behavior, and properly explain with good words about your condition. Third, it is possible to get free CDL training for felons. The trick is to find a trucking company that is willing to pay for the training for you, usually with an agreement that you will work for them for at least one or three years after completing the CDL training. 
• Usually, you won’t get a satisfactory salary as a felon, but this could be a perfect solution if you really don’t have any money to be spent on training. Of course, you have to be honest and upfront about your current situation. Explain that you’re a felon, and then the management will be able to decide the best course for you and the company. This is very important, especially for trucking companies that have their own trucking training school.
• Fourth, go through our tips from scratch and make sure that you have gotten some kind of guarantee from the company before you apply for CDL training. CDL training costs quite a fortune, especially for people who are struggling to restore their life.

I believe felons deserve a fair shake and a second chance. This employer incentive program will give an employer that little boost that it may take to give deserving individuals a job.

Other things to consider. 

There are restrictions on felons with CDLs not just at the trucking companies. Regarding CDLs and employment, the federal government has also imposed various regulations on felons. A commercial driver's CDL will be suspended for 60 days after two serious violations within three years. A driver's CDL will be suspended for at least 120 days if they have three violations in three years. Finally, it’s important to always check the state's regulations and other restrictions regarding felons' CDLs before applying for a job there.

FAQs

Can you get a CDL with a drug felony?

This can depend on if you were actually driving while you got the drug charge and other factors.

Can felons hold a CDL?

Yes, felons can hold a CDL. But in order to get truck driver training and be allowed to hold a CDL, it heavily depends on what the felony was and how long ago the violation took place.

Learn more about the CDL exams and useful tips to pass the tests and obtain your commercial driver's license in our CDL articles.

Get ready for the CDL exams with our CDL Prep app, providing a variety of exam-like Questions and state-specific practice tests.