When you plan to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you have to take many factors into account. One of the most important factors is whether you have a felony on your record. You may be wondering what felonies can disqualify you from getting your CDL in Las Vegas. If you have one or more felonies, factors such as the degree of the felony, location, and number of felonies play important roles.
If you are serious about getting your CDL and have a conviction, it is important to realize there are still ways to get your license. At the same time, you should know that your options can be limited. At Truck U, we would like to answer some key questions about getting a CDL with a felony as a trusted Las Vegas truck driving school.
Can You Get a CDL If You Have a Felony?
The simple and short answer to this question is that it depends. The FMCSA doesn’t have any clear stipulations to exclude a driver with a felony conviction from driving a commercial motor vehicle. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Whether you qualify for a CDL depends on your felony. Usually, felonies involving a motor vehicle will disqualify you for a CDL in the following scenarios:
- Use of a commercial vehicle in committing a felony
- Misconduct involving a motor vehicle
- First-degree or second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle
- Reckless or careless driving causing a fatality
There are even more non-vehicle-based felonies that can disqualify you for CDL. They include:
- Smuggling
- Extortion
- Arson
- Assault with the intent to murder
- Bribery
- Treason
There are many more scenarios to consider when thinking about joining a trucking school in Las Vegas for your CDL training.
Can You Get Your CDL with a DUI?
Under federal law, you will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle if you have a history of DUIs with a BAC of at least 0.08%. At the same time, if you have had a DUI in the past, but currently have a valid driver’s license, you are qualified to apply for a CDL in Las Vegas.
There is no stipulated waiting period for you to apply for your CDL. However, if you held a CDL at the time of your DUI charge, the waiting period can range from one to three years before you reapply. Remember that you will not qualify for a CDL if your license is currently under suspension due to a DUI.
When Can You Get a CDL as a Felon?
If you have a felony record, you can still undergo CDL training for your license. Getting a CDL doesn’t require you to have a perfect driving record. It is, however, essential that you demonstrate a trustworthy and responsible demeanor. When your conviction doesn’t involve the operation of a commercial vehicle, you may qualify. Certain companies do hire felons and you must check their guidelines. For example, if your conviction was over three years ago and you are an experienced truck driver, you are most likely to be hired over someone with shorter experience even when they have a clean record.
The federal law has certain regulations relevant to CDL and employment.
- If you have two serious violations on your CDL over a period of three years, your CDL will get suspended for 60 days.
- If you have three violations over a period of three years, your CDL will get suspended for at least 120 days.
It is also important to check the Nevada laws.
Overcoming the Challenges
If you have a felony record and you seek to work in the industry, you should prepare yourself for the process.
- Most companies require applicants to apply online
- The company will require you to answer questions
- Provide your driver’s license number, social security information, driving history, and history of convictions and traffic violations
- The law requires running a background check on you
Always Be Honest
It is important to provide all the required information in your application and not hide anything. You should realize that your trucking school and the carrier will always learn about your felony conviction or DUI. When someone intentionally leaves any information out of their application, their application is not likely to move forward.
When you want to apply for your CDL in Las Vegas, you shouldn’t let your past determine your prospects. You should contact a reliable Las Vegas truck driving school to help you determine whether you qualify or not. For more information and guidance, it is recommended to contact Truck U. You can give us a call at 702.533.3565 to discuss your prospects. You can also write to us using this online form and we will get back to you at the earliest.