A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is everything if you are a truck driver. CDL’s are regulated and mandated by the federal government which means you will be held to a higher regard than your comrades you are sharing the road with. That is why it is important to be sure you meet and are aware or all the requirements associated with a commercial requirements you need to meet before you even take the test.
If you aren’t aware, here are the CDL Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible to apply for a commercial driver license, federal rules state that you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Must be 21 years old to:
- Drive across state lines.
- Operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.
- Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses.
- Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
- Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
In addition to the minimum requirements that are listed above, you need to be sure that you have a clean (and keep it clean) driving record. Here are disqualifying offenses that could leave you without your CDL:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle with any measurable or detectable amount of alcohol or drugs in your blood, breath, or urine
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of .04 or higher
- Driving any motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance
- Committing an OVI / DUI in any motor vehicle
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony
- Refusing to submit to a DUI breath, blood, or urine test
- Operating a commercial motor vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or disqualified license
- Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony drug offense
Violation of one or more of the above-listed offenses, will more than likely result in criminal charges, possible jail time and a potential to be barred from ever driving a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.
Finally, not only is a clean driving record important to obtain and keep your license but once you are in the trucking industry, your record is a reflection of your personality. A spotty driving record will show prospective employers and insurance companies that you display irresponsible behavior and may result in rejection.
Once you’ve earned your CDL, the trucking industry provides excellent pay, benefits, and job security, so you’ll be driving on to a successful career as a truck driver, or whatever path you decide to take with your CDL – it is just important you follow the requirements that come with the responsibility.
When it’s time to consider a career in the trucking industry, we offer two amazing companies to work for: North Dixie Truck and Trailer, Inc. or Roeder Cartage Company. Depending on your area of expertise, we offer jobs for safety directors, mechanics, dispatchers and all types of jobs related to the trucking industry. Click on the links today and see what we offer and apply today.
Sources: http://www.dmv.org/cdl-federal-requirements.php and http://www.columbuscriminalattorney.com/ovi-dui-defense/cdl-ovi-conviction/