There are many people having the same question in their mind that can a felony get a CDL? Here, we are going to discuss the possible answers to this question. All felonies are not prohibited from getting the commercial driver license, also called CDL. For those who got the criminal conviction or have criminal records are prohibited. You can get the CDL by taking the test as well as paying required fees. It is obvious that getting the job with the felony conviction is not so easy, but some companies hire the truck drivers with felonies because of the shortage of the drivers.
Like other driving license, CDLs are also issued by the state when you pass the driving test as well as pay the fee. Tests include two section first is the written test while other is road test which is needed to be cleared to get CDL. After taking a written test, some also apply for learner’s permit. After practicing driving under the instructor, you need to pass the medical test and then take the road test, and then you need to qualify for the test to get cdl. After this, a process is held where fingerprints are taken as well as DMV is checked to find your background and to find that you have any criminal records or not.
Different state have different restrictions on holding the CDL and it depending on the conviction it is decided that a felony can get it or not. If the offense is serious and the number of the felony conviction is more, then all these factors will determine that how long it will take you to get this license.
For example: in Texas, if a person was convicted of using the motor vehicle and committed the felony then he/she will never get this as they will be banned from getting it. When a person is convicted because of drinking and drive or an accident with his/her vehicle, then he/she will not be able to hold the CDL for three years for the first offense while you will be banned for life in the second offense case.
Severe traffic offenses such as excessive speeding, reckless driving can also prohibit you from holding a cdl. These bans range from 60-120 days and depend on offense as well as the number of offense committed by the person. In case of felonies, few traffic offenses are serious than others, regarding a commercial driver’s license.
Restriction for holding CDL could be long if the traffic violence took place while you were driving the commercial vehicle. And if the commercial vehicle you carry has hazardous substance in it then you can be restricted from getting a CDL for an even longer period. I hope reading this article you must have got the answer to the question. If you have some severe criminal case against you, then you will be prohibited. Also, different states have different rules under which it is decided that an ex-felon can hold a CDL or not.
If you are disqualified for this and can not enter the industry, do not be sad, you can still find other job opportunities here .