What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting a CDL?

Trucking is an immensely rewarding occupation filled with ample opportunities for personal enrichment and career advancement. If you’re hoping to hit the road alongside thousands of other truckers that keep our nation running, you’ll need to first obtain a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, before joining their ranks. 

The CDL Process: How it Works

All vehicles are not created equal—even the most skilled drivers need extra training and certification to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). A CDL is the industry-standard license for truckers nationwide, ensuring every professional is sufficiently experienced, knowledgeable, and physically capable behind the wheel.

CDL certifications come in three classes: A, B and C. The certification process requires drivers to pass multiple tests including two written assessments that appraise general and endorsement-specific knowledge as well as a health physical and a skills test that evaluates proficiencies on the road, including driving maneuvers and vehicle inspection procedures. 

Once a driver obtains their CDL, it is usually valid for 5-8 years before requiring some form of renewal. But before you can hit the road, you’ll need to know if you’re disqualified from getting a CDL in the first place. 

Knowing potential disqualifications for CDL training upfront can save aspiring truckers time and ensure they are fully prepared for the requirements and challenges ahead. A proactive approach is crucial in navigating the certification process successfully. Keep reading to learn more in-depth about what felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL.

So What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting a CDL? None, But Some Might Cause Obstacles 

Operators of commercial vehicles are held to an incredibly high standard due to the job’s inherent level of responsibility as well as the immense risk that improper conduct on the road can pose to other drivers. That means the requirements surrounding a CDL’s issuance must seriously account for any prior criminal activity during the certification process. 

Along with other pertinent disqualifications, having felonies on record can prove a significant obstacle for aspiring drivers. Some of these felonies include:

• Arson
• Treason
• Kidnapping
• Assault with intent to murder
• Bribery and/or extortion
• Motor vehicle misconduct, negligence, or reckless operation
• Committing first or second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle 
• Having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher while driving
• Other felonies committed using a commercial motor vehicle i.e. smuggling illegal substances or human trafficking
• An outstanding warrant out for a felony offense
• Financial crimes such as embezzlement or fraud
• Voluntary manslaughter 
• Severe assault
• Serious drug offenses that indicate trafficking or distribution
• Crimes that indicate a risk to public safety, such as repeated DUI offenses or vehicular homicide

Other CDL Considerations and Requisites for Felons

A CDL is an industry requirement across the board, but the license is uniquely specific to the state that issued it. Federal law prohibits drivers from holding a CDL in more than one state, even though the license itself allows you to travel across state lines.

Beyond your state’s rules, several factors shape how your case is treated:

• The nature of the felony. Certain felonies are taken more seriously by states—and employers—than others. If the felony involved a CMV during on-duty hours, you’ll likely be unable to have your CDL reinstated.
• The number of felonies on your record.
• The time that has passed since they were committed.
• Your probation status. You may even be able to get a CDL while on probation, as long as it doesn’t violate the terms of your parole.

Taking Steps Towards Employment

If you live and work in a state that allows felons to obtain their CDL and the circumstances surrounding your record prove amenable to local regulations, you’ll be able to continue the process with a few stipulations. 

For one, you’ll have to find a carrier in your state of residence that hires convicted felons. Once you do so, keep in mind that during the application process they’re legally required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct lifetime background checks. 

Among eligible convicted felons, employers will also be looking for a decade’s worth of consistent employment records including any prior experience as a trucker (especially if you’ve held a Class A Certification). Prior experience in a rig is always going to help you gain ground during the hiring process. You’ll want to put forward a solid driving record; recent graduates from a top-tier truck driving school, such as TDI, also have a major advantage working in their favor. 

How to Address Felonies in Job Applications

When applying for trucking jobs with a felony conviction, navigate the conversation about your background thoughtfully. Transparency is essential—honesty is highly valued in the industry—but it’s equally important to focus on how you’ve grown since your conviction. As you write your application, aim to:

Demonstrating your commitment to moving forward and contributing positively can significantly benefit potential employers. Tailoring your application to showcase your strengths, resilience, and readiness to take on the role’s responsibilities can help shift the focus from your past to your potential as a reliable employee.

Building a Brighter Future With TDI

Here at TDI, we believe in our drivers, and in the trucking industry’s capacity to shape successful futures for those seeking opportunity, job security and honest work. As the trucking industry’s demand for drivers continues to grow each year, so does your prospective potential as a driver. After learning what felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL, you’ll be better equipped to take on the certification and hiring processes.

Even if you have a felony on your record, you may still be able to receive your CDL depending on your state. Luckily, TDI has 9 locations where you can explore your options and gather the skills and confidence you need to pursue trucking as your new career path. Our supportive, knowledgeable instructors empower students to take their CDL tests in as little as three weeks. 

Contact us today to discuss any questions you may have regarding your eligibility, so that we can help get you started on the road to a better life.