Drivers License Suspended For Unpaid Ticket.

Jeez guys, a little judgemental, aren't ya?

I think he's had the same reaction from us that he'll get from 95% of the companies that hire new drivers. They will tell him that trying to get into trucking without a license, or even a very recent two-year suspension is rather absurd. They'll tell him to get his affairs in order and come back in a few years after he's proven that taking care of his license is a priority in his life.

Hopefully, someone will give him an opportunity, but time will tell. It doesn't make him a bad person, but it doesn't show a level of responsibility most companies are looking for in someone who will be making life or death decisions daily with their company's name on the side of his truck. That's the reality of it, and that's the message we need to send to people. If you want to be in this game you must show a certain level of responsibility, which starts with taking care of your license and your affairs.

I myself had my license suspended some umpteen years ago for failure to pay fines. At the time, it was a choice either to pay the fines, or pay for my wife continuing medical bills to keep her alive. Guess which one I chose. Does that make me irresponsible?

Well since you asked, the answer is yes; it makes you irresponsible. You drove irresponsibly and then failed to pay the fines. You're trying to play it off like you did some noble deed when in fact you made poor decisions that made a bad situation worse.

I'm sorry, but I just don't play the "poor me, I'm a victim of circumstances" game or "I did the best I could at the time." We are the product of our decisions. The decisions we make define us as individuals and dictate the quality of the life we'll lead.

Our mission here is to help people understand what it takes to be successful in trucking. That starts with personal responsibility. If you can't keep your basic affairs in order, you shouldn't expect many opportunities. If you get an opportunity and you make irresponsible decisions you won't be around for long. To pat someone on the back and say, "It's ok. We understand. You get a pass." enables the wrong kind of thinking. It hurts people. It doesn't help them. They need the truth. It's time they step up their game and get their affairs in order so they can live a great life.

There's a book I have on my wishlist called, "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win." Notice it's not called "Pass the Buck" or "Blame, Complain, and Criticize Your Way To The Top." It's obviously about taking extreme ownership of your affairs and your decision-making. That's the first step to a successful life and I wouldn't want to mislead people into thinking it's ok to settle for less from themselves.

I do genuinely hope Michael gets an opportunity, but more importantly, I know he realizes now how important it is to take care of your affairs if you want an opportunity in this industry. That's the message I want everyone to take away from this.

No one suggested a free pass. That was clear in my initial response. However, I don't see the use in unnecessarily beating him up over a suspension when he already knows he screwed up.

Things happen, and we have to learn from them and move on. That's where Michael is now.

You’re right. Sorry I responded.

As others have stated companies are not going to look at a suspension as favorable. The speeding is probably old enough. There is a saying in baseball...tie goes to the runner. How does it apply here? Tie goes to the person without the suspension. They are likely to overlook you or any candidate with recent marks on their license, when compared to other applicants. That being said....good luck in your search. Although some harsh words in some of the post, it’s all designed to help you understand what you face.

Depending of your state you can always pay to have a case reopen and explain yourself to a judge. in the state of Illinois for example with $40.00 the courts will reopen your case for that fee and the outcome might end up being favorable for you just as it was in my case where i had an over 25mph conviction with license suspension turned into supervision with no convictions in my records.Check with your state traffic court.

I am actually in the process of getting my license taken care of and the DMV said that I can get my CDL permit while I'm there. I've been studying for almost two years, I've also gone to the dr. to get my medical squared away. I'm dotting my T's and crossing my I's. Also I have contacted the court to pay the ticket next week.