Job After CDL School With A Simple Possession Of Marijuana Charge Recently

I have been going through a hard time and have been on most major anti-depressants previously prescribed by a doctor. I was smoking marijuana for relief but was pulled over and received a simple possession charge last month a few days before Christmas. Before that I had a failed drug screen for the truck driving academy and was told it would be on my record. I have quit smoking but I have been having a hard time studying for my permit. I received a scholarship that was paid to the driving academy. I was told that there is a plan for me to get back into the driving program and that I would have to pay a third party to drug test me for a certain length of time. I'm getting close to trying for my permit and I'm interested in knowing what kind of employment options may be available upon graduation (thinking ahead) considering these circumstances.d

Thanks for any healthy insights and advice for someone trying to make a career out of trucking but has had some setbacks.

Hello Timothy,

I am going to advise you to brace yourself for some very strong words from some of the veteran drivers on this forum as Trucking Truth has received a barrage of people making bad decisions and wanting exceptions to get into the industry.

First off, there is no "simple possession" of Marijuana charge. Without knowing specifics on the incident, logic suggests you either had it in your possession in a state where it was illegal OR you more than the legal limit in your possession. In either case, it was a bad decision and you referring to it as "simple" would seem to downplay your sense of accountability.

Another equally concerning matter is your comment is your current state "I have been going through a hard time and have been on most major anti-depressants". Please understand truck driving is one of the MOST stressful occupations and despite society's discounting the occupation as "Anybody can do it!" Wrong! Very few people can. My neighbor is on mild anti-depressants and after 3 months of Class B local driving washed out. Over the Road is the big leagues compared to that.

The people that do it for a career are perpetually responsible, own their mistakes, and have nerves of steel. Something to think about. I would encourage you to reflect strongly on the demands of this field as if you cannot manage stress at a high level on your own...well.... there is a reason 70-80% of people who go to trucking school are gone from the industry after year 1. You may want to step back and take some time to give this some hard thought before even fighting to argue your behavior which to any company will look irresponsible.

Good luck on your endeavors.

Prepare for hard times for any future driving career. Drugs after getting licensed on your criminal record? Incredibly poor decision you made because drugs and driving careers never mix.

I will never grasp the tales of, "I needed the drugs to cope with a reality of my poor life. Boo hoo hoo...." Baloney! Grow up, get clean and off that garbage because there's no hope in dope! Harsh but realistic.

Timothy,

We often get this question about employment prospects, but at the end of the day the only person that can ask that question is the person who hires drivers at any company where you apply.

That being said, most companies will not hire you because of your record with marijuana.

But even if you do find a driving job, you are going to be expected to perform at a high level in a very stressful environment. Based on what you've shared, you don't seem to be capable of doing that now

I would recommend that you resolve your substance abuse and mental health issues before you even consider accepting a driving job. Because you already have two black marks on your record, you don't want to compound that by adding an accident to your record.

As far as "simple possession" of marijuana, my experience with that involves that it was a small amount deemed to be for your personal use and was not an amount that resulted in a charge of possession with intent distribute. Regardless of what you call the charge simple, compound, or complex, it is very frowned upon in the trucking industry and as I said will significantly impact your ability to find a driving job.

The reality of your situation is that it will take some years before a company worth getting in a truck for is willing to hire you.

In the meantime, do warehouse work or something of the sort. At least with that you will gain an understanding of the inside of places where you might one day have a chance to pick up and deliver loads.

Do this for yourself also:

If you think you might not be able to stay clean, stay away from driving commercial vehicles as a career pursuit. It will quite literally cost you your freedom, if you try mixing commercial vehicle driving with drugs.