Investigating Becoming A Truck Driver: Driving Record Questions

I read through the basic information on the site about the process of learning to drive trucks, but I'd like a little clarification on the driving history requirements. It says that a clean driving record is pretty much required...but does this mean I literally have to have a spotless driving record all the way back to when I was a kid?

About 10 years ago I had an at fault accident/careless driving thing, and a couple of driving uninsured citations soon after (since insurance instantly skyrocketed in price and I was a student). But its been relatively clean since. Nothing serious like DUI or reckless ever.

How much weight does this accident from when I was 20 carry? Will it be impossible to get a job without a perfectly clean record?

Thanks in advance, this site is excellent. :D

From the companies I talked to the will get a driving abstract for your entire driving history, but mainly focus on the last 3 years. Six years ago I had a wreck where I rear ended a car in front of me an I was at fault. Since it was over 3 years ago I was told it was not an issue.

About 10 years ago I had an at fault accident/careless driving thing, and a couple of driving uninsured citations soon after (since insurance instantly skyrocketed in price and I was a student). But its been relatively clean since. Nothing serious like DUI or reckless ever.

How much weight does this accident from when I was 20 carry? Will it be impossible to get a job without a perfectly clean record?

Thanks in advance, this site is excellent. :D

Hey there Aaron,

The company I drive for went 3... or was it 5... years back. Some may go 7 years. Now, if I leave them for another trucking company, I believe they will up it to ten years.

Even if you do have a ding or two on your record, there are still companies that will consider you for training. Of course, the better you do in school, the better choices you will have for company that fits you.

for a company that fits you.

Ugh

I read through the basic information on the site about the process of learning to drive trucks, but I'd like a little clarification on the driving history requirements. It says that a clean driving record is pretty much required...but does this mean I literally have to have a spotless driving record all the way back to when I was a kid?

About 10 years ago I had an at fault accident/careless driving thing, and a couple of driving uninsured citations soon after (since insurance instantly skyrocketed in price and I was a student). But its been relatively clean since. Nothing serious like DUI or reckless ever.

How much weight does this accident from when I was 20 carry? Will it be impossible to get a job without a perfectly clean record?

Thanks in advance, this site is excellent. :D

To be honest that Wreak carries a lot of weight, especially for someone with no experience in the industry. It's still possible to achieve your goal but your options will just be more limited. I went CR England for my CDL and from what I saw they pretty much dismissed anyone that had an Accident on their record. They also almost let go one of my classmates that I had befriended but he was able to prove he wasn't at fault.

Thanks for replies. I guess the best I can do is just start applying and see what happens. It would be IMO pretty silly if I'm disqualified from the get go over an accident from 10 years ago, with a clean record since.

:D

What bout a guy like me with a clean driving record no tickets/ no wrecks has a chance at being a trucker ???

really could use an answer on this