I Have A Few Questions About Truck Driving.

I really, really like this forum. It's the best, most honest and informative I've run across. My first question is I'm seriously considering going to a local Community College to get my CDL here in San Antonio, TX. But, my wife and I are probably going to be moving to Denver CO. next summer. What is entailed in switching from a Texas CDL to a Colorado CDL? Also, I was in prison for a few years in the 90s, got out in 96, no trouble since. Would this hamper me in getting hired?

It seems like 10 years is around the cutoff for most arrests and such. I think it may also depend on the crime.

Being that the CDL is a national standard, all states issue it according to the same requirements, so it should not involve much more than paying their fee for a state card.

Blue C, welcome to the forum! Each state has it's own way of doing a transfer, but I don't think you'll have a big problem in CO.

You don't have to tell us why you were in prison, but there's a lot of companies that will look past it if it's more than ten years old. There are others that aren't so forgiving. If it was a violent crime or drug trafficking you may be a little more restricted on who would be willing to hire you.

It's not hopeless though, some of us just have to search a little deeper to get in the truck driving business.

Once your sure your gonna start school you'll want to work your way through the free High Road Training Program It will make your schooling so much easier, and it will put you at the head of the class.

Thanks for all the replies. As for my bit, it was for a Burglary Of A Habitation, not armed and no drug cases. I've been out now almost 18 years so I would think it wouldn't be a hindrance but I figured you guys (and gals) would know more about that than me. Thanks!

I spent 6 years in Tucker Max in Arkansas and got out in '97. That will not be an issue at all.

@Steven...that is not true of all states. Let's say you are moving to Illinois and want to transfer your CDL....you would have to take ALL the written text again and the driving test. Illinois has the toughest CDL laws and testing in the country.

To transfer your CDL to Minnesota you have to apply for a meeting at the DMV and go through a interview process to get your CDL transferred.

Those are two I know of. I am sure there are other states with different regs. There is nothing that is every state that is the same.

Welcome to Trucking Truth !!! We're glad to have you here. And we'll help you in any way that we can. We've had quite a few newbies come thru here that had felonies, and tho it took a little more work, they are all driving truck, enjoying their adventure in life. The nature of the crime does effect some companies decision, but yours won't be one of those. And given the time that has past, unless they have a "no felonies ever" rule, you should be in great shape. So, get your schooling lined out, do the High Road Training Program . And keep coming in here to chat, ask any questions you have, and take advantage of all the knowledge from the many professional drivers with decades of driving experience that call Trucking Truth their cyber home. If you have any military experience, they have a special program to help pay for your school. And theres also some community college programs that you need to talk to them about. Use every advantage to make your transition to Truck Driver easier on you and your family, financially. Good Luck !! Oh, and transferring your CDL is easy....you just need some money. But most states have a website that can tell you just what it will take....