Can a Felon Get a CDL License? Blueprint for Second Chances

Unfortunately, you might have made some bad decisions in life and ended up in trouble with the law. If it was serious enough, you might be a felon. If that sounds like you, you know how damaging it can be to your life.

Even though you did your time, rehabilitated, and want to be a productive member of society, it might seem like no one wants to give you a second chance.

Well, that's one of the great things about getting your CDL. You're not out of luck, and it's possible for you to find the high-paying, meaningful, career you're looking for.

So, let's find out whether a felon can get a CDL license, and if so, what are the necessary steps you need to take.

 

Are Felons Allowed to Get a CDL?

 

The short answer is that you can still get a CDL as a felon. At least, in most cases, you can. We'll talk about disqualifiers shortly.

The laws that affect this are determined on a per-state basis. However, you aren't outright denied the right to apply for a CDL in many states.

 

Why Should a Felon Get a CDL?

 

As you know, getting a good job as a felon tends to be difficult. Even low-paying jobs with little chance for advancement can discriminate against felons regardless of their conviction. Let alone high-paying job opportunities with room for growth.

A CDL changes that, and it's easily the best way to go from struggling to find opportunities to having a whole career field to work within.

Not only can you be a trucker when you get your CDL, but you can also use your license to do other jobs driving commercial vehicles such as buses, trains, and more.

This means that you can work your way into a high-earning career that you can also use to branch into new opportunities as they arise. You're not trapped, and you're not struggling to make ends meet.

 

Reasons Why Felons Can't Get a CDL

 

While most felons will be able to get a CDL just fine, there are some reasons that you might be excluded.

1: License Suspension

If your felony conviction resulted in a license suspension, and if your license is still suspended, you can't get your CDL. You have to have a valid driver's license to take the CDL class and get licensed.

However, this doesn't mean you're permanently excluded. In most cases, once you re-earn your license and spend some time without further issues, you can attempt to get your CDL.

2: DWI History

If your conviction includes a DWI, it might exclude you from participating in CDL programs. This is largely dependent on the state you're in and the nature of your DWI.

If it's something such as driving after you took your prescribed meds or something without causing any damage or harm, you might still be eligible. If you drove drunk and there were casualties, you probably won't be allowed.

Again, this is based on the state you're in. So, you'll want to check your state's specific laws and regulations for felons and CDL applications.

3: The State You Live In

Just as states have different DWI laws when it comes to CDL applications, some states have more strict laws on licensing felons.

In some, you might not be able to get a CDL at all, and in others, it might depend on a number of factors. For the most part, the general rule that you have a valid license and have served your time is the only restriction, though.

4: Probation Restrictions Don't Interfere with Schooling

Finally, if you were placed on a post-release stipulation such as probation or house arrest, that will likely need to be finished before you start schooling.

Keep in mind that this isn't a full restriction. CDL schools don't ban probation, house arrest, halfway living, and similar programs. The impact of those programs on your ability to attend CDL school makes it a better idea to finish the program before applying for school.

Of course, if you have probation terms that allow you to attend school properly, and you can manage it without getting into trouble, you can do that.

 

Do CDL Schools Discriminate Against Felons?

 

As a felon, you're probably used to applying for things, never getting called back, and left to look elsewhere. So, we understand this question.

Luckily, CDL schools actually function as stepping stones for felons, and it's a well-known fact that you can expect to be treated just like everyone else.

As long as your felony conviction doesn't exclude you by state law, you'll go into the same program, with the same teachers, at the same price, as everyone else.

 

Do CDL Jobs Exclude Felons?

 

This largely depends on the company itself. CDL jobs fall into a wide range of industries, and some of them simply can't accept felons or they might have to turn down felons with specific convictions. For example, if your felony includes drug charges, you might not be able to get a job transporting pharmaceuticals.

This will always be dependent on very specific factors relevant to specific companies and positions, though. In general, companies hiring drivers frequently hire felons with CDL licensing, and their convictions aren't an issue.

 

What's the Cost of Getting a CDL as a Felon?

 

With everything being a lot harder upon your release, you're probably wondering about the cost of CDL school. After all, paying off old court fees, fines, and more while also trying to pay for everyday life makes it hard to pay too much for schooling.

Luckily, CDL school is one of the most affordable schooling programs that leads to a high-paying job.

Depending on the CDL license you get and the CDL courses you go through, the prices can range from $1000 to $8000 on average. That can be costly if you're on a tight budget, but it also leads to a very fruitful future. So, it's worth working toward.

There are also financial aid options available, and some jobs pay for you to go through the program if you agree to work for them under contract for a certain number of years.

 

Sign Up for AAA CDL School Today

 

If you're a felon in the Houston area, and you're ready to enter an amazing career field that doesn't exclude you because of your past, contact AAA CDL School or fill out an application, today.

We can help you change and restructure your life for the better, giving you an opportunity to build a career in a lucrative industry that just keeps on giving.