There are a couple of things to consider when thinking about the basic qualifications for truck driving schools.
The reason most truck driving schools have qualifications is because they want you to be employed as soon as you graduate trucking school. So, they understand that trucking companies won't hire certain people based on their hiring criteria. Therefore, it is not necessarily in the truck driving schools best interest to spend the money and time training a driver who isn't employable. That being said, there are some truck driving schools who will help you get your CDL no matter what your qualifications are. But, we advise against this, unless you are certain you have a job lined up. Otherwise, you will be wasting your money.
So, here is the basic set of criteria you will find at most truck driving schools. And, remember, this is not a comprehensive list. Each trucking school has its own qualifications. This is just meant to be a guide to anyone interested in trucking school (you can get a more detailed evaluation by contacting one of our career advisors).
1. Criminal History -
Having a criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from truck driving schools and trucking jobs. It will depend on the type of crimes that were committed.
- Felonies - some truck driving schools will not enroll someone with a felony, but several will. The trucking schools who do enroll people with felonies typically follow these guidelines:
- Felony cannot be reoccuring
- If the felony is over 10 years old, you will have a strong chance of being approved
- If the felony was violent in nature and less than 10 years old, you will have a weak chance of being approved.
- If the felony was related to drugs or theft, it is best if the felony is 10 years old or more.
- Misdemeanors - There are so many different classifications of misdemenors, but the following guidelines will help simplify:
- Usually misdemeanors involving drugs, violence, or theft, will need to be at least 5 years old.
- Some truck driving schools will take a look at an application with any sort of misdemeanor, but the application will need to be approved by the safety departments of trucking companies.
- DUIs - Since you are applying for a job that involves driving, DUI's are closely scrutinized. Most truck driving schools follow the criteria set forth by the trucking companies.
- 0 DUIs in the last 3 years
- 1 DUI - must be 3 years old or older. Some companies require the DUI to be 5 years old.
- 2 DUIs - no more than 1 DUI in the past 10 years (and must be older than 3 years). So, if you have one in the last 10 years (and older than 3 years), the other DUI must be older than 10 years.
- 3 or more DUIs - Most truck driving schools and trucking companies won't hire someone with 3 or more DUIs.
2. Driving Record -
Truck driving schools will either request a copy of your MVR (motor vehicle record) or will pull one themselves. Here is the general criteria they will follow to determine your ability to gain employment as a truck driver:
- Moving Violations (tickets) - No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years
- Preventable Accidents - No more than 2 preventable accidents within the past 3 years
- DUIs - SEE ABOVE
- Suspensions - No more than 5 driver license suspensions within the past 3 years. And, the suspensions cannot be longer than 12 months long. In other words, they must be short in duration.
3. Employment History -
Truck driving schools understand that most trucking companies are looking for people who show a record of being employed in recent history. They will most likely ask for your work history for the past 5 years. So, here is a general guidline they use for employment history:
- Work History - no more than 3 jobs in the past 12 months. No more than 6 jobs in the past 3 years.
- Unemployment - periods of unemployment lasting more than 12 months will probably be reviewed. Any unemployment gaps between 3 months and 12 months will need to be explained and/or documented (unemployment benefits statements, etc.).
- Self Employment - Periods of self-employment must be verified with tax statements and/or business statements.
4. General Criteria -
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Must be 21 years of age or older
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Must be able to pass a DOT physical
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Must be able to pass a drug test
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Must be a US citizen or have authorization to work in the US
Once again, these are just basic guidlines. Some truck driving schools are much more lenient while others are more strict. Give us a shout if you would like a more detailed breakdown.