Newbie here without a CDL.

After filling out an application for a company I found out that I had a license suspension over 5 years old for not paying a ticket on time. Since I did not know this at the time of my app, I did not include it. I asked my recruiter about it and he said that it wasn't a problem since it was over 5 years ago and that no action was needed on my part.

My concern is going to their driving school, get to orientation, and then be turned away because I did not disclose this information on my application.

On a similar note, when an application asks "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?", are they only asking for felonies and misdemeanors? I am not sure how to answer this question or not as I have a ticket over 5 years old for a "city ordinance violation" that was not a felony or misdemeanor.

I'm a newbie - just got out of school - the experienced guys may have something to tell you. Do a search on here - tickets/suspensions are discussed in quite a few posts. What my class found out (and between us we applied just about everywhere) is that you should ALWAYS disclose. They found stuff that the 40 yo's did in high school, I kid you not. Each company is different about what the "lapse" time is for violations. Some want 3, 4, 5 years clean on MVR unless it is DUI. Drugs - forget it. THAT is a biggie. Since your recruiter said no problem since it was more than 5 years ago, maybe that is because they require less "clean" years than 5. Look on the company's website. This is usually posted for "qualifications." Don't ask me how (again, the experienced guys may be able to shed more light) but the companies WILL find violations. AND, if you get to orientation and then you get "asked to leave" even though you are not exactly an employee, the info ends up on your DAC report. Have you ever been convicted of a crime is a yes/no thing. If it's there, they'll find it. IMHO, always better to disclose. The consequences for non-disclosure are worse than for the issue itself. I understand part of the reason that companies require the info is because of their insurer's underwriting requirements. And there is the DOT; 9/11 changed everything. Search the boards; plenty of good experienced people here; and they are willing to help us newbies. Good Luck.

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All good things come to those who wait;
The Secret of Happiness is to wait Successfully.

I have no problem telling them these things, the problem is that now that I've filled out an application I'm not sure how to go about doing it. I told the recruiter, is that enough? Do I need to fill out another application? Send the company a letter?

To the extent this oversight seems to bother you, (sounds like it does) I think it would remove your sense of doubt to let 'em know up front of this error of omision. If it's a deal breaker for them, best you should know sooner than later. And if it's not, your candor would speak well of you. Good luck!

When they ask that question...that means they want to know everything.
If you are honest and straight forward with them, you stand a much better chance then if you hide anything. Integrity, honesty is the key.

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As I said, I did tell my recruiter about these two issues, but being that the company I applied to doesn't have the best reputation, I want to do whatever it takes to cover my back. So I am still wondering how to go about doing that...I am thinking that I should fill out a new application with the updated info and notify my recruiter. Thoughts?

Yes, I think it's best.