Hello everyone! I recently graduated CDL school last month in October and got my CDL A as well as my doubles and triples endorsements and tanker. I ended up getting hired with Western Express (big mistake I know, but they are one of the few people who would hire me with no experience and did not do a hair test) And I just started training with them this week.
From the get go my trainer was sleeping whenever I was driving as soon as I took the wheel and on my 4th day of driving I knocked over a light post cutting a turn to short and ended up getting stuck with a careless driving citation.
I am wondering did I essentially just ruin my trucking career before it even started? My plan was to get out of Western Express after 6 months - a year and go local to get better employment and more home time. But now, from what I have read it will be almost impossible for me to get another job with a careless driving violation in my first year.
Are there other options for me? Or should I cut my losses and try looking into another trade? I got into this field to make more money and start working towards starting a family and im feeling pretty stupid and hopeless now. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for reading!
Did I ruin my trucking career before it even started?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by FedExcorcist, Nov 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM.
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If Western Express didn't fire you, then better stay there until you have 12 mos. experience.
Lets see what @bryan21384 has to say. -
I find out on Monday/Tuesday if im getting terminated. They did assign me a new trainer however and they have allowed me to continue driving in the meantime.TripleSix, tscottme, OldeSkool and 1 other person Thank this.
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I should also add that I have already spoken to a traffic lawyer and they told me it is very unlikely they will prevail if they go to court for me
tscottme, OldeSkool and Flat Earth Trucker Thank this. -
That incident probably is not on your driving record yet. Call
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Don't waste money for a lawyer on that one.
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Wel Companies for good training with a pee test.
Also, check with National Carriers, Empire Express.FedExcorcist Thanks this. -
Starting a family (later)?
Meanwhile...ducking a hair test?
Hmmmmmm....does anyone else see a possible disconnect here?

-- Lsnowlauncher, firemedic2816, TripleSix and 4 others Thank this. -
Im ducking the hair test bc I was a heavy smoker in the past and just stopped last month
Also not sure what the problem is with wanting to start working towards starting a family...im 26 lolFlat Earth Trucker Thanks this. -
It means get your act together if you want to make it in this industry as well as start a family....TurkeyCreekJackJohnson, OldeSkool and lual Thank this.
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