Ive dreamed of driving truck all my life. I have a few ????s Please help

My best bet for you would be to call your local DMV or DOT good luck

 

Dave O,Let's start with the speeding tickets.Dmv records in most states go back only 6 years.the speeding tickets should be off your record by now.Seat belt violations.I don't think that should have any effect.Pain meds.You would have to get off of them.Perhaps a non-prescription drug for pain might work.Nerve damage.As long as you and your doctor both feel that this won't hinder your ability to operate a CMV,I don't see a problem.The big problem is that felony conviction.Most employers check your DMV and your criminal background.Now,you may still be able to obtain a CDL through your state since the controlled substance had nothing to do with a CMV.The other problem is that when you go to do a job application,there is usually a box to check" Have you ever been convicted of a felony".If you check,yes,you proably won't get the job.If you check,no,and they do a background check,you most surely won't get the job.The economy is in a free fall right now.Employers for the most part can pick and chose.The drivers out there now that show a clean record on their Dmv,criminal background,credit history and job experience,will be first in line.That felony,kicks you back to last in line.

 

NO. You need to refer to the FMCSR. Here's what the FMCSR § 392.4 (c) Drugs and other substances says; you can use or have in possession a substances administered to a driver by or under the instructions of a licensed medical practitioner who has advised the driver that the substances will not affect the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Here's your problem. How are you going to show that the doctor has advised you on your meds? To me that would mean a letter and I think you'll have a very difficult time having your doctor sign such a letter. If you go without such proof and have a DOT test you'll be nail to the cross and have more headaches than you could ever believe. Talk with your doctor and find out what he or she says. If you get the letter you problems are over.

So I would take that route and don't even bother to get off the meds. If you need them then take them. Doctors know how you build up a tolerance to some meds so you might have a chance.

 

If it were me I wouldn't tell anyone unless I was asked. I don't know what pain meds you're on but some don't even show up. I have taken Lortab and nothing but Codine came back positive. The last few times I went in for a drug test they said they did not want to know what meds I was taking. That's because if you come back positive the MRO (the company doctor) is required to contact you and ask you what you are taking and what for.

I've been in the chronic pain game for many years also and I'm sure you know by now how people react when they find out what you're taking. You know what would happen if you told a company you're trying to get hired on with. They'd stop right there and either move on to another driver or do alot of checking. And you know when alot of checking happens they'll just say lets not hire this guy.

Besides, I believe you're better off driving for an O/O but you might have problems with insurance. You would need to sit down with the regulations and your letter in hand and discuss the whole situation with him.

Your experience that you listed before in the yard equals 0. You know nothing about driving just because you can move them around in the yard. Also you CAN NOT take a tow truck for a road test no matter how big the rig is. You've got to have a trailer.

You've got a extremely hard road to go with your past record and your pain meds. I don't think many companies will take the risk with you. That's why it might be better to go with the O/O so you can get some SAFE driving miles behind you. Personally I don't think you're ready to be a truck driver. Not without some very good training. The word "Habitual" would shy me away from hiring you no matter how long ago. Maybe they would not find out your past but just reading your postings it seems to me that you think you can drive somewhat already and want to be turned loose on the road. Again I say you need some good training. And I don't necessarily mean a school because it sounds like you might have the people there that might be able to teach you how to become professional. And that word professional does not mean you're just getting paid for your work it means a way of life. That's my 2¢ I hope it helped.

 

I think, as usual, Gashauler offers good advice. I would add 2 problems I see. A felony record: we used to have to be bonded, and I would think that hasn't changed. Don't think you can pass that test. #2 Insurance: Mort insurance companys won't insure a driver with a drug or achohol conviction for 7 years. Don't think you can pass that test. If you are serious about cleaning up your life and driving get some real help with the persoal side and perhaps someone would hire you for a local job. Their is no quick fix.

 

The felony shouldn't be a problem, I worked for a company that had several felons, you'll be prohibited from going to Canada, (no great loss) you may be denied a Hazmat endorsment.
If the medication is prescribed for pain and the doctor says you can drive, that shouldn't be an issue.
I know people with worse records driving truck.