Driving history

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kiwicraig, Jul 27, 2009.

  1. Kiwicraig

    Kiwicraig Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2009
    Tauranga
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    Hiya, Kiwi here......Ok, so I know all "reputable" companies check your driving history through the DMV. So what happens if you don't have US driving history..which I dont because I have a New Zealand license and have had for 13 years. I will rectify that as soon as I get to CA, but even then my history will not be very long.

    Any thoughts?
     
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  3. SLCTrucker

    SLCTrucker Medium Load Member

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    Jan 15, 2009
    Salt Lake City UT
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    Your driving experiance will mean nothing here in the US.

    I moved from the UK with 11 Years exp and being a O/O.

    I had to start out again from scratch.

    But it will be easier for you as you already know how to drive and once you get a job can progress quickly.

    Welcome to the world of trucking in the US
     
  4. Kiwicraig

    Kiwicraig Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2009
    Tauranga
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    Hiya SLCTrucker.... didnt make myself clear enough me thinks :biggrin_25525:

    I have zero truck driving history in any part of the universe, im just talking about regular motor vehicle history.
     
  5. rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    76,717
    May 28, 2009
    United States
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    Same thing applies.

    For all intents and purposes, you will likely be treated as a novice driver as far as most US auto insurance companies go.

    Is that why you are asking? Or are you planning to go into trucking once you get to Cali?
     
  6. Kiwicraig

    Kiwicraig Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2009
    Tauranga
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    Hi Rich...yep, would love to get into it, just wondering what the truck companies attitudes are like towards the likes of me...by that I mean having no relevant history relating to the US. Driving, work and the likes....would i just fall into the too hard basket?!?
     
  7. rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    May 28, 2009
    United States
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    Alas Kiwi, the trucking companies (bigger ones anyway), will view you as a novice driver for insurance purposes. Your driving record in another country simply won't count for a hill of beans.
     
  8. Kiwicraig

    Kiwicraig Bobtail Member

    24
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    Jul 14, 2009
    Tauranga
    0
    Thanks Rich, pretty much what I assumed. My wife arrived back in CA a week ago, Im following soon. She is going to do some phoning around for me...see wht we can dig up
     
  9. rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    May 28, 2009
    United States
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    Kiwi.. where there is a will, there is a way.

    Don't give up. Just realize that it may take time to get where you want to go.
     
    Kiwicraig Thanks this.
  10. kingsson

    kingsson Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 29, 2008
    Omaha, NE
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    Kiwi welcome to America! I have encountered one or two Aussies (from a small island off the coast of New Zealand!) who had the same experience. Treated as novice drivers. Of course, a BIG change is driving on the right hand side of the road! (Remember to go around the roundabout to the RIGHT please!) Best of luck and keep us posted!
     
  11. Irishtrucker

    Irishtrucker Medium Load Member

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    Jul 20, 2009
    Sacramento CA
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    Would be interested to hear more about your experience as i am in the same boat, gonna go back to school in September to get my CDL. Had my Class 1 at home since 97 and drove long haul. How did you find the school?, sounds a little more in depth than when i did my test?
     
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