Anyone know how to have an overseas CDL recognized in the USA?

blairandgretchen - blair is a Kiwi and can give good advice to you.
He will see the @blairandgretchen and know to contact you.

 

I think the only way to come to the U.S. and go straight to work is if you are illegal or a refugee and have no documentation. If so, you should have no trouble. Probably even be able to secure a SBA grant or loan to buy your own truck.

 

That is so far off the mark, it's not even funny. That's why I tagged Blair, because he's done all of this before, legally.

 

I was driving trucks in Europe for 17+ years, then I moved from Germany to Canada, had to take the CDL test there. Was driving from 2009 to 2013 Canada - USA. Moved 2013 to the States. they didn't accept the Canadian CDL, had to take all tests again. Not a big deal if you have experience to drive a truck.
You will have to provide a truck for your CDL test, that's the real problem.

 

Start from scratch - The US didn't give 2 ****** about my NZ 1,2,3,4,5,6, RTW - license.

Back to the start, like a 16 year old kid.

 

The upside is, you start with a clean slate -,no worries bout them DUI's in Aussie!!

 

Well, if I had any DUI's it would be a good thing, but considering I've only had one speeding ticket in the last 7 years and no at fault accidents since I was 17. Lol.

Oh well, guess I'll be having a chat to Kllm to help me get back on my feet if they want someone with a fair bit of experience.

Thanks for all the replies / advice.

 

Yes, "legally" being the key word. I certainly hope the OP, Blair, Chinatown and his wife, or anyone else here legally wasn't offended by my remark. It was a satirical jab at the current administration and not that far off the mark. But to explain further would require moving to the political forum. Personally, I would rather go debate the best BBQ on the road.

 

Well, I am a US citizen. Granted I've been living in Aussie land for a while, but nobody mentioned to me that the US government can take away your citizenship if you've been out of country for a while, so AFAIK, I've still got it.

So, yes, I will be doing things the legal way. Was just hoping the US might be advanced enough to recognize the equivalent license from other countries. Apparently not, so I'll start from scratch...again lol

 

If you could manage to get a truck and trailer you might be able to test out and get your CDL. There are places where you can rent a truck and trailer to take the test. It might save some time. I know a place in Texas that rents a truck and trailer to take the CDL. Since you plan on moving to Mississippi, there could be a place around where you could rent a truck. Another option is to find a local truck driving school and see if you can rent one of their trucks and instructor who can sign off on a road test. There may also be a state vocational school that offers CDL training. Once you have the CDL, it will be much easier to find a company that will hire you. Of course, you can still go with KLLM or another carrier that will put you with a trainer for a short time. Something that might help is to get a letter of recommendation with your experience from your current employer.