Driving record twist

What a great forum, and a lot of knowledgeable hands.

I'm a US citizen, been working outside the US for 20 years (non-military and non-trucking). Now wanting to come back to the US, get a CDL and start working OTR. I didn't renew and just dropped my regular US drivers license 7 years ago because I couldn't do it online and I wasn't going to physically come back to the states just for that. Have had a foreign drivers license while I've been away.

Once I'm back, my old US DMV office will give me a new state drivers license after taking both the written and driving tests, and then the CDL permit. The community college driving school advisor saw no problem getting a CDL at their school, and will furnish a truck for the final CDL testing. I have no criminal record, last ticket (anywhere) was 17 years ago for 8 mph over, no at-fault accidents ever, don't drink, have a passport and a great work record with solid references.

My big question: Will a US trucking company and/or their insurance company have a big problem hiring/insuring me if I can't come up with my past 5-10 years driving history on a US state's DMV report? I see no problem getting a DMV and criminal report from the country I have been living in, getting that translated, and presenting it, but will a US insurance company just say No way Jose ?

 

Thanks to all for your help, doesn't look like a roadblock now. I was told by an agent that for private car insurance that without holding a US license for the past several years, his company would treat me like a 16 yr old new driver for rates, even though I've had a good driving record in cars.

I am planning on taking a 160 hour course and want to add tanker, HAZMAT and TWIC to open up my job possibilities. I know the pay won't match my past, but I live cheap, have savings and no mortgage, rent or debt to worry about covering.