For those with legal/driving record questions

Hi dibstr....

When I used to hire drivers and perform criminal background checks, I'd see the criminal history and the arrest records however after 7 years they fall off the charts. At one time DAC linked to a service that offered the detailed info, now it's a little more difficult to get - but not impossible! Electronic information is out there and accessable however there are laws regarding whether it can be used towards an adverse employment action (not hiring due to obtained information). If the potential employer is sophisticated enough, they will find the info but can not admit to using it in a hiring decision. Therefore, it's just as you stated - it would be a slippery slope employers would not want to fall down.

 

Afte 7 years they fall off the charts ?

What charts ?

Why do some items from 20 years ago show up ?

 

hi 123456,

"falling off the charts" is just a figure of speech.....as to why something from 20 years ago still shows up, well no system is perfect so people need to watch their own history and make sure old legal problems are expunged in a timely manner (after all if someone had a felony in the past, they should remember it). some things can not get expunged however like murder or larceny, etc. in these cases legal guidance is necessary. for the other lesser crimes, expungement can usually be done by contacting and filing paperwork with the clerk of the court's office where the conviction occurred.

 

thanks for the explanation

 

no problem, great avatar...

 

I have one at fault accident from 3 years ago that I got a ticket for.... And a fender bender in a parking lot that also happened 3 years ago... I'm a noobie how bad does this affect me in getting a job? Like can I get one? And can companies see my fender bender on my record? I'd appreciate any replies thanks...

 

Some companies allow one accident within 3 years just ask for their hiring criteria, shouldn't be a problem. Fender benders in parking lots don't usually result in a recordable event however since you have reason to mention it, you should get your own driving record from your state DMV and see what's on there before you approach any potential employer.

 

Thanks I appreciate that answer. Lol been worried about it. Being a garbage manive turned into one of the most paranoid carefull drivers there are. Not only do I drive defensively to keep from wrecking. But I drive defensively to keep my crew alive as well. I look. Both ways 10 times! Somebody's gotta Give me a chance.

 

One important thing you, and other aspiring interstate drivers that are like you, need to keep in mind that there is a lot more to being a good truck driver than just driving a truck. You need to know that you are conducting business out there, carrying freight, doing paperwork, watching out for discrepencies, keeping within the regulations, being the maintenance manager for your rig and the list goes on. The recurring flaw with driving schools, with the exception of in-house training programs, is they mainly prepare you to pass the CDL test but poorly prepare their students for the real world. Thing to read up on include: what's a bill of lading? what's the difference between collect and pre-paid? what's freight free astray? what happens when there is an overage, shortage or damage? I could go on and on however I'd bore everyone including myself but just be aware that to be hired by a good company you have to present yourself as an asset, not just a steering wheel holder.

Good Luck.

 

What he said. Put another way....Be Professional...In all you do....Most of us would like to elevate the publics perception of truck driving as a profession. Do not underestimate the importance of Quality sleep. I could go on and on too. Just be Professional in all you do.