I have a unique, checkered past. Is my OTR career over before it begins?

Hello, I’m a 45 year old cdl student that will be testing by the end of the month to get my cdl. My mvr for the last 3 years is clean. I have no convictions ever for anything.

The problem, that I had completely forgotten about, is when i was 17 (over 27 years ago) I was involved in an accident and the driver i hit died. I was charged with involuntary manslaghter because there were witnesses that i was racing another vehicle. So i accepted the deferred adjudication no contest plea and did six years probation. Never any jail time.

This is not who I am. It hurts to relive this as ive not had to acknowledge this on any application in the past 20+ years. It hurts to put this out here on a public message board. I cant hide it from companies as i’m fairly certain that a background check will reveal it and just get me sent home during orientation/training.

I applied with Melton (I really want to do otr flatbed), and the interview was going great until the questions came. The no convictions part was easy, but then she asked about deferred adjudications, expunged, etc...I then disclosed, and when she got back with me, she said HR said no. Maybe if i get 6 months to a year otr under my belt to reapply then.

Am i spinning my wheels? Are I my otr dreams with a good company crushed.
Just looking for advice and guidance.

Thanks

 

I’ve never forgotten. But I havent dwelled. I just didnt think about it in relation to this line of work, and also how extensive the background checks would be. Its a painful part of my past that hasnt defined me, up until now.

I realise some of you will have a field day with me.

Ive had 2 jobs in the last 23 years. I am just looking to start another career.

 

I naively did not think it would be an issue when choosing this career path, so no, i didnt even think about it until that first interview with Melton.

Yes, I intend to disclose in all first interviews simply because i do not want to be sent home during training.