Questions about getting cdl

I am not proud of myself and am genuinely looking to change my life. Have been thinking about going to my local technical college to get cdls. About me: I have three misdemeanors. Disorderly conduct (2021), criminal trespassing (2025), and abuse of the 911 system (2025). I also have a pretty poor employment history - having had short -lived jobs followed by periods of unemployment over the last ten years- tbh I don’t even know my last ten years of employment. I am very ashamed of all of it but am trying very hard to improve and correct issues I have had in my life. I have a spotless three year mvr. Do I have a chance to get hired as a truck driver if I pay for my cdl course? Please don’t be cruel. I do actually know that I’ve made a mess.

 

OTR training companies...afraid not. Especially in current job market.

Maybe some dump truck outfits may bite.

 

What are otr companies? I just don’t know what to do! I saw the cdl course and thought I could work up to save the money to go to school, I’m just afraid of not finding a job anywhere due to those issues.

 

Over the road, regional, food service, etc.

You're going to have too have clean records for at least 3 years for those. Again, some dump truck outfits & local stuff may be obtainable.

 

Yeah that worries me… there really aren’t local companies that I ever see online that hire with no experience. With those being misdemeanors you’re sure no otr company will take me?

 

And then of course the poor employment history…. I just thought maybe I might have a chance if I paid for my own cdl.

 

I don't think your criminal record is that bad. Your job history may give carriers pause. The job market, especially for new drivers isn't any good right now. Even for some experienced drivers it's not any good. I'll tell you what though.....you mentioned that you wanted to save some money to do the school. While you work to save some money, do a little research on the industry because it's more than just a job. Its going to be entire lifestyle change. Me personally, I wrestled with it for a year before I pulled the trigger. That will give you time to study for the tests as well, practice some good habits, and practice commitment. Job hoppers aren't going to end up at the best companies down the line. All that said, I'd lean towards yes you do have a chance.

 

Job market for newbies has been in the gutter for a few years man. Ones with clean records have hard times getting started.

Call Western Express Monday and speak with recruiting, lay out your situation and go from there.
If they pass on you....dump trucks it for you for a while i'd say.

 

Hi. I am around Cincinnati Ohio. I am seriously trying very hard to fix my life and thought perhaps getting a cdl would help. The misdemeanors are not violent, theft or drug related so I thought maybe that worked in my favor a bit… but I do have poor employment history to go along with it. I am very unhappy with how my life has turned out and I am genuinely trying to fix things. Thank you for your insight.