Sober Addict Starting CDL School with Accident/Criminal/Medical Check Questions?

The world is not black and white, but there are truths to which we all are held accountable.

1. WE know the DOT is looking to remove drug users from the Transportation Industry....

2. WE know that some Truckers are liars and encourage others the do the same!

 

I've only read a couple pages of this thread but I certainly want to read more and keep up with your journey. I'm about to leave after their done loading and didn't want to lose this page.

First off I want to thank you and validate you for your courage to come forward like this. Amazing amazing step. Good job. I just passed my 4 year sobriety date Aug 17th. I'm living proof and there are many others, here, and out in the world that can show you it's possible. One major way to keep sober is to remove yourself from the environment. Driving will give you that. I'm also a recent grad (a tad older than you 37). I'd highly suggest a CDL training program ,if there is a good one, in your area. I went to a 5 month school and was miles ahead of those that learned from a 3 week program. It did drag out. It was boring here and there. But when hired on I felt like I was more comfortable and knew more than those that went to shorter schools. Also, there is tuition reimbursement that may cover all or close to all at most companies. This will also give you the time to clean up for a hair test. They say it's 6 months but I've read 3 months. The thing is, you don't want to fail it. So longer the better. You fail then you're looking at it going on your DAC report. Any company can see that. That will keep you from getting good jobs. You also have the option to go to a company that will train you. They say for free. But you'll make significantly less for almost a year. Some being close to 20cpm. Where you're looking at mid 30s with other companies. Then after a year or so those will go up to mid 40s. Get 2 years of good experience not job hopping and no accidents then you can work anywhere. I'm only about 2 months in here out on the road so I'm still new myself. It's a lot to think about. You know your situation better than anyone. Do what's best for you. Good luck brother. Keep up the good work. One day at a time. Just conquer today!!!!!

 

You may be able to get them online.

 

My view is that if he's clean, he's clean. NO MENTION. subs, on the other hand..... stay with you for so dang long. Kinda like Whiskey Lullaby~

 

HEADS UP!

The accident report is not a tough hurdle to jump....so is any arrest that resulted in finger prints sent to the FBI, even if it was expunged. It will still be visible to certain governmental agencies. Since the DOT is an agency of the Federal Goverment, most likely a request of criminal background could pop up using your SS #, Name and DOB.

Generally, its 5 to 7 years for felony convictions
5 years on DWI
3 years on accidents and traffic violations

Then there is the insurance companies that have final say on employability.....no carrier can over ride the federal insurance liability requirements according to FMSCA rules.

 

There is a difference between being honest and telling the details of your private life to those who have no business knowing it.

If you had a hemorrhoid operation last month would you feel compelled to tell a prospective employer about it? They might not hire you because they think you would be unable to sit for long periods. There is a reason for laws that protectect the privacy of ones medical history and that reason is to prevent undue discrimination. because a person used illicit substances in the past should not be a reason to permanently bar them from future employment.

I've been in a lot of AA/NA meetings over the years. I've met neurosurgeons who are recovering addicts. Do you think that they feel compelled to tell all of their prospective patients? The answer is no, because past substance abuse has no bearing on the present or future so long as sobriety is maintained.

 

Reads to me like it's "current" use.

I fainted once while on a college trip to Russia... But I have no issue checking "no" on the form.

 

You sound alot like a story i heard from a friend 2 weeks ago exactly... His company gave a chance to a dude and the new driver was in the sleeper smoking herion going down the road. Couldnt drive cuz he was always nodding off and couldnt stay awake to save both of their lives. Once the herion was gone this new driver put into his phones gps a marijuana dispensarie in Washington to score a lil smoke. Hope it aint you.