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

Ok, you're a little wrong on this issue. If you have legally had your past conviction expunged then you are legally allowed to check no in that box. If, for some reason, it does show up you are able to show that paperwork to them and they legally have to accept that paperwork as it's "not there". I have a thread on here where I failed a background check. I do have a felony in my past. From back in 09. But I took a plea deal that it expunged my record if I completed probation with no violations. That didn't show up. Something else did show up that is not me. You will be ok.

 

You're going to hear a lot of "opinions" about what you should and should not do, and how you should or should not conduct yourself.

At the end of the day, only you can make those decisions, based on how your sobriety is going. You are going to have tough days and easy days, and you'll have naysayers and cheerleaders. But they're not you. They haven't lived your life, and they don't have your strengths or weaknesses.

My suggestion, for what it's worth, is to only do things that reinforce your sobriety. If you try to do a job that may threaten that, then put your sobriety first. For now. You won't always have to think this way, and eventually your world will open up.

So take what everyone else says with a grain of salt. Hell, after I quit drinking, I was a bartender for a couple of years!

 

Ya, one gets a few opinions on this site... LOL

I completely agree with the last two posts. You are not lying or misleading anyone about the arrest... It was expunged there for its no longer there... If someone does stumble upon it and questions you as to why you didn't mention it, it's because it was legally expunged and direct them to wherever they need to verify that.

As to usage, sounds to me like you are currently on the right path and have a great mindset towards your personal success. Lots of questions are "current" issues... If you are asked "do you use?" Then you can honestly say that you do not. That is not a lie nor misrepresentation.

I think you have a good grip on what was happening at that point in your life and it's behind you. Keep it there. We have all done stupid things in our lives but that is not who we are any more and you are now controlling your future not the drugs. Big difference.

I think you have had some very good advice from many here.... Lean hard on those that have stood in your shoes in their personal life.

And technology can be an awesome tool to keep your support network close by with calls and video chats... And as mentioned earlier... A truck environment can be good or bad.... One can easily hide the old habits from the world in a sleeper or it can remove you from the influences that got you into trouble.

Keep your head up high... You are and will stay clean and sober... Right??? That is an awesome thing to be able to say... Your future is awaiting you.

 

I STRONGLY suggest following this advice. I was told to make NO major changes in the first year, and that was 26 sober and clean years ago. If you were married, stay married. If you were single, stay single. It worked out for me. Like 8th note said, don't give up your support system too soon, it's what helped you get to this point, take the time to spread your wings, without landing on your face. It takes what it takes, and sometimes a little more. Don't sit around the house waiting, get a job. My first job in sobriety was for a gentleman I met in the "rooms", and it was great to have somewhere to go 5 days a week. Didn't make much money, but that was OK then, money couldn't buy what I needed. In saying no major changes above, I should mention that I had to change me and how I dealt with life. But you gotta say goodbye to your old pals, who haven't found what you did, and don't hangout in the same old places anymore, fill your life with people who are clean and sober. We used to say "stick with the winners", don't leave before the miracles happen. I've said enough. Sincere good luck!

 

Again I TOTALLY agree with 8th note., he's been there and done that, and so have I. Your past is entirely your business, there are some on this forum, that suggest taking the moral high ground, they are not the one who will pass judgment on you, nor are they the ones to put food on your table, or take care of your family. Go in peace, and let the man upstairs do his job.

 

Do you currently hold a class A cdl? If no, then most of the things said here by everyone seems to be quite correct. I'm sorry, if i missed something. Personally, I think you chose a good trade to pursue. Now, depending on what state you are from, and what state you may have committed criminal activities has a lot to do with whether or not they will see it during your initial grant of CDL privileges.

The medicals stuff, just forget about it. Say 'no'. If they find it just tell them you forgot or just say you thought they meant they wanted to know if you were presently on any of it. If you fail with one company, there are many left to try. Trust me. They need drivers.

We're a dime a dozen as they say. Yet, they want you. If you're willing to slave out here. They'll be glad to have you.

 

The reason i say this is cuz some states are so slow with communicating information to other states on a DOT level (to the DMV mind you) that things may go unnoticed. Then again, some states will leave flags on your #### knowing good and ####### well they were supposed to take them off a long time ago. So...

If you don't have a class A cdl. Find a recruiting company that will give you a temp CDL in the state where their school is (states other than where your conviction took place). Trust me, there are good things to come from our flawed government. Just gotta ask the right questions, and never ask the wrong ones good luck

If you run OTR i don't think you absolutely have to renew your temp cdl in your home state unless your carrier insists. You could always tell them you moved to their state, and have been living in hotels looking for a place. Use your brain man. YOu got this.

Cuz i'm gunna tell you, if you don't have proper documentation you may not wanna even dream of renewing in your home state.