Will an accident in my personal car keep me from getting a trucking job?

If the accident was more than 3 years ago, it should not be a factor. Your lack of current experience would likely cause more of a problem finding a job without going through a refresher course. Everything goes on your MVR, especially when you have a CDL. Before applying, you may want to get a copy of your MVR and see what it says. Carriers are only required to check the last 3 years, although some will go back further. If the accident still appears on your MVR, I would wait until it drops off your record.

 

And many companies only need 1 year with no accidents. You may need to do some looking but you should be fine.

 

actually, if you hold a cdl and have commercial driving experience, they go back 10 years.

 

The feds require that carriers collect a 10 year work history, but only require that we check the last three years, although some of us do check back further. Most carriers don't go beyond the last three years unless something shows up during that time or on your DAC that warrants further investigation. Most states also offer a 3 year history when ordering an MVR. Some states do offer longer histories.