So You Wanna Be a Lone Star Trucker? Hold Your Horses (Unless You Have a Felony on Your Record)
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open roads, barbeque that'll melt your face off, and cowboys who, well, maybe don't all wear hats anymore. But there's one thing that's undeniably Texan: a love for big rigs. If you're dreamin' of cruisin' down the highway in an eighteen-wheeler, living life on the open road, then getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is your first stop. But hold on to your Stetson there, partner, because not everyone can just waltz in and snag a CDL. Especially if you've got a "colorful past," as your grandma might politely call it.
Felony Files: The Crimes That Can Keep You Off the Road
Now, Texas ain't exactly known for being uptight. But when it comes to public safety, they draw the line. There are certain felonies that will put the kibosh on your trucker dreams faster than you can say "yeehaw." Here's a rundown of the big ones:
- Crimes that say "Whoa, Nelly!" to your responsibility: Think DUI (that's drivin' under the influence for you city slickers), using a commercial vehicle for something illegal (like smugglin' exotic snakes, which let's be honest, is probably a bad idea anyway), or causing a fatality through negligence. These will put a red flag on your application bigger than a Texas two-step competition.
- Felonies that involve violence or threats: Look, if "Mad Max" is your career inspiration, then truck drivin' might not be the best fit. Assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm (or worse), kidnapping, or anything else that involves mayhem is a big no-no.
- Dishonesty ain't the best policy (especially on the road): Felonies involving fraud, embezzlement, or other shenanigans that involve stealin' or cheatin' will raise a red flag. Trucking companies need folks they can trust, and let's face it, nobody wants a trucker who might, you know, "borrow" some of that cargo.
But wait! There's a silver lining (almost as bright as a Texas sunset). Depending on the specifics of your situation, there might still be hope. Some felonies may not be an automatic disqualifier, especially if it's been a while and you've kept your nose clean.
Not All Hope is Lost: Your Path to CDL Redemption
Here's what you can do:
- Check the Texas DPS website: They have all the official info on CDL disqualifications https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/commercial-driver-license.
- Talk to a lawyer: They can give you specific advice based on your situation.
- Consider CDL reinstatement programs: If enough time has passed and you've shown you're responsible, there might be a path back to truckin'.
Remember, even with a felony, it doesn't mean your dream of hittin' the road is dead in the water. Just do your research, be upfront about your past, and show them you're the kind of responsible driver Texas can be proud of.
Now, git out there and chase that trucker dream! Just maybe lay off the ten-gallon hat until you've got the CDL in hand.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
