So You Screwed Up, Now You Want to Drive a Big Rig? CDLs and Felonies in Oklahoma
Hey there, sunshine! Ever dream of cruising down the open road in a giant metal box, hauling enough cargo to stock a small country? Maybe that dream got put on hold for a bit, thanks to a past mistake (we all have them, buddy). But fear not, former felon friend! You might still be able to wrangle a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the great state of Oklahoma and become a trucker extraordinaire.
But wait, hold your horses (or in this case, your eighteen-wheeler)! It ain't exactly a straight shot from jumpsuit to jockeying a rig. Buckle up, because we're about to untangle the legalese and see if you can snag that CDL.
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| Can A Felon Get A Cdl In Oklahoma |
Not All Felonies Are Created Equal
The good news is, Oklahoma doesn't have a blanket ban on felons getting CDLs. The bad news? Uncle Sam has a say, and certain felonies are a big ol' red flag that'll make getting a CDL harder than wrangling a greased pig. Here's the gist:
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
- Felonies that involve messing up with a vehicle (like using a car in a robbery) are a big no-no.
- Serious crimes like manslaughter or assault with a deadly weapon are also likely disqualifiers.
So, How Do You Know If You're DQ'd?
This ain't exactly fortune-telling, but here's a rule of thumb: if your crime involved putting yourself or others in danger on the road, a CDL might be a long shot.
The Importance of Time (and Forgiveness)
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Even if your crime wasn't exactly "Fast and Furious" material, there's a waiting period to consider. The more serious the offense, the longer you might have to wait before applying for a CDL.
But hey, there's always a chance! Oklahoma might look at your situation and say, "You know what? This fella's turned over a new leaf."** That's where things get a little subjective, so don't be afraid to talk to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and see what they say.
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Alright, Alright, Alright, How Do I Get This CDL?
Assuming you're not a walking red flag for the DPS, here's the good news: getting a CDL in Oklahoma is pretty standard. You'll need to pass written tests, a skills test, and get a medical examiner's thumbs up. Easy peasy, right? (Well, maybe not easy easy, but definitely doable.)
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
FAQs for the Felonious Future trucker
How to find out if my specific felony disqualifies me for a CDL?
- Contact the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the most accurate information.
How long do I have to wait after a felony to apply for a CDL?
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
- It depends on the severity of the crime. Talk to the DPS for specifics.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Oklahoma?
- Fees vary, but expect to spend a few hundred bucks.
How hard are the written tests for a CDL?
- They require studying, but with some effort, they're conquerable.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
- It depends on your schedule and how quickly you can master those driving skills.
So there you have it! Getting a CDL after a felony conviction in Oklahoma is possible, but it might take some extra legwork. Remember, honesty is key. Be upfront about your past with the DPS, and who knows? You might just be cruising down the highway in a big rig sooner than you think. Just be sure to use those turn signals – unlike your past choices, they shouldn't be optional!
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