Can you get your CDL if you had an accident?
Asked by: Katrine Osinski | Last update: September 21, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (36 votes)
Can I get a CDL with an accident on my record?
And the answer is - it depends. Certain incidents can hurt one's chances of becoming a CDL driver, and other incidents will not have much of a negative impact.
What is a major disqualifying offense for CDL?
Common major offenses for CDL disqualification include DUIs, leaving the scene of the accident, committing a felony while operating a CMV, and the use of a CMV for transportation of illegal substances.
How far back do CDL background checks go?
How far back do trucking companies check driving records? FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to request MVRs from each state where a candidate has held a commercial license for the last three years, as part of a background check for CDL drivers.
How does an accident affect CDL?
How can a truck accident impact my Commercial Driver's License (CDL)? A truck accident can have serious implications on your CDL, especially if you are found at fault. Consequences may include penalties, fines, suspension of your CDL, or even permanent revocation depending on the severity of the accident.
What should you do if you get into an accident as a CDL driver - Winsor Driving School
How long does an accident stay on your record?
In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.
Can a CDL driver drive after an accident?
Guidance: Yes. A driver may continue to drive, so long as no other restrictions are imposed by §382.307 or by law enforcement officials.
Can I get a CDL job with a misdemeanor?
Remember, numerous classes of felonies, such as violent crimes and DUI/DWI, are disqualifying and will keep you from driving a truck. However, even some non-violent felonies are not disqualifying, and misdemeanor crimes unrelated to driving safety may not be a barrier either.
Can I get my CDL back after 10 years?
A State may reinstate any driver disqualified for life for offenses described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this section (Table 1 to § 383.51) after 10 years, if that person has voluntarily entered and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program approved by the State.
How far back do most employers go for background checks?
Pre-employment background check
Seven years is the most common lookback period for employment-related criminal checks across jurisdictions. Some states allow employers to review an entire decade, while others don't have any time limitations. However, these laws can have subtle variations.
What disqualifies a dot physically?
Potential DOT disqualifying medical conditions include vision and hearing impairments, epilepsy or seizure disorders, fainting spells, uncontrolled hypertension, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, diabetes, high-blood pressure, sleep disorders, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Who cannot drive a commercial vehicle?
Disqualifying Offenses
Driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Having an alcohol concentration of . 04 or greater while operating a CMV. Refusing to take an alcohol test as required by implied consent laws or regulations.
Can you lose your CDL for careless driving?
CDL Suspension Due to Accumulation of Certain Offenses
A CDL will also be suspended upon conviction of a reckless driving violation due to having committed certain prior violations.
Can you become a truck driver with accidents?
Behaviors like reckless and careless driving, speeding and violating a law and causing an accident can cause you to be turned away from many carriers.
How long does a preventable accident stay on your CDL record?
In Maryland, like many states, accidents typically stay on your CDL record for about 3 to 5 years.
How far back does CDL driving record go?
Motor vehicle records check – The FMCSA requires trucking companies to check the motor vehicle records for the past three years in every state in which a driver has had a license.
What is the easiest state to get your CDL?
What is the hardest test with CDL?
The general consensus is that the road test is the hardest part of getting your commercial driver's license (CDL). However, that could depend on how much you study and practice or how you feel about taking written tests.
How many accidents can a CDL driver have?
A truck driver doesn't have a set number of accidents they can have before losing their license; the key factor is the severity and circumstances of each accident, meaning a single serious accident could have more consequences than multiple minor ones, and the driver's overall record is considered, not just the number ...
Does CDL do background checks?
CDL drivers are subject to a core screening process that includes a search of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a review of state motor vehicle records for the past three years, in addition to employment information that includes prior drug and alcohol abuse violations for positions held at each previous ...
How far back do trucking companies do criminal background checks?
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Truck Drivers? According to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and under the code of federal regulations number 49 CFR § 391.23, background checks for prospective truck drivers must go back three years.
What is the life expectancy of a CDL driver?
So the average life expectancy of a truck driver is 61,” Lombard said. “The rates of chronic disease just in the trucking industry are double that of the working class population, so heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, all the rates of those chronic diseases.
Does a CDL make your insurance go down?
Do CDL drivers get discounted insurance rates? You can probably tell by the title here — the answer is no. In fact, some insurance companies would go so far as to claim that CDL drivers are more likely to get into an accident.
Do personal accidents affect CDL?
An accident in your personal vehicle can affect your CDL.
Any crash reported by a police officer will appear on your driver's license record, potentially impacting your commercial driving status. Insurance carriers may treat it similarly to other accidents.