Getting a CDL with a criminal record is possible—if you know which paths are open and which are blocked.
The truth:
Some trucking jobs require federal clearances you can’t get. Some companies won’t hire you. Some insurance underwriters will block you even when the employer wants to hire.
But:
Thousands of people with felonies drive trucks professionally. They just avoided the dead-end niches and focused on companies that actually give second chances.
This guide shows you:
- Whether you can legally get a CDL
- How much it costs and where to train
- Which trucking niches hire people with records
- Which ones to avoid (and why)
- How to get hired after training
Why CDL Is One of the Best Second-Chance Careers
The numbers:
- 700,000+ truck driver shortage in the U.S. (2026 estimate)
- Starting pay: $45K-$65K/year
- No college degree required
- Training takes 3-8 weeks
- Many companies hire people with felonies
What makes trucking different:
- Demand is so high that companies overlook records they’d reject in other industries
- You’re judged on driving skill and reliability, not your past
- Small carriers (the majority of trucking) have flexibility that large corporations don’t
Reality check:
Trucking isn’t easy. Long hours, time away from home, physical demands. But it’s one of the few careers where a felony doesn’t automatically disqualify you—if you choose the right path.
Can You Legally Get a CDL With a Felony?
Short Answer: Usually Yes
Federal law does NOT ban people with felonies from getting a CDL.
What the law actually restricts:
- Certain endorsements (Hazmat, TWIC) require federal clearance
- Specific offenses within certain timeframes can block you temporarily
- Insurance companies and individual employers set their own policies
What Can Block You (Temporarily or Permanently)
| Issue | Impact | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Recent DUI/DWI | May delay CDL eligibility | 1-3 years from conviction |
| Drug trafficking | Blocks Hazmat endorsement | 7 years to permanent |
| Violent felonies | Blocks some endorsements, harder insurance approval | 7-10 years |
| Commercial vehicle violations | Can delay or prevent CDL | Varies by violation |
| Outstanding warrants or unpaid fines | Blocks CDL issuance | Until resolved |
Pro Tip: Your state DMV can tell you if you’re eligible. Call and ask: “I have a [offense type] from [year]. Can I get a CDL?”
For detailed eligibility rules: CDL With a Felony — Eligibility Guide
The Big Picture: Training → CDL → Job
Step 1: Decide on Training Path
Two main options:
Option A: CDL School (Pay Upfront)
- Cost: $3,000-$7,000
- Duration: 3-8 weeks
- You own your CDL after graduation
- Must find job on your own
Option B: Company-Sponsored Training (Free/Low-Cost)
- Cost: $0-$1,500
- Duration: 3-6 weeks
- Job guaranteed with that company
- 1-2 year contract (leave early = owe $3K-$7K)
Step 2: Get Your CDL
What’s required:
- Pass written knowledge tests (general, air brakes, combination vehicles)
- Pass driving skills test (pre-trip inspection, backing, road test)
- Medical exam (DOT physical)
- Drug test (federal DOT screening)
Timeline: 3-8 weeks from start to CDL in hand.
Step 3: Get Hired
Reality check:
Having a CDL doesn’t guarantee a job. You still need to find a company willing to hire you with your record.
Best strategies:
- Apply to companies known for second-chance hiring
- Focus on felon-friendly niches (dry van, flatbed, dump trucks)
- Avoid restricted niches (Hazmat, ports, government freight)
For hiring strategies: Best CDL Companies That Hire Felons
Training Options: School vs. Company-Sponsored
| Factor | CDL School | Company Training |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-$7,000 upfront | $0-$1,500 (or free) |
| Job after graduation | You find it yourself | Guaranteed with that company |
| Commitment | None | 1-2 year contract |
| Income during training | $0 | Sometimes paid ($300-500/week) |
| Freedom after | Drive for anyone | Locked in until contract ends |
| Risk | Pay money, might not get hired | If you quit early, owe $3K-$7K |
When to Choose CDL School
Choose this if:
- You want freedom to pick your employer
- You can afford $3,000-$7,000 upfront
- You have connections to companies that will hire you
- You want to avoid contracts
Risks:
- You pay upfront but might struggle to find a job
- Some schools don’t help with job placement for people with records
When to Choose Company-Sponsored Training
Choose this if:
- You can’t afford school upfront
- You want a guaranteed job after training
- You’re okay with a 1-2 year commitment
- You want income during training
Best for people with records:
Companies that sponsor training already know your background—they wouldn’t train you if they weren’t going to hire you.
Major carriers with sponsored programs:
- Swift Transportation
- Werner Enterprises
- C.R. England
- Prime Inc
- Schneider
For financing and cost-saving strategies: Cheap CDL Training Guide
Career Paths: OTR vs. Local vs. Specialized
Over-the-Road (OTR) — Long-Haul Trucking
What it is:
Drive cross-country, gone 2-4 weeks at a time, sleep in the truck.
Pay: $45K-$65K/year
Pros: Highest availability for people with records, most entry-level positions
Cons: Long time away from home, physically demanding
Best for: People who need immediate income and don’t mind being on the road.
Local / Regional — Home Daily or Weekly
What it is:
Drive within a region, home most nights or weekends.
Pay: $45K-$60K/year
Pros: Better work-life balance, predictable schedule
Cons: Fewer openings for people with records, often requires 1-2 years OTR experience first
Best for: Drivers who’ve proven themselves with clean OTR records and want to transition home.
Specialized Niches
Flatbed (Building Materials, Steel, Equipment):
- Pay: $50K-$70K/year
- Physical work (tarping loads)
- Felon-friendly
Dump Truck / Construction Hauling:
- Pay: $45K-$65K/year
- Local routes, no federal clearance
- Very felon-friendly
Tanker (Fuel, Liquids):
- Pay: $55K-$75K/year
- Requires endorsement
- Insurance often blocks people with drug or DUI offenses
Hazmat:
- Pay: $55K-$80K/year
- Requires TSA security clearance
- Many convictions disqualify you
Refrigerated (Reefer):
- Pay: $50K-$70K/year
- Food transport, temperature-controlled
- Moderate felon-friendliness
⚠️ Niches to Avoid
Some trucking jobs require federal clearances or insurance approval that block many people with records:
- Military bases / government freight
- Hazmat (TSA security review)
- Port drayage (TWIC card required)
- Cross-border (Canada denies entry for many offenses)
- High-value pharma freight
For detailed warnings and alternatives: Trucking Niches to Avoid for Felons
The 5-Step Roadmap: Felon → CDL → First Job
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (Week 1)
Actions:
- Call your state DMV: “Can I get a CDL with a [offense] from [year]?”
- Check if you need a Hazmat endorsement (if yes, research TSA restrictions)
- Verify no outstanding warrants or unpaid fines
Pro Tip: Resolve any legal issues (fines, warrants) before applying for CDL training. They’ll block you at the DMV.
Step 2: Choose Your Training Path (Week 1-2)
Decision matrix:
Can’t afford $3K-$7K upfront?
→ Company-sponsored training
Want freedom to choose employer?
→ CDL school (but verify job placement for people with records)
Have felony + no connections?
→ Company-sponsored (they already know your record and will hire you)
Actions:
- Research 3-5 schools or company programs
- Ask: “What percentage of grads with felonies get hired?”
- Read reviews from people with records
Step 3: Complete Training & Get Your CDL (Weeks 3-10)
What to expect:
- Classroom (1-2 weeks): Traffic laws, logbooks, safety regulations
- Range practice (1-2 weeks): Backing, parking, pre-trip inspection
- Road training (2-4 weeks): Actual driving with instructor
- Testing (1 day): Written + driving skills test
During training:
- Show up on time every day
- Ask questions when confused
- Practice backing (hardest skill for beginners)
- Stay sober (you’ll be drug tested randomly)
Pro Tip: Companies and schools watch your attitude during training. Reliability and coachability matter more than natural driving talent.
Step 4: Apply to Felon-Friendly Companies (Weeks 10-12)
Target companies known for second-chance hiring:
- Carolina Cargo
- Western Express
- CRST
- U.S. Xpress
- Stevens Transport
Application strategy:
- Apply to 10-15 companies (expect 5-10 rejections)
- Be honest about your record (they’ll find out anyway)
- Emphasize: clean driving record since release, completed training, reliable transportation
What companies check:
- MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) — driving history
- Criminal background (usually 7-10 years)
- Employment history
- Drug test results
For specific carrier policies: Best CDL Companies That Hire Felons
Step 5: Survive Your First Year (Critical)
Year 1 is the hardest:
- Low pay ($45K-$55K typical for rookies)
- Long hours away from home
- Learning curve (backing, trip planning, dealing with shippers)
- Proving yourself to build experience
How to succeed:
- Don’t hit anything (accidents destroy second-chance opportunities)
- No traffic violations (even small ones add up)
- Stay off drugs/alcohol (random testing is constant)
- Stick it out for 12 months (builds resume credibility)
After 1 year with clean record:
- More companies will hire you
- Pay increases to $50K-$65K+
- Local/regional jobs become accessible
- You’ve proven reliability
FAQ: Quick Answers
Can I get a CDL with a felony?
Yes, in most cases. Federal law doesn’t ban felonies from CDL eligibility. Specific endorsements (Hazmat, TWIC) and employer/insurance policies create restrictions.
How long after a felony can I get a CDL?
Depends on the offense. Most states allow CDL applications immediately after release. Hiring companies typically look at 7-10 year background checks.
Will a DUI prevent me from getting a CDL?
Not permanently. Most states require 1-3 years from DUI conviction before CDL eligibility. Commercial DUI (in a CMV) has stricter penalties.
Do all trucking companies hire felons?
No. But many do. Focus on: Swift, Werner, CRST, Western Express, U.S. Xpress, Carolina Cargo, and smaller regional carriers.
Can I get Hazmat with a felony?
Depends on the offense. TSA reviews drug trafficking, violent crimes, weapons charges. Some offenses permanently disqualify, others are time-based (7 years).
How much does CDL training cost?
$3,000-$7,000 for private schools. $0-$1,500 for company-sponsored training (but you’re locked into a 1-2 year contract).
What’s the fastest way to get a CDL?
3-4 weeks with intensive training programs. Most programs are 4-8 weeks. Company-sponsored programs are often fastest.
Can I drive for Uber/Lyft with a CDL and felony?
Usually no. Rideshare companies run strict background checks and typically reject felonies within 7 years. Focus on commercial trucking instead.
What pays more: local or OTR?
OTR typically pays more ($45K-$65K) but requires being away from home. Local pays $45K-$60K but you’re home daily. After 1-2 years experience, local pay increases.
Can I start my own trucking company with a felony?
Yes. Becoming an owner-operator or starting a small trucking company is possible. Biggest barrier: securing insurance and finding freight brokers willing to work with you.
For owner-operator guidance: Cheap Trucking Startup Guide
Resources & Next Steps
Essential Reading
Before training:
- CDL With a Felony — Eligibility Guide — state-by-state rules
- Avoid CDL School Scams — protect yourself from predatory programs
During job search:
- Best CDL Companies That Hire Felons — specific carriers and policies
- Trucking Niches to Avoid for Felons — which paths are blocked
After getting hired:
- Best Trucking Niches for Felons — maximize income with your record
- Cheap Trucking Startup Guide — eventual path to owner-operator
External Resources
Trucking forums for people with records:
- TruckersReport.com (Second Chance Trucking forum)
- Reddit: r/Truckers (search “felony” for real driver experiences)
CDL study materials:
- Your state’s CDL manual (free PDF from DMV website)
- CDL practice tests (search “[your state] CDL practice test”)
Federal regulations:
- FMCSA.dot.gov — official federal trucking regulations
- TSA.gov — Hazmat and TWIC eligibility
The Bottom Line
Getting a CDL with a felony is realistic—if you:
- ✓ Choose the right training path (avoid scams)
- ✓ Focus on felon-friendly niches (avoid federal clearances)
- ✓ Apply to companies that actually hire second-chance drivers
- ✓ Survive your first year without incidents
Trucking won’t be easy. But it’s one of the few industries where:
- Demand is high enough that employers overlook records
- You’re judged on performance, not past
- You can earn $50K-$70K+ without a college degree
- Your record becomes less relevant over time
Start with eligibility, choose smart training, avoid dead-end niches, and apply strategically.
Thousands of drivers with felonies are working right now. You can too.
Pick your next step and start today.