Most Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Eligibility Answered

Within our community, we see a good number of questions around CDL eligibility. We often see aspiring drivers wondering if they can obtain their CDL with blemished driving records, felonies, or medical conditions, so today, we want to do our best to answer those questions.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI? That depends on when you received the DUI and what type of license you currently possess. If it is your first offense and it occurred more than 10 years ago, then you are likely still eligible for a CDL. However, if you have multiple DUIs or one that occurred within the last 10 years, then it’s unlikely you will be able to obtain a CDL.

Can I get a CDL if I have a felony? That depends on the nature of the felony. Certain felonies, such as those involving a vehicle, may prohibit you from getting a CDL. However, other felonies may not have any bearing on your ability to obtain this type of license.

Can I get a CDL if my license has been suspended? Again, that depends on the reason for the suspension. If the suspension was due to non-driving related issues, such as failure to pay child support or insurance premiums, then you may still be eligible for a CDL. However, suspensions that were due to issues like DUI could prohibit you from obtaining this type of license.

Can I get a CDL if I have diabetes? Yes, you can still get a CDL even if you have diabetes. However, you will need to provide proof that you are able to control your diabetes with medication in order to obtain this license.

Can I get a CDL if I have tickets? Tickets generally do not affect your ability to obtain a CDL; however, they may increase your insurance rates, which could be a problem for potential employers.

Can I get a CDL if I have reckless driving? That depends on when the offense occurred and what type of license you currently possess. If it is your first offense and it occurred more than 3 years ago, then you are likely still eligible for a CDL. However, if you have multiple offenses or one that occurred within the last 3 years, then it’s not likely you will be able to obtain a CDL

Important note: The answers to these questions have only to do with CDL eligibility and not employment eligibility. Different carriers have different limitations on who they can and will hire either based on their own preferences or those dictated by their insurance company, so it’s important to note that while certain things won’t necessarily prevent you from getting licensed, they could still prevent you from getting hired, so it’s always important to check with potential employers to ask about employment eligibility for your particular needs.