How Your Driving Record Impacts CDL Eligibility
August 22nd, 2025
By Arrow Truck Sales
Before you ever sit behind the wheel of a commercial truck, your driving history is already under the microscope. Whether you're applying for your first commercial driver's license (CDL) or trying to renew, state and federal agencies look at your personal and professional driving record to determine eligibility. And when it comes time to get hired or leased on, that record speaks louder than anything else on your resume.
What does it take to be eligible for a CDL, and what impact does your driving record have?
General CDL Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a CDL, applicants must meet basic federal and state-level requirements. In most states, you'll need to:
Be at least 21 years old for interstate trucking (18 for intrastate)
Hold a valid non-commercial driver's license
Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam
Provide proof of residency and legal status in the U.S.
Clear a written knowledge test and skills test
However, eligibility goes beyond ticking boxes. Your driving history will be reviewed closely, and prior violations can limit or delay your ability to move forward.
What Agencies Look For
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under the Department of Transportation (DOT), sets baseline requirements for CDL eligibility. Each state then applies those rules through its licensing agency. During the application or renewal process, agencies check:
Your motor vehicle report (MVR) from each state where you've held a license
Drug and alcohol testing history (if applicable)
Any suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications
A single speeding ticket may not raise flags, but a pattern of violations? That's another story.
Infractions That Raise Red Flags
CDL regulations draw a clear line between minor traffic violations and major offenses. Here are a few that can significantly delay or block your eligibility:
Examples of Major Violations:
DUI or DWI (alcohol or drugs)
Leaving the scene of an accident
Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony
Causing a fatality through negligent operation
Examples of Serious Traffic Violations (even in a personal vehicle):
Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit)
Reckless driving
Improper lane changes
Following too closely
Driving without a valid CDL
Two or more serious violations within a three-year window can result in a disqualification of at least 60 days. More violations equal longer disqualification periods.
How Long Do Violations Stick Around?
The impact of a violation depends on its nature and the location where it occurred. As a rule:
DUI convictions
can stay on your driving record for several years—up to 10 or more, depending on the state. For CDL holders, even one DUI carries serious consequences, including a mandatory one-year disqualification. A second DUI offense may lead to a lifetime CDL ban, although some states allow reinstatement under specific conditions.
Serious traffic violations
typically stay on your MVR for three to five years.
Out-of-service violations
for logbook, hours-of-service, or vehicle issues can stick around just as long.
Even if the points fall off your license, the history remains available to employers and insurers.
Improving Your Standing Over Time
If your record isn't spotless, that doesn't mean your trucking career is over. Here's how to clean up your act and get back in the game:
Wait it out.
Some violations expire with time. Keep a clean record going forward.
Attend traffic school
(if allowed in your state) to reduce points.
Contest incorrect violations
with documentation. Mistakes happen—fix them.
Be honest on applications.
Hiding violations will backfire.
Time, transparency, and consistent good behavior go a long way in rebuilding credibility.
What Employers See
When a carrier pulls your MVR, they're not just looking for violations—they're gauging reliability and risk. Too many infractions raise concerns about:
Safety and accident risk
Insurance premiums
Compliance with federal regulations
In a competitive hiring market, a clean record helps you stand out. But even if your record is less than perfect, strong referrals and a proactive attitude still count for something. Carriers want drivers who take accountability and show they're serious about the job.
How Insurance Companies Use Your Record
Your driving history affects more than just your ability to get hired. It also plays a significant role in the cost of your commercial truck insurance.
Higher-risk drivers, as flagged by prior violations, typically pay more in premiums. In extreme cases, coverage may be denied altogether. Owner-operators and small fleet owners should pay close attention here. Clean records don't just open doors; they keep operational costs down.
How Your Record Affects CDL Training
Your driving record can influence your acceptance into CDL training programs. Schools want to invest in students who are likely to succeed—not just in passing exams, but in securing jobs. Major infractions, such as DUIs or multiple moving violations, may lead a school to deny enrollment or require additional screening.
If you're wondering what to expect during CDL training, know that the process includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Schools want students who can make it through training and go on to become safe, employable drivers. A poor driving record doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it does raise the bar. You may need to provide explanations or demonstrate a period of improved behavior.
Some carriers also sponsor training for qualified candidates. A cleaner record increases your odds of landing a spot in those programs. Even if you fund your own training, your background still plays a role in what opportunities are available after graduation.
Branding Yourself as a Professional
Your driving record is more than just a set of numbers. It's a key part of branding yourself as a professional. If you show respect for the rules of the road, carriers and customers alike will take you more seriously. That can lead to better hauls, higher-paying loads, and more job security.
Professionalism isn't about being perfect. It's about doing the right thing consistently and learning from mistakes. Track your own MVR regularly. Ask questions when you're not sure. And never let your license or endorsements lapse.
Ready to Hit the Road?
At Arrow Truck Sales, we understand that your record matters, but we also believe in giving second chances and making smart decisions. That's why we offer a wide selection of pre-owned trucks built for drivers at every stage of their career. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, we can help you find a truck that fits your goals, routes, and budget. If you're making a big move or considering upgrading your equipment, we can even help you sell your truck when the time is right.
