By Jeff Kennedy
- If you have been convicted of a DWI while driving any class of vehicle, you are disqualified and cannot get a CDL or CLP (commercial learner’s permit) in Texas. You can find the details at Texas Transportation Code §522.081.
- If you were convicted of a first-time DWI, you will not be able to get a CDL for 1 to 3 years from the date of your conviction. If you receive a second DWI, you will be banned for life from obtaining a CDL. More details can be found in Texas Penal Code § 49.
- The federal government can also bar you from obtaining a CDL if you have been convicted of a DWI. This applies if your employer falls under the jurisdiction of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Can You Request a Reinstatement for a Lifetime Ban?
You must wait 10 years and complete a drug and alcohol re-education program approved by the Texas DPS. After that, you can apply for reinstatement and go through the full CDL application process again.
Here Is How You Get a CDL in Texas with a DWI
Once the suspension period ends, you can pursue a CDL. Many people consider a CDL as a way to transition into a career as a commercial truck driver. But is it possible to get a CDL license with a previous DWI conviction in Texas?
Normally, the process for getting a CDL in Texas is straightforward. To obtain a commercial license, you need to have a relatively clean driving record.
Factors that can affect your driving record include:
- Speeding tickets
- Moving violations
- Parking tickets
- Other relevant driving citations
- DWIs
In addition to maintaining a clean driving record, you must pass the required skills and knowledge tests to get your CDL.
That said, getting a CDL with a past DWI or DUI in Texas is not impossible. A single DWI offense may not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a CDL. However, multiple offenses significantly reduce your chances.
Even if you secure a CDL with a DWI on your record, other challenges may arise. For example, trucking and logistics companies may hesitate to hire drivers with DWIs. This is because hiring a driver with a DWI could be seen as negligent if the driver is later involved in an accident, potentially leading to a lawsuit against the trucking company or an insurance claim denial.
These challenges highlight the importance of maintaining a clean driving record if you want to pursue a career as a commercial driver.
Reach Out to a DWI Lawyer in Texas
Have you been charged with a DWI in Texas? Keeping a clean record can make the difference between obtaining or keeping your CDL. Let a DWI lawyer from The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy fight for you.
Call us at 817-605-1010 or fill out our online contact form to get started.