My First Car accident in 10 years, Should I Give Up On Becoming A CDL Driver?
Posted by ChicoDeGallo115@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Back in December 2024 | was in at fault car accident on the freeway. The car in front of me brake checked me and on paper I was deemed at fault. Before the accident I was saving money to go to CDL driving school. I have a degree in biology but after being in the field, it's too unfulfilling. l've had the idea of becoming a driver before college but I was talked out of it. Anyway, I was thinking of becoming a driver as i have nothing holding me back home and I would love to drive around the country. Now I'm not sure if that's possible since my accident appears on my DMV record (California). Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you .
Hot-Strategy4368@reddit
I don’t think a single car accident would hold you back, I think most people in the industry don’t have a completely clean record. But if you have a degree there are a lot better options than being a driver, it’s not anything special or that should be glorified most long term drivers hate it but continue to do it because it pays the bills and that’s all they have the skills to do. Look around and different options before you commit to driving especially if you have any loved ones.
zbanks20@reddit
It will of its a rear end, even if he was brake checked unless that was noted in the report it's considered a rear end collisiom
Fuzzy1598@reddit
Huh speak for yourself! I hold the cleanest record in my company! It ain't warped and it doesn't skip!
yolo_2345@reddit
This is case most insurance companies some are stricter then others. Check either 3 to 5 years back will usually allow 1 at fault accident and 2 moving violations. I had companies accept me with more. I recently got denied evil Logistics for having one careless driving 5 years ago exactly everything else is clean.
CompletelyPaperless@reddit
No need to save for the school. Most schools have deals with trucking companies where they pay half, and you pay half in the first year. Look for schools that have guaranteed placement into companies. Also ask if those companies are team or solo. I got into Stevens transport this way and they're treating me well for a company that takes people right out of school. I'm completely solo OTR and the truck is a 2025 Peterbilt with electric mirrors. So pretty good deal. They also have a strong name for safety and not quite one of the horrific mega carriers, although theyre not perfect.
VigilantThinker@reddit
I got into a car accident before I got my CDL and it was my fault too similar to your situation. I got hired and was no problem . Some companies might not like it but you have to play the number game. Make a list of trucking companies and call them. All you need is one company to say yes.
Truckingtruckers@reddit
Trucking has got to be one of the most unfulfilling jobs I can think of.
12InchPickle@reddit
You’re being too harsh on yourself. You’ll be able to get a job. Companies usually care about tickets more. Accidents do play a role but it’s less.