interested in cdl but have a DWAI in past

[mesheldon1228]

I am very interested in becoming a truck driver.my question is if i had a DWAI misdemeanor 5 years ago will it hurt my chances getting my cdl? i am 27 and this is really worrying me. I live in NY if that helps. thank you

[the doctor]

yes it will, and ill say it from the start, and if need be post your resume on line and see who calls ya if u really want to get into trucking.

[jjcasper]

Yes It will hurt you but not kill you. Call any 2 recruiters and ask the question. Be very clear on the violation. Your problem will multiply if you have any other violations though.

[Twilight Flyer]

Most companies can work with 1 DUI as long as it's 5 or more years old. More than one or less than 5 years and you'll have issues. As was stated, just be up front with it when talking to recruiters.

[mesheldon1228]

well i have to specify.it wasn't a DWI felony,it was a DWAI misdemeanor. i had 3 beers with my friends before i shipped off to basic training and got pulled over outside the bar. i wasn't intoxicated so therefore it was a lighter punishment. still no excuse but the judge told me it was far from the seriousness of a DWI.

[groovemachine]

It definitely could hurt you being only 5 years old, btw, what is the difference between a DWI and a DWAI?

It seems strange you would get pulled over for only having 3 beers...were they drank in quick succession, or were you pulled over for some other offense and had the DWAI added on?

[jjcasper]

What I have just breifly read, you don't have much to worry about...

In two states, Colorado and New York, Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) is a LESSER INCLUDED OFFENSE to DWI (or DUI). These "lesser offenses" offer the person less damage to their driver’s license, and have certain benefits over pleading to the standard DUI / DWI offense. Similar to other drunk driving offenses, a person is guilty of DWAI when he or she drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance to the extent that his or her mental faculties are impaired or when his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit for the state.