If you are an ex-felon who is looking for a good job that offers above average pay and plenty of opportunities, you may want to consider getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Once you have a CDL it opens up a wide variety of driving jobs to you that require that type of license. The good news is that jobs that require a CDL are in high demand, too. All you need to do is look into CDL training for ex-felons.
CDL opportunities abound! Every state in the country has many openings for people who are willing to drive trucks, make deliveries, and more. If you have a good driving record and can obtain a CDL then you are in luck. You will have many jobs that you can apply for.
Types of Endorsements
While you can get a straight CDL, there are also some that come with special endorsements. These can give you additional employment opportunities. Some of the special endorsements you can add onto your CDL include being able to pull a double or triple trailer, driving a truck that has a tank, be able to carry hazardous materials in your load, and also focus more on a passenger vehicle.
CDL training does not take long. Programs are offered that provide a short training period, which gives you real life experience. Some of the curriculum that is typically covered in CDL training for ex-felons includes:
- Safety inspections of the truck
- Being able to turn the truck different directions
- Driving the truck on the city roads and highway
- What you need to know about height and weight limits
- How to be able to ensure your load is safely balanced
- Any laws regarding the breaks you must take as a driver
- How to keep accurate records
Most CDL programs will provide you with the information and experience that you need to be able to operate a tractor trailer, dump truck, heavy duty truck, or delivery truck. Even if you don’t have any experience driving trucks, you should do fine in CDL training. For ex-felons, you may even find that there are programs that you will help you cover the cost of a CDL training program.
Covering the Cost of CDL Training for Ex-Felons
CDL raining for ex-felons is usually going to have a fee. Some places may waive the fee if they are working with a program to give ex-felons skills to help them get into the workforce. Others may work with grant programs or accept other helpful services to pay for the cost of the program, but few will provide the training free of charge.
There are also some trucking companies that will provide the CDL training for ex-felons as part of a program to work for them. Essentially, they provide you with the training that is required to be able to do the job. Such places expect that once you complete your CDL training with them and become licensed, that you will put in a certain amount of time working for their company, using the CDL that you have acquired.
If you need help paying for CDL training, there are several things you can consider. Some of the ways you can get help paying for CDL training for ex-felons include:
- Grants from places that will provide ex-felons help to transition
- Grants that are provide by the federal or state government
- Scholarships provided by the trucking school
- Training programs provided by the trucking school in exchange for work once you are licensed
- Taking out a personal loan to pay for the training
The federal government provides Pell Grants for those who have a low income. Prior to 2023, ex-felons were not allowed to receive Pell Grants through the federal government. Starting in 2023, a change took place that allows some ex-felons to receive Pell Grants for educational purposes.
If you apply for a Pell Grant from the government, you may be able to get one to pay for your CDL training. Most Pell Grants do not have to be re-paid. They are grants that are given to people who have a low income, so that they can get career training or attend college. To learn more about Pell Grants, click here.
Finding CDL Training for Ex-Felons
Around the country there are CDL training programs. Each state offers programs, so it’s a matter of finding one close to you. Here are a few ways to find CDL training programs near you:
- Search online for CDL schools near you. Contact them to see if they offer scholarships for ex-felons.
- Contact any trucking companies in your area to inquire about if they offer CDL training programs. Remember, if you take one through them they will require or expect you to work for them for a certain period of time. However, it may be the best option for receiving CDL training near you.
- Contact driving schools in your area to see if they offer CDL training programs or can refer you to a local place that does.
- Contact the DMV in your area to see if they can recommend a CDL training program in your area.
- Look at online job boards for trucking jobs that are available. Some companies in need of drivers may be willing to provide the training needed to get started.
Obtaining CDL training for ex-felons is not difficult to do, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Once you obtain the training you can apply for your license, and will be able to start working in the field. Those who have a CDL and work in the field make a higher than average wage and have plenty of jobs to choose from. There are a lot of opportunities for those who have a CDL.
Whether you obtain a CDL and work driving a truck locally, over the road, making deliveries, or drive a tow truck you will have a good job. Plus, your skills will be in high demand.
