Truck Driver Qualifications For CDL Training

The Driver Solutions CDL training program is based on qualifying the student driver for a driving position with a network trucking company. This means you have to meet the basic hiring criteria of the network trucking company and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations for CDL drivers. Each driver application will be reviewed personally and individually for qualification. Background qualifications can involve your driving record (also known as a motor vehicle report or MVR); criminal convictions; previous work history and the ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screen.

Along with the background requirements, but you must be able and willing to perform the duties of the job. That includes driving, keeping an accurate log book, being able to couple and uncouple a trailer and, when applicable, assist with the loading or unloading of the trailer.

Though it is not possible to list every qualification, here are some of the basic qualifications for the Driver Solutions Network trucking companies:

• At least 22 years of age
• Ability to be away from home at least 1 week (7 days) at a time
• No convictions for a DUI (drug or alcohol-related) offense in the last 5 years
• No more than one DUI (drug or alcohol-related) offense in a lifetime
• No felony convictions ever
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver's license for one year
• Must have a U.S. residential address within the hiring area
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and DOT drug screen

For more information about the requirements of the DOT physical, see the ‘DOT Qualifications for the CDL’ topic in the ‘Understanding Trucking’ section.