Can I Get My CDL with a DWI? Here’s What the Law Allows

If you’ve ever asked, “can I get my CDL with a DWI?” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions from individuals hoping to become commercial drivers after a DWI conviction. Whether you’ve recently been charged, already served your sentence, or are planning your future behind the wheel, the answer isn’t always black and white—but it’s definitely not hopeless.

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a big deal. It opens the door to careers in trucking, logistics, construction, public transportation, and more. But since CDL holders operate large and often dangerous vehicles, the standards for eligibility are much higher than for regular drivers. That’s why a DWI—Driving While Intoxicated—can seriously complicate things.

In this article, we’ll break down what the law says about getting a CDL with a DWI, explain how timing plays a huge role, walk through real-life examples of drivers who bounced back, and offer practical tips to move forward with your goals. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t worry—we’re here to show you what your road ahead might still look like.

What Is a DWI and How Does It Affect CDL Eligibility?

Let’s start with the basics. A DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, is a criminal offense involving operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in most states. For CDL holders, though, the legal BAC threshold is just 0.04% while driving a commercial vehicle.

When you apply for a CDL—or renew it—the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) check your driving record, including any criminal history. If your record includes a DWI, there’s a chance you’ll face either a temporary disqualification or a permanent one, depending on the circumstances.

So when people ask, “can I get my CDL with a DWI?” the short answer is: it depends on how many DWIs you have, how recent they are, and whether they involved a commercial vehicle.

Real-Life Story: A Second Chance After a First Mistake

Let’s look at James, a former Army mechanic from San Antonio who wanted to drive 18-wheelers after transitioning back to civilian life. At age 25, James was convicted of a DWI after a holiday party. He wasn’t in a commercial vehicle, and it was his first offense.

For the next year, James lost his driving privileges—but he didn’t give up. He completed every class, stayed sober, and built a clean record. When he applied for his CDL at age 27, the DWI showed up, but it didn’t stop him. Because it was a single offense and more than a year old, Texas law allowed him to proceed.

Today, James drives cross-country and earns a stable income. His story is proof that you can get a CDL with a DWI, but the path requires planning, patience, and proof of responsibility.

Can I Get My CDL with a DWI on My Record?

Now to the legal meat of the question: can I get my CDL with a DWI on my record? According to FMCSA regulations and most state laws, the answer is yes—if it’s a single offense, and you weren’t driving a commercial vehicle at the time.

Here are the key points:

• One DWI (non-commercial vehicle): You’re likely still eligible after your suspension period ends.
• One DWI (while operating a commercial vehicle): Immediate one-year disqualification of your CDL.
• Two DWIs (any vehicle): Lifetime disqualification in most cases—though reinstatement may be possible after 10 years in certain states.
• Refusing a chemical test: Treated the same as a DWI for CDL purposes—automatic disqualification.

The FMCSA takes impaired driving very seriously, and they don’t make exceptions for those seeking commercial driving careers.

How Long After a DWI Can I Apply for a CDL?

This depends on both state law and the nature of your conviction. Most states require you to serve out the driver’s license suspension period before applying for a CDL. For a first-time DWI, that’s usually 90 days to 1 year. Once your license is reinstated, you may become eligible to apply for a CDL again.

In Texas, for example:

• A first-time DWI conviction leads to a 1-year disqualification from holding a CDL.
• If the DWI involved transporting hazardous materials, that suspension extends to 3 years.
• After disqualification, you can reapply, but your record will still be reviewed.

So yes, you can get your CDL with a DWI—but you need to wait for your disqualification period to expire and prepare to show that you’ve taken corrective steps.

What About CDL School? Can You Still Enroll?

Here’s some good news: most CDL training schools don’t automatically disqualify you for a past DWI—especially if it’s older than three to five years. However, some may require:

• Proof of completed probation or court requirements
• A valid driver’s license (non-commercial)
• A clean driving record since the offense

Schools are primarily concerned with whether employers will hire you later. So while a DWI may not stop you from enrolling, it’s smart to ask about their placement rates for students with convictions.

Real-Life Example: CDL School and the Long Road Back

Melissa, a single mother in Lubbock, had a DWI at age 32 after a family barbecue. She lost her license for six months. Two years later, she enrolled in a local CDL school. She was honest about her record and explained how she had turned things around. The school admitted her and helped her land a job with a regional trucking company that accepted applicants with one DWI, as long as it was older than 24 months.

Melissa’s story shows that a DWI doesn’t automatically block you from trucking school or employment—but transparency and persistence matter.

Do Trucking Companies Hire Drivers with a DWI?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Trucking companies each have their own hiring policies. Some will never hire drivers with a DWI. Others are more flexible if:

• The offense was more than 5 years ago
• You only have one conviction
• You’ve had a clean record since
• You completed substance abuse or DUI education programs

Large carriers like Schneider, Werner, and Swift may have stricter rules, while smaller or regional outfits might be more forgiving. In fact, many companies facing driver shortages are becoming more open to hiring applicants with non-violent criminal records—including DUIs—especially if they show accountability and rehabilitation.

Can You Lose a CDL If You Get a DWI?

Absolutely. If you already have a CDL and get charged with a DWI, you face immediate disqualification, even if the offense occurred in your personal vehicle.

Here’s what federal law says:

• 1stDWI offense (any vehicle): 1-year disqualification
• 2nd DWI offense: Lifetime disqualification (though some states allow reinstatement after 10 years)
• DWI with HazMat load: 3-year disqualification for a first offense

And these penalties stack. So if you also refuse a breath test or leave the scene of an accident, you could be facing a lifetime ban.

Is There a Way to Shorten the Suspension?

In most cases, no. FMCSA rules are federal and apply across all states. However, some states offer occupational or hardship licenses for personal driving—but not for commercial driving.

If your goal is to get your CDL back after a DWI, the best thing you can do is:

• Complete all sentencing requirements
• Maintain a spotless driving record
• Wait out the disqualification period
• Attend any required DUI classes

You might also benefit from hiring an attorney who specializes in CDL reinstatement or administrative license hearings.

Can a DWI Be Sealed or Expunged?

The answer varies by state. In Texas, for instance, a DWI conviction cannot be expunged. However, if your case was dismissed, or you completed deferred adjudication and meet certain conditions, you may be able to seal the record through an Order of Nondisclosure.

Sealing a DWI doesn’t erase it, but it can prevent many employers from seeing it—though some trucking companies may still have access, especially those operating under federal regulations.

Tips for Getting Your CDL After a DWI

1. Wait the required disqualification period and avoid any new violations.
2. Complete all court-ordered programs, including counseling and substance abuse classes.
3. Get your regular license reinstated before applying for a CDL.
4. Enroll in a CDL school with a good reputation and transparent policies.
5. Be honest on applications and during interviews.
6. tay sober—even a minor alcohol violation can end your driving career.
7. Keep documentation proving your progress and rehabilitation.

Real-Life Example: Rebuilding a Career from Scratch

Derek, once a full-time truck driver in Houston, lost his CDL after a second DWI. He assumed he’d never work in the field again. But after ten years, Texas allowed him to apply for reinstatement under the 10-year exception rule. He worked closely with a lawyer, took refresher training, and eventually re-entered the workforce with a small local hauling company that gave him a second chance.

His story highlights a hard truth: multiple DWIs make it very difficult—but not always impossible—to return to driving professionally.

Final Thoughts: Can I Get My CDL with a DWI?

If you’re still wondering, “can I get my CDL with a DWI?”—the answer is yes, but only if it’s your first offense, and you’ve met the necessary conditions. Patience, accountability, and proactive rehabilitation are key.

You’ll face more scrutiny than other applicants, but it’s not the end of your driving career. Many drivers have made comebacks after a DWI. The road is longer and the hill is steeper, but the opportunity still exists if you’re ready to put in the work.

Getting your CDL after a DWI isn’t just about clearing a legal hurdle—it’s about proving to employers, the state, and yourself that you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with life behind the wheel.