Licensing vs. hiring — two different bars
- Getting the license (state DMV / FMCSA rules). Most felonies don't stop you from obtaining a CDL itself.
- Getting hired (carrier policy). Usually the tighter gate — many carriers look at how recent and what type the offense was.
What actually blocks or delays a CDL
- Hazmat endorsement: requires a TSA background check. Certain felonies (explosives, terrorism, some violent or drug-trafficking offenses) can disqualify you from Hazmat specifically within defined look-back periods, even though you can still hold a base CDL.
- Drug/alcohol driving offenses: using a commercial vehicle in certain felonies triggers FMCSA disqualification periods.
- Open cases / unresolved license issues: outstanding suspensions must be cleared first.
Most other felonies do not bar the base Class A/B license. If Hazmat is the sticking point, many drivers start without it and add it later.
How long a record matters to carriers
Carrier policies vary widely — some hire with a felony several years old; many use 5-, 7-, or 10-year look-backs by offense type. The practical path is to earn the license, then target carriers known for second-chance hiring.
South Dakota schools with FMCSA-registered training
35 FMCSA-registered schools operate in South Dakota. Browse South Dakota CDL schools by city →
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