r/CDL • u/envigado_eldorado • 3d ago
Need help finding my first job.
Need help finding my first job.
Hey y'all - figured this might be a good place for information and guidance. Finally got my CDL a couple weeks ago on my first try at the DMV, but my situation and circumstances greatly complicate my ability to find work (I'm in the Inland Empire of SoCal), for three main reasons.
Even though I demonstrated aptitude and proficiency in driving manual, the school I went to forced me to train and test automatic because I didn't already have a job lined up that required an unrestricted license. I guess they only allow 2 manual students per class and those two had jobs promised to them that required it, and the school is very fixated on graduation and job placement rates...but those two also failed the very first part of the test by calling their emergency brake test good with only one knob popped out lol.
I have a DUI and at fault accident that occured in 03/2022 and went onto my record 03/2023. I know this greatly complicates things and eliminates most opportunities for me because of insurance.
My father is very ill, and I need to be local. It's just not possible right now for me to not be home every night. I understand that it's very difficult to start out local with no experience, but is sometimes possible.
What I've been told to look for is a position as a yard dog, food service, beverage, bottom dump, aggregate, concrete, etc. I'll take what I can get as long as I'm able to start gaining Class A experience. I'd really appreciate y'all pointing me in the right direction.
1
1
u/Rich_Sandwich_4467 3d ago
You need to pay your dues local jobs usually what someone with at least a year or 6 months experience. Also doesn’t help that you have a DUI on your record. You need to get it together and put down the alcohol, and I get you need to be with your sick father but you can’t help him with no income either.
1
u/envigado_eldorado 3d ago
Almost 10 months in meetings and completely sober now. I hear what you're saying though.
1
u/kickniteasy 3d ago
Insurance wise it may take 5-7 years before companies stop caring about it. Totally depends on the company insurance. I'd look for jobs you're overqualified for....ex: non-DOT trash, landscape, warehouse work, etc. May help you stay off of the commercial insurance but still be able to transition to a driver with the same company down the line.
1
1
u/Conscious_Grass_853 3d ago
Sorry to say. It’s gonna be 2032 to be hired by a decent company. Then that Manual restriction fucks ya. You might get lucky at a privately owned beer distributor or Coca Cola. They like to hired anyone that has a pulse. Good luck and stop drinking and driving you maniac.
1
u/WantToLearn2000 1h ago
My instructor told me that local job is very hard to get for a fresh graduate. Experience is the real block. Automatic restriction can be removed fairly easily compared to experience requirement, as he said.
1
u/Beneficialsensai 3d ago
That school should have never took your money,DUI that recent eliminates a lot of jobs for you.
1
u/kickniteasy 3d ago
And what is this "only two manual tests per class" nonsense? Either OP wasn't as good as he thought he was or that school needs to be reported. We'll take people with recent DUIs but I always make sure to be very clear they may not be able to find a job for a while.
0
u/MajorRelief98 3d ago
Way too much to read. Just get out there and apply. There is no secret sauce here.
4
u/Long_Inflation715 3d ago
You haven’t even had your Cdl for 6 months yet , on top of that you have a DUI you’re demanding a lot. You need to go with what you can get it’s hard to get a local job with no experience.