Emerge Career's CDL Program Requirements

Basic Eligibility

Income Requirements

You are categorically eligible if you:

• Receive public benefits (SNAP, unemployment insurance, etc.), OR
• Have household income below government thresholds based on your household size

Income guidelines vary by location:

• NYC and California: MIT Living Wage guidelines (NYC, California)
• Massachusetts: USDA/SAIPE Median Household Income guidelines

You'll need to provide documentation of income/benefits later in the enrollment process.

Justice System Involvement

You must have been directly involved with the justice system through at least one of:

• Previous incarceration
• Previous arrest(s)
• Current or past probation/parole
• Participation in a pretrial diversion program
• In some cases: having a close family member affected by incarceration

Geographic Eligibility

You must live in one of our service areas:

• Massachusetts (multiple locations)
• New York City (all 5 boroughs)
• Sacramento, California
• Other locations as our job training programs expand

CDL License Requirements

Legal Authorization

• Must have an active driver's license
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident (as of September 29, 2025, work authorization alone is not sufficient)

Language Requirement

• Must speak English proficiently

Medical Requirements

You must be able to pass a DOT Medical Physical Examination. Certain health conditions may require medical clearance from your doctor, including:

• Epilepsy
• Recent heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery
• Very high blood pressure
• Sleep apnea (without proper treatment documentation)
• Vision or hearing loss that cannot be corrected
• Use of certain medications like:
  
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Medical or recreational marijuana
  • Opioid pain medications (including Suboxone, buprenorphine, methadone)
  • ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, etc.)
  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, etc.)

If you take these medications, the DOT Medical Examiner may require a clearance letter from your doctor stating you're cleared to operate a commercial vehicle. 

Driving Record Requirements

DUI/DWI Restrictions

• Cannot have more than 1 DUI/DWI/OUI in your lifetime
• Cannot have any DUI/DWI/OUI within the past 7 years
• Must not have failed a DOT-administered drug test in the past

Traffic Violations & Accidents

In the past 7 years, you cannot have:

• More than 1 accident
• Any serious driving violations (reckless driving, hit-and-run, evading/not stopping for police, driving with suspended license, etc.)
• License suspension due to points

In the past 3 years, you cannot have:

• Any accidents where you were at fault

What if my driving record doesn't meet these guidelines?

If your driving record includes issues beyond what's listed above, your application will be placed on hold. This doesn't mean you're disqualified—it means we need you to secure a pre-hire offer letter from an employer in our network who is aware of your driving history and willing to hire you once you complete CDL training. This step protects your time and ensures you have a real pathway to employment after graduation.

Criminal History Requirements

Pending Cases

• No pending criminal cases (must be resolved before enrollment)

Conviction Volume

In the past 7 years, you cannot have:

• More than 2 felony convictions
• More than 4 misdemeanor convictions

In the past 3 years, you cannot have:

• More than 2 violent felony convictions

Disqualifying Convictions

You cannot have convictions for:

• Vehicular homicide or murder
• Arson, terrorism, or treason
• Kidnapping or assault with intent to murder
• Felonies committed using a commercial motor vehicle
• Human trafficking, slavery, or sex offenses
• Drug trafficking (possession with intent to sell at scale)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Sex-related offenses

Note: Some drug-related felonies may be acceptable (excluding trafficking). Sex offense convictions create significant employment barriers.

What if my criminal history doesn't meet these guidelines?

If your background includes convictions beyond the limits listed above—but not the disqualifying offenses—your application will be placed on hold. Being on hold isn't a rejection. It means you'll need to work with us to secure a pre-hire offer letter from a trucking employer who understands your background and is ready to hire you after you complete training. This process ensures that your time and effort in our program leads to real employment, not just a certificate.

Additional Requirements

Over-the-Road (OTR) Availability

• Must be willing and able to work Over-the-Road (OTR), which requires traveling across state lines for extended periods
• If you're currently on probation or parole, you'll need written confirmation from your supervision officer at the time of enrollment that you're authorized to cross state lines for employment purposes

Drug Testing & Marijuana Use

• Must be clear of marijuana use for the past 3 months minimum
• If you've used marijuana within the past 6 months, you'll need to test negative on a drug screen before enrollment in trucking school
• You'll be subject to random DOT drug testing once you begin training at the yard. Failing a DOT-administered drug test will create a permanent barrier to CDL employment in the industry

Financial Obligations

• Must be current on child support payments or on a payment plan (being behind can result in license suspension)

Required Disclosures

You'll need to provide information about:

• Employment status and work history
• Public assistance received in past 6 months
• Household size and number of dependents
• Transportation and housing situation
• Time served in correctional facilities (if applicable)

If you have any questions about our CDL program or other vocational program offerings, please email support@emergecareer.com.

Read about how our CDL program works here.