Are you considering applying to truck driving school? There are many professions where a criminal record might pose an obstacle to entry. Colleges will conduct background checks in fields such as health care, social work and law enforcement. However, with the majority of Canada’s goods moving by highways, a driving career can be just as lucrative.
Earning potential for truck driving school graduates in Canada
A long-haul trucker can earn as much as $75,000 or even as much as $100,000 in Alberta, where labour is short. Local and short-haul jobs are also widely available, though the earning potential is closer to $40,000. Workers who have been laid off from other positions may also qualify for second career funding in some provinces. In addition, the industry could be facing a major shortage of drivers as baby boomers start to retire. There are many private institutes across Canada that will teach you how to drive a truck. Programs are also available at some community colleges.
Possible roadblocks to a truck driving career
The problem is truck driving schools may also conduct a criminal record check prior to entry in order to satisfy their insurance companies. On the other hand, the training industry is largely privatized and this depends on the school and the insurers in the province where you are thinking of enrolling. Thus, your criminal record does not necessarily pose a barrier to getting into the field. Many truck driving schools will be more interested in looking at your driver’s abstract. In this case, a vehicle-related offence such as drinking and driving could pose a real obstacle, especially if it was in the last 10 years.
If you do happen to graduate from a truck driving school you might run up against another barrier to getting hired. Once you have your licence and qualifications, employers might start asking about your record. This could limit your opportunities to lower paying jobs or prevent you from being hired altogether.
Options for pursuing truck driving school
Don’t resign yourself to lower paying jobs if you can help it. You need to pay off your student loans and you might even consider buying your own truck one day. You can be a long-haul trucker and apply for the higher paying opportunities even if you have a criminal record.
Apply for a Record Suspension: If your conviction was in the past (the amount of time depends on the charges), you may be eligible to apply for a pardon (now called Record Suspension). This will seal your record and prevent schools and employers from seeing it. One thing a pardon can’t do is allow you access to the United States.
U.S. Entry Waiver: More and more goods are being exchanged between Canada and the United States. Obtaining a U.S. Entry Waiver is a good career move even if you don’t have a trip planned in the near future. Keep in mind that it will take time to get all the paperwork in place and the U.S. government could hold on to your application for six months or more before making a decision on your first application. Afterwards you will be eligible for renewals, which will take less time. You do not need a pardon to obtain an entry waiver.
If you are thinking of applying to truck driving school, it’s important to take into consideration your criminal record and take action as soon as you are eligible for a pardon. Keep in mind that you are spending a lot of money to gain new skills and the sooner you start your career after receiving your diploma or certificate, the more information you will retain. If you wait until graduation to obtain a pardon, your skills may be out of date by the time you get hired. If you have an impaired driving offence on your record, don’t just consider your criminal record, but also consider that the employer’s insurance company may charge a premium even if you have been pardoned. It might take some time for your rates to go down.
Are you ready to change careers? Do you need a pardon or waiver? Contact us for a consultation.