Looking to get a job that involves driving? If you’ve been in trouble for intoxicated driving, you might be wondering: Can you drive for work with a prior DUI? Employers often check your driving and criminal history before hiring you for these positions, and many jobs, especially those that involve commercial driving or transporting passengers, have strict policies regarding DUI convictions. Whether it’s been a few years or more than a decade since your conviction, it’s important to know where you stand.
How Long Will a DUI Stay on Your Record in Oklahoma?
If you were arrested or convicted of a DUI in Oklahoma, it will show in three places:
- Your driving record with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) for 10 years
- Your arrest record, which is permanent unless it’s expunged
- Your court record, which is also permanent unless it’s expunged
This applies to all alcohol-related offenses, including driving while impaired (DWI) and actual physical control (APC). You may be able to expunge these crimes from your arrest and court records, but the process depends on factors like how much time has passed and whether it was a misdemeanor or felony (more on expungement later).
Can You Drive for Work With a Prior DUI on Your Record?
Probably not—at least not if your conviction is within the last 5 to 10 years. Employers that require driving as part of the job, whether it’s delivering goods, transporting passengers, or operating commercial vehicles, usually have strict background check policies. Here’s how different types of driving jobs typically handle a prior DUI on your record.
Rideshare and Taxi Companies
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become a popular way to earn money, offering flexible schedules and the ability to work when it’s convenient. However, both companies have strict background check policies, and a DUI on your record may prevent you from driving for them.
If you have a DUI within the last 7 years, Uber and Lyft will not approve you as a driver. In California, Uber extends this rule to 10 years. If your DUI was dismissed, you may be able to request a review of your application, but approval is not guaranteed.
Beyond the initial background check, Uber and Lyft continuously monitor drivers’ records, running checks at least once a year. If a new DUI appears on your record, they will likely deactivate you from the platform.
Taxis operate under different rules, with regulations varying by company. Many taxi services bar applicants with a DUI within the last 7 to 10 years, but some may have shorter timeframes or be willing to consider applications on a case-by-case basis.
Delivery Companies
Delivery jobs offer another potential source of income for those who like to drive, but whether or not you’re eligible depends on the company. Food delivery services like GrubHub, Instacart, and DoorDash follow similar background check policies as Uber and Lyft. These companies look back 7 years into your driving history, and a DUI within that timeframe will likely disqualify you.
For package delivery services like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, the rules vary:
- Amazon generally does not hire drivers with a DUI within the past 7 years.
- FedEx requires at least 5 years to have passed since a misdemeanor DUI conviction and at least 7 years for a felony DUI.
- UPS requires a clean driving record for at least 3 years but may ask whether your license has ever been suspended or revoked.
Remember to always be honest on your application, as they will probably uncover your DUI during the background check anyway. If you’re honest, you have a chance to explain your situation.
Commercial Truck Driving
If you want to get your commercial driver's license (CDL) and become a truck driver, a DUI can be a major obstacle. After a first-time DUI conviction, you can’t apply for a CDL for 1 year. If you’re applying to transport hazardous materials, the disqualification period extends to 3 years.
A second DUI leads to a lifetime CDL ban. (Some states allow CDL holders to apply for reinstatement after ten years if you complete an approved rehabilitation program.)
Most trucking companies have zero-tolerance policies for DUI convictions, meaning that even if you get your CDL, finding a job may still be difficult. Some companies review applicants on a case-by-case basis, but in general, a DUI makes getting hired as a truck driver extremely challenging.
Bus Drivers
Driving a passenger bus in Oklahoma requires a CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement. School bus drivers in Oklahoma must also have a School Bus (S) endorsement and register with the Oklahoma School Bus Driving online system. The requirements if you have a prior DUI on your record are therefore the same as for commercial truck drivers: After a first-time DUI conviction, you can’t apply for a CDL for one year. After a second DUI conviction, you won’t be able to get a CDL.
That’s just to get your CDL. Once you have that, you still need to apply for jobs. Various bus companies have their own rules, and a DUI within the last seven years will likely disqualify you from becoming a bus driver. Some companies even review driving records as far back as ten years.
Operating Machinery
As you’re considering whether you can drive for work with a prior DUI, you might not think about this one. However, if your desired job involves heavy equipment operation, a DUI may affect your eligibility. First, because a valid driver’s license is usually required to operate machinery on public roads.
And while off-road or private property operation may not have the same restrictions, employers still hesitate to hire individuals with a DUI conviction due to liability concerns. Construction companies, manufacturing plants, and warehouses often run background checks, and a recent DUI could raise red flags for potential employers.
Business Travel
A DUI can also create unexpected challenges if your job requires travel. For example if the job involves driving a company car to make on-site service visits or deliver equipment, the employer will almost certainly check your driving record. While the number of years they’ll look back can vary, a prior DUI on your record within the past 5 to 7 years can be an issue.
If you go on business trips, you might also have trouble renting a car. Most major rental car companies, including Avis, Budget, and Payless, won’t let you rent a car if you have a DUI within the last four years. If business travel is a key part of your job, this restriction could make certain positions off-limits.
What You Can Do About Your Prior DUI
The answer to “Can you drive for work with a prior DUI?” can get complicated, but the most important thing to know is that a DUI on your record doesn’t have to limit your future. While it may make some jobs harder to get, there are steps you can take to improve your chances.
Have It Expunged
DUI expungement removes it from public records, making it invisible to most employers during background checks. In Oklahoma, eligibility depends on the type of conviction and how much time has passed since completing your sentence.
- If your DUI resulted in a deferred sentence, you may automatically receive a partial expungement and can apply for a full expungement one year after completing your sentence.
- If your misdemeanor conviction resulted in jail time or a suspended sentence, you must wait five years after completing your sentence before applying.
- If you were convicted of a felony DUI but had no prior felony convictions, you may qualify after five years, as long as you haven’t been charged with any misdemeanors in the last seven years.
Expunging your record means your DUI won’t show up on background checks and you can legally say that you’ve never been convicted of a crime. An experienced DUI attorney can help you determine if you qualify, file the necessary paperwork, and guide you through the process.
Demonstrate Responsibility
If expungement isn’t an option yet, proving that you’ve taken responsibility for your actions can help. Employers want to see that your DUI won’t impact your reliability or judgment. Always complete all court-mandated programs, including alcohol education courses and probation, to demonstrate you’re taking responsibility.
Going beyond the legal requirements by attending voluntary counseling or taking additional safety courses can also reassure potential employers. If a hiring manager asks about your DUI, letting them know the steps you’ve taken to learn from the experience can make a difference. While you can sometimes hide a DUI from an employer, it’s unlikely for jobs that require driving. Unless it’s been expunged, it’s best to be honest.
Improve Your Skillset
Building a strong skillset can make you a more competitive applicant. Employers may be more willing to overlook your prior DUI if you bring valuable expertise, certifications, or specialized training to the job. For example, if you work in logistics, getting a warehouse safety certification or forklift operator license could open up driving positions. In any industry, improving technical or leadership skills through workshops or online courses can help strengthen your resume.
The more qualified and well-rounded you are, the more the answer to “Can you drive for work with a prior DUI?” might go from “no” to “yes.” Employers want reliable, skilled workers, and showing professional growth can help you move forward despite your record.
The Bottom Line
A DUI on your record can make it harder to get a job, especially if the position involves driving, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Expungement may allow you to remove the conviction from public records, while demonstrating responsibility and gaining new skills can help make you a stronger job candidate. And if you’ve recently been charged but not yet convicted, working with an attorney may help you avoid having a DUI on your record in the first place. Contact the Tulsa DUI Guy today for a free case evaluation to explore your options and protect your future.