Reader’s Question:

I am from another state and just recently moved back here in Kentucky. I was a company driver for four years with two different companies including one here in Kentucky. I was convicted with DUI here in Kentucky three years ago. I am applying to drive a school bus. Will my previous DUI conviction be a hindrance in getting the job I am applying for?

Andrew

Louisville, KY

You have a very timely question. In recent news on a local newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky, it was reported that the state of Kentucky imposes tougher restrictions on school bus drivers. This was prompted by an incident in which a Kentucky bus driver was arrested after making an illegal turn. It was discovered at once that the bus driver had a syringe full of cocaine on him and three past DUI convictions. The company employing the driver instantly stopped the operations of all of its drivers when it realized that none of them had undergone any background checks. Kentucky schools were compelled to shut down for two days due to lack of drivers.

In your case, there’s nothing much to worry about because your DUI conviction happened three years ago. The state of Kentucky will not let a person drive school buses if the driver has a prior DUI conviction in the past two years. This is being strictly implemented now.