How To Know If You Are Eligible To Obtain An Occupational Driver License In Texas

One of the biggest concerns we see people grapple with when considering whether or not to apply for an occupational driver license is eligibility.  If they apply, will the get approved for an occupational driver license?  This is a valid question as applying for an occupational driver license is a financial investment.  As with any investment, you want to make sure that it pays off.  So what is the criterion to make sure that you get the occupational driver license approved?  This article is intended to help those that are considering filing for an occupational driver license understand the eligibility requirements.  If you would like to discuss your eligibility with an experienced occupational driver license lawyer after reading this article, feel free to call us at 214-321-4105.

Eligibility – It’s Statutory

For the most part, being eligible for an occupational driver license comes down to understanding the statutes that apply to the occupational driver license process.  If you meet the requirements of the statute, then you cannot be denied an occupational driver license.  If you have met the requirements in this article and a judge has denied your occupational driver license request, we highly suggest you contact a lawyer immediately to remedy the issue.  You can also read further on the denial of an occupational driver license request by clicking here.

The statute that you must be most concerned with is contained in the Texas Transportation Code.  Chapter 512, Subchapter L contains the relevant laws that apply to occupational driver license requests.  In particular, Section 521.242 discusses the issue of eligibility.  Specifically, that section states the following:

Sec. 521.242.  ELIGIBILITY. 

(a)  A person is eligible to apply for an occupational driver’s license if:

(1)  the person’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled for a cause other than:

(A)  a physical or mental disability or impairment; or

(B)  a determination by the department under Section 521.294 that the person is incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle;

(2)  the person does not hold a driver’s license and is ineligible to obtain a driver’s license because of a suspension order, including an order due to a conviction or an order under Chapter 524 or 724; or

(3)  the person is ineligible to obtain a driver’s license because the person holds a driver’s license issued by another state or country that was suspended, revoked, or canceled for a cause other than a physical or mental disability or impairment.

(b)  An occupational driver’s license does not authorize a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle to which Chapter 522 applies.

Reading the Statute Properly

So basically, to be eligible for an occupational driver license you have to be able to drive safely without being mentally impaired or disabled.  If your license was suspended due to a medical suspension, then you will not qualify for an occupational driver license.  In that scenario, you will have to have the medical advisory board for Texas review your medical records and determine that any medical condition you had has now been resolved.  If you have that situation, our occupational driver license lawyers can assist you with that process.

Hire A Lawyer For an Occupational Driver License

Hiring a lawyer for an occupational driver license greatly increases your probability of obtaining the license.  When your livelihood is on the line, make sure you have a legal expert on your side helping you along the way.  To discuss your occupational license eligibility with our attorneys, call today.