Postal Letter

How much bearing will a recent accident have on getting a job with the USPS?

I took the test for career letter carrier last winter, passed and got a call in notice for orientation, but due to a blizzard, I got there 5 minutes late and they wouldn't let me in. I never heard anything again from them until today when I got another letter for a call in for orientation. The first time around I had a perfectly clean driving record with no accidents or tickets, but a month ago, I hit a parked card so I was obviously 100 percent at fault for it. I'm going to have to list this on the drivers record they make you fill out, but will it disqualify me from employment or have a really negative effect on the employment process. Also, if it doesn't disqualify me, does the fact that I got a call in mean that I will get a job, but just have to wait on a list until a position becomes available for me? Any information will be appreciated. Thanks I have close to 5 years of driving experience on record so it wasn't like I just started driving and had an accident so hopefully that comes into account. Thanks for all the answers so far.

Public Comments

1. I don't know for sure, but my guess is a no. You are working for a goverment agency, they will want a clean driving record w/ in the last few years. Just visited. USPS website and found this: applicants must have a current valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of documented driving experience.
2. You will only know the answer to this if you go for the orientation. It all depends on your driving history, surely they won't disqualify for one accident. By all means give it a shot and good luck.
3. TRY AND FIND OUT FROM AN EMPLOYEE HOW THEY RATE UPON DISCLOSURE BECAUSE IF THEY DONT RUN AND ACCIDENT HISTORY REPORT THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT IF YOU DONT DISCLOSE IT
4. i recently started work as a truck driver. i had 6 points on my license which is a lot! lots of companies wont hire you if you have more then 4. my guess is that with just one accident on your record they will still hire you. now, if they want you to have driving experience that is a totally different thing. but id say there is a pretty good chance that this accident wont disqualify you. good luck!
5. It will not automatically disqualify you, but it could be a problem. On the other hand falsifying your records and saying you didn't have an accident will be an even bigger problem down the road when they pull your driver's abstract. Tell the truth. You have enough experience that they may overlook the one accident and make sure you're extremely careful while driving, especially during probation where one accident WILL cause your immediate termination.
6. It depends on the district and who is doing the interview. One accident in five years is usually not grounds for disqualification if you have had a clean history before that. Be prepared for a one on one interview with your potential new boss. Think about what you could have done to prevent the accident and what you have learned from the accident. Being contrite and showing knowledge of safe driving principles goes a long way in this interview. Figure out how to explain in less than one minute. A call-in notice is usually an invitation to employment . Being flexible as to what office you go to and hours you are willing to work will also get you points.