u/Intoxifaded420

Currently work for Caltrans as a Highway Maintenance Worker and recently got an interview with SFPUC for a General Laborer position.
The work honestly lines up pretty closely with what I already do now:
traffic control
brush clearing
chainsaw/weed eater work
outdoor labor
roadway/public infrastructure work
working around traffic and hazardous environments

The thing making me nervous is the position is listed as “Temporary Provisional Permanent Civil Service.” From what I understand, I’d be hired provisionally and would later need to pass/compete in the civil service process to become permanent.
I already have a permanent state job with Caltrans, so leaving that stability for a provisional role makes me nervous.

For anyone who works for SFPUC or the City/County of SF:
How risky are provisional positions really?
Do most provisional employees eventually become permanent if they perform well?
What does the civil service exam/process usually look like for General Laborer positions?
Would you personally leave a permanent Caltrans position for this opportunity?
Also curious about quality of life, commute burnout, overtime, and long-term opportunities within SFPUC.
Appreciate any honest insight.

I’m trying to figure out if I can realistically get a CDL and I’m getting mixed signals, so I’m hoping some of you have been through this or seen it firsthand.

Here’s my situation:

2 DUIs, one from 2016 and one from 2017

Both were in a personal vehicle, not a commercial vehicle

I’ve been clean since then

I went to the DMV and the front desk lady looked at my record and said she didn’t see anything that would stop me from getting a CDL. But from what I’ve read, 2 DUIs usually means lifetime disqualification.

So I’m confused.

Questions:

Has anyone here actually gotten a CDL with 2 prior DUIs?

Did time passing (like 5–10 years) make a difference?

Did DMV ever say you were good, then deny you later in the process?

Is it possible to get a permit but then get denied when going for the actual CDL?

Did you have to go through some kind of reinstatement process after a certain number of years?

I’ve also heard of people having a CDL even with 2 DUIs, so I’m trying to understand if that’s rare exceptions, loopholes, or something legit.

Trying to avoid wasting time and money on school if I’m just gonna get blocked later.

Any real experiences or insight would help.