Can I be a Truck Driver or No?

What are you guys talking about?

We're all certified nut jobs here!

Man, seriously mate - its a job that's tough on the mind. Might wanna try something truck related besides driving.

And by the way - I'm watching you . . .

 

The medical examiner will refer you for evaluation from a psychiatrist which you already see. He has to stand behind you and give the medical examiner a letter saying you are stable enough to drive a truck. Then you have to keep seeing the psychiatrist like you are and be closely monitored. I don't see it a problem if your medication is working. There is one treatment of drugs which I can't remember at this moment but it begins with a "b". Valiums fall under that category. Those are automatic disqualifiers. What you are on I don't think falls under that family of drugs.

Trucking is stressful and you deal with many idiots. Only you know if you can handle that. A truck driver has to be easy going with a lot of patience.

You can start by talking with your psychiatrist about the situation. It falls in his hands.

 

No commenting on whether you can be or not, but I'm going to concur with those who say you shouldn't be. If you're prone to bouts of paranoia, this job will be a living hell for you. This is a stressful occupation which requires a high level of awareness, whether it's your driving or when you're off duty. How do you think you're going to handle it when you're parked in some truck stop at night, and you're constantly surrounded by strangers.. and I'll tell you this.. there are some creepy ############# in this industry. It's bad enough when you're NOT prone to bouts of paranoia. You may wanna rethink this, because I don't think it's going to be what you're bargaining for.

 

Regulations — You must review and discuss with the driver any "yes" answers
Does the driver use medications to:

• Treat cardiovascular disease?
• Reduce hypertension?
• Control blood glucose level?
  • Oral hypoglycemics?
  • Insulin (regardless of route)?
• Control seizures or treat epilepsy?
• Treat nervous or psychiatric disorders?

According to the above the doctor that gives you the dot physical will be required to ask you questions. You are not automatically disqualified but who knows. I know that it is hard to stand up and say help me when you are dealing with mental illness. Know that most of us are proud of you for trying. Good luck and I for one truly hope you make it.

 

That might be the catcher there. The reason the other drugs are disqualified is they make people sleepy. You have to have 100% alertness and with trucking you bounce all around the time clock. What if your day starts at 9pm?

You might be able to handle a local job but you still have to gain experience and that means OTR. But don't give up if that's what you want. You might find a way there. You can always go to school and then maybe work the docks at an LTL company to get your foot in the door.

 

benzodiazapam, or benzos for short. Valium and Xanax. They are narcotics and should not be used while operating heavy equipment.

 

The question is, what kind of control do you have over it on your meds? I imagine that's going to play a large part of convincing the physical Dr, and DOT.

 

I thought all truck drivers had schizophrenia!

 

With your current diagnosis and prescription meds you would not make it through the DOT physical.