mental illness will i pass the DOT test/?

We are just busting your chops.....weekend fun and games I guess......

Anybody taking psychotropic drugs for any kind of "instability"....gets a real good "look see" by the state they are applying to. Each case is a "case by case" basis....all you can do is check the link from the other poster, and double check with the State DOT.

 

I have to say this isnt as bad as the guy with the bipolar disorder wondering if he could drive..Seriously though it will get worse with age.My aunt has it and it kept getting worse,this was over a 15 yr period..She no longer takes meds and claims its under control.I disagree but accept her choice.

 

>>>>mental illness will i pass the DOT test/?

Heck, it's almost a requirement!

 

The answer is Yes. However, you'll need to go above and beyond the normal to get medically certified. The physician must specifically tell you, "the driver", that the prescription Zyprexa will not "adversely" affect your ability to drive a CMV. Also the company may ask the physician for written information on the effects of Zyprexa and how it does not jeopardize the safe operation of a CMV.

You'll need to disclose all that information to the doctors and the company and that alone may result in a struggle. If you try to hide the fact you will put yourself in a position you'll never want to be in. For example if you're in an accident even if it's the other parties fault you'll be hung for non-disclosure and could find yourself in jail. So if you do decide to drive a truck do it the right way or no way at all. Good luck.

 

Let me add one! When the company you apply brings you in for a DOT physical......Look Out!

Why, because they will have you sign a disclosure asking if you are taking any "meds" or under a Dr's care. Lying on a FMCSA/DOT Medical long form is grounds for imediate termination. Can you conceal the fact your on psychoactive medication? Healthcare Providers can and will release records to companies if you sign a waiver. Not signing the waiver will also disqualify you from a DOT sensitive job.

Truck Drivers can become Clinically Depressed and unable to preform job duties. Especially if the Driver suffers a mental disorder like paranoria, schizophrenia or multiple personalities and exhibits abnormal behavior under intense working conditions in an extreme environment for long durations. (one who talks to himself and says to the trucks in the mirror, stop following me!)

One time I saw a driver yelling into a CB mic that wasn't even connected to a CB!

 

Maybe you could find a job in dispatch.. You would have to stop taking your meds though.

 

Nah, dispatch don't qualify as paranoid cause everybody really IS out to get em.

Seriously OP, look around at local stuff, straight trucks,etc. Lots of drivers make a decent living doing this and it won't put you in situations where you can't access your physician or meds when needed.

 

1- I doubt any medical person would sign off on this; they don't want their malpractice insurance going up...

2- I doubt any carrier's insurance company would take the risk if you did find a doctor to approve.