I have health problems. Could I still drive a truck?

Whom will then make part of the long form. The carrier will get the long form. Even if the medical privacy law applied ( And I contend it does NOT ) not many carriers are going to allow a driver to drive their trucks and not sign a release.

 

No, not the urine test. As to the prescribing comment, I agree somewhat. There are some really bad side effects. I can't go anywhere near them because of Epilepsy. I also agree about the (diet) pills doctors prescribed way back when. I have no medical evidence but I still think taking those pills and driving for so long is what finally killed my father!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't sleep apnea a disqualification for a CDL. I only say this because of a driver working for a local company killed a woman after falling asleep(due to sleep apnea), he actually crossed the center divider, went across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and ran over her car as she was entering the highway. I witnessed the aftermath(drove by about 5min later) and it was ugly. The word on the street was the driver had sleep apnea and shouldn't have been driving. Also the advice to lose weight is solid, carrying that much access is akin to carrying around a 12year old. You may not like Ridgeline, but he has a lot of experience(near as I can tell)and his advice, although blunt is usually spot on, land he doesn't care what people think, that's admirable.

 

You’re correct, I forgot about the long form..

 

Would have to say no to that. Should some one be diagnosed with a sleep disorder, they may be prescribed the use of a CPAP as treatment. They may only get a one year card, and will have to provide the use records

 

You've been given some good advice here. People are trying to help you and they're using their free time to do it. You may not like what you've heard here but it's honest and it's accurate.
The only enemy you have here is yourself.

 

By the title you admit health problems so what exactly did you expect? Reassurance?

 

Just set some health and career goals and go for it. You'll like the journey.

 

The question of getting a CDL is an absolute YES YOU CAN! You do not have to have a physical to get the CDL. Remember intrastate operations in some places you can drive without a card. As to regular interstate operations, I don't think the FMCSA has really issued any guidance. They tried a few years ago and Congress slapped them. Right now as far as I know the FMCSA is leaving Sleep Apnea as well as most medications up to the medical examiners. This is one of the main reasons as a driver you have to be careful whom you use. Some Medical Examiners hold a financial interest in sleep labs and selling CPAP machines. There is one Medical Examiner right here in Hampton that I told him to his face he was a crook!

 

You need to report the cpap.....it is for your own protection. If you were in an accident, your medical history would be looked at closely.