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Couple of q's regarding medication and training

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by silentlysailing, Sep 29, 2010.

  1. Sep 29, 2010 #1
    silentlysailing

    silentlysailing Light Load Member

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    DFW, TX
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    I have a few questions. On of which is I just heard from a friend last night that apparently it is common for companies not to hire people based off of medications? Also is it common for them to look at your medical records?

    Like for example what I take each night makes me dizzy for about an hour or two and I don't drive during those times period. But I don't have any real medical issues to speak of. If I have to drive I take them after arriving at where I need to be.

    Second question is regarding training. Currently I'm a bus driver and hold a Class B permit with passenger and air brakes endorsements. I was wondering if I could just self teach myself like what I did for the written tests on the class B with the class A and have companies accept that.

    Plus do some companies just offer like an orientation and the driving training so that I could pass the driving test?

    I could possibly scrounge up the money for driving school with work but it'd be hard. I'm a poor college student right now and I'm really wanting to do OTR after college.

    Thanks
     
    silentlysailing, Sep 29, 2010
    silentlysailing, Sep 29, 2010
    #1
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  3. Sep 29, 2010 #2
    Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    you would be signing releases for them to look into your medical records.

    i find this confusing........you have "no medical issues" yet you take meds....???? this WILL BE an issue

    you need to get the class A permit test (combo) added to your permit. as long as you got a class A permit, you should be good to go.

    company sponsored training would be some classroom, yard skills, road skills, then they test you.

    do what you have to, the permits alone will NOT get you a driving job, only into a training situation, with a company.
     
    Rerun8963, Sep 29, 2010
    Rerun8963, Sep 29, 2010
    #2
  4. Sep 29, 2010 #3
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Powder Joints, Sep 29, 2010
    Powder Joints, Sep 29, 2010
    #3
  5. Sep 29, 2010 #4
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    We need more info, such as what the meds are for and what type meds etc. You obviously have a current medical card, right? Call around to a few companies and get some feedback.
     
    Allow Me., Sep 29, 2010
    Allow Me., Sep 29, 2010
    #4
  7. Sep 29, 2010 #5
    Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    As for the permits and license...most companies require the driving school. 160 hours minimum, both classroom and driving. This is for insurance purposes.
    Med issues are individual company decisions. There are some things that DOT won't let you use under prescription (medical marijuana comes to mind), but for most prescription drugs, it's the carrier's decision.
     
    Emulsified, Sep 29, 2010
    Emulsified, Sep 29, 2010
    #5
  8. Sep 29, 2010 #6
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    If I were out on the road again and taking any medication that MIGHT bring some questions to light I'd make sure the doctor that is prescribing the med is fully qualified under the FMCSA. I'd even go one step further and let the company MRO know what I would be taking and ask for his approval.

    There's just too many things that could happen even if you're not driving and done for the day. You could be sleeping and have a fire in the area and are directed to move your truck. Now you're dizzy and you run over some bystander and hurt them badly. The company has to run you in for a drug and alcohol test and you come up positive. The other party gets word and now you're in court fully at fault and your company does not back you. IT'S ALL TOO RISKY.
     
    GasHauler, Sep 29, 2010
    GasHauler, Sep 29, 2010
    #6
  9. Oct 10, 2010 #7
    silentlysailing

    silentlysailing Light Load Member

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    Sorry for a late response. Thanks for the post's. I looked into that FMCSA and I should still have a green light as it doesn't appear to be a problem with them. Plus I managed to find other people who are on the same medications I am and are doing ok. Plus from research it looks like I could take an alternative prescription that wouldn't cause the dizziness. I'd just have to be smart about it. There are things that I can do to reduce the effect like eating before hand and that. I'd just have to be careful.

    Thanks though for giving me some stuff to look into like the FMCSA as well as the good information regarding going to school still for the class A.
     
    silentlysailing, Oct 10, 2010
    silentlysailing, Oct 10, 2010
    #7
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