Comments By Weatherman

Michael,

It took me three tries to pass my CDL Exam and had many of the same feelings you described. I also had to sit for 10-14 days with only one "refresher drive" between each of my test dates. The biggest thing that finally got me my CDL is that I finally learned to be more relaxed (but focused) when I was behind the wheel. I know it is not easy, especially when you have an intimidating instructor next to you (had one of those also), but try not too be hard on yourself, focus on what you need to do, and most of all do not give up hope.

Yep, That is how my course was set up. I did one week in a class room. The next week learning/practicing Pre-Trip Then on to the 11 Drives (along with 6 observations). I was just curious how standardized they were.

Sounds like I good deal. I just completed school with Sage in Lexington SC. The instructors here were pretty awesome. Just curious, how many hours is the course in NY and do you need to have your permit prior to attending school?

Why does the hiring company want to see your training certificate? Don't they just want to see your CDL?

Most companies require that you attend a CDL school to get your license (as opposed to having a friend/relative teach you). As such, these companies require proof that you completed the course. Heck, my school even gave me transcripts with my GPA because I guess some companies want that info.

How does a hiring company know how many hours of training you have had?

It is usually printed on the training certificate you receive from your school after graduation.

Congrats! Just got my license also. Good feeling isn't it?

I have not been one here lately, but after failing to complete an alley dock on two straight tests I was starting to think my journey as a driver was over. Fortunately, things finally clicked when I went out on a practice drive with one of my schools instructors and was finally able to pass my skills test (and the rest of the exam) the next day. Up next is to enjoy the 4th of July holiday then on to finding a job.

K.T. I was prescribed Adderall for ADHD by the Air Force during my time in service (22 years). Unfortunately there is no clear answer to your question and I am guessing the research you have done so far has ranged from somewhat useful to downright ignorant. Hopefully what I share here at least falls into the former category.

As posted, The CFR states that a medical practitioner that is familiar with your medical history will have to sign off on your DOT physical and state that the prescription will not adversely affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. What this means is that your personal physician is most likely the only person that will even consider signing off on your DOT physical. In my case the military doctor that I had been seeing for several years was willing to sign off my physical with the prescription, however I had already decided to discontinue my medication when I retired a couple months ago.

So far pretty simple right? Get your doctor to approve the DOT physical and all is good.

Nope! Here is where the uncertainty comes to play; first, as mentioned earlier, your physician my not be qualified to due to recent regulation changes that require care providers to be on a national registry. Second, even if your doctor can sign off your DOT physical and you get your CDL license the company that hires you will want you to take another physical with their physician and since that practitioner will not be familiar with your medical history... well, you hopefully now can understand where uncertainty really comes into play.

As far as my advice for you. It is also hard to say since I do not know you and am in no position to tell you how to live your life however you have at least couple options.

Do like me and consult your doctor to see if you can discontinue the Adderall or at least change your medication to an approved non-stimulant. If it is practical this would probably be the best option, but once again I don't know your situation.

or,

If you have to keep taking Adderall understand that there will be no guarantees, but never say never and talk/apply to as many companies as possible then ask a lot of questions. I did mention my ADHD/Adderall prescription to a Werner recruiter and he did not seem concerned about it, but then again he will not be the person signing my DOT physical if I were to chose to work there.

One last very important thing to keep in mind if you should choose to discontinue your Adderall prescription most companies do hair follicle drug testing which means it will probably be at least 90 days before you will pass a company drug test. So you will either have to wait or be prepared to provide your drug history with a letter from you doctor stating that the prescription is no longer current.

Once again, I apologize for not being able to give a clear and easy answer, I can only share my experience so far, but hopefully you can glean at least something useful from this post.

That is awesome. Once you get rolling let me know. If our paths cross we can grab a coffee or something. Are yo going to a private school?

Yes I am in a private school here in SC. Hopefully I well have my CDL in a couple more weeks. After that, I am looking to get in the Dry van division and my recruiter says my orientation will be in Georgia. I will happily shoot you a message once I am up and rolling.

Thank you for your updates for they have been a great help. I already have a pre-hire with Roehl and hope to sign on with them once I complete my CDL course. Enjoy your home time sir, it is well earned.