A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:
Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with the ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.
Since a driver must be alert at all times, any change in his or her mental state is in direct conflict with highway safety. Even the slightest impairment in respiratory function under emergency conditions (when greater oxygen supply is necessary for performance) may be detrimental to safe driving.
There are many conditions that interfere with oxygen exchange and may result in incapacitation, including emphysema, chronic asthma, carcinoma, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea. If the medical examiner detects a respiratory dysfunction, that in any way is likely to interfere with the driver's ability to safely control and drive a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and therapy.
This means that sleep apnea can, but does not automaticly disqualify a driver.
...and in my case, I've maintained my CDL even though I have been employed elsewhere (non driving) for over a decade. Since Oregon established the medical card several years ago they've periodically added elements that seem to exclude several drivers. Most recently I underwent a medical examiners test protocol and asked if when I wake in the morning do I feel "up and at 'em" Given the work I now perform requires I wake at 04:00 it does take a little whole to get going, especially given that I wake for work at 04:00 6 days per week (Sundays I can sleep in until 10:00). Given this I am required by the medical examiner to undergo a sleep test where locally is $3000!?! All this just to maintain my endorsements rather than "surrendering" them as prescribed by ODOT for those that can obtain no medical card.
No, but most often you have to show treatment. Many companies will require access to your machine to verify that you are using it while in their vehicle as a condition of employment.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
From the US DOT site
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/adminis...
391.41(b)(5)
A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:
Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with the ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.
Since a driver must be alert at all times, any change in his or her mental state is in direct conflict with highway safety. Even the slightest impairment in respiratory function under emergency conditions (when greater oxygen supply is necessary for performance) may be detrimental to safe driving.
There are many conditions that interfere with oxygen exchange and may result in incapacitation, including emphysema, chronic asthma, carcinoma, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea. If the medical examiner detects a respiratory dysfunction, that in any way is likely to interfere with the driver's ability to safely control and drive a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and therapy.
This means that sleep apnea can, but does not automaticly disqualify a driver.
...and in my case, I've maintained my CDL even though I have been employed elsewhere (non driving) for over a decade. Since Oregon established the medical card several years ago they've periodically added elements that seem to exclude several drivers. Most recently I underwent a medical examiners test protocol and asked if when I wake in the morning do I feel "up and at 'em" Given the work I now perform requires I wake at 04:00 it does take a little whole to get going, especially given that I wake for work at 04:00 6 days per week (Sundays I can sleep in until 10:00). Given this I am required by the medical examiner to undergo a sleep test where locally is $3000!?! All this just to maintain my endorsements rather than "surrendering" them as prescribed by ODOT for those that can obtain no medical card.
I don't think this is right of fair.
No, but most often you have to show treatment. Many companies will require access to your machine to verify that you are using it while in their vehicle as a condition of employment.