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This section deals with the
some of the specific requirements necessary to become a driver of commercial vehicles.
You'll find more information at the FMCSA website of course.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsrhome.htm
Although in most States, you may drive a vehicle at the age of 16, the
requirements are a bit different for commercial vehicles. You may possess a
commercial drivers license and operate a commercial vehicle within the boundaries of some
States at the age of 18, but to drive inter-state or from state to state, you must be at
least 21 years of age.
You must be able to read, write and speak the English language well enough
to take instructions from highway signs, complete required reports and to converse with
officials.
You must be physically able to safely operate the type of vehicle you are
driving. That means you must be able to perform pre-trip inspections, make sure your
loads are secure, etc. Drivers must pass a complete
physical examination every two years.
You must have the proper training and/or experience to safely operate the
vehicle that you will be driving.
All drivers of commercial vehicles must carry one and only one commercial
driver's license, issued by their home State.
A license is issued after extensive knowledge and skills tests are
successfully completed.
There are certain physical
qualifications and examinations necessary to perform the duties of driver of a commercial
vehicle.
An individual:
1. Must not have a loss of foot, leg, hand
or arm, unless a waiver has been granted.
2. Must not have an impairment of hands or
fingers that interferes with prehension or power grasping.
3. Must not have an impairment of an arm,
foot or leg which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with
operating a commercial vehicle, unless a waiver has been granted.
4. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, requiring insulin for control.
5. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of heart disease such as myocardial infarction, angina
pectoris, thrombosis, or any other disorder that could result in sudden collapse or heart
failure.
6. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction that could result in lack of
control or inability to operate a vehicle safely.
7. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure, arthritis, or other condition that
could interfere with safe operation of a commercial vehicle.
8. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any condition that could result in loss of
consciousness and loss of control of a vehicle.
9. Must not have an established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of mental impairment that could interfere with the safe
operation of a commercial vehicle.
Complete physicals and
medical examinations are required on an annual basis to ensure the continued health of the
driver and his/her ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Hazardous materials drivers must pass additional tests, exhibiting
knowledge of, and the safety and handling of such materials.
Remember 9-11-2001?
Because of a new awareness of terrorism and the lengths to which terrorists will
go, the Federal Government is developing new regulations concerning background checks for
commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials. The DOT is in the process of
developing rulemaking to prohibit states from issuing or renewing a commercial driver's
license with an endorsement to operate a motor vehicle transporting hazardous material
unless the Department of Justice has first conducted a background check on the applicant.
Once the individual's investigation has been completed, the DOT must then determine
that the applicant does not pose a security risk warranting denial of the license.
This rulemaking is required by section 1012 of the U.S. Patriot Act and will be
accessible to read at the FMCSA website.
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