What Disqualifies a CDL Driver

As a truck driver, you need to know what disqualifies a CDL driver. it is important that CDL holders maintain a clean driving record and adhere to all laws and regulations. There are several actions that can disqualify a CDL driver and potentially result in the loss of their license. Keep reading to learn more about what disqualifies a CDL and how you can avoid any of these missteps.

What Disqualifies a CDL Driver: Top Things to Avoid

CDL drivers are held to a higher standard when it comes to traffic violations, with such extensive training and driving the biggest vehicles on the road, a lot is expected of truck drivers. Serious offenses such as reckless driving hit and run, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can all result in CDL disqualification. If you have THC in your system you cannot pass a drug test. Even if you have a medical marijuana card, you are not ever allowed to have THC in your system. You should also take care to not use CBD products as some of these can also cause you to have THC in your system. These offenses not only put the driver at risk, but they also pose a danger to other motorists on the road. 

Medical Disqualifications

In addition to traffic violations, CDL drivers can also be disqualified for failing to meet medical requirements. All CDL holders are required to pass a medical exam and maintain a current medical certificate. If a driver is found to have a medical condition that may affect their ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, they may lose their CDL.

Some medical conditions that cause your CDL to become disqualified are as follows:

Vertigo

Vertigo and other conditions that affect your inner ear can greatly affect your driving ability. Vertigo can make you dizzy and cause issues with your balance. These two things coupled together can be incredibly harmful to you while driving. 

Epilepsy and other Seizure Conditions 

The Department of Transportation prohibits anyone with epilepsy or seizures from obtaining a CDL. Though they do try to take it case by case, the threat of a driver losing consciousness behind the wheel threatens their lives and those on the road. 

Diabetes, hearing, and vision problems can also cause your CDL to be disqualified. Make sure that you are regularly going to the doctor and taking all the precautions you can to prevent these medical conditions. 

Failure to Comply with Safety Regulations 

Another factor that can disqualify a CDL driver is failing to comply with safety regulations. This includes failing to properly secure loads, failing to follow hours of service regulations, and failing to properly maintain and repair the vehicle. CDL drivers are responsible for the safety of their vehicles and any cargo they are transporting, and failure to adhere to these regulations can result in disqualification.

Along with this, CDL drivers can also be disqualified for not meeting licensing requirements. This includes failing to renew a CDL on time, not updating your personal information on your CDL, and not having the proper endorsements for the type of vehicle being operated.

CDL drivers can also be disqualified for engaging in fraudulent or criminal activity. This includes using a CDL to commit a crime, such as transporting illegal substances or using a CDL to obtain employment under false pretenses.

How To Get Your CDL Back

One possible avenue for becoming qualified to drive again is to appeal the disqualification. This may involve presenting evidence to a court or administrative body that the disqualification was unjust or based on incorrect information. If the appeal is successful, you may be able to regain your CDL.

Another option is to apply for a hardship license, also known as a restricted license. This type of license may allow a disqualified driver to operate a commercial vehicle under certain conditions, such as only driving within a specific geographic area or only driving for a specific employer. Hardship licenses may be granted to drivers who can demonstrate a need to drive for work or other essential purposes.

If your disqualification was the result of a medical condition, you may be able to regain your CDL by obtaining a medical waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This may involve providing evidence of treatment for the condition and demonstrating that it no longer impacts your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

To regain your CDL after being disqualified, you may need to take one or more exams. The specific exams you need to take will depend on the specific circumstances of your disqualification and the requirements of the state in which you are licensed.

• Knowledge test: This test covers knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and vehicle operations. You may need to take the knowledge test if you lost your CDL due to a lack of knowledge or if you need to obtain additional endorsements for your CDL.
• Skills test: This test assesses your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. You may need to take the skills test if you lost your CDL due to a lack of driving skills or if you need to obtain a new CDL. The skills test may include a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
• Medical exam: All CDL holders are required to pass a medical exam and maintain a current medical certificate. If you lost your CDL due to a medical condition, you may need to take a medical exam and obtain a medical waiver from the FMCSA in order to regain your CDL.
• Alcohol and drug test: If you lost your CDL due to a violation of alcohol or drug regulations, you may be required to pass an alcohol and drug test before you can regain your CDL.
• Road test: You may need to take a road test if you lost your CDL due to a lack of driving skills or if you need to obtain a new CDL. The road test may assess your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle in different driving environments and situations.

Get Your CDL in 3 Weeks with TDI

Now that you know what disqualifies a CDL driver, be sure you don’t violate any of these rules. Regardless of the path taken, it is important for disqualified CDL holders to understand that regaining their license will require time and effort. Truck driving is a big responsibility and should be treated as such. Staying up to date on all the rules and regulations is important to maintaining your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.  You can get your CDL from any one of our 11 locations and start your career in just 3 weeks. 

Contact us today to learn more about how you can start a new career with TDI.