Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting millions of people today, especially drivers of commercial vehicles. The trucking industry is so sensitive, comes with severe responsibilities and tricky rules. Therefore, many aspiring drivers can wonder “Can you get a CDL with sleep apnea?” The answer is yes but with certain conditions. According to the DOT, sleep apnea is a non-disqualifying medical condition, provided it is successfully managed. Therefore, you can manage to keep your CDL and safely continue driving by getting proper diagnosis and treatment, such as CPAP therapy. In this post, we give you a clear insight into regulations related to sleep apnea in the trucking industry and how to meet DOT requirements and stay compliant to maintain your valid CDL.
Can you get a CDL with sleep apnea?
Yes, you can get a CDL license with sleep apnea. While the FMCSA states that individuals cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if they have any medical condition that could affect their ability to operate a CMV safely, sleep apnea is not an automatic disqualification. Drivers with prescribed treatment, as through CPAP, may maintain or regain their medically qualified status to operate CMVs.
Please note that you must follow your treatment and bring proof of compliance to medical examinations. If your condition is under control, your CDL will not be invalidated. Also, because the regulations regarding intrastate commerce may vary from state to state, check with your DMV about other requirements.
Is a sleep apnea test required for a DOT physical?
No, a sleep apnea test is not required for all DOT physicals, but specific signs and signals related to it during a medical exam would determine such requirements, and those are based upon whether:
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 40.
- Neck diameter over 17 inches if male and over 15.5. inches if female.
- Having been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension.
- Loud snoring to be heard through the door or wall.
- Narrow airway and/or other physical signs.
If you have any of these risk factors, you will most likely be referred for a sleep study. You may then be given a temporary medical certification, usually for three months, and you undergo the necessary testing and start treatment if necessary.
What are the DOT requirements for sleep apnea CDL drivers?
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you must meet specific requirements from the DOT to ensure your safety and that of others on the road. The requirements include:
- Medical certification: A driver with sleep apnea often gets a one-year medical certification other than the usual two years to ensure that he or she is regularly monitored.
- Sleep study: Once sleep apnea is confirmed through a sleep study, you must start treatment, usually with a CPAP machine.
- CPAP compliance: It is essential to demonstrate compliance with your treatment. This typically will include using your CPAP machine at least 4 hours a night on 70% of your nights.
- Compliance reports: You are required to bring a compliance report from your CPAP machine into your annual DOT medical exam.
These are the basics to keep on driving as a CDL driver with sleep apnea while keeping your health in check.
Is there any new law on DOT physical for sleep apnea?
Recent changes in DOT regulations aim at increasing road safety by detecting and managing sleep apnea risks among drivers. Unlike general DOT requirements, these changes stress the need for stricter screening criteria to detect drivers who may be at risk for sleep apnea. Key elements of the new law include::
- Stronger screening criteria: Drivers with a BMI of 33 or more, a large neck circumference, or conditions such as hypertension or diabetes can be asked to take screening.
- Targeted risk groups: Males over 42, postmenopausal females, and all those who report a history of loud snoring or apnea should be included in this screening process
- Mandatory sleep studies: Drivers will be forced to undertake sleep studies and get treatment in case they are confirmed with sleep apnea.
These regulations stress the importance of routine medical evaluations and adherence to treatment plans, including CPAP therapy, before allowing safe driving. Meeting the updated standards means CDL holders will be allowed to continue to maintain their certificates while keeping health issues under check.
FAQs
1. Does sleep apnea disqualify you from CDL?
No, having sleep apnea does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining a CDL. However, undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea may affect your medical certification to hold a valid CDL. Therefore, as long as you remain compliant with the treatment such as a CPAP machine, and show proof of such compliance during a DOT physical, you are allowed to continue staying eligible for a CDL.
2. Can I have a sleep apnea and CDL license at the same time?
Yes, you can have a sleep apnea while still holding a CDL license. The main requirement is to manage the condition through treatment and comply with DOT regulations comes into play. Being compliant with prescribed treatments, such as CPAP therapy, will keep you medically certified to drive.
3. Can I lose my CDL if I have sleep apnea?
The answer is no. Sleep apnea is not a DOT-disqualifying medical condition, meaning you will not automatically lose your CDL upon the diagnosis of sleep apnea. The tricky part, however, is that you need to take some very important steps to keep your CDL valid. It includes following the prescribed treatments, such as CPAP therapy, and providing compliance reports at DOT physicals.
Final thoughts
Now you have the full answer to the question “Can you get a CDL with sleep apnea?” The management of sleep apnea while operating a CDL seems daunting, but it’s perfectly doable, provided the right approach has been taken. DOT regulations are designed to ensure not only your safety but also that of others on the road. You can have a continuous career as a commercial driver by following treatment processes and providing the necessary documents during medical examinations. Do not let sleep apnea get in your way. Be proactive, take care of your health, and keep your CDL on the road to success.
