Should I Even Look Into Getting My CDL?

Hi everyone, I want to become a truck driver in a couple of years (I'm 19), but I'm debating if I should because of a stigma or outright disqualification. I take lamictal for bipolar disorder. My physicist said I have to wait until I'm 25 to be officially diagnosed, but she is positive I have it. This concerns me because I want to drive a truck. I know some companies will hire bipolar drivers, but the worry is still there if some don't hire me.

Hello and welcome to the forum. Mental Illness is a real struggle that is very difficult to diagnose. My sister was diagnosed bipolar... then later diagnosed as schizophrenic so i understand your worry.

What you need to do is focus on you right now and keeping stable. You cannot get a CDL for interstate until age 21 anyway. So focus on your coping skills.

Company policies may change in the next few years. We dont know. What i do know... this job is very stressful. It is often lacking a schedule. In reefer like me, it can be flip flopping your sleep constantly between day and night.

When i hear of someone like you... my first concern isnt whether or not you can find a job... it is whether or not you should jeopardize your progress and mental health by attempting the job.

I am sure there are many people out here with mental illness... but trucking can be a real struggle even for those without mental illness.

Why risk it? You could have an episode 2,000 miles from home. Dispatch may not understand what is going on. You may not be thinking clearly. Some symptoms are promiscuity and over spending. 2 things that could really get you into trouble out here, even killed. A change in environment can put stress on a bipolar sufferer. We change environments constantly.

Worry. about the job when you are old enough to do it. Right now, please stay stable and healthy. Years of stability will make it easier to find a job if and when the time comes.

This is my personal opinion and not a reflection of Trucking Truth.

Ethan,

What Kearsey said, says it all. Mental health along with physical health, are critical at an individual level. You are currently 19-years of age with the age for CDL interstate travel at 21-years. You also stated the psychiatrist cannot officially diagnose your mental condition until the age of 25-years. It seems that time is on your side, so please be patient.

Might I suggest, in the meanwhile, you could consider employment as a yard jockey/ spotter; it is home daily work maneuvering and backing trailers to and from the yard/ dock doors. Most yard jockeys that I’ve come across have told me that some companies do require, while others don’t require a CDL because the jockey doesn’t leave the yard. At the very least, this type of work could serve as an excellent introduction to this industry. Seek out Trucking Truth member, “Harvest;” he’s currently employed as a yard jockey and could be your guide, if you wish.

Good luck and good journey.