Safety First: Standards Every Driver Must Meet

Jerome Redmond in the Ways & Means Committee room

Every week in Oklahoma City, aspiring truck drivers line up at American Truck Training, hoping for a fresh start and a life-changing career. As President and CEO, as well as past Chairman of CVTA, Jerome Redmond often sees this optimism meet a harsh reality: many are turned away before training can even start, not due to lack of ambition, but because they are not aware that marijuana use is categorically prohibited for CDL holders. For such applicants, the opportunity to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) ends before it begins.

The path to becoming a professional driver is straightforward but firm:

• Every applicant must meet baseline medical standards.

• They must pass a federally mandated drug test before proceeding.

• Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, which means any trace of THC results in disqualification, even if it was recommended by a doctor or legalized by the state.

• Other controlled drugs, such as narcotics or amphetamines, can also disqualify applicants. In limited cases, if a doctor confirms safe use, the Medical Examiner may certify the driver—but it is not guaranteed.

These safeguards are in place because the stakes are so high. Large trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and any impairment can have devastating consequences. While impairment is not the cause of every fatal crash, Marijuana and alcohol remain the two most frequently detected substances in impaired driving crashes that cause serious injury or death. For professional drivers, safety on the road is non-negotiable.

For schools like American Truck Training, the impact is immediate. Students who could be earning $60,000–$75,000 in their first year with benefits, stability, and career advancement instead lose access to those opportunities by choosing marijuana use. Trucking offers independence, financial security, and the pride of sustaining America’s economy—but those benefits vanish when federal safety standards are ignored.

As Jerome Redmond emphasizes, awareness is key. Too many students discover these rules only after they’ve invested time and hope. By setting expectations early, training providers can help applicants make informed choices—and protect the integrity and safety of the profession.

Trucking is one of America’s most rewarding and accessible careers. But it requires a commitment to safety that cannot be compromised. Take the first step with full awareness—your future and the safety of everyone on the road depend on it.

Read the full article with Jerome Redmond here.