Advice regarding bus driver recruitment

[olliecranny]

Hi all. So basically I'm through to the recruitment/assessment day & due for a medical for a bus company as a trainee bus driver. It's all I've ever wanted to do, and I've finally got my chance. I have a moderate form of Kyphosis of the back which causes pain when lifting continuesly and when I'm doing any rigorous movement.

So for this, I'm prescribed Co codamol for my pain, which I stometimes take at night and sometimes during the day when I'm at my current job (very physically demanding). The medication doesn't affect my driving in any way, I only very occasionally need to take it when driving, it doesn't make me drowsy, and I've been on it for a couple of years now. What I'm wanting to know, and hoping somebody can give me some guidance, is if this will hinder my chances of becoming an employee for the company.

Would anybody here advise me to change my medication from opiates to something different? I'm not sure whether to state that I'm currently prescribed Co codamol, and risk being turned away...Or to change medication, or even stop taking any medication all together. Thanks in advance.

 

[carlberry]

Hi all. So basically I'm through to the recruitment/assessment day & due for a medical for a bus company as a trainee bus driver. It's all I've ever wanted to do, and I've finally got my chance. I have a moderate form of Kyphosis of the back which causes pain when lifting continuesly and when I'm doing any rigorous movement.

So for this, I'm prescribed Co codamol for my pain, which I stometimes take at night and sometimes during the day when I'm at my current job (very physically demanding). The medication doesn't affect my driving in any way, I only very occasionally need to take it when driving, it doesn't make me drowsy, and I've been on it for a couple of years now. What I'm wanting to know, and hoping somebody can give me some guidance, is if this will hinder my chances of becoming an employee for the company.

Would anybody here advise me to change my medication from opiates to something different? I'm not sure whether to state that I'm currently prescribed Co codamol, and risk being turned away...Or to change medication, or even stop taking any medication all together. Thanks in advance.

For advice on the medicine ask a doctor. Most can do phone consultations.
Be honest at the interview, it shouldn't be an issue without you try to hide it. Most large companys would have access to a company doctor.
Good luck.

 

[GusB]

Welcome to the forum. While I don't have any specific knowledge relating to driving buses, co-codamol is one of those medications which has advice not to drive or operate machinery.
As @carlberry states, consulting your doctor and being honest about it from the outset is the best way to go.
Best of luck with your application.

 

[martyjon]

Bus companies carry out random drug tests so do not hide anything. It is up to the bus company whether to adopt a policy of accepting or not an employee on medication continuously or intermittently. Remember peoples lives are in your hands.

 

[Mwanesh]

As long as you tell them from day one you will be fine.

 

[ninhog]

Hi all. So basically I'm through to the recruitment/assessment day & due for a medical for a bus company as a trainee bus driver. It's all I've ever wanted to do, and I've finally got my chance. I have a moderate form of Kyphosis of the back which causes pain when lifting continuesly and when I'm doing any rigorous movement.

So for this, I'm prescribed Co codamol for my pain, which I stometimes take at night and sometimes during the day when I'm at my current job (very physically demanding). The medication doesn't affect my driving in any way, I only very occasionally need to take it when driving, it doesn't make me drowsy, and I've been on it for a couple of years now. What I'm wanting to know, and hoping somebody can give me some guidance, is if this will hinder my chances of becoming an employee for the company.

Would anybody here advise me to change my medication from opiates to something different? I'm not sure whether to state that I'm currently prescribed Co codamol, and risk being turned away...Or to change medication, or even stop taking any medication all together. Thanks in advance.

Even if you’re only on over-the-counter 8mg Co-Codamol, I’d expect that to be an issue due to the safety-critical nature of driving buses.

Have you spoken to the doctor about alternative pain relief?

 

[Spsf3232]

Speak to your doctor about alternative medication. If your on cocodomol and taking it regularly you will fail a drug test. Codeine is the one that will show up on the test so you have to be careful

 

[CN04NRJ]

I've worked with many drivers over the years that have been prescribed opiates with the knowledge of the company and their doctor. You'd honestly be surprised at what some people are prescribed but yet are allowed to still drive large vehicles. Obviously at a level that wouldn't affect their work and I presume to be taken before sleep and not while in work.

I'd seek the advice of your doctor and speak to HR at your prospective company to see what they think.