If you want to pursue a CDL trucking career, then you need to be able to pass a DOT physical exam. The Department of Transportation requires all professional truckers, and even bus drivers, to acquire a commercial driving license and to show that nothing will negatively impact their performance on the road. A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician will need to administer the exam, and CDL drivers can expect various tests to take place during this time.
Vision Testing
In order to drive a commercial vehicle, a CDL driver needs to have a good vision. The Department of Transportation requires drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in a minimum of one eye.
They may use corrective lenses to achieve that, but the only way they can know for sure is to undergo an exam. CDL drivers may be prevented from driving until they fix the issue, which can take some time.
Hearing Testing
To drive safely, a CDL driver also needs to be able to hear everything around them. The standard set forth by the DOT requires them to be able to recognize a forced whisper from five feet away in one ear. The DOT will allow them to pass if they can listen clearly with the use of a hearing aid in one ear.
Cardiovascular Testing
Class A Drivers need to have good heart health to pass the DOT physical exam. They will be on the road for long stretches of time, and should be able to handle sitting for that long. As part of the exam, the physician will check their pulse and blood pressure to make sure everything looks good.
This is to assess their risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack in the near future. Cardiovascular diseases are common with truck drivers, so when they are not on the road, they need to take care of themselves.
Neurological Testing
A CDL driver DOT exam will also include a neurological screening to determine if he or she has any brain disorders or injuries that could interfere with their ability to drive. This includes disorders that result in seizures or epilepsy.
Anyone who has a history of seizures or has been diagnosed with epilepsy will not be allowed to pass the exam. This includes situations where the driver takes medication to control the seizures.
This is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road in the event a CDL Class A driver were to experience a seizure while driving.
Drug Testing
No one should be on any illicit substance when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Since truckers operate such large vehicles, it is paramount they are not drunk or high at any time.
Part of the DOT physical exam will include a drug test to make sure nothing is in their system. This drug test will screen for marijuana, PCP, opioids, amphetamines, and cocaine.
Anyone who tests positive for drugs may be allowed an interview to explain an alternative explanation, such as having a prescription for their medication. CDL drivers can also expect to receive routine random drug tests throughout their employment.
Do I Need to Bring Anything to the DOT Physical Exam?
Plan on bringing a list of prescription medications currently being taken, as well as a medical history. Drivers also need to make sure they bring any glasses or hearing aids they use to the exam.
Generally speaking, a Commercial Driver should have little to fear, and as long as he or she goes in prepared, they can be confident they will get behind the wheel very soon.
If you are interested in getting a trucking job in the first place, then make sure to contact Duncan & Son Lines, Inc. Join a long-running, family-run tradition in Phoenix and be on your way to a fulfilling career.
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