General CDL A Requirements
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DOT Screening Requirements
If you are applying CDL A Permit, you must be able to pass a DOT Physical. Once you have passed your CDL A Exam and hold your CDL A License, you will be required to maintain an up-to-date DOT Physical for the lifetime of your CDL License.
Many carriers will require you to pass a new DOT Physical when you go to work for them regardless if you have a current physical or not.
All drivers:
Many carriers will require you to pass a new DOT Physical when you go to work for them regardless if you have a current physical or not.
All drivers:
- List of any medications. Include doses and doctor information.
- If you have time, complete one page of the exam (driver’s portion) to save time at the physician’s office.
- Bring your eyeglasses, contacts or hearing aids.
- You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test.
- Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 on the day of your exam. If you do not pass, you may not qualify for your DOT Med Card.
- Your blood sugar should be controlled.
- Bring the most recent results from your Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and your blood sugar logs or other records related to your diabetes.
- Bring recent readings from your machine documenting proper use of your machine. You may need a letter from your sleep specialist.
- Bring at least 90 days of data. Date from the past year is best.
- You may be required to supply a letter from your cardiologist outlining your medical history and indicating you are safe to operate a DOT vehicle.
- You may also need to bring results from a recent stress test or other heart testing from the past 1-2 years.
- Bring a letter from your neurologist that outlines your medical history and indicating you are safe to operate a DOT
- Bring a letter from your physician of the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury.
- You may be required to take a Skills Performance Exam (SPE) in order to qualify for your DOT Med Card.
- You mill more than likely need a note indicating you are safe to operate a DOT Vehicle and medical record from your treating physician.
- Bring a recent INR (blood lever and clearance) letter from your doctor.
DOT Drug Screen
In addition to meeting the requirements of the DOT Physical, you will take a DOT Drug Screen on your first day of class.
When you go to work for a trucking company, you will again be required to pass a DOT Drug Screen. As a driver, you will also be subject to random drug testing by your carrier of employment.
The drug screen can detect small traces of illegal drug use including:
In addition, the DOT requires trucking companies and training centers to administer random drug and alcohol screenings for all CDL-licensed and CDL-permitted drivers throughout the driver’s employment.
When you go to work for a trucking company, you will again be required to pass a DOT Drug Screen. As a driver, you will also be subject to random drug testing by your carrier of employment.
The drug screen can detect small traces of illegal drug use including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
In addition, the DOT requires trucking companies and training centers to administer random drug and alcohol screenings for all CDL-licensed and CDL-permitted drivers throughout the driver’s employment.