Hey I leave in a couple of days for school and was wondering two things. One is how is the DOT physical conducted, as in what all is involved? lifting, blood work, duck walking, urinalysis(drug and otherwise) turn head and cough? Also after you go through that and get through school does the employer make you do another one for them, even though they are the ones running the school? Don't believe I will have any problems, I am just curious about how it all works and what happens when. Any help is appreciated.

It always catches my eye when these questions are asked? Most of the time I think that someone is hiding either a medical problem or a drug/alcohol problem. The school will do a test to get you in and most companies will then do a more detailed test to see if you are what they want.

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

I will try to reply from memory without googling this subject. First, I complete a written medical history. Then, a nurse takes my blood pressure and heart rate. I believe the upper limits on BP are 140/90. They test a urine sample for prohibited drugs and sugar. I read an eye chart with each eye closed and then with both eyes open (in my case, while wearing glasses). I identify the colors red, yellow and green. My peripheral vision is checked. My height and weight are recorded.

After a short wait, the doctor arrives. He checks the strength of my grip. I do various bends to check the spine, and attempt to touch my toes. My balance is checked as I stand on my toes. What are they testing when I have to touch his finger and then my nose, etc. When I am facing away from the doctor, he tests my hearing by whispering, "Can you hear me now?"

Then we talk about his plans to retire in Mexico, and I get my new card and go back to work.

IT's a basic physical, maybe an agility test, urine test.

If their running the school that probably is your DOT and drug screen.

__________________



The Truckers Report Merchandise

This is very typical. they do vary some. SOme other things I have been required to do is run in place for two minutes then check blood pressure again. I sometimes have to do a little moe back bending and stuf since I have had back surgery. One time I had my prostate checked.... Personally I think the doc was just a pervert as I'v never heard of this being done to anyone else for a dot phys.

Oh and I have to have a tb test but that's because I'm in hospitals all day with my job.

As for the drug test it is urinalisis. Don't wak in with a pocket full of things because you will have to empty your pockets. Plus they will make you wait a god long time first so that f you are hiding urine it gets cold as they do test the temp also. Oh and they also test the urin for sugar to ook or diabetis.

Forgot one thing, and just hope he doesnt have a big finger

A DOT physician will take a few short-cuts when he realizes the driver is under the care of a family physician, a urologist, an otorhinolaryngologist (hearing aids), a nephrologist, etc. Younger men are reluctant to establish with a primary care physician. They think the DOT physical is all they need. The DOT physician will ask middle-aged men why they do not have a family physician. Us older drivers are getting the digital exam from our urologist.

I am considering going to a school for my cdl.... I have already obtained my Temporary cdl, from my Mi Secretary of State, on my own .... I also went to my family Dr. and obtained my DOT physical and drug test .... have I wasted my time and money in doing so?? will I have to go thru all this again ?? (written testing and physical) ?

the physical for sure

__________________

tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"if you don't HAVE the money to buy it, YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT"- DAVE RAMSEY

Depends on the school and the company. Some will not make you redo the physical if you have the long form. Everyone makes you do the drug test again. Just because you passed it then, doesn't mean you would pass it now and most insurance companies mandate a new test is done prior to you even being allowed in the truck.

My husband did the physical and drug test for school then went and had to do it all again for the company. 8 months later he went to a local company and had to do another physical even though his was current for another 16 months! He got laid off from the local job and went back over the road but this company only required him having his physical card so he didn't have to do that again. He always had to take a new drug test though.

Hope that helps.