DMV tests and DOT physical before joining a school ??

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by leedesp, May 11, 2025.

  1. leedesp

    leedesp Bobtail Member

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    I am in the process of choosing a school near me and during this time I have already started studying
    for the DMV General knowledge, Combo and Air brakes tests using the APPS and youtube videos.

    My question is, should I go get my DOT physical done and do the DMV tests before joining a school?

    Thanks for advice!
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    What is the school policy?
    Most want you to at least get the CDL Permit and have that on day one.
     
  4. leedesp

    leedesp Bobtail Member

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    I have written emails to both of the schools I am choosing between to ask them if its permitted to do it before joining or if I need to do it through them still waiting on responses due to it being the weekend. I will call tomorrow if no answers by then.
     
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  5. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    I would follow the school's lead. Physicals are at least 100 dollars. It would suck if you got one and then have the school not accept it.
     
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  6. larry_minn

    larry_minn Light Load Member

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    Yes. On other hand if he has a disqualification medical. Why pay $4k? For nothing?
    But often medical can get wavers. Fuel guy. One eye. Cancer as child IIRC. He had driven pickup, trailer, other decades, truck exempt. His Dr signed off. He knew how to use depth perception better than 2 eyed folks. Driving fuel tanker.
     
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  7. wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    My school you had to have a med card. It was a tech school not a mill.
     
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  8. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    Good point. I was assuming he already knew he would pass. But I would also hope the school wouldn't admit him without a card. If they did I'm thinking he would have a lawsuit to bring if they tried to keep his money.
     
  9. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    I would go all in before joining the school. Even as far as taking the test for the permit. If the school tells you, that you still have to do the whole course, you’ll be ahead of the game.
     
  10. wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    Me and another guy had our permits already so we got to play around on the simulators while the other guys studied for their permit.
     
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  11. Antinomian

    Antinomian Road Train Member

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    I did it all before hand. All I had to do for the school was a drug test. They can't make you take the DMV tests over but maybe they can the physical. What would it matter though if they're paying for it.
     
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