Dot physical

The physical is good for 2 or 3 years I believe. As for the drug test, those can be anytime. I got tested before school then 3 weeks later got picked for a random.

 

I would ask the school, what do they have set up? The only additional cost to me was at the DMV for the permit/license, the company paid for everything else as needed.

 

as a CDL permit holder, you are subjected to all the rules a licensed CDL driver has. so just to get the permit, yes, you need the DOT health card and a drug screen.

now this varies...some employers, especially a smaller outfit may accept your DOT health card you just got. they do go for 2 years, UNLESS one has a health issue like blood pressure or diabetes, then you usually just get a 1 year card..

(there are instances where you might only get a 3 month card, if it is found that you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes which then you would want to seek out your own doctor, then later you'll be able to only get that one year card from that point on...)

now employers DO NOT HAVE to accept your current health card. they will send you for a new physical, which they pay for, so that should not be a problem for you...

and you WILL ALWAYS BE DRUG TESTED....pre-employment, random, post accident...

 

I was tested in the first couple days of training then again during orientation 2 weeks later.


As for random drug tests, they can happen when ever and you will only get a hour or so of notice most of the time. You may go a few years with out one or you could be like me and get 6 "random" tests in a year. I have never failed or refused a test in my life and I was called in 6 times for a drug test.

All the random tests happened right as I came back from home time. I called my DM out on it asking what his issue was with me. He said he had nothing to do with it but I didn't get another test for 1.5 years.

 

Most cases school should provide the DOT physical on your first day but all depends where you go to.I know Roadmaster does it on first day,some smaller trucking school may not.More likely you get a DOT physical with any large starting company on your first day also.DOT medical cards are good from 1-2 years,if your in good health,more likely every 2 years,for me and anyone with a minor medical issue,I have high blood pressure,doc only give me a 1 year DOT card.All depends on your health.

 

The CDL school I went to had you go get your DOT physical and drug test before you signed anything. That's a good plan... find out if you're still alive before you start handing over money!

 

Perhaps a pointless comment but I'll rephrase with a little detail:

When I decided to take a cdl training class I believed I could pass a physical / drug test, I don't drink alcohol, use illegal substances, take prescribed medications, physical health is fair to good etc. I wasn't asked to take a physical / drug test before signing on nor during class room time that I recall.

It started as a class room setting, with paper work, text, tests and video study. The physical / drug test arrived later on in the course. A person can go to the dmv, grab a free book and study for a cdl with-out a physical or drug test.

So, in signing up and paying for a cdl class and behind the wheel training, using provided rigs to get your cdl, I would ask whom ever you signed on with what their requirements are and or be reasonably certain you meet all requirements to obtain a cdl and employment

 

I would be a little annoyed to go through several weeks of school then find out I fail my physical for some unknown condition and cannot drive.

 

All that random testing is necessary but #### it really sucks for those of us who have smoked the good green for years and its apart of our being but you gotta just let it go and realize whats more important thats what Im working on, I quit smokin and Im cool with it (>>kinda<< you know I stilll want to but hell thats life) Anyway for those people who have never smoked have this big misconception that you can't be a good driver on it and that only ppl that are immatture smoke and that is not the case. Smokin and driving is one of the most enjoyable things but hey this is a business and I realize that. How many ppl do you see on TV gettin busted for driving on the influence of marijuana >>>>>> wait wait wait ...almost none so there's your proof. Hell if you think that just cause you can drink a whole boat load of beer and you dont smoke green, which tastes and smells so much better than cigarettes 4 all time no matter what, that that makes you some sort of more mature person well alcohol causes more deaths,problems, and sends more ppl to jail than anything. So just because you've never had the liberty or the opportunity to really know what weed is don't walk around like your better cause you're a responsible beer drinker. To the ones that think they are so much better, give it a shot when you retire, it'll make your day and you wont get a freakin hangover...LoL anyway dont drink or use if your a trucker, well only drink when its the right time..#### I would be so pissed if they didnt give a piss test after like 1.5 yrs I'd be like #### I coulda smoked a J....anyway makin money is what counts not smokin a J, but #### Im tellin you Id much rather smoke the good green chill and laugh than get plastered and out of control like a crazed maniac, dont get me wrong drinkin's cool too.