Passed My 1st DOT Physical Today

Took my 1st DOT Physical and Drug test today! Of course I passed the drug test (don't do em -- don't want to do em) but I was a little concerned about the physical part. I'm not a spring chicken and have had back surgery for a ruptured disc, take blood pressure medicine and I have an irregular heartbeat. My family doctor has said that neither of these would be a problem driving, but I was still a little nervous. The doctor asked me about the back surgery (it was almost 8 yrs ago and I didn't have to disclose it, but she saw the scar), told her what it was for and that it hasn't bothered me since and she seemed to think that was OK. They didn't notice the irregular heartbeat which was my main concern. When my doctor noticed it, he did all of the tests and it just adds an extra beat now and then -- no deformities, irregularities or other problems, but I knew it could be a problem in a DOT physical. Blood pressure was 130/80. Good to go.

I then went to the Secretary of State and took the test for my CDL permit and passed on the first try! I am now almost an official newbie! Dropped all the paperwork off at WIA and am waiting for approval so I can start school. Our former neighbor is going to take me to an empty lot in his truck to teach me to shift since I've never driven a manual transmission vehicle before. I've been practicing with a plunger, but nothing is the same as actually doing it. Once I'm approved for funding, I have to do a 'skills assessment' with the school to make sure I will be able to shift a big rig. Won't be a problem when I team with my roommate because he has an automatic, but I need to do it for school.

Sorry this is so long, I guess I'm just a little excited and telling the dog just doesn't help -- so, I'm letting you all know

I'll keep you posted on my progress -- thanks for being here!

Keelady

 

The school requires a permit -- I believe all states require you to have a permit and a licensed driver in order to operate a commercial vehicle on the road if you do not have a cdl. All I had to do was go to the Secretary of State and take the test. In Michigan, you can take the test as many times as you need to, and you only pay when you are issued your permit. Of course, Michigan doesn't let you get away with just paying $25 for the permit, you also need a Chauffer's license -- which is another $35. There was no separate test for the Chauffer's license -- just gotta pay. I'm sure if there's a state out there that doesn't require a permit, then someone will correct me, but I know all of the schools I looked at either needed a permit before you start, or they spend the first day or so helping you study for it and you take the test and get the permit as part of your schooling.

 

I believe they only checked my MVR before allowing me to take the test -- to make sure I had a valid drivers' license. The intensive background check -- with the fingerprinting, is done before you can get your hazmat endorsement. I will be getting that after I get my CDL. The guy at the school suggested that I wait, because if I get my hazmat now, then the driving test to get the CDL is more involved -- I guess you have to make sure to go over certain types of railroad crossings and such. As far as I'm concerned, the less chances I have to mess up on the driving test, the better for me, so I'll get the hazmat later. Then, all I'll have to do is the fingerprinting, background check and take the test.