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Truck drivers must meet some requirements before they can start work. This article will discuss how to meet these requirements.
Trucker Education is Imperative
Truck driving offers an exciting career with a high demand for qualified drivers. It can be a rewarding profession, but it’s important to understand the requirements and the driver application form before jumping in feet first. In addition to specialized training, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before you can work as a truck driver in the United States. There are two options to obtain your CDL education: you can attend a private truck driving school, or some companies may sponsor you.
While attending truck driving school, you’ll learn the basics of operating large trucks and trailers. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in the classroom and during on-road driving sessions. You’ll be ready to take the state’s CDL exam upon completion. The written portion of the exam evaluates your knowledge of laws and safety regulations. At the same time, the road skills test requires you to drive a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a state-licensed examiner.
Throughout your career, you’ll likely interact with customers and loading crews to communicate with them about pickup and delivery details. Truck drivers must be able to speak clearly and concisely to convey information effectively. Likewise, they must be able to maintain proper records and paperwork by regulatory requirements. This includes logging logbooks, keeping receipts and expenses, and maintaining IFTA paperwork, among other things.
A Trucker Driver’s License
A driver’s license is a necessary piece of paperwork for any trucker. The United States government has set rules and regulations for truck drivers to follow, and a driver’s license lets law enforcement officers know that the driver is authorized to operate on public roads. Truckers must also pass a background check before becoming employed by a company and will need insurance when they get hired.
Most companies prefer that their drivers are at least 21 years old, and some even require that their drivers have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They will also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license type is required to operate large trucks, such as those used for cargo delivery. Truck drivers can earn a CDL at 18 and work intrastate, but they must be at least 21 to drive across state lines for most companies.
Getting a CDL involves completing training, passing written tests, and passing a physical exam. The exams ensure the trucker is healthy enough to operate the vehicle safely. For example, drivers must have acceptable vision (20/40 or better in each eye) and be free from conditions such as heart disease and diabetes that could affect their ability to drive safely. In addition, truckers must obey strict guidelines regarding driving limits and mandatory rest periods. These guidelines help prevent fatigue-related accidents and make the road safer.
Physical Examination for Truckers
For professional truck drivers, a physical examination is a requirement to ensure they can meet the strenuous demands of the job. The exam is a DOT (Department of Transportation) medical examination; only certified medical examiners can perform it. The exam ensures that a driver can tolerate the health risks associated with the job, including sitting for long periods.
The DOT medical examiner will review the driver’s history and conduct a thorough physical exam. They will check the driver’s vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse rate, and urinalysis. The DOT medical examiner may also check for diabetes and other conditions such as chronic back pain, lung disease, and sleep disorders like narcolepsy.
To prepare for the DOT physical, truck drivers should try to keep their weight in control and avoid foods that affect their glucose levels or cause high blood pressure. They should also ensure they take their medications as prescribed if needed. Drivers need to bring their driver’s license and medical history to the DOT physical, as well as any documents that may be required.
Failing the DOT physical does not mean that the driver cannot become a truck driver, but they must treat their disqualifying condition and wait until they have been cleared to drive again by their doctor. The DOT does have exemption programs for certain medical conditions, so it is important to talk with your doctor about them.
Medical Examination for Truckers
The medical examination is a very important part of the truck driving requirement. If truck driver isn’t healthy enough to operate large vehicles, they put themselves at risk for a health-related accident behind the wheel and potentially endanger other road users. Trucking accidents can be devastating and may even lead to fatalities. Thankfully, there are many steps truck drivers can take to ensure they are medically fit to drive.
A certified medical examiner will check a driver’s hearing (with or without a hearing aid), eyesight, blood pressure, pulse rate, and peripheral vision in a typical exam. In addition, they will take a urine sample and look for signs of diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
The examiner will also review a driver’s medical history and medication. Generally, if you have insulin-treated diabetes or certain respiratory conditions, the examiner will give you a one-year DOT medical certificate instead of two years.
The examiner will use discretion and medical expertise to decide whether a condition is disqualifying. However, you should bring your full medical history and any documentation that supports a claim for an exemption. For instance, if you are an amputee, you should bring your prosthetic limb and a letter from your doctor with proof that it meets FMCSA requirements. You should also bring any medications or treatment regimens you currently take.
