Starting a commercial driver career is an exciting prospect, opening doors to numerous opportunities in the transportation industry. A crucial step in this journey is obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and a key component of the CDL application process is the physical examination.
This medical assessment ensures you meet the necessary health standards to operate large commercial vehicles on our roadways safely. Knowing what to expect during this examination can alleviate anxiety and help you prepare effectively, paving the way for a smoother and more confident entry into the world of professional driving.
What To Bring To Your CDL Physical Exam
To ensure a smooth and efficient CDL physical exam, it’s essential to come prepared with the necessary documentation and information. This will help the certified medical examiner accurately assess your health history and current medical status. Be sure to bring the following to your appointment:
- Your Valid Driver’s License – This is your primary identification form.
- Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable) – If you have previously held a CDL or have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate, bring a copy
- A Complete List of Your Medications– Include the names, dosages, and frequency of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
- Information About Your Medical History – Be prepared to discuss any past or present medical conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and significant illnesses. It’s helpful to have dates and details readily available.
- Names and Contact Information of Your Specialists – If you are under the care of any specialists (e.g., cardiologist, endocrinologist), bring their names and contact information, especially if you have a condition they are managing
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses (if you wear them) – Your vision will be tested during the exam.
- Hearing Aids (if you use them) – Your hearing will also be assessed
- Any Relevant Medical Records – If you have specific medical conditions, bringing relevant records (e.g., recent lab results and specialist reports) can help the examiner understand your health status. For instance, if you have diabetes, bring recent blood sugar logs and HbA1c results. If you have sleep apnea, bring your CPAP compliance data.
- A List of Any Questions You Have – Don’t hesitate to ask the medical examiner any questions you may have about the exam or the medical requirements for a CDL.
What the CDL Physical Exam Entails
The CDL physical exam is a thorough assessment designed to evaluate your overall health and ensure you meet the federal medical standards for operating commercial motor vehicles safely. The examination typically includes the following components:
The first is a review of your medical history.
The medical examiner will begin by reviewing the detailed medical history you provide. Be honest and accurate in your responses, as withholding information can lead to issues later. They will ask about various conditions, including cardiovascular health, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, diabetes, mental health, and substance use. They will then conduct a:
- Vision Test
- Hearing Test
- Blood Pressure and Pulse Check
- Urinalysis
- Physical Examination
- Assessing your overall health and well-being
The examiner will conduct a neurological examination and will assess your reflexes, coordination, and mental alertness to identify any neurological conditions that could impair your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Receiving Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate
Upon completing the CDL physical exam, the certified medical examiner will determine if you meet the federal medical standards. If you pass, you will get the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, with a 24 month validity. Sometimes, you may be issued a shorter certificate if you have certain medical conditions requiring more frequent monitoring. If you do not meet the medical standards, the examiner will explain the reasons for the disqualification and may provide information on how you can potentially address the issues.
At Truck U, we understand that navigating the CDL process can seem complex, and the physical exam is a vital step. While we don’t conduct the physical exams ourselves, we provide various resources and refresher courses to help aspiring CDL A and CDL B drivers prepare for all aspects of obtaining their licenses.
For information about our CDL courses, call Truck U at 702.533.3565. Or you can also fill out a contact form here.