How to Prepare for Your CDL Physical
The CDL physical is a necessary part of trucking.
One of the first things you need in order to start your trucking career is your CDL (commercial driver’s license). Obtaining a CDL requires special training and a physical examination by an FMCSA-approved physician. The CDL physical is a necessary part of trucking. Here are some tips to help you prepare!
Do Your Homework
The CDL physical really isn’t all that different from your regular yearly physical examination from your primary care physician. Before meeting with the doctor, there are a few things you can do to make sure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible:
- Write up a list of all your current medications and supplements to provide to the physician.
- Take any prescription medications as you normally would; don’t disrupt your daily routine.
- Try not to use the restroom for a while before you go to your appointment, the doctor will need a urine sample to test kidney function.
- Bring a valid, current driver’s license.
- If you have corrective lenses, wear them and bring a copy of your most recent eye exam report if you can.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
What it Covers
During your physical, the doctor will do a variety of checks to make sure you’re in good shape to get on the road.
- Vision test
- Blood pressure check
- Pulse check
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Examine your eyes, ears, throat, and mouth
- Check for hernias and other abdominal abnormalities
- Check your spine for deformities
- Look at your general appearance
The doctor will also collect a sample for urinalysis. Sometimes that sample will also be used to perform a drug screening, but that is usually performed separately.
As the steps of the examination are completed, the doctor will check them off on the report. Once the exam is finished, they will briefly discuss your medical history and how that may or may not impact your ability to be a truck driver. If the physician signs off on your physical, you will be cleared for two years. Depending on what they find, you may have to come back sooner than that.
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