Medical marijuana is scientifically proven to aid people with certain physical and mental illnesses. And, like many medicines, whether derived from plants or chemically created, marijuana has side effects. Is prescribed marijuana legal when driving with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)? Can CDL drivers use marijuana on vacations and days off? What happens if a…
If you have your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you may need a physical exam. Your blood pressure is a vital aspect of the physical and an important indicator of your health. Untreated high or low blood pressure can lead to avoidable accidents, so it’s important to know your blood pressure is within the acceptable range….
Without commercial drivers like you, grocery stores would be bare, fast food chains wouldn’t have ingredients to supersize meals, and gas stations wouldn’t have fuel to get everyone to their destinations. You know your career is vital for everyone’s lives, but it shouldn’t jeopardize your mental health. You face several challenges in your job: long…
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial drivers to have routine physicals to ensure they are healthy enough to drive without endangering themselves or the public. A variety of healthcare professionals can administer these exams. However, to become a DOT medical examiner, you must meet specific requirements. Only certain medical professionals can become a medical…
If you are a professional driver, your employer and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have various regulations you must follow to keep your commercial driver’s license in good standing and operate a commercial vehicle safely. One policy they take seriously is their requirements for drug and alcohol screening. Here is some critical information about the…
Even though the Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the guidelines and regulations, employers have responsibilities to ensure compliance. You must take the initiative to prevent your employees from using drugs and alcohol, especially in safety-sensitive jobs. If your company falls under DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, here is some need-to-know information for your program:…
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 28% of commercial truck drivers have sleep apnea. As a driver in the trucking industry, you are highly susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because of the demands of your job. You are sitting for long periods while driving with fewer healthy diet options available when…
In addition to your commercial driver’s license, the DOT (Department of Transportation) requires a medical examination to certify that you can operate commercial vehicles safely. The process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially with many interchangeable terms. Here are some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion you may have about the procedure: 1….
Eye exams are a part of DOT physicals, and a certified medical examiner must perform them. These eye exams measure the driver’s visual perception. If you are applying for your commercial driver’s license, you must pass the eye exam before you start your CDL training. You can search for a “DOT physical near me” to…
You have done everything right: found a certified examiner, hydrated, avoided caffeine and tobacco before your appointment, brought your medications, and disclosed your pertinent medical history. You never expected to have a problem. But then, something goes wrong, and the examiner fails you. You’re spiraling, worried you are going to lose your job. If you…