WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER?
Are you looking to find a new, exciting career instead of settling for the next dead-end job? The field of trucking may be your next destination. But, before you can get started enjoying the scenic views of the country, you should first check to see that you fit the requirements to become a truck driver.
Not only are there federal requirements you must fulfill, trucking companies often have their own standards that must be followed. Being aware of these requirements will make filling out an application and talking to a recruiter both quicker and easier.
A high school diploma.
While a high school diploma is not required to get your CDL, some trucking companies require that you have a diploma or GED in order to work there. Check with the company before you apply to avoid an immediate rejection.
Meet medical qualifications
There are some medical conditions that will make it impossible for you to safely handle truck driving. Check with a medical professional certified by the Department of Transportation to determine if your health condition would be a concern for someone driving long distances and needing to pass a DOT Physical. Keep in mind that lying about a disqualifying condition is considered deliberate omission or falsification and will make your CDL invalid. These factors may not necessarily be immediately disqualifying but will require further discussion with your recruiter to determine your eligibility.
Criminal record.
An applicant’s criminal record is to be evaluated based on the job for which the applicant has applied. Each company will have different qualifications regarding criminal record. Contact the company you wish to drive for to seek out their qualification info.
Endorsements.
Depending on the type of cargo you will be carrying, you may be required to gain certain endorsements. These will require some additional testing and training but may come with a higher pay grade too. Do you meet the requirements to become a truck driver? Apply for Highways Heroes Driver Training Program. For a small fee, you can enroll in a CDL training program that can prepare you for a career as a Prime driver. If you’d like to ask a recruiter more about becoming a truck driver, contact Highways Heroes today. We will be in touch with you soon to discuss your trucking opportunities.
Under 49 CFR, part 391 § 391.41, the following physical conditions can disqualify drivers:
- Loss of a hand, foot, leg, or arm unless they have received a skill performance evaluation certificate
- Hand or finger disorders that prevent grasping
- Limb defects or impairments that prevent drivers from safely operating a commercial vehicle
- Diabetes mellitus, including insulin-controlled diabetes without an exemption
- Cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure
- Respiratory disease that could result in loss of consciousness
- High blood pressure that could interfere with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle
- Musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle
- Epilepsy and other conditions that could result in a loss of consciousness
- Visual acuity in either eye with or without correction of greater than 20/40
- Peripheral vision of less than 70" in either eye
- Red/green colorblindness
- Hearing loss that can’t be corrected to less than 40 dB or less from five feet away
Some disqualifying mental conditions include the following:
- Major depressive disorders with a history of suicidal or homicidal ideations, psychosis, or suicide attempts
- Psychotic disorders
- Antisocial personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Bipolar disorders
Under FMCSA rules, drivers will be disqualified if they use any Schedule I controlled substance. This prohibition includes marijuana even if the driver has a prescription for it. The FMCSA also states that a CDL driver who takes a prescription medication without a valid prescription will be disqualified.
In addition to the DOT physical, CDL drivers must submit a urine sample for a DOT drug test, which checks for recent use of the following illicit substances:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA, or MDA)
- Opiates (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, oxymorphone, hydromorphone)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Drivers can also be disqualified for taking any other scheduled drug, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and others that are habit-forming or narcotic.
When a CDL driver has a valid prescription from a licensed medical doctor for a non-schedule I drug, they won’t be disqualified if the doctor has advised them that the drug will not adversely affect their ability to drive after reviewing their medical history.
Read on and find out if you meet the requirements to start your career as a truck driver.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO I NEED TO MEET?
Before you get your start on the road, you will need to meet some federally recognized criteria. These include:
Being at least 21 years of age.
While there are some potential laws that would allow 18 year olds to drive semis, the current law stands that you must be 21 years old. Currently, 18 year olds can drive in most states so long as they do not cross state borders, but the minimum hiring age for the majority of trucking companies is 21 or older.
A 2 year driving history.
For every state you have lived in, you will need to provide a 2 year driving record. This includes any tickets or traffic accidents that may have occurred in that time. Each company has different safety qualifications. To confirm your driving record, you can request a report or abstract from your local DMV office prior to applying.
A valid CDL/able to pass CDL exam.
If you don’t already have your CDL, you must be able to pass the exam to get started on the road. Your CDL exam will include three portions: a road test, vehicle inspection and a backing test. Don’t worry about learning it all on your own – if you enroll in a truck driver training program, they will be able to teach you all of the proper procedures to pass your test.
MEDICALS
What Does a DOT Physical Consist of?
1. Vision Test
CDL drivers must have a minimum 20/40 visual acuity in both eyes. This can include corrected vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The examiner will also test to ensure the driver has a minimum peripheral vision of at least 70″ in both eyes.
2. Hearing Test
Examiners test the driver’s hearing to see whether he or she can hear a “forced whisper” from five feet away or less. A driver can pass the hearing exam with or without the use of hearing aids.
The forced whisper test checks to see whether the driver has a hearing loss in their good ear of fewer than 40 decibels.
3. Blood Pressure and Pulse Checks
The blood pressure and pulse rate of the driver will be taken. The examiner will check for irregular heartbeats and hypertension.
4. Urine Test
Drivers must undergo urine tests as a part of the DOT physical.
5. Sleep Apnea Test
Drivers who report the following symptoms might have to undergo a sleep apnea test:
- Daytime fatigue or drowsiness
- Headaches in the morning
- Sore throat/dry mouth upon waking
- Gasping while sleeping
- Heavy snoring
6. Physical Examination
During the physical examination, the medical examiner will check the driver’s:
- Overall appearance
- Eyes (to check for specific conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and others)
- Ears (to check for problems such as perforated ear drums, tympanic membrane scarring, and others)
- Throat and mouth (to check for swallowing or breathing problems)
- Heart (to listen for extra sounds, heart murmurs, and other issues)
- Chest and lungs (to check for respiratory conditions)
- Driver’s abdomen (to check for muscle weakness, liver enlargement, and visceral issues)
- Vascular system (to check for abnormal pulse rates, varicose veins, and carotid problems)
- Genito-urinary system (to look for hernias)
- Extremities (to check for limb deformities or defects that could interfere with driving)
- Spine and musculoskeletal system
- Neurology (to check for neurological impairments and reflexes)
DOT Disqualifying Medical Conditions
Drivers with certain physical or mental health conditions will be disqualified from driving. Depending on the disqualifying condition, however, they might be able to get an exemption from the FMCSA based on a statement from their doctor that they are safe to drive.