- Any person 18 years of age or older may obtain a CDL A with Truck America Training, but you must be 21 years old to qualify for job placement assistance. Any person between the age of 18 and 21 may obtain a Intrastate CDL (meaning they may only drive a Class A vehicle within the boundaries of his/her home state). Any person 21 or older is eligible for an Interstate CDL (meaning they can operate a Class A vehicle inside the US).
- Must have held a valid driver’s license within the United States for at least one year.
- Must have a High School Diploma/GED or you must pass a test to determine eligibility.
- Must have the basic and fundamental skills to read, write and understand the English language in accordance with FMCSR regulations.
- Must be able to read and understand highway traffic signs and signals.
- Must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- Must be able to pass a DOT Physical.
- Must be able to pass a DOT Drug Screen – students must pass a drug screen on the first day of class.
If you are applying CDL A Permit, you must be able to pass a DOT Physical. Once you have passed your CDL A Exam and hold your CDL A License, you will be required to maintain an up-to-date DOT Physical for the lifetime of your CDL License.Many carriers will require you to pass a new DOT Physical when you go to work for them regardless if you have a current physical or not.All drivers:
- List of any medications. Include doses and doctor information.
- If you have time, complete one page of the exam (driver’s portion) to save time at the physician’s office.
- If you require corrective vision or hearing aids:
- Bring your eyeglasses, contacts or hearing aids.
- You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test.
- If you have high blood pressure:
- Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 on the day of your exam. If you do not pass, you may not qualify for your DOT Med Card.
- If you have diabetes:
- Your blood sugar should be controlled.
- Bring the most recent results from your Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and your blood sugar logs or other records related to your diabetes.
- If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine:
- Bring recent readings from your machine documenting proper use of your machine. You may need a letter from your sleep specialist.
- Bring at least 90 days of data. Date from the past year is best.
- If you have heart related issues:
- You may be required to supply a letter from your cardiologist outlining your medical history and indicating you are safe to operate a DOT vehicle.
- You may also need to bring results from a recent stress test or other heart testing from the past 1-2 years.
- If you have suffered from a stroke, brain tumor, seizure disorder or bleeding in the brain:
- Bring a letter from your neurologist that outlines your medical history and indicating you are safe to operate a DOT
- If you have experienced the permanent loss of use in an arm or leg:
- Bring a letter from your physician of the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury.
- You may be required to take a Skills Performance Exam (SPE) in order to qualify for your DOT Med Card.
- If you are taking any medication that may cause sedation or sleepiness or taking a controlled substance (narcotics, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication):
- You mill more than likely need a note indicating you are safe to operate a DOT Vehicle and medical record from your treating physician.
- If you are taking a blood thinner:
- Bring a recent INR (blood lever and clearance) letter from your doctor.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the DOT Physical, you will take a DOT Drug Screen on your first day of class.When you go to work for a trucking company, you will again be required to pass a DOT Drug Screen. As a driver, you will also be subject to random drug testing by your carrier of employment.The drug screen can detect small traces of illegal drug use including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- In addition, the DOT requires trucking companies and training centers to administer random drug and alcohol screenings for all CDL-licensed and CDL-permitted drivers throughout the driver’s employment.
