Passing The "Medical."

I'm wanting to get back to work after "having had" to retire a little early. How difficult are the medical exams to pass? I'm in my 60's, a little over-weight, but pretty good shape otherwise. Thanks for looking.

I’m 63 and was just recertified.

I'm wanting to get back to work after "having had" to retire a little early. How difficult are the medical exams to pass? I'm in my 60's, a little over-weight, but pretty good shape otherwise. Thanks for looking.

I'm wanting to get back to work after "having had" to retire a little early. How difficult are the medical exams to pass? I'm in my 60's, a little over-weight, but pretty good shape otherwise. Thanks for looking.

It's not difficult at all. Just a matter of not having a disqualifying health condition (FMCSA has a list of disqualifying conditions on its site. 49 CFR 391.41 is the code to reference) and having vital signs that are within an acceptable range. Waivers can be obtained for some disqualifying conditions, but not all. FMCSA site has information on that, as well.

Ty for your response.

I’m 63 and was just recertified.

I'm wanting to get back to work after "having had" to retire a little early. How difficult are the medical exams to pass? I'm in my 60's, a little over-weight, but pretty good shape otherwise. Thanks for looking.

Ty, I'll check out that code, but I was wondering mostly about the physical aspect of it. How "physical" is it? Do I have to do like 50 squats and 100 pushups...lol

I'm wanting to get back to work after "having had" to retire a little early. How difficult are the medical exams to pass? I'm in my 60's, a little over-weight, but pretty good shape otherwise. Thanks for looking.

It's not difficult at all. Just a matter of not having a disqualifying health condition (FMCSA has a list of disqualifying conditions on its site. 49 CFR 391.41 is the code to reference) and having vital signs that are within an acceptable range. Waivers can be obtained for some disqualifying conditions, but not all. FMCSA site has information on that, as well.

No pushups and stuff. It’s similar to a well visit check up at doctor. Eye sight, hearing, blood pressure, urine proteins, general mobility

Cool!!! I couldn't do 5 Squats or 10 pushups if my life depended on it...lol. Thanks all.

No pushups and stuff. It’s similar to a well visit check up at doctor. Eye sight, hearing, blood pressure, urine proteins, general mobility

How "physical" is it? Do I have to do like 50 squats and 100 pushups...lol

Some companies will have specific testing that you go through based on the job you want. When I did food service (very physically demanding) I was ran through several exercises lifting weights, climbing a ladder and several other things with my heart rate being checked like a minute after each. For most jobs that don't require you to unload by hand you'll only be expected to "duck walk" under the trailer to prove you can inspect under the trailer and double check the 5th wheel is fully closed. You'll also likely be required to prove you can climb in the trailer. Other than that your DOT physical is a vision test, blood pressure, urine test to check for protein/diabetes (pre employment physical usually uses sample for drug test as well) and then listening to various parts of your body with a stethoscope. The doctor that does my physicals does not check male genitalia for hernias but he does press on your abdomen. Your hearing will be tested by the examiner standing a few feet away and saying words in a forced whisper that you need to repeat back. The DOT physical isn't very different than a regular checkup with your primary doctor.

You appear to be in better shape than many of the drivers we see at truck stops. For most jobs there isn't any age (after you're 23) or weight discrimination. As long as you can pass a physical and are a safe driver there won't be a problem getting hired.

Cool!!! I couldn't do 5 Squats or 10 pushups if my life depended on it...lol. Thanks all.

No pushups and stuff. It’s similar to a well visit check up at doctor. Eye sight, hearing, blood pressure, urine proteins, general mobility

To give you an idea of how non-"physical" it is. There are handicap parking spots for trucks at truck stops. I have seen drivers climbing out of their cabs with canes and braces for walking. Plenty of driving jobs now are no touch freight, so there is little physical activity involved.

Some of us refuse to use the Handicapped placard for special parking even though we may qualify.

I recertify each year for the medical card without any problems so far. I usually park in the back row at the truck stops, too.