DOT Requirements for CDL Truck Drivers: What You Need to Know

Anyone interested in becoming a heavy truck driver is in luck. Not only is the median annual wage a respectable $49,920, but there are also plenty of job openings projected each year. Some people may also enjoy the opportunity to travel on the road for days or weeks at a time.

However, there are very specific DOT requirements in regard to CDL truck drivers that you must adhere to if you want to land the job. On top of that, you must take precautions while employed to keep yourself and your vehicle safe on the road.

Here are some of those DOT regulations you'll need to know if you want to participate in commercial vehicle operations.

Minimum DOT Requirements for CDL Truck Drivers

There are a variety of truck driver requirements that a prospective hire will need to meet before they can qualify for the job.

For example, they must be in good enough health to handle long hours on the road without issue. They need the right licensing and training to legally handle a big rig. There are also routine drug tests that they need to pass to get hired.

Physical Fitness and Medical

One of the most important DOT requirements is that the driver meets a certain level of physical fitness. Even though driving isn't a physically intimidating task, it does require strong core muscles and good health if you're going to handle multiple hours on the road.

Every two years, CDL holders must pass a DOT physical exam that covers vision and hearing, blood pressure, medical history, and a urinalysis. Passing these tests will grant drivers a DOT medical certificate that shows they meet these standards.

It's equally important that CDL drivers stay fit even after they're hired. Over-the-road truck drivers are twice as likely to develop obesity, and they're more likely to develop other chronic health conditions as well.

Licensing and Training

A CDL, or a Commercial Driver's License, requires an applicant to meet certain standards. These include:

• Having a valid driver's license
• Be at least 18 years of age or 21 to drive across state lines
• Have a year or two of driving experience
• No active suspensions
• Have a valid medical examiner's certificate

On top of these, you'll need to pass written exams that cover all the rules of the road and regulations you'll need to follow. You may also need to complete specialized training if the job requires transporting hazardous materials.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

The DOT has strict guidelines when it comes to drug and alcohol policies.

Before employment, a driver will be tested for any illegal substances. This testing will continue throughout their employment at random.

A new driver can also expect there to be post-accident testing if they were involved in any kind of significant accident. If they violate these drug and alcohol rules at any point, they will need to undergo testing once more before they return to duty in the future.

DOT Regulations for Safety

In addition to hiring requirements, there are also ongoing regulations that both truck drivers as well as their employers must follow. These include areas such as work hours, vehicle maintenance, and record keeping.

Hours of Service

The DOT has Hours of Service regulations that are designed to protect drivers from getting overworked and becoming a danger on the road. Some of these regulations include:

• A maximum of 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty
• A 14-hour window to complete the 11 hours of driving
• A 30-minute break for every 8 hours of driving
• May not drive over 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days
• Drivers can extend the maximum driving limit by up to 2 hours depending on adverse driving conditions

Vehicle Maintenance

CDL drivers are responsible for monitoring their own vehicles to meet DOT safety standards. More specifically, drivers must conduct regular inspections before and after any trips. This includes checking brakes, lights, tires, and other safety equipment.

If a driver notices anything, they must report these issues or concerns to their company.

As for the company, it is their responsibility to maintain and repair company vehicles. They must make sure that they comply with all transportation laws and regulations as well as provide training and resources for drivers.

Hazardous Materials Compliance

The transportation of dangerous goods and hazardous materials is another area that requires strict compliance. This means receiving specialized training and adhering to labeling, packaging, and documentation requirements. On top of that, a driver needs to know how to respond to an emergency such as an accident or spillage.

A truck driver will never be expected to transport items that they aren't qualified to transport. The locations where they're picking up and dropping off the items will also have the qualifications to handle them.

Record Keeping

Proper documentation is vital not only for holding drivers accountable but for ensuring that DOT regulations are met.

For example, drivers will need to accurately log their hours of service as well as their vehicle maintenance reports. Drivers should also hold onto any medical certificates and drug testing records.

It's advised that CDL drivers keep this information as well as cargo-related documents in their vehicle at all times.

The company they work for will also need to keep all of this information on file just in case they get audited or the driver's credentials come into question.

Insurance

If a truck is owned by a trucking company, then they are the ones responsible for insuring the vehicle. This policy should also cover liability for injuries or damage to other people or property. On top of that, they should have insurance for the cargo being transported.

The driver is only responsible for insurance if they operate and own their own business.

Stay Safe During Commercial Vehicle Operations

All of these DOT requirements exist to protect the drivers and the other people on the road from sustaining damage or harm. As long as the drivers and the companies they work for adhere to these regulations, they can avoid fines and legal action.

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