While getting your CDL, you must have a medical card that shows you have gone through a physical and meet all requirements to drive the truck. You might not know that this fee will come out of your pocket and could be a bit more expensive than you were expecting. So how much is a CDL medical card?
A CDL medical card is going to cost $85. The fee goes to pay administration costs and keep the doctor enrolled as a US-certified DOT examination location. The testing is not invasive, and you are not required to be in perfect physical condition.
Paying fees and coming out of pocket for expenses could be all up to the driver. The most reputable Hauling companies allow for extra pay to offset costs like the medical card process. So read on and learn everything you need to know about how much it costs to get a CDL medical card.
Things Tested During Your Medical Exam
When you take this exam, it must be understood that it will not be like a physical fitness test for a branch of the armed forces. The procedure will be more like a standard office visit with your provider though they could take blood.
Some things covered in the CDL medical exam are:
- Eye Check – Having good eyesight is a good thing for truck drivers. The doctor will give you an eye exam that will determine whether you need corrective lenses or if you can go without them.
- Blood Pressure – Another big thing that the docs will want to check out is your blood pressure. Being a truck driver can be one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Having a healthy heart and blood pressure that is normalized will ensure that you don’t have any problems with arrhythmia or congestive failure.
- Mobility – Something that might not be expected is a mobility test. The doc will run through several movement drills with each of your major body parts to determine any gaps in mobility. This test will determine if you are ready to hit the road or if a stiff neck could keep you on the sideline.
- Drug Screen – Depending on the company you are working for they could also do a urinalysis for drug usage. It is no secret that some drivers have used illegal drugs over the years to stay awake at the wheel. Also, there could be a list of prescription medications that keep a driver from attaining a license.
A medical exam is a decent-sized hurdle in the CDL world. While you are not expected to meet a loft fitness goal, you will be required to alter your diet and regimen if you fail to meet the standards.
Ways to Pay for Your CDL Medical Card
Another big thing about the trucking industry is that most are self-starters who go into debt or out of pocket to avoid paying the fees for their CDL license. However, there are ways around paying out of pocket that can come with the company you are working for or the school in which you have decided to get your CDL.
A few ways to pay for your CDL medical card are:
- Enrollment Fees – If you are a new driver, the fee for your medical card could be included in your enrollment. Trucking companies are fantastic about helping bring on new drivers, and built-in medical cards could be included.
- Payroll Deduction – Some companies offer their driver’s payroll deductions to pay for their CDL visit. It takes tiny bites of your paycheck over a given period and accumulates until you never notice the large doctor bill coming out of your pay.
There is more than one way to get your CDL medical card paid for. Resilient trucking companies are always looking for new ways to attract drivers. So pay attention to your contracts, and don’t be scared to negotiate things like medical exams into them.
Conclusion
The standard cost for a CDL medical exam will be $85. However, there are doctors’ offices around the country that are willing to help you, and reaching out to them is only a Google search away. Be sure to talk with your trucking company and your healthcare provider to find out what works best for you.
There is no shortage of ways to pay for your medical card, but payroll deduction and enrollment fees are most prominent. Companies work these into their contracts and payroll accounts to encourage more workers to join the workforce.