For truck drivers passing your CDL/DOT physical exam is vital. You need to pass the physical exam in order to continue to drive, you need to continue driving to continue to do your job, and you need to continue to do your job in order to continue making a living. With an exam of such importance it is easy to get nervous, which can negatively impact your exam. Especially the blood pressure portion. Even just the slightest health change can be the difference between getting certified for 2 years, 1 year, or not at all. As examiners, we never want to see this. Our goal isn't to fail you, our goal is simple, keep the road safe and help drives continue to safely operate their vehicles. There are things that you can do to reduce your nerves for your exam. You can focus on techniques that control your response to nerves and focus on being less nervous. You can also make sure that you are as prepared as possible for your exam. That is what I want to go over today. If you are prepared for your exam you will be less nervous and if you are less nervous you give yourself a better chance of passing. My 4 tips for preparing for your exam are below.
1. Schedule your DOT physical exam one month out. - Seriously give yourself a solid month before your exam. This gives you a set amount of time that you can apply the following strategies.
2. Start exercising for 20 minutes a day at least one month out. - I know this can be difficult to find the time for and to motivate yourself, but doing this is going to make a huge difference even over just a one month period of time. Exercising for 20 minutes a day for one month can potentially help you lower your blood pressure, improve control of your blood sugar, and overall lower the amount of stress that you feel. All of this together is going to give you an optimal chance of passing your CDL exam.
3. Change up your diet at least one-month out.- Just like starting an exercise routine this can be difficult to do but will make a world of a difference. You need to reduce salt, sugar, and most importantly caffeine and nicotine intake. Your body can take some time to adapt to these changes. Doing this one week out can actually hurt your chances of passing, but doing this one month out gives your body time to adjust and will improve your chance of passing the DOTphysical.
4. Prepare everything that you need. - On the date of your exam if you want to pass that day you will need a few things. Get yourself a folder and put all of the records you need together so that you don’t have to stress out over finding them the night before. If you have medical issues you will need doctors’ notes and a list of medications. You will also need your driver’s license, an up to date eyeglass prescription (if necessary), and up to date hearing aid prescription (if necessary). Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork and prescriptions leading up to the exam.
- Dr. Alex Tauberg D.C. is the owner of Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation and performs CDL DOT Physical Exams in Pittsburgh.