DOT physicals

Prove that you are fit to drive a commercial vehicle

Benefit not only you, but also the other people who share the road with you.

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WHAT is a DOT PHYSICAL?

DOT (Department of Transportation) Physical is an examination for commercial vehicle drivers. It is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of the driver and the public. Upon passing your DOT Physical Examination, you will receive a Certificate of Good Health which you'll have to carry with you all the time. The certificate will prove that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to handle the stress of operating a commercial vehicle.

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WHO NEEDS a DOT PHYSICAL?

Any driver who falls into these categories needs to undergo DOT Physical:

If you operate a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more;
If your vehicle will be transporting hazardous materials;
If you are paid to drive a vehicle designed to transport more than 8 people;
If you operate a vehicle that carries more than 15 people.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A DOT PHYSICAL EXAM?

It's okay to feel a little nervous if it's your first time taking a DOT Physical. To help you with this, here are the things that you can expect when going for your DOT exam.

1. Filling Out a Form

Before the tests, you'll be asked to fill out the first part of the Medical Examination Report Form. The rest will be completed by a medical examiner certified by the FMCSA and recognized by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. In the form, you'll indicate any prior and current health conditions, medications you take, surgeries you've had, and if you're using any substances. To save time during the exam, download this form online and fill it beforehand. Be honest in filling out the form. Otherwise, you might have your certificate revoked.

2. Vision Test

All drivers are required to have at least 70" peripheral vision 20/40 acuity in each eye. If needed, you can wear corrective lenses or glasses.

3. Hearing Test

Drivers must be able to hear a "forced whisper", at a distance of 5ft or less, on both ears. You can use hearing aids if necessary.

4. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

The medical examiner will check your blood pressure for conditions such as hypertension. They will also examine your heart rate for any irregularities.

5. Urinalysis

The urinalysis for DOT Physical is not for drug testing. It is done to check your sugar and protein to determine if you are diabetic. It's also used to detect any issues with your kidneys.

6. Physical Examination

Your medical examiner will be asking you a lot of questions. They will also cover a lot of different categories for the physical exam, which includes checking your eyes, ears, mouth, heart, spine, and more for any medical conditions.

Your medical examiner will determine if you meet all the requirements. If you pass, you will receive a 2-year certificate of good health. If you have conditions that will hinder you from driving, such as hypertension, you may receive a 1-year certificate. If your conditions are more severe but can be treated, you might receive a 3-month certificate. If ever you fail the exam due to a disqualifying condition, talk to your doctor on how you can treat it, before trying again.

However, there are instances when you acquire a medical condition after receiving the certificate. If this happens, stop driving, have your condition treated, and take the exam again.

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BENEFITS OF REGULAR DOT PHYSICAL EXAM

Screening for Diseases

Since you'll be undergoing a lot of tests during a DOT Physical, there's a great chance to detect underlying diseases. If detected early, there's a higher possibility of treating it.

Improved Lifestyle

If you want to pass the DOT Physical, you have to be generally healthy. This forces you to go on a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, minimize alcohol and tobacco, and aim for a better and healthier lifestyle.

WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN UPDATED DOT PHYSICAL CERTIFICATE?

You will not be allowed to drive a commercial vehicle.
If your certificate expires and you pass through a weigh station, you will be deemed out-of-service and won't be able to complete your delivery. This leads to fines and suspensions not only for you, but for your employer as well.
If you are involved in an accident without a DOT Physical certificate, you may end up losing your license for life.

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR A DOT PHYSICAL EXAM?

A complete list of medications you take, including doses and the prescribing doctors' names and addresses.

Bring contact lenses, glasses, or hearing aids if you use them.

Avoid eating any food that affects blood pressure.

If you're diabetic, make sure your sugar is controlled on the day of the exam. Also bring your most current diabetes lab tests and a record of your blood sugar levels.

If you have sleep apnea, bring a reading from a CPAP machine and a letter from your sleep specialist.

If you have any heart-related issues, bring the latest results of your stress test, echocardiogram, the other tests done for your condition. You can also bring a letter from your cardiologist which describes your medical history, current medications, and if you are safe to drive a commercial vehicle.

If you previously suffered from neurological conditions such as stroke or brain tumor, bring a letter from your neurologist indicating your medical history, current medications, and current neurologic state.

If you have physical disabilities such as a lost arm or leg, bring an overview from your doctor regarding the injury and if it will hinder you from driving.

If you take medications that cause sleepiness or blood thinners, you may need a letter of clearance from your treating physician.

Need a DOT physical for your job?

Take your DOT Physical Examination at The Right Spinal Clinic and take advantage of our comprehensive laboratory tests and equipments all in one place.

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