If you’re a skilled bus or truck driver, you understand how demanding your work may be. You will undoubtedly be required to get a DOT or Department of Transportation physical test to safeguard your and the public’s safety.
The FMCSA requires commercial vehicle drivers to have a DOT physical test. This exam ensures that you can satisfy the physical demands of your employment. This includes the ability to withstand the health hazards associated with prolonged sitting.
You need to know if you’ve been advised you need a DOT physical.
A DOT physical is required if you:
Your DOT physical will be performed by a healthcare physician who will ask you extensive questions about your medical history, including:
You will have tests checking your:
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder where you stop breathing periodically during sleep, you may need a sleep apnea test. There are several symptoms associated with sleep apnea, including:
In addition, your doctor may ask you if you need vaccinations. These can include:
All drivers and candidates should consider the following before taking the Department of Transportation physical examination:
Those who complete the prerequisites and pass the exam are issued a 24-month DOT certificate. If you must take this test, keep the following in mind:
DOT physicals are available in a variety of formats. These forms are accessible online for drivers and employers to review before a visit. They are as follows:
You need to bring the following:
Here are some suggestions for passing your physical:
Some factors disqualify drivers and prevent them from taking the DOT physical exam:
If you fail the exam, you are not immediately barred from becoming a driver. Discuss your disqualifying condition with your doctor. If therapy improves it, make a strategy to address it and try again.
Driver exemption programs are available through the FMCSA for those with diabetes, impaired eyesight or hearing, or other impairments. Your doctor or physician can advise you on whether you are eligible for these programs.
Assume the medical examiner verifies that the driver is qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In that instance, they must submit a copy of the results and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate. The ME will also electronically transmit their medical report to the DOT, which will be included in the CDLIS.
Imagine a driver whose medical certification is about to expire, but they do not have time to update it with SDLA. As a result, CDLIS will notify them that their CMV driving certification has lapsed, and their licenses will be downgraded to “non-CDL.” A DOT medical card verifies that they passed the DOT physical test.
If a motor vehicle driver cannot fulfill the standards for the DOT physical’s Vision, Diabetes, or Physical Impairment section, they might be qualified for a driver exemption.
If you pass this test and complete all the conditions, trained medical examiners will award you a DOT medical card valid for a set length of time. You will lose your CDL if you do not have this card.
Conditions that impede your ability to drive properly may preclude you from passing a DOT physical. For example, something that impairs your hearing or eyesight might lead to an accident. You may also be unsafe to drive if you suffer from a condition that causes you to faint or be dizzy. Among these conditions are the following:
Some of these disorders will be decided by the medical examiner. For specific instances, the FMCSA may grant you an exemption or waiver. If you have a medical condition that is not controlled, you may be disqualified. You may reapply for certification if you can resolve a disqualifying condition.
The majority of medical certifications are valid for two years. If you have low or high blood pressure or any other problem that may impair your driving ability, you may be granted a 1-year certificate. In addition, if you have extremely high blood pressure or other curable diseases, you may be eligible for a 3-month certificate. If you progress in that condition after 3 months, you will qualify for a 1- or 2-year certificate.
Unfortunately, some drivers develop a condition (after earning their certificate) that renders it risky to perform their work duties. If this is the case, you must cease driving, address the issue, and then retake your DOT physical to safeguard your and other drivers’ safety.
The DOT examination does not include a drug test. Instead, the urine sample you provide as part of your DOT exam is used to determine your blood sugar levels. Some companies may need a urine sample for a DOT drug test, but the DOT exam will not search for legal or illegal drugs.
The DOT Physical exam cost varies based on where you receive it, whether you pay for it yourself, or whether your employer covers part or all of the price. In general, the physical costs are between $85 and $150.
Many companies pay for their drivers’ DOT Physicals, so if you’re about to move to a new company, ask them if they will cover the costs of your medical exam.
Yes, although you may be granted a 3-month license. Then, of course, if you recover, you will be able to obtain a one-year or two-year certificate.
If you are or wish to be a commercial vehicle driver, you must have a physical DOT (Department of Transportation). A certified medical examiner does this physical exam. It ensures you’re healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle.
DOT physicals are required every 2 years for most drivers. ProAm is proud to announce that it has started conducting DOT physical exams in Las Vegas. As a result, companies can evaluate their drivers efficiently and professionally at our highly equipped facility to improve their productivity. Please contact us at 800-674-9515 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also make an online appointment.
