How Commercial Drivers Can Prepare for Your DOT Physical

If you are a commercial pilot, you probably need to know your DOT body every two years. However, people with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or nerve pain may need to be examined every six months to a year. These physical elements ensure that drivers are physically fit to drive a commercial motor vehicle in a specific gross weight class for which they are authorized to drive. DOT physics follows strict guidelines imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial drivers, especially those who drive interstate traffic and all safety-sensitive vehicles.

Employees are in good health to operate the vehicle safely.

With these strict guidelines, DOT physicals can sometimes seem overwhelming, so we're here to streamline the process and let you know how to prepare for the exam.

What does the DOT physical exam entail?

A typical DOT exam includes the following: a review of your medical history, a general exam, vision and hearing tests, a check of the cardiovascular system, and a urine test to determine if you have certain diseases early and to monitor. Use of illegal drugs or substances

Resource Supervisors who are visually or hearing impaired are required to bring their own glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids. Leaders with diabetes must provide the most recent laboratory results on hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and their blood sugar levels. Drivers suffering from heart problems should at least bring a letter from a cardiologist detailing their medical history and current medications, as well as confirming that they are safe to operate. It is a time-saving suggestion that drivers fill out a medical history questionnaire before making an appointment at the clinic.

What Should Drivers do to Prepare for DOT Physicals?

Avoid Caffeine & Sugar

Since caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, it's best to have coffee, soda, energy drinks, etc., about 24-48 hours before your DOT physical. Also avoid excess sugar. High heart rate or blood pressure will result in restriction or even loss of privileged emissions, so it's worth giving these drinks a day or two. Use water as a drink substitute, which also helps flush your system.

Reduce Salt

Like caffeine, salt will raise blood pressure and also lead to water retention. Reduce the salt in your intake at least a week before the DOT your body to ensure that your blood pressure does not rise.

Don’t Overeat

If you eat a large meal for a DOT physicals Exam, you will have an increased amount of sugar in your urine. High levels of urine sugar indicate possible diabetes and may be recommended for further testing or restriction of use. Eat a light meal before the exam so you feel full, but you won't get a diabetes energy warning.

Prepare for the Intangibles

Be sure to drink water about an hour before the exam so you can pee, and if you don't feel like going to the toilet just before you leave the house. As I mentioned before, write down all the medications you take, as some medications can result in a false positive on the medication screen. Also make sure you block out plenty of time

DOT is physical, so don't try to run the process. Some people are so nervous about their bodies that they raise their blood pressure and heart rate. If you feel nervous, tell your doctor so they can take this into account.