5 Reasons You Would Need a DOT Physical

1. Vision Testing

Under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation, good vision is required to drive and operate a commercial vehicle. The DOT physical exam requires drivers to have 20/40 vision with or without the use of corrective lenses. This means you must be able to see at least 20/40 with both eyes, or at least 20/40 with either the right eye or left eye.

2. Drug Testing

Drug testing may be performed to ensure drivers do not use habit-forming substances that compromise the safety of themselves and others while operating commercial vehicles. Drug testing may be required for those who work for certain DOT departments with safety-sensitive positions, including the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Railroad Administration.DOT-regulated drug tests are required to use urine samples only.

DOT drug tests screen for cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, THC, marijuana, and PCP. Those who test positive for these drugs may be interviewed to determine whether an alternative medical explanation can be provided for substances found in the urinalysis.

3. Hearing Testing

Good hearing is required to drive and operate a commercial vehicle under the DOT. The DOT physical requires you to be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear within a distance of five feet without the use of a hearing aid. However, you can still pass the DOT physical if you use a hearing aid in the other ear.

4. Brain and Neurological Screening

The DOT physical exam includes brain and neurological tests to identify brain damage and neurological conditions that cause seizures or seizures. People diagnosed with epilepsy or a history of seizures are not eligible for a DOT health card, even if seizures can be controlled. This policy is enforced to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers and other people if the driver experiences a seizure while operating the vehicle.

5. Cardiovascular Screening

Good heart health is essential to overcoming physical DOT. There is some evidence that commercial drivers and accidents that put themselves and others at risk of injury and death are more likely to develop heart disease. Blood pressure measurements can be taken to determine the risk of a heart attack or heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of health problems and accidental death among commercial truck drivers.

Drivers with heart conditions must submit a letter from a cardiologist to the DOT explaining their physical, medical history and a list of heart medications. People with a history of serious heart problems or who use medical devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers are excluded from getting a DOT health card.

Understanding a DOT Physical

Physical DOT is designed to check and test the general fitness of people who wish to drive and operate certain types of commercial vehicles. The DOT test assesses your physical, mental and emotional health so you can safely operate commercial vehicles without endangering yourself or others. Each state has its own physical DOT standards.

A DOT doctor is required for those who wish to drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people or who are hired to drive a vehicle that carries more than eight people. Those wishing to transport dangerous goods or operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds must have a physical DOT.

Those who meet the physical DOT requirements will receive a medical card or DOT certificate which is valid for up to 24 months.

Risks of a DOT Physical

DOT is physically harmless and poses no serious health or medical risk. A doctor performing an examination may ask you questions about your health that make you uncomfortable, such as a history of mental illness or drug use. You will be asked to provide a urine sample and perform a hernia test, which requires the doctor to place their hand on your pelvis.

What to Expect With a DOT Physical

During your appointment for a DOT physical examination, the examiner will evaluate your mental and physical health to ensure that there are no medical conditions that will affect your ability to drive and operate a vehicle safely. The doctor will perform several tests to check blood pressure, vision, hearing, digestion and mental health. You may also have a urine test for diabetes and drug use.

Physical DOT can take 30 minutes to an hour. Leaders with medical conditions are required to bring appropriate documents and equipment to the appointment.

Drivers need to report any known medical conditions to their doctor during a DOT check. In some cases, failure to disclose certain medical conditions may result in disqualification from the DOT medical card and legal penalties.

Where can you get a DOT Exam?

While you can take the LG test at your office, depending on your schedule, it may be best to stop by your local emergency care center. This service has long hours, so you can schedule an appointment when you feel comfortable.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about a DOT Physical

• How often do I need a DOT physical?
• What happens if I fail the DOT physical?
• Can any of my medical conditions be waived to pass the DOT physical?
• What medical conditions disqualify me from passing the DOT physical?
• Will my DOT medical card be valid to use in other states?
• Will drug testing be included in my DOT physical?