The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. It guarantees that you and other CMV drivers have the physical stamina to withstand the demanding schedule and pressure of driving a commercial vehicle. By passing a DOT physical you obtain a DOT medical card, that gives you the ability to drive large commercial vehicles.
The exam needs to be passed every 1-2 years for the duration of your career. Generally, the physical costs $85 – $150.
What does DOT Physical consist of?
The physician will check your medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle and what medications you are taking. The exam also includes:
- A vision check. Truck drivers must have 20/40 vision in each eye.
- A blood pressure test. Blood pressure must be at or below 140/90 with or without medication to be a truck driver for a 2-year certification.
- A hearing test where you are tested if you can hear a forced whisper from five feet away. This test ensures that your hearing is okay.
- A reflex and movement exam. The DOT medical examiner will look for conditions including spinal abnormalities that could limit your range of motion.
- Lung function assessment. If you have a respiratory problem, like asthma, you may need another lung test.
- A neurological exam. The doctor will assess your reflexes and coordination throughout this portion of the examination. Additionally, the doctor will look for any neurological conditions that can impair your ability to drive. You cannot undergo a DOT medical examination if you have epilepsy or another seizure illness.
- Urine test. You will also provide a urine sample during the DOT physical examination for a urinalysis. Underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes mellitus, can be identified through urine tests. Your sample won’t be used to test for drugs, just to be clear. Only at your employer’s request is a drug test conducted.
Here is a video of full exam for CDL medical card - If you experience the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which you periodically stop breathing while sleeping, you might also require a sleep apnea test. Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- -Heavy snoring
- -Gasping for breath during sleep
- -Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- -Morning headaches
- -Daytime sleepiness
How do I Prepare for a DOT Physical?
There isn’t much that has to be done to get ready if you’re in good shape and health. The DOT exam is just a doctor’s checkup to make sure you are healthy enough to drive such a large vehicle.
Make sure your prescriptions and medications are current if you are managing any health conditions.
*If you have hearing loss, bring your hearing aids. Also, if you have had a vision test, make sure you bring your eyeglasses or contact lenses with you.
*If you have diabetes you must bring the most recent lab results from your Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and blood sugar logs
*if you have heart-related issues you must bring a letter from your cardiologist that outlines your medical history and current medications that indicates you are safe to work.
*Medical records from any specialists you see, such as a sleep apnea specialist
*A list of any prescription medication you take, including what dose you take and when
You can fill out the driver’s portion of the exam at home if you want to save time on the day of the physical. Find the form here .
What categories does the physical exam cover?
- Abdomen and viscera (enlarged liver, muscle weakness, viscera)
- Ears such as scarring or perforated eardrums
- Eyes such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Extremities such as limb impairment
- Heart such as irregular sounds, murmurs or pacemaker
- Hernia
- Lungs and chest, not including breast examination (such as abnormal breathing, cyanosis, or impaired respiratory functions)
- Mouth and throat, to check for breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Neurological conditions including ataxia, asymmetrical deep tendon reflexes, coordination or impaired equilibrium or speech pattern
- Vascular system (irregular pulse, carotid artery or varicose veins)
- Spine and other musculoskeletal issues, including limited motion, previous surgery, tenderness, and so on
What Conditions Disqualify You From Getting a DOT Medical Card?
- Uncontrolled or unstable heart conditions
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder that causes dizziness
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Vision loss that can’t be corrected
- Hearing loss that can’t be corrected
- Use of marijuana, even if prescribed
- Use of illegal substances
- Use of oxygen therapy
- Some respiratory conditions
- Protein in the urine, which may indicate kidney disease
The medical examiner will decide whether or not you qualify based on some of these conditions. For some circumstances, you might be able to obtain an exemption or waiver from the FMCSA. In some cases, you might get disqualified until a medical issue is under control. You can reapply for certification if you can resolve of a condition that disqualifies you.
Where do I Get a DOT Physical?
DOT Physicals can only be performed by healthcare professionals who are certified by the FMCSA. All FMCSA-registered examiners can be found on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME),