What to Expect During a DOT Physical
Saturday, October 29th, 2022
If you’re a commercial motor vehicle driver or considering becoming one, you’ll need to undergo a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical. Understanding what to expect from this physical can help you complete it more quickly and easily.
What is a DOT Physical?
DOT physicals are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, for commercial motor vehicle drivers. This physical is required to ensure that the driver is in adequate physical, mental, and emotional health to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Commercial drivers must pass a DOT physical and have a valid commercial driver’s license to legally operate their vehicles.
What’s Included in a DOT Physical
DOT physicals include the following steps:
- A vision exam
- Drivers must have a minimum of 20/40 acuity in each eye and 70” peripheral in the horizontal meridian.
- A hearing exam
- Drivers have to perceive a forced whisper at a maximum distance of five feet.
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure and pulse rate test
- Physical exam, which covers:
- General Appearance
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth and throat
- Chest and lungs
- Abdomen and viscera
- Vascular system
- Genito-urinary
- Extremities
- Spine and musculoskeletal system
- Neurological system
Upon passing your DOT physical, you’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from your physician.
Do I Need To Bring Anything To My DOT Physical?
If you have certain underlying conditions, you may need to bring materials to your DOT physical. These materials include:
- Hearing aids for drivers with hearing problems
- Glasses and/or contacts for drivers with vision problems
- The most recent lab results from HgAIC and blood sugar logs for drivers with diabetes
- A letter from a cardiologist including current medications and medical history for drivers with heart problems
At Suncoast Urgent Care, we provide DOT physical exams from FMCSA-certified medical examiners. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!