Navigating DOT Physicals: A Vital Guide for Commercial Vehicle Operators

If you drive a commercial vehicle, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules and regulations for ensuring safety. One of the requirements for all drivers of these commercial vehicles is to pass a physical examination.

Truck Driver

The DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is provided to make sure those operating these large vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally equipped for the job. It differs from other types of physicals at the doctor’s office in that certain metrics must be met in order to pass.

Do I Need to Get a DOT Physical?

Table of Contents

1 Do I Need to Get a DOT Physical?
2 What Happens in a DOT Physical?
- 2.1 Hearing Test
- 2.2 Vision Test
3 Urinalysis
- 3.1 Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate
- 3.2 The Physical Exam
4 What Conditions Would Disqualify Me From Getting Approved for a DOT Card?
5 What to Know About DOT Physical Exemptions
6 How to Prepare for My DOT Physical?
7 How Often Will I Need a DOT Exam?
- - 7.0.1 References

DOT physicals are required for the drivers of commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials, or that operate vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds. You may also need a DOT physical if you are paid to operate a vehicle that can carry more than 8 people or one that carries more than 15 people.

Generally, your employer will inform you that you need to schedule your DOT physical prior to starting your job. You will also be required to take it in intervals to make sure you are still DOT-compliant.

What Happens in a DOT Physical?

When you have a DOT physical, your overall health is evaluated through a series of different tests. They’re not unlike the kind of tests you’d have if you were simply visiting your own family physician, but they do require you to achieve certain metrics in order to pass and carry on with your commercial driving job.

A DOT physical will consist of the following tests:

Hearing Test

You must have good hearing to safely operate any commercial vehicle. The doctor will check your hearing to see if you can hear a forced whisper from a distance of 5 feet away. This test can be done with or without hearing aids, but if you fail it, you will be sent for further testing. The additional test is an audiometry test to determine your ability to safely drive for your profession.

Most of the time, you’ll be able to get a corrective hearing device and then be able to pass your DOT exam. If you require hearing aids, this will not automatically disqualify you from a commercial driving career. However, you need to wear them at all times behind the wheel. You can only fail the hearing test if you are fully deaf and can’t pass the whisper portion of the test even with your hearing aids in place.

Vision Test

Good vision is a must in this line of work, and you will be checked to see if you have at least 20/40 vision in both of your eyes. You can still wear prescription glasses, though you need to bring them and be tested while you wear them. The doctor may additionally test you for color blindness and the ability to distinguish between colors.

Urinalysis

Another part of the DOT physical will be providing a urine sample. This test is conducted to spot any irregularities or hidden medical conditions. Finding a medical condition in this way may not automatically disqualify you from taking a commercial driving position, though you may need to treat it first.

While the DOT physical doesn’t test for drugs, you may still need to submit a urine sample for that reason. This particular urinalysis for the DOT physical will check your blood sugar levels.

Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate

As you can expect in other types of medical evaluations, the DOT physical requires checking your vital signs including your blood pressure and pulse rate. The objective is to look for any abnormalities and ensure you can endure sitting for hours upon hours while driving for long stretches.

These checks may reveal hidden health issues that you weren’t aware of, and as high blood pressure is incredibly common, it can help you get things under control. You don’t have to worry if your blood pressure is not completely normal as you will pass if it is 140/90. However, if it is between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have this exam conducted more frequently. You may also be given a temporary medical card and be monitored over a 3-month period as you reduce your blood pressure.

The Physical Exam

One of the most extensive portions of your DOT exam is the physical exam itself. The doctor conducting this examination will take a closer look at you overall. Your weight may be an issue and they will likely ask if you have had any problems with drugs or alcohol.

Your mouth, throat, and lungs will be examined for swallowing or breathing issues. Your abdomen will be checked for any hernias or unusual masses too. Pulse will be checked for proper blood flow and the doctor may additionally look for varicose veins or check your circulation.

These metrics are important for a job like this that requires extensive sitting. The doctor will need to see if you have any damage or tenderness in your limbs and skeletal system. They also need to check for neurological issues like your reflexes, balance, and speech. It is also common to be asked about your required vaccinations and if you are up to date for polio, tetanus, typhoid, and others.

It is important to note that you can’t just go to any doctor for a DOT physical. You must schedule your exam with a medical examiner who is certified by the FMCSA to carry out this type of exam.

According to Southside Chiropractic a practice that is certified to do a DOT physical in Jacksonville, FL for commercial drivers if you are found to have any medical issues, the doctor will check to see if the condition is being properly managed and ensure it won’t interfere with your driving. As a result, you may additionally be required to see a specialist to help you manage the condition.

You should never try to conceal any medical condition in your DOT physical. Many conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, can be controlled with medication. In that instance, you may be able to pass your DOT physical if you can keep the medical condition under control. The only other option would be to file for an exemption.

What Conditions Would Disqualify Me From Getting Approved for a DOT Card?

Some conditions will not be a problem for passing the DOT physical. However, there are some that would interfere with your ability to drive safely. You’d be considered too much of a risk for this profession if you couldn’t hear or see well or if your medical condition caused you to lose consciousness.

Generally, those who have seizure disorders, unstable heart conditions, Meniere’s disease, uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure, and hearing or vision loss that can’t be corrected will not be able to get a DOT card.

Additionally, if you need oxygen therapy, use illegal substances, or use marijuana even with a legitimate prescription, you will be declined.

The medical examiner does have the ultimate judgment as to whether you qualify or not. There are exemptions for certain conditions, so if you get disqualified and are able to get your health under control, you can reapply and get approved.

What to Know About DOT Physical Exemptions

If you dream of a career in commercial trucking but fail to meet the requirements, you may be able to apply for an exemption. This will require having the FMCSA examine your employment history, medical records, driving experience, and other pertinent information.

The exemptions granted by the FMCSA are only for interstate drivers as it cannot exempt you from your state requirements. It will review your information and make a decision within 180 days after your application has been received.

How to Prepare for My DOT Physical?

For those that are in good shape and healthy, you won’t have to do much to prepare. It’s quite similar to going for a checkup with your own doctor who will be checking you to make sure you’re capable of operating a large commercial vehicle.

If you are recovering from a health issue or having something managed by a doctor, you will want to prepare a little more. Your weight may also come into scrutiny so make sure you are taking care of yourself.

For any health issues that you’re currently managing, you should make sure you have all medications up to date. If you wear glasses or need hearing aids, make sure these are all set to be accurate for you prior to your DOT physical.

In general, you can also watch what you eat prior to the exam. It won’t do you any good to gulp down fatty or processed foods. Cut back on drinking and smoking too to have the best chance of being in good health for this important health visit.

How Often Will I Need a DOT Exam?

If you’re first starting out as a commercial truck driver, you will need this exam. Once you pass and begin your career, you should always look after your health. You will need to take the DOT physical every 2 years, though certain medical conditions may mean you have to do it more frequently.