What is a DOT Physical?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a thorough medical exam that determines if you meet the required standards to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), such as semi trucks or buses. These evaluations are necessary to ensure that you have the physical ability to safely operate a CMV, including your ability to hear what’s going on around you, see upcoming signs, and stay awake and alert.
The Department of Transportation is a federal agency that determines who needs a DOT physical. DOT physicals are generally required for anyone who drives a CMV across state lines. Each state also has its own regulations regarding the need for DOT physical, including for those who only drive within state lines.
In order to maintain qualifications to drive a CMV, DOT physicals are typically required every two years. Some may need to test more frequently based on their personal medical history, such as those with diabetes or sleep apnea.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Charter Clinic, we treat a wide range of urgent and everyday health concerns. Whether it’s illness, injury, or preventative care, we’re equipped to help, no appointment required.
WHY DO I NEED A DOT PHYSICAL?
DOT physicals are necessary to ensure that you meet the physical requirements to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Those who must complete DOT physicals fulfill a variety of roles that can be taxing, such as rotating schedules, controlling oversized steering wheels, maneuvering large vehicles in busy areas, and transporting hazardous materials. A DOT physical certifies to both you and your employer that you have the ability to handle the complexities of your position.
Who performs DOT physicals?
DOT physicals are performed by certified medical examiners who have completed further education in assessing whether someone can drive a CMV safely. Medical providers must re-certify every ten years to ensure that they maintain the high standards needed to complete these physical assessments.
What should I do before my DOT physical?
To prepare for a DOT physical exam, you should organize your personal medical history, including diagnoses, surgical history, and current medications and their dosages. Many primary care providers make these records available via your electronic health record.
If the examination report form was not provided by your employer, it can be downloaded directly from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Your employer may also require additional documentation for other common medical conditions such as recent A1C results for those with diabetes, a CPAP compliance report for those with sleep apnea, or a prothrombin time (INR) test for those who take warfarin.
What should I expect during my DOT physical?
Your medical provider will discuss your health history and may ask you for additional information based on the forms you provided. Some things to expect during the evaluation include:
Measuring your heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight; providing a urine sample for urinalysis; checking your eyes and vision; checking your ears and hearing; listening to your heart, lungs, and belly; observing you as you walk across the room; checking your reflexes.
What will happen after my DOT physical?
Your medical examiner will give you the results of your physical and explain your next steps. You may need to complete further testing or provide additional paperwork in order to qualify for your medical certificate. In some cases, a health condition may determine that you are ineligible to receive medical certification. Your medical examiner will answer any questions you may have to ensure that you have a full understanding of your results and what they mean.
SCHEDULE YOUR DOT PHYSICAL NOW
Insurance accepted (most major plans) and secure online bill pay available. If you would like to verify that your specific insurance plan is accepted before your visit, please give us a call!
OKC
TULSA