What is a DOT physical?
If you're a professional truck driver or bus driver, you may have been told you need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
Mandated by federal law, DOT physicals ensure you can drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and handle long driving hours, varying schedules, and stress of operating large vehicles.
What is covered in a DOT physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the standard of what’s included in a DOT physical. The examination determines your general health, as well as your emotional and mental fitness, for the requirements of professional driving.
The FMCSA mandates all commercial drivers hold a certificate of good health by passing a DOT physical.
To meet eligibility requirements, you must choose a doctor on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Dr. Selby at Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic is a medical examiner and can help you undergo your DOT physical.
Do I need a DOT physical examination?
Your employer lets you know if you need a DOT exam, or perhaps you’re changing careers and want to be prepared. The following criteria require you to have a DOT physical.
- You drive a commercial vehicle designed to hold more than eight passengers
- You operate a motor vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds
- You transport hazardous materials
If your job is in trucking, mass transit, pipelines, or other transportation industry, the law requires you to pass a DOT exam.
How often do I require a DOT physical?
In most cases, the initial DOT physical happens during pre-employment screening. Some employers, however, may require an exam post-accident or when returning to work. Once you pass your DOT physical, it's valid for two years.
What happens during the exam?
Before a DOT physical at Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic, you fill out a Medical Examination Report Form. The form asks about the following health concerns:
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of hearing
- Blurry vision
- Brain injuries
- Neurological problems
- Chronic pain
- Heart disease
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Kidney disease
The DOT physical takes about 40 minutes. In addition to reviewing health-related matters, your doctor checks your weight, blood pressure, heart and lung functions, digestive tract, and coordination. Other necessary tests analyze your vision and hearing.
Get in touch with the experts at Lake Grove Family Medical Clinic over the phone or online to schedule your next DOT physical.
