What Does a DOT Physical Cover?

If you get paid to use a motor vehicle, you might need to have a DOT physical. The Department of Transportation (DOT) makes bus and truck drivers have this exam. You need to have a DOT physical so you can maintain or get a commercial driver’s license. That way, nothing will impact the way you drive. A qualified nurse or doctor will perform the physical. Read on to learn more about what the DOT physical will involve.

What to bring to a DOT physical

Commercial drivers will need to bring in a list of the medications they are taking. This includes the dose of each medication. The name and address of the driver’s doctor should also be brought in. It is often recommended for the driver to fill out the questionnaire about health history first.

If a driver has a medical issue or condition, some items may need to be brought in. For example, hearing aids, contacts or eyeglasses. If the driver has diabetes, then the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results should be brought in. The blood sugar log should also be brought. If the driver has heart conditions, then a letter from a cardiologist is also needed. This letter should indicate that the driver will not suffer adverse effects from working.

What the physical involves

The vision of the driver will be checked. It needs to be at least 20/40 for each of the eyes. If corrective glasses are needed to obtain this, they will need to be worn while driving. The driver will also need to have 70” peripheral vision in the horizontal meridian. This is measured in both eyes.

Next, the doctor will check the driver’s hearing. The driver will need to hear a “forced whisper” at five feet or closer. A hearing aid can be worn if necessary. This equals an average hearing loss of no more than 40 dB.

The driver’s blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. This exam is to find any high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. To look for medical conditions or drugs, a urine sample will be given. Finally, the physical exam will be performed and it looks for many possible conditions, including:

• Heart: pacemakers, extra sounds or murmurs
• Overall appearance
• Eyes: macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma
• Ears: perforated eardrums or scarring
• Throat and mouth: issues with swallowing or breathing
• Chest and lungs: problematic respiratory functions or abnormal breathing
• Abdomen: issues with the internal organs or weak muscles
• Spinal: musculoskeletal problems, limited motion or tenderness
• Vascular system: varicose veins, abnormal pulse or carotid issues
• Neurological: limb problems or balance and coordination issues

Get your DOT physical today

Your DOT physical must be completed by an examiner that works with the FMCSA. The goal is to see that you will be healthy while you are performing your job. The medical examiner will determine if you meet the requirements. Making an appointment today can help you determine if you are a good candidate to be a commercial driver.

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