Being a truck driver is all about being a sensible truck driver. A commercial truck driver is a "safety-sensitive" employee. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) asks every commercial truck driver to complete and pass a DOT Physical to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
What exactly is DOT Physical?
The FMCSA mandates a DOT Physical as a necessary medical examination for CDL drivers. The examination aims to confirm that drivers are healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle.
How are DOT physicals conducted?
A DOT Physical is a basic medical examination with just a few additional check-ups. The medical examiner will check your vitals and your medical history and thoroughly examine your eyes, ears, and lungs.
Both eyes should have a vision of at least 20/40. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, make sure you bring them with you so that you can clear your eye check-up seamlessly.
The ear check-up is a forced whisper test, where the examiner will stand behind you and have you repeat back to them a string of letters and numbers. You can use a hearing aid if you have one, just like with your eye test. In order to check for kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections, they will also do a urinalysis.
Who is entitled to do a DOT Physical?
A DOT Physical must be performed at least every 24 months and can be performed by any licensed medical examiner. If the medical examiner believes that a driver has a condition that needs to be checked, he or she may order a physical once a year or at any other interval. A doctor might want to keep an eye on conditions like high blood pressure or sleep disorders.
Can I get checked by my primary doctor?
If your doctor or nurse is a certified medical examiner, then yes. If not, a nurse or physician's assistant at your doctor's office may be able to perform the Physical.
Should I be worried if I don’t pass my DOT Physical?
Usually, drivers remain worried about their DOT Physical, but if you’re in good health, then you need not worry about passing your DOT Physical.
Even those drivers who have a history of or pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are still entitled to drive, but with certain restrictions.
The fact is, if you are suffering from something serious that can harm you or someone on the road or can turn into a safety issue while driving on the road, this could possibly mean failing your DOT Physical.
Health problems like extremely high blood pressure, high blood sugar, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and drug or alcohol abuse are the main reasons that don’t let a driver clear his DOT Physical.
What happens if I fail my DOT Physicals?
If a driver fails their initial physical, they can always visit another medical examiner. But be aware that the results of the physical won't likely alter with a new doctor, as all medical examiners must adhere to the same set of legally regulated standards.
Should I schedule myself for a DOT Physical?
If you drive for a business, your carrier most likely has this knowledge. You can always conduct your own research by looking up medical examiners who are FMCSA-registered. You may probably get your physical there as well if your local CVS has a Minute Clinic inside.
Is the DOT Physical a paid medical check-up?
Yes, DOT Physicals are paid medical check-ups. The cost lies between $50 and $300, depending on where you are getting your DOT Physical done. The best part about it is that most employers pay for their drivers' DOT Physical, just talk to your employer before getting your DOT Physical on your own.
Am I supposed to carry anything with me while getting my DOT Physicals done?
It is highly likely that the doctor will have access to all your medical records stored digitally. But if you’re not sure and might have undergone some treatment in the past month, then you need to bring the medical records with you.
And if you are unaware of the documents that you should be carrying with you, then you can give a call to your doctor before actually meeting them.
However, if you wear contacts, glasses, or use a hearing aid while driving, you have to bring all of those items with you for your easy and proper DOT Physical.
Hope Trucker Social has answered all of your questions about the DOT Physical.
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