DOT Physical
If you’re a bus or truck driver, you’ve most likely heard of the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Required to ensure the public’s safety and your safety, this check-up verifies employees are in the best of health to work safely. Here’s everything you need to know about the DOT physical.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates a DOT physical for everyone applying for a commercial vehicle driver’s license. This requirement extends to individuals who operate vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers or more than eight passengers if the driver is paid. Additionally, it applies to drivers of vehicles that transport hazardous materials and require a placard.
Moreover, the DOT physical is necessary for those who operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more. This ensures that commercial vehicle drivers meet the necessary health and safety standards to handle the responsibilities and risks associated with operating large or potentially dangerous vehicles. The DOT physical is a critical measure in promoting road safety and protecting both drivers and the general public.
What Does a DOT Physical Consist Of?
All DOT physicals must be completed by a medical examiner licensed by the FMCSA. In the first part of the physical, you will need to fill out a medical examination form with your detailed medical history. This form can also be filled before the appointment to save time.
For the medical checkup, your doctor will test:
- Hearing
- Vision
- Blood pressure
- Urinalysis (drug testing)
- External and internal health including, but not limited to: motor skills, lungs, neurological reflexes, heart conditions, sleep apnea, and limb impairments.
What to Bring to a DOT Physical
Before you come to your physical, bring a complete list of all medications with dosage amounts and the prescribing doctors’ names and addresses. If you’re a driver with medical issues, you’ll have to bring documentation from your physician. Below are a few examples:
Drivers With Vision or Hearing Problems:
- Bring contact lenses, glasses, or any device you normally use to see
- Hearing aids
Drivers With Heart Issues, Brain Tumors, or Previous History of Strokes:
- A detailed history of your health and a letter that designates you as safe to work from your cardiologist or neurologist.
- For heart issues, results from a recent stress test or cardiogram test
Drivers With Permanent Limb Loss:
- A Skilled Performance Examination (SPE)
- An overview from your doctor about any work restrictions of the injury
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