The FMCSA also requires urinalysis, which looks at the protein, blood, and sugar in a urine sample to rule out underlying medical problems. Testing includes pulse, height, weight, and blood pressure. Vitals Testing and Physical ExaminationĪ large portion of the DOT physical is testing vitals. It is important to be honest when providing health history as there could be repercussions later on if the correct health history is not provided.Ģ. 1ĭuring a DOT physical, the driver will need to provide extensive background on their medical history, including past surgeries, medications taken, and history of health conditions. Here are the six things to expect during a DOT physical. What Should You Expect During a DOT Physical Examination?Ī DOT physical exam has many different components. Common reasons for giving a less than 24 month certification include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. However, if the medical provider determines that the driver has existing conditions that need to be monitored, they can certify them for less than 24 months. When Does a DOT Physical Need Renewed?ĭepending on the outcome of the physical, a certification can be valid for up to 24 months. To find a DOT certified provider near you, you can search the NRCME site. These are providers who have specific FMCSA training and are registered on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). Where are DOT Physicals Administered?ĭOT physicals can only be administered by an FMCSA certified medical provider. Intrastate drivers, or drivers that stay within one state, may also require a DOT physical depending on the regulations that are specific to their states. Transports hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding under the hazardous materials regulations.Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) regardless if for compensation.Is designed or used to transport 9-15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.Has a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating of 10,001 lbs. ![]() This protects your safety as well as those who share the road with you.Īccording to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the group who governs DOT physicals as well as the health professionals who are certified to provide these services, a DOT physical is required when a driver is operating a commercial vehicle across state lines (also called “interstate driving”), that: (that’s all covered in my book.A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is required to ensure that professional drivers are in good health and that they can safely operate commercial vehicles. I also ask if they have hypertension or diabetes sometimes it’s less stressful to get that out in the open! I also advise them not to smoke cigarettes, or drink orange juice before the exam. I pre screen each driver during the appointment, so they know to bring in their medications, CPAP reports, and if they are overweight or not. By this I mean, I have heard war stories of truckers being surrounded by an army of nurses, assistants, each demanding a different type of test result some drivers have told me that even though they called in advance, and notified the receptionist that they get nervous, and therefore, raise their blood pressure, their requests are often ignored! I give my drivers a relaxing tone of voice, but manner of fact. Yes, I do wear a white clinic jacket! But my aim is to have a pleasant, comfortable exam, not a rush rush “Let’s see where you screwed up!” type of exam. One of the biggest concerns that I address with my drivers is the “white coat syndrome”. ![]() Hopefully, it still has the “old world” charm of yesteryear. Did you check out my video? My waiting room is the grand room of a 1920’s duplex, which my brother bought in 1993. ![]() My clinic is much more relaxing, and driver friendly. What an experience! Happy to say, I am no longer the assembly line “Move ’em in, get ’em out” type of examiner. I have been doing the CDL examinations for over 2 years now at one time I was seeing 40-50+ drivers as an independent examiner for a local truck terminal.
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