If you want to drive large commercial vehicles for a living you’ll need a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and a valid DOT medical card. This card can only be obtained once you have successfully passed a DOT physical, which you’ll need to have again every 1-2 years for the duration of your career.
can u beWhile the process of getting your DOT physical and medical card is straightforward, many people feel confused about the requirements they have to meet to pass. Below, we’ll talk you through each aspect of the physical so that you can comfortable and confident at your job.
What is a DOT physical examination?
The DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination you must undergo before being permitted to drive commercial vehicles for a living. This physical ensures you are physically and mentally fit enough to meet the demands of your job and can operate large vehicles or vehicles with passengers without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.
It includes the following series of tests and assessments conducted by a certified medical examiner to evaluate various health parameters.
1. Medical history
The medical history for the following:
- Prescribed medications
- Surgeries you’ve undergone
- Substances you consume – tobacco, alcohol, etc.
- Current medical conditions
2. Physical examination
The doctor will conduct a thorough checkup of the following for signs of any potential problem, impairment, or injury:
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth and throat to detect any issues with breathing or swallowing
- Spine deformities
- Heart and lung for murmurs or impaired respiratory functions
- Hernia or any abdomen abnormalities
- Extremities
- Neurological system for coordination and reflexes
3. Vision test
This test ensures you have adequate vision (at least 20/40) with or without corrective lenses and be able to differentiate between red, green, and amber. You will also need a minimum peripheral vision of 70″ in both of your eyes. However, patients with monovision may be disqualified.
If you do not meet these standards but meet all other standards of the DOT physical, you may be able to apply for an exemption.
4. Hearing test
You must be able to hear a “forced whisper” from five feet away, with or without hearing aids. If you fail this basic hearing test, you’ll be referred for an audiometry test which will further determine if you are safe to drive.
In most cases, you’ll be able to get a hearing correction device and then pass your DOT physical. If you need a hearing aid, you must wear it at all times while driving.
5. Blood pressure & pulse rate
High blood pressure is an extremely common health problem, and the DOT medical exam uses it as a key health indicator. It is important to disclose high blood pressure and any prescribed medications during the DOT physical exam to ensure your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle or conduct any other safety-sensitive work.
If your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you’ll pass the DOT physical blood pressure requirements with flying colors. Between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have a medical exam more frequently or be given a temporary medical card and be asked to reduce your blood pressure within a 3-month period.
6. Urinalysis
While many assume the urine test in a DOT physical is a drug test, it doesn’t check for drug use. The DOT physical urine test is simply to look for underlying conditions, such as diabetes.
7. Sleep apnea test
If you report having symptoms such as drowsiness during the day, headaches in the morning, gasping while sleeping, or heavy snoring, you may need to undergo a sleep apnea test.
As well as a range of other health indicators that can indicate that there is a problem that may put you at risk while working in DOT.
Do They Drug Test For DOT Physicals?
So, you must be wondering;why we didn’t discussed drug test in the above list because the DOT physical does not specifically test for drugs. The urine sample you give as a part of your DOT physical checks your blood sugar levels. Some employers will require you to submit a urine sample for a DOT drug test, but the DOT physical itself will not look for legal or illegal substances.
The company can ask you to undergo a drug test to prove that you’re not using any addictive substance that can inhibit your mental faculties, which can result in potential injuries while you’re operating a commercial vehicle. To minimize the onboarding time, the company generally have the test done with the sample you provide to show healthy kidney function.
Simply put, while a DOT physical does not include a drug test, the FMCSA regulations require all CDL drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to have a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. CDL drivers are also subject to post-accident drug and alcohol testing, random drug and alcohol testing, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. In certain instances, a CDL holder may need to undergo a drug test even if they weren’t the direct cause of an accident.
Although a standard DOT drug test isn’t conducted during DOT physicals, the medical examiner will review your current medications with you — including those you take for diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and recent surgeries.
Some of these medications may automatically disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle (at least temporarily), but that decision is left up to the medical examiner’s discretion, as well as the advice of your doctor. In these cases, your medical examiner will want to see a note from your doctor that describes your condition, the medications you take, and the impact it will have on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
If the medical examiner deems that the medications you’re on cannot be used while driving a commercial motor vehicle, you may receive a temporary disqualification. Once you’ve been off the medication for a certain period of time, you can then be re-evaluated for a medical card. In other cases, you may be granted a medical card, but you’ll need to have another DOT physical exam in the next 6–12 months instead of the normal two-year timeframe.
Trusted DOT Drug Test Near You
For accurate and certified DOT physicals as well as DOT drug test near you in Jurupa Valley and surrounding areas we recommend Dr. Arman Ghods. His team understands how stressful the process can be and is committed to providing total support and professionalism before, during, and after your test. They prioritize your good health with their knowledge, expertise, and compassion, ensuring you maintain your DOT medical certificate and commercial driver’s license with confidence.
FAQs
1. What is the most common pre-employment drug test?
Urine drug testing is the most common drug test. It requires a sample of your urine.
2. What substances are usually tested in the drug test?
Urine drug tests are most commonly used to detect alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine and marijuana (THC). Remember, this test is separate from the health-focused DOT physical exam.
3. How do I prepare for a DOT physical?
The DOT exam is simply a check-up by a doctor to ensure you are fit enough to operate such a large vehicle. If you’re fit and in good health, then you are all set to go. But if you are currently managing any health issues, make sure your prescriptions and medications are up to date, and have the right corrective eyewear and hearing aid if you require.