DOT Physicals

                            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PHYSICALS

What is a DOT exam?
If you get paid to operate a motor vehicle, it’s likely you are required to periodically receive a DOT physical, or a DOT exam. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires professionals, such as truck and bus drivers, to take these exams in order to obtain and maintain a commercial driving license to ensure nothing negative may impact the driver while they are operating a vehicle.

To comply with federal law, a qualified examiner – a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner – must complete your DOT physical.

Julie Caley and Dr. Badar Zaheer are qualified examiners who can conduct your DOT physical at Limra Medical Group.

Do You Need An Exam?
A DOT exam is required by law if you:

• Operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people.
• Are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 8 people.
• Operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds.
• Transport hazardous materials that require your vehicle to be placarded.

During The DOT Exam
Before the appointment, you’ll fill out the Medical Examination Report form (this will be given to you by Julie Caley/Dr. Badar Zaheer). Use the form to indicate any prior or current health conditions with full honesty or your license may be revoked.
During your appointment for a DOT physical, the examiner will assess your physical and mental health to ensure no medical conditions will interfere with your ability to drive and operate a vehicle safely. The doctor may then perform a series of tests to check the following:

• Blood Pressure – checking blood pressure as well as pulse
• Vision – ensuring you have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye
• Hearing – the ability to perceive a “forced whisper” from at least 5 ft away
• Mouth and Throat – checking for problems when breathing and swallowing
• Neurological Exam- to check if your coordination and reflexes are not impaired
• Heart and Lungs – for heart murmurs and impaired respiratory functions
• Abdomen – press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
• Urinalysis – for indications of underlying medical conditions
• Hernia Check
• Check For Spine Deformities

Drivers who have existing medical conditions are urged to bring the appropriate related documents and items with them to the appointment.

Drivers are also required to disclose all known health conditions with their doctors at the time of the DOT exam.

                                                 ASPECTS OF THE DOT EXAM

Vision Testing
Under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation, good vision is required to drive and operate a commercial vehicle. The DOT physical requires drivers to have 20/40 vision with or without the use of corrective lenses. Those with mono-vision may be disqualified from getting a DOT medical card.

Drug Testing
Drug testing may be performed to ensure drivers do not use habit-forming substances that compromise the safety of themselves and others while operating commercial vehicles. Drug testing may be required for those who work for certain DOT departments with safety-sensitive positions, including the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Railroad Administration. DOT-regulated drug tests are required to use urine samples only. DOT drug tests screen for cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, THC, marijuana, and PCP. Those who test positive for these drugs may be interviewed to determine whether an alternative medical explanation can be provided for substances found in the urinalysis.

Ear Testing
Good hearing is required to drive and operate a commercial vehicle under the DOT. The DOT physical requires you to be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear within a distance of five feet without the use of a hearing aid. However, you can still pass the DOT physical if you use a hearing aid in the other ear.

Brain and Neurological Screening
A DOT physical includes brain and neurological screening to identify brain injuries and neurological disorders that cause epilepsy or seizures. People diagnosed with epilepsy or who have a history of seizures will be disqualified from receiving a DOT medical card, even if seizures can be controlled.

Cardiovascular Screening
Good heart health is required to pass the DOT physical. Blood pressure readings may be taken to assess the risk for heart attack or heart disease. Drivers with heart-related issues are required to bring a letter from their cardiologist to the DOT physical that outlines their medical history and list of heart medications. Those who have a history of serious heart problems or who use medical devices like defibrillators and pacemakers may be disqualified from receiving a DOT medical card.

How often do you need a DOT exam?
Most certificates are good for two years. However, if you have low blood pressure or high blood pressure, or any other condition that may inhibit your ability to drive, you may receive a 1-year certificate. And if you have very high blood pressure or other treatable conditions, you may receive a 3-month certificate. After 3 months, if you show improvement in that condition, you’ll be eligible to get a 1 or 2-year certificate.