Everything You Need To Know About DOT Physical
If you want to operate big commercial vehicles for a living, you need a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and a valid DOT medical card. You can get this card only after passing DOT physicals Hackensack, which you must repeat every one to two years during your profession.
What is a DOT Physical?
DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination you must complete before being allowed to operate commercial vehicles. This examination guarantees that you are physically capable of handling the demands of your profession and that you can drive heavy vehicles or vehicles carrying passengers without endangering anyone.
Who needs a DOT physical?
All drivers must have DOT physicals according to the legislation if they:
- Transporting dangerous goods while displaying a hazardous sign
- Are paid to drive a vehicle with at least eight occupants
- Operate a commercial vehicle with at least 15 occupants
- Drive vehicles with a total gross weight of more than ten thousand pounds
After passing the DOT physical, you will obtain a certificate valid for two years. Annual exams may be required if you have an underlying medical condition such as obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or renal disease.
What does the physical involve?
The DOT examination will assess your:
- Health history
- Eyesight
- Hearing
- Heart rate
A DOT physical may also examine other health signs that may point to a condition that might endanger your safety while operating a commercial vehicle. Also, DOT medical examinations may include a urinalysis.
How do I Prepare for a DOT Physical?
If you are in good shape and healthy, you do not need to do much to prepare. The DOT exam is just a doctor’s checkup to ensure you are healthy enough to drive such a massive vehicle.
You might want to take extra precautions if you are overweight, recuperating from a more serious health condition, or are under a doctor’s care for a significant health issue. Depending on your situation and current state of health, you may need to make adjustments before your CDL DOT physical or bring anything with you.
If you are presently managing any health conditions, ensure your medications and prescriptions are up to date. Also, if you have recently had a vision exam, ensure you have the appropriate corrective eyeglasses; the same goes for your hearing if you have hearing loss.
Anyone preparing for their DOT Physical should limit their intake of processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco to ensure they are in excellent health when the time comes for their physical.
What should I bring to a DOT physical?
You should bring:
- Your medical record if a different doctor is doing your exam
- Medical documents from any specialists you visit, such as one who specializes in sleep apnea
- Copies of your most recent test results if you have diabetes or any related ailment
- Your vision or hearing aids, if you need to use them while driving
- A list of all prescription drugs you take, with their dosage and timing
What health issues can prevent you from passing the DOT physical?
A few medical illnesses are DOT Physical disqualifying criteria, which means you cannot pass the exam if they are unmanageable or too severe for you to operate a big commercial vehicle safely. These medical conditions include diabetes, sleep apnea, high BMI (Obesity), and hernias.
Call All Health Medical Group to book your appointment for a DOT physical.
