Not everyone can drive a big truck, and that’s a good thing. Driving takes ability and skill, an ability to respond to uneven road conditions, weather, and whatever other drivers do to endanger themselves and others. To help determine whether a driver is physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created a physical exam that is a national requirement for commercial drivers. The doctor or provider giving the DOT exam must be listed on the FMCSA National Registry.
People who drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) or have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are required to pass a DOT physical exam every 24 months. The Department of Transportation physical is designed to show that you are physically capable of operating a CMV. There are restrictions on commercial drivers designed to protect everyone on the road. Here is what you can expect at your DOT physical and how to prepare.
Preparing for your DOT physical
- Make sure your provider is listed on the national registry and is licensed to conduct a DOT physical.
- Make a list of all your medications, prescription and non-prescription, along with the doctor who manages each medication.
- Write down any past health concerns you had and the approximate dates, including any surgeries and hospitalizations and the address of the hospitals. If you can print out the health history questionnaire before your physical, it will save time to complete it at home.
- Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, or your hearing aid if you have one. Your vision and hearing will be tested with any corrective equipment that you normally use.
- If you have diabetes, bring the results of your hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C) and any logs with your blood sugar levels recorded. People with diabetes can only pass the exam if their blood sugar is under control and they do not require injectable insulin.
- If you have a heart condition, you will need a letter from your cardiologist that states your diagnosis, history, treatments (including surgery) and medications taken for the condition. Bring EKG, stress test, or other cardio testing results from the past year.
- If you have had any neurological issues, including stroke, a seizure disorder, or other brain condition, bring a letter from your neurologist explaining the condition and your treatment and medications. This should include the doctor’s opinion on your ability to drive safely.
- If you have a permanent disability in your arm or leg, bring an explanation of the condition from your doctor, along with any work restrictions due to the injury or disability.
- If you take medication that is a controlled substance for pain relief, ADHD, or another reason, you will most likely not pass the DOT exam. Certain medications are completely excluded without exception.
At your physical, the doctor will check your vital signs, like pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. A urine sample will be collected and analyzed. You will receive a thorough physical examination as well as having your balance, vision, and hearing tested.
For caring doctors certified to perform DOT physical exams in South Carolina, call SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation at (803) 749-1111 for an appointment at our office in Irmo, South Carolina today.
