BSA CareXpress Urgent Care is here to explain what to expect from a Department of Transportation physical examination. If you are trying to renew or receive a commercial drivers license, this is the right place to figure out what you need to do.
Firstly, you need to know what a Department of Transportation physical exam is: a DOT physical is a health exam that is required for those who drive commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to obtain or maintain a valid commercial drivers license (CDL). It is a more in depth version of a regular physical, which includes checking the body and vital signs. A DOT physical includes a vision and hearing test and a drug screening to evaluate whether a driver is physically, mentally and emotionally fit to operate a CMV. A DOT is performed by a licensed medical examiner (like those at CareXpress Urgent Care :) and it is valid for up to 24 months.
A DOT physical is required by the FMCSA if you:
Drive a vehicle designed to carry 15 or more people
Are paid to drive a vehicle with 8 or more people
Carry hazardous material that requires your vehicle to have a placard
Drive on the interstate in a vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds
What to bring to a DOT physical:
A list of all your doctors' names and addresses
A list of all your medicines, including the dosage
Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, if you use them
A record of your blood sugar readings and your most recent Hgb A1C if you have diabetes
A letter from your doctor including any important medical issues or medicines you have.
A DOT physical examination includes checking:
General Appearance
Eyes
Ears
Mouth and Throat
Heart
Lungs and Chest
Extremities
Nervous System
Back and Spine
DOT exams are currently offered with OccMed (Occupational medicine) services at three CareXpress locations: CareXpress Urgent Care Canyon, CareXpress Summit, and CareXpress Urgent Care on Ross-Osage. Check in online today to get back on the road stress free!
The DOT physical is an essential part of the commercial driving industry and keeps commercial drivers and other drivers on the road safe. By being informed about what to expect from a DOT physical, you can prepare properly and ensure that you can confidently approach your exam. Also by maintaining a healthy lifestyle you set yourself up to pass the exam and have a successful career as a commercial driver. Stay informed, stay healthy and drive safely!