If you’re ready to become a commercial driver, you’ll need to be familiar with the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. This medical exam is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The purpose of this exam is to ensure that commercial drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate large vehicles safely, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting public safety.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
DOT physicals are mandatory for commercial drivers who:
- Drive vehicles with a gross weight of over 10,000 pounds
- Transport hazardous materials
- Operate vehicles designed to carry more than eight passengers for compensation
- Operate vehicles designed to carry 15 or more passengers
Since the demands of commercial driving require high levels of physical and mental stamina, this exam must be taken and passed every 24 months.
What to Expect During a DOT Physical
The DOT physical covers various health checks to determine a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The exam includes a complete look at vision and hearing, as well as an overall look at your physical and mental health. Physicians will be looking for any physical limitations as well.
Vision Test
During the vision test, an assessment of your overall vision, including peripheral, will be tested. A CDL driver must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes, but corrective lenses are allowed to obtain this. They also need to ensure that a persons’ peripheral vision is at least 70 degrees in both eyes to have the full awareness needed for driving a large commercial vehicle. Physical damage to the eye is also something that they will check for during the exam.
Hearing Test
Hearing is a key component to being a capable CDL driver, and this is one of the most important parts of the exam. Drivers must be able to hear a forced whisper from five feet away or less and must not have hearing loss of more than 40 decibels in their better ear. To combat this, drivers may use hearing aids if needed. They will also check for any physical damage to the ear.
Blood Pressure & Pulse Check
It’s also important for the exam to test for any blood pressure or other cardiac and vascular issues like irregular heartbeats or hypertension. Keeping blood pressure and heart health under control is vital as these issues could lead to a disqualification for a CDL.
Urine Test
The urine test detects underlying medical conditions related to the kidneys, liver, and diabetes. If someone has diabetes and is insulin dependent, they may have to make an appeal for an exemption to obtain their CDL. They will also look for physical abnormalities like hernias.
Sleep Apnea Test
Being able to stay awake and focused is another important part of being a CDL driver. If at the time of the exam the person experiences daytime drowsiness and fatigue, they may have difficulty in this profession. A person may also suffer from sleep apnea if they experience dry mouth or a sore throat when they wake up, heavy snoring, or gasping and choking while sleeping. These are all symptoms that would require them to undergo a sleep test in order for them to properly examine their health.
Disqualifying Conditions
There are several things that could lead to the disqualification of a person trying to obtain their CDL including mental and physical ailments as well as certain medications. The examiner has the discretion to make many decisions, creating multiple ways to proceed. Talk to the examiner about steps to take moving forward – managing the condition, retesting, getting an FMCSA waiver.
The DOT physical exam is a crucial requirement for commercial drivers, as it ensures that they are physically and mentally fit to operate large vehicles. By passing this exam every 24 months, CDL holders prove their ability to drive safely and protect themselves and others on the road. If someone is due for a DOT physical, they should prepare by managing their health and gathering necessary medical documentation.
Want to learn more about DOT physical requirements and begin your trucking career?
Learn how to get started by contacting us at 619-345-3676!
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