What Does A DOT Physical Consist Of? A DOT physical, short for Department of Transportation physical, is a medical examination mandated by the United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The purpose of a CDL physical is to assess the overall health and fitness of individuals who operate large trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles.
During the examination, our certified medical examiner evaluates various aspects of your health, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and musculoskeletal fitness. The DOT physical also includes a review of your medical history and medications to ensure they meet the specific health requirements necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle on the nation’s roadways.
What is included in our DOT physical exam? Fairhaven Occupational Health Services DOT physical overview:
Vision: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction. You should also have a horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees.
Hearing: You should be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet with or without a hearing aid. This assesses your ability to hear other vehicles, sirens, and warnings on the road.
Blood Pressure: Your blood pressure should be below 140/90 to qualify for a two-year certification. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may qualify for a shorter certification period.
Cardiovascular Health: You should not have a disqualifying medical history or current condition that poses a significant risk of sudden cardiac events or heart conditions that could impair your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Respiratory Function: You should have adequate lung function to perform the demanding tasks associated with driving a commercial vehicle.
Diabetes: If you have diabetes, it must be well-controlled through diet, medication, or insulin without significant side effects that could impair your ability to drive.
Musculoskeletal Fitness: You should have good musculoskeletal health, with no conditions that limit your ability to perform essential job functions, such as lifting and operating vehicle controls.
Medications: You should not be taking medications that could impair your ability to drive safely. Certain medications may disqualify you temporarily or permanently, so it’s essential to disclose all medications to the medical examiner.
Medical History: The medical examiner will review your medical history to identify any disqualifying conditions or surgeries that could affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Drug and Alcohol Screening: You may be subject to drug and alcohol testing as required by federal regulations. Positive results can lead to disqualification.
Mental Health: You should not have a mental health condition that would impair your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Please check the FMCSA for a full list of requirements.
If you’re ready to schedule a DOT physical exam for yourself or your employees, give us a call or contact us to schedule an appointment to fit what time works best for you!
