DOT Physicals

Commercial vehicle drivers are required to have a medical examination completed by certified medical examiners listed on the FMCSA’s national Registry, effective 2014. At Alive Health & Wellness, we are certified and knowledgeable to determine if drivers can safely handle medical demands of a driving a commercial motor vehicle.

What can you expect at your DOT physical?

There are many different components to DOT physicals.

Medical History

All drivers need to provide extensive background on medical history. This includes past surgeries, medications taken, and history of all health conditions.

Hearing Testing

A whisper test will be conducted. During this test, the examiner will record the distance from the driver at which a forced whispered voice can be heard.

Vitals Signs and Urine Analysis

All drivers will have vital signs and urine analyses are completed at time of visit. This will include pulse, height, weight, and blood pressure. The FMCSA will look at the specific gravity, protein, blood, and sugar in a urine sample to rule out any underlying medical problems.

Physical Examination

physical examination will also be completed.

Vision Testing

The FMSCA requires vision testing to ensure drivers are meeting the standard of at least 20/40 vision acuity in each eye with or without correction (glasses or contacts) and at least 70° field of vision in horizontal meridian measured in each eye (the area of visibility for each eye’s line of sight).

Drug Screen

A drug screen will not be part of the DOT physical exam, however some jobs may require a drug test.

When Does a DOT Physical Need to be Renewed?

A certification can be valid for up to 24 months. The medical provider will determine if the driver has existing conditions, which need to be monitored or need further evaluation. Certifications can be less than 24 months, depending upon existing conditions of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, etc.