DOT Physicals Explained

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires physical exams for professionals to obtain or maintain a commercial driving license. The exam also ensures that those driving for a living can handle the hours, schedules and stress of operating commercial vehicles.

To comply with federal law, a DOT physical must be completed by a qualified examiner. This includes a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. Whether this is your first or tenth DOT Physical, they can seem overwhelming. Below is brief explanation of what to expect.

What to Bring to a DOT Physical

• A complete list of your current medications
• Eyeglasses, contacts or hearing aids if you wear them
• If you have diabetes:
  
  • Bring Hemoglobin A1C results drawn within the last six months (must be 10.0 or less).
  • If on insulin: Fill out insulin-treated diabetes mellitus assessment form.
• If you have a cardiac condition, such as a stent, heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery, bring the results of your last stress test within the last two years.
• If you have sleep apnea, bring a record of your CPAP use. You must have a compliance report for the last one year. Must be four hours average for more than 70% of the night.
• If you have a psychiatric condition, like depression/anxiety/bipolar disorder, bring a note from your PCP stating how well your condition is controlled and if you are safe to operate a commercial vehicle.
• If you have had a recent surgery (within the last year), bring a note from your treating physician regarding work restrictions, if any.
• If you are on a blood thinner, bring documentation of your last INR.

What is Covered in a DOT Physical

Vision

Vision is obviously a very important aspect of the exam as it is a highly used sense on the job. Eyes are examined for cataracts, glaucoma and degeneration.

Hearing

Drivers must be able to perceive what is considered a “forced whisper” with or without a hearing aid.

Blood pressure & pulse

Blood pressure and heartbeat are tested for any irregular patterns.

Physical

The physical exam will cover multiple categories, for example:

• Ears for scarring of tympanic membrane and perforated ear drums
• Mouth and throat to look for problems breathing or swallowing
• Heart for murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker
• Lungs and chest for abnormal breathing, impaired respiratory functions
• Abdomen and Viscera for enlarged liver, viscera, muscle weakness
• Vascular for abnormal pulse, carotid, varicose veins)
• Check for hernias
• Any limitation of motion or tenderness

Where can I get a DOT Physical?

Your primary physician often offers DOT physicals, as well as our MercyCare Occupational Health clinic providers.