Employers who depend on CDL drivers to move goods or people, such as trucking firms, educational institutions, bus companies, and others, must make sure these drivers take and pass DOT physicals before starting work and again every two years. To safeguard public safety and avert accidents, a DOT physical is necessary. You should be aware of some crucial details surrounding DOT physicals.

Understanding Dot Physical Examination

All businesses that transport persons, goods, or dangerous materials are subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Any business that employs commercial drivers to deliver hazardous materials or drive vehicles over 10,000 pounds must follow the DOT standards.

The DOT physical examination also ensures that commercial drivers are healthy enough to operate their cars safely. A qualified medical examiner with a listing on the (FMCSA) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry must conduct the test.

Who Needs to Get One?

The drivers listed below need to take DOT physical exams in Vancouver or their locality:

• Transporters of hazardous products are obliged to put a placard on their trucks.
• Those who drive cars meant to accommodate more than fifteen people
• Individuals who work in driving positions with more than eight passengers
• Individuals who drive automobiles with gross weights over 10,000 pounds

Essential Preparations

• Bring your license to drive.
• Bring your contact lenses or glasses.
• Ensure your hearing aid is in working order, and bring it with you if you wear one.
• Please bring any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are currently using. To make it easier for the doctor to identify them, you should also ensure they are still in their original containers.
• For the benefit of the attending physician, kindly bring a list of all the medications you take, together with their dosages.

What to Expect

1. Vision Test: Your examiner will confirm that both eyes have clear 20/40 vision. A color test will also be administered to you. A color test is required to determine whether an applicant can tell the difference between traffic lights from a distance.
2. Blood Pressure Guideline DOT Exam: The blood pressure test guarantees that a driver can maintain composure under pressure. The target blood pressure needs to be 140/90 or lower. The viewpoint of medicine is not included in that. This implies that you can maintain your blood pressure with medicine and yet earn a two-year certification.
3. Hearing Test: A hearing exam guarantees that candidates can hear whatever noises they need to hear while driving, even in bad weather.
4. Reflex and Movement Test: During reflex and mobility testing, the DOT tester will look for movement abnormalities or spinal deformities.
5. Lung Function Assessment: It’s a test of any respiratory complications.
6. Neurological Exam: The physician will look for signs of a neurological condition that could impair your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. For example, you will be excluded right away if you suffer from epilepsy or another type of seizure illness.
7. DOT Physical Urine Test: A urinalysis is performed on the candidate to rule out underlying conditions such as kidney stones or diabetes.
8. A physical exam: The exam verifies your ability to engage in strenuous activities. It also confirms that your grip strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and upper and lower body strength are enough. The DOT physical examination verifies drivers’ hands and fingers have sufficient reach and touch sensitivity.

Truck drivers, pilots, & other professionals in transportation must pass DOT physical exams in Vancouver or wherever they’re operating to guarantee they are physically capable of performing their jobs. If this exam is not conducted, the public could be put in danger of an accident brought on by a motorist who does not pass the DOT physical exam.