![Urgent Care and Primary Care](https://saharawesturgentcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Urgent-Care-and-Primary-Care-300x200.jpg)
Read the latest blogs and update.
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required of people who drive commercial vehicles. The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), such as large trucks and buses, are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires this testing for the safety of the public.
To make an appointment today call 702-248-0554
You will need a DOT physical if you:
If you pass your DOT physical, you’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), also known as your DOT medical card. This certification, along with your commercial driver’s license (CDL), allows you to drive a commercial vehicle for 2 years, provided you have no underlying physical or mental condition that requires testing more often.
Medical conditions that require you to have an annual DOT physical include:
The health care provider who performs your DOT physical will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, including:
You will have a hands-on physical that includes checking your:
You’ll also get a urinalysis to check for protein, blood, sugar, and specific gravity. These tests can tell your doctor if you need additional tests to check for other medical problems. You may have other tests if your doctor thinks they’re necessary.
You may need a sleep apnea test if you have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a disorder where you periodically stop breathing while sleeping. Symptoms of sleep apnea can include:
Ahead of your scheduled DOT physical, you can prepare by maintaining or improving your health. Try the following:
RELATED:
Kidney Disease Causing You Pain? How to Manage
You can fill out the driver’s portion of the exam at home if you want to save time on the day of the physical. You will also need to bring:
Conditions that may disqualify you from passing a DOT physical are those that interfere with your ability to drive safely. If something affects your hearing or vision, it could cause you to have an accident. You also may not be safe to drive if you have a condition that could cause you to lose consciousness or become dizzy. Such conditions can include:
Some of these conditions will be left up to the medical examiner’s judgment as to whether to qualify you or not. You may be able to get an exemption or waiver from the FMCSA for certain conditions. Sometimes, you may be disqualified until you bring a medical condition under control. If you are able to resolve a disqualifying condition, you can reapply for certification.