How To Prepare for a DOT Physical
Keeping your rig in top shape is job number one for professional drivers. Equally important, however, is preparing your mind and body for the daily rigors of truck driving.
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam assesses your readiness and ensures you’re physically and mentally roadworthy. Let’s look at what it is, who needs to take one and how to prepare for your exam.
DOT Medical Exam Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DOT physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates DOT physical exams for most over-the-road truck drivers. It’s a fitness-for-duty test. Drivers who pass their DOT physical receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also called a DOT medical card. Certificates are valid for up to 24 months depending on underlying medical concerns. A medical examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period, however, if they want to monitor an ongoing health condition such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes or something else.All DOT physicals must be conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. The registry includes medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and chiropractors.
Who needs a DOT medical card?
Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver who crosses state lines needs a DOT medical card if the vehicle they drive: Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating of 10,0001 pounds or more; Transports more than eight passengers for compensation; Transports more than 15 passengers not for compensation; Carries hazardous materials that require placards. These federal rules apply whether or not the driver holds a commercial driver's license (CDL). Some states also require professional drivers undergo a DOT physical if they operate CMVs within state lines.
If I have an annual physical, do I still need a DOT medical exam?
Yes. Annual checkups and DOT medical exams are two different types of doctor’s visits. An annual physical evaluates your overall health and wellness. The DOT medical exam checks for specific health risks that determine whether you meet the occupational health standards required to drive a CMV. Health conditions that may disqualify you from driving a truck include significant hearing loss or vision loss, epilepsy, certain heart conditions, severe high blood pressure, and addiction to drugs or alcohol.
What happens during a DOT physical?
A DOT medical exam takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Typical out-of-pocket costs range from $50 to $200. To start the exam, your medical examiner will ask you to complete a yes-or-no questionnaire about 32 health conditions. If you answer “no” to any of the questions, you must also include a written explanation. Next, your examiner will perform a thorough physical exam. This will include checks of your height and weight, pulse, blood pressure, skin, mouth and throat, chest and abdomen, pelvis, back and spine, joints and reflexes, gait and vascular system. A certified medical examiner will also conduct vision and hearing checks.
- The vision test will check your field of vision, clarity, and your ability to see red, green, and amber traffic light colors. You may wear your glasses or contact lenses during the exam if you use them regularly.
- The hearing test will be conducted using either a forced-whisper test (during which someone whispers words while standing behind you) or audiometric testing (during which the driver identifies sounds at different frequencies). You may wear hearing aids during the exam if you use them regularly.
A DOT medical exam does not include a drug test. However, you will also be asked to provide a urine sample. Your medical examiner will check the sample for four signs that indicate how well your kidneys are functioning: specific gravity, protein, blood and blood sugar.
Special Considerations: Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea
During your DOT physical, a medical examiner will look for signs of uncontrolled blood pressure or sleep apnea. High blood pressure raises the risk for cardiovascular disease, which affects roughly half of all truck drivers. FMCSA has set these blood pressure guidelines for DOT medical exams.
| If your blood pressure is: | You can: |
|---|---|
| Under 140/90 mmHg | Receive a 2-year certification |
| 140-159/90-99 mmHg | Receive a 1-year certification |
| 160-179/100-109 mmHg | Receive a 3-month certification; must initiate treatment |
| 180/110 mmHg or higher | Disqualified until blood pressure is down to 140/90 |
Sleep apnea, which occurs when someone stops breathing repeatedly during sleep, is linked to increased driver fatigue. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, your medical examiner will ask you to bring a report showing you’ve used the machine regularly over the last 90 days.
How To Prepare for (and Pass) a DOT Medical Exam
Drivers who take time to prepare for their DOT medical exam have the best odds of receiving their medical certificate. Start by gathering all the items you’ll need to bring to your exam, including:
- A list of all medications, including dosages and prescribing doctor(s)
- Glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids if you use them
- Paperwork related to health conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes or heart disease
In the weeks leading up to your exam, prioritize getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, hydrating and staying active. On the day of your appointment, take all medications as prescribed. Avoid smoking, salty foods, caffeine or sugary drinks prior to the exam.
Stay in top driving shape all year long. Follow these 5 tips to improve your overall health from a certified FMCSA medical examiner.
