What to Expect in a DOT Physical Exam? – Pt. 1
As a truck driver, your job is classified as safety-sensitive, meaning it impacts both your health as well as the safety of the public. Because of this, truck drivers need to get a regular physical to maintain compliance and keep working.
A DOT physical exam ensures that every driver is capable and healthy enough to successfully complete the duties associated with commercial driving. The health standards are determined by the FMCSA and each DOT physical exam must be conducted by an NRCME certified DOT medical examiners to ensure the high quality standards are met during each exam. The test assesses your general health, as well as mental and emotional fitness for the demands of professional driving.
What to Expect During the Examination
- The doctor will review your health history with you.
- Conduct a thorough physical examination.
- Run a urine screen for urine protein, urine blood, and urine sugar, to check for the onset of possible disqualifying medical conditions.
How Often Do I Need An Exam?
- 2 years if you meet all the FMCSA DOT Regulations for Commercial Driver Fitness.
- 1 year or 6 months if periodic monitoring is required for certain medical conditions.
- 1 to 3 months if you have a recently diagnosed condition that you are working with your primary care doctor to get under control.
No one likes going to the doctor, and it can be even more stressful when you know that your CDL is at stake. In Pt. 2 of this series, we’ll take a look into exactly what the DOT physical examination covers.
