What to Expect During Your DOT Medical Exam
For some truck drivers, the DOT medical exam is unnerving. No one likes going to the doctor and when your CDL driver’s license is at stake, things are more worrisome. Knowing what to expect during your CDL physical can help make a stressful visit less daunting.
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or DOT) requires a physical every two years in order for a commercial truck driver to get and keep their DOT medical card. Who is required to have a DOT physical exam? Truck drivers who fall into certain categories. You will need an exam if you:
- 1. Operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds
- 2. Transport hazardous materials that require your vehicle to be placarded
- 3. Are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight people
The exam is not as overwhelming as some truck drivers fear, though. There is a standard checklist that the approved certified medical examiner (CME) will use.
During your exam, the CME will:
- 1. Physically examine your eyes, ears, mouth and throat
- 2. Listen to your heart and lungs
- 3. Do a hernia check
- 4. Check for any spinal deformities
- 5. Perform a hearing test
- 6. Perform a vision test
- 7. Collect a urine sample
The CME will ask a number of questions about your medical history. Remember to take a list of all your current medications. In order to pass the DOT medical exam, a CDL truck driver must demonstrate 20/40 vision in both eyes, pass the hearing test, pass the drug test, and must not have diabetes requiring insulin injections, or epilepsy or a history of seizures.
If a commercial truck driver disqualifies for the DOT card, it may be only temporary. Some truck drivers may qualify for an exemption of three months to a year for a medical issue. Following the physical, the CME will send the results directly to the truck driver’s state licensing agency. If any concerns come up during the medical exam, be sure to openly communicate with the doctor.