What to Expect from a DOT Physical

With the current crisis, commercial truck drivers, especially over the road drivers, are in high demand. These essential workers are responsible for getting food and supplies delivered all over the country. As some drivers become ill or feel the need to stay home, new drivers are starting to hit the roads.

Before you can get your CDL and work for a trucking company, you have to go through a DOT physical. The Department of Transportation requires these physicals to ensure that you are in good enough health to manage one of these large trucks with trailers. If you have certain medical conditions that could incapacitate you while driving, you could be denied your CDL license.

The DOT physical is very comprehensive but straight forward. During this physical, your doctor will do the following:

• Review your medical history. If this is done by someone other than your usual doctor, or if you are starting out with a new doctor, this could be a lengthy and time consuming process. The doctor will ask many questions about your medical history, as well as your family’s history, to determine health conditions and risk factors.
• A visual examination will be done to determine if you have signs of obesity, alcoholism, or other medical conditions.
• You will be asked to give a urine sample. This is for health testing as well as drug testing.
• You will also have to go through basic hearing and vision testing, including the whisper test.
• Your doctor will also do a hernia test, which is painless but can be somewhat uncomfortable.

If you are looking to get your CDL, or if you are up for your two-year renewal, we can schedule your DOT physical immediately. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.