D.O.T. Physical

A D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.



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Dr. Bethany Hankinson

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What To Expect:

The exam is conducted by a certified medical examiner(CME) listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) and typically includes:

Medical History Review

  • Past and current medical conditions
  • Medications being taken
  • History of surgeries
  • Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
  • Any history of heart disease, diabetes, sleep, apnea, or other chronic conditions

Vital Signs and Physical Examination

  • Height and weight
  • Blood pressure and pulse rate
  • Vision test(must meet a minimum of 20/40 in each eye with or without correction)
  • Hearing test(must hear a forced whisper at at least 5 feet with or without hearing aids)
  • Urinalysis (checks for glucise, protein, and specific gravity to screen for underlying conditions such as diabetes or kidney issues)
  • General physical exam, including checking the lungs, heart, neurological function, and musculoskeletal system

What Should You Bring To Your DOT Physical?

All drivers must bring a valid driver's license, most recent or current DOT medical card/certificate, list of all medications AND the corresponding medical clearance from the treating provider to drive a CMV

TO MINIMIZE PAUSES IN YOUR DETERMINATION STATUS UPON EXAMINATION DAY PLEASE READ BELOW

If you are Diabetic:

  • name of current medication, dosage, name of treating provider and their contact information.
  • must bring most recent A1C (HgA!C) results.
  • If you are taking insulin: MCSA 5870 form completed by your treating physician required PRIOR to exam.
  • Click https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical for form or go to fmcsa.dot.gov for more information
  • insulin-treated diabetes is a FMCSA non-discretionary standard.

If you have High Blood Pressure:

  • name of current medication, dosage, name of treating provider and their contact information
  • be mindful of not drinking too much caffeine the day of examination.
  • also be mindful to not smoke a cigarette or chewing tobacco immediately before examination
  • have you heard of white coat syndrome? Don't let your nerves get the best of you. We will take multiple bp readings if needed.

If you have heart-related issues:

  • this includes (but not limited to)the use of a stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, heart attack.
  • must bring a clearance letter from your cardiologist (heart specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, and indicates that you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle.

If you have sleep apnea (OSA)

  • must bring cpap compliance report--the compliance data should not be more than 30 days old and should be for a minimum of 90 days.
  • FMCSA defines compliance as at least 70% of nightly use(4 hours per night).

If you wear glasses/contacts or hearing aids to drive:

  • you must wear them on the day of your examination.
  • if you are having any doubts about your vision or hearing, please visit your doctor PRIOR to examination.(Both hearing/vision are FMCSA no-discretionary standards)
  • did you know dry eyes can also hinder your exam? If you suffer from dry eye, be sure to use lubricating drops before your exam.

If you have suffered a stroke, brain tumor, or have a seizure discorder:

  • bring a clearance letter from your neurologist that outlines your medical history, current medications, current neurologic and psychiatric state--indicating that you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle.
  • the FMCSA has a non-discretionary standard related to seizures. Go to fmcsa.dot.gov for more information.

If you are taking medications that may cause sedation, sleepiness, or a controlled substance:

  • this includes (but not limited to) narcotics, anxiety meds, ADHA meds, sleeping pills.
  • must bring a clearance letter from treating provider that outlines the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medication.

If you take blood thinner Warfarin(Coumadin/Jantoven):

  • must bring a clearance letter from your doctor outlining your medical history, if they consider you safe to drive a CMV, and recent INR(blood level)

If you have a permanent loss of use of an arm or leg:

  • you may need a Skilled Performance Examination (SPE) in order to qualify for your DOT card.

Disclaimer

The above are guidelines only, and not meant to be all inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the DOT exam.

If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary care provider or specialist physician BEFORE your DOT physical examination.

Each physical exam, just like each applicant, is unique.

While we understand the importance of your medical card, the expiration date is not our office's responsibility. We must adhere strictly to  FMCSA rules and regulations. Please ensure you schedule your DOT exam a few weeks in advance (so that if there are any pauses in your determination status, you have enough time to get it taken care of while still continuing to drive).

Hankinson Chiropractic and Wellness

501A Stanley K Tanger Blvd,
Locust Grove, GA
30248-3751

470-750-2102

Hankinsonchiropractic@gmail.com

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