What are DOT Physicals?
If a driver is operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) then they are subject to the Department of Transportation rules and regulations with a goal of creating the “safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world…”. These regulations require that vehicle operators register, are inspected and meet specific vehicle requirements as determined by the DOT. Additionally, the DOT has established medical guidelines to determine fitness for drivers in order to be eligible to operate a commercial vehicle. Commercial drivers must be capable of safely operating a CMV and to do so, drivers must pass a DOT physical to demonstrate that they have no medical conditions that would prevent them from safely operating a CMV.
A DOT Physical consists of:
- Health history questionnaire
- Vision test
- Hearing test
- Vitals signs including:
- Height
- Weight
- Blood Pressure
- Heart Rate
- Urinalysis
- Physician examination
The importance of DOT Physicals
Depending on your level of fitness, the physician will determine the period of time that your DOT medical certificate will be good for. The maximum period of time a DOT medical certificate can be issued for is two (2) years. The physician may determine that given your health status, that you require more frequent renewals of your medical clearance or, that you may even be determined to be medically unqualified to operate a CMV. In the case of the above, it is important to speak with your medical provider to understand the results of your physical. Taking steps to remain active and healthy are important for drivers to remain physically capable of operating a CMV.
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Where to get a DOT Physical
In order to be qualified to perform DOT examinations, a medical provider must demonstrate proficiency in the DOT medical guidelines and pass a test to become a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). CME providers are required to adhere to the latest guidelines and requirements as provided in the FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook and to report results of DOT physicals to the FMCSA.
find a Certified Medical Examiner near you
Commercial drivers that meet requirements based on the size of the loads they are responsible for transporting or the routes those goods are being transported on are required to meet certain medical requirements in order to be eligible for a commercial drivers license. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate select vehicles based on Gross Combination Weight Rating (GVWR), the size of trailer (load) that is being towed or based on the number of passengers.
There are 3 types of CDL classes that a driver may require.
Class A CDL – Required to operate any combination of vehicle(s) with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more. Examples: Tractor-trailer, Truck and trailer combinations, Tanker trucks.
Class B CDL – Required to operate any single vehicle not connected to a trailer with a combined weight greater than 26,000 lbs. Examples: School bus, City bus, Box truck for delivery, Dump truck.
Class C CDL – Required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of less tank 26,001 lbs or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 lbs, or transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Examples: Small trucks with trailer, Passenger vans or Small Buses.