5 Things You Didn’t Know About DOT Physical Exam

Some drivers are afraid to take a DOT test as they think it’s a test to find deficiencies in you and fail you for that. However, DOT physical is not the way they think it is!

On this blog, we intend to walk you through the facts and details of DOT physical exams you might have no idea of before, including some tips to keep you calm during the test.

What is a DOT physical exam?

The Dot physical exam is a series of special physical/medical exams required by the transportation department. These exams are obligatory for those who wish to get or maintain a commercial driving license, including truck and bus drivers.

Even though you have been suggested to get one, you might not exactly know what to expect. Here are some items you might have left out that will affect you:

A drug test is not part of the DOT Physical if…

A DOT physical will not include a drug test if not ordered by the employer. It may be even due to past failed drug tests.

The urine test in DOT Physical is not for Drugs

The urine test performed during a DOT physical test checks on the protein or sugar in the urine. It is crucial as it can indicate elevated glucose, which is an early sign of diabetes. It can also show whether you have underlying medical issues or not.

The typical DOT card is valid for two years

This rule only applies to you if you do the test correctly and have no medical condition to affect your driving performance. For instance, being on medications for hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, a restriction will be triggered on your DOT card.

This fact will lead to the duration of one year for your DOT card, and you will have to return to repeat the test after a year.

There are 3-month cards available too. As you can guess, these are considered temporary cards are given to you due to your particular condition. For example, if you are a victim of diabetes, you may receive a 3-month card to see your provider every once in a while and see what medications you need to take your condition under control.

They have specific guidelines for blood pressure measurements

Don’t freak out! You won’t be disqualified from your DOT card if you have high blood pressure, but you will have to keep it under medications.

FMCSRs (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) claims that:

• Drivers who have less than 140 systolic and 90 diastolic can get a two-year card
• Drivers with a systolic of up to 159 or a diastolic of up to 99 can get a one-year card
• Measurements over 160/100 will get a three-month card to return to the provider for antihypertensive drug therapy. After three months, if the blood pressure has gone down, you can get a one-year card and will be reassessed annually.

Some elements might disqualify you from passing the DOT physical exam

Putting uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes aside, you may be disqualified from getting a DOT card if you suffer from the following conditions:

• Poor visual acuity
• Advanced heart disease
• Certain mental disorders
• Epilepsy

Get DOT tested in Las Vegas

A DOT physical is not a big deal as all the certified drivers you see around have passed it successfully. You will be able to do so if you don’t suffer from special conditions or use drugs.

These tests are crucial as they guarantee the safety of the driver, the products he will be carrying, and other vehicles and people on the road who will be around.

Suppose you need to take a DOT physical test. In that case, Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center could be one of the best options in Las Vegas. To book an appointment, contact us on (702) 874-4769.