The doctor performs a series of tests to check your blood pressure, vision, hearing, digestive, and mental health. You might also undergo urinalysis for diabetes and drug testing. A DOT physical can take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete.
What Tests Are Done In A Dot Physical?
What the DOT Physical Covers
Vision.
Hearing.
Blood pressure/pulse rate.
Urinalysis.
Physical Examination.
Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876.
Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment, MCSA-5870.
How Do I Prepare For A Dot Physical?
6 Tips For Preparing For A DOT Physical
Avoid coffee and energy drinks 24 hours before your DOT physical. Cut back on salt the week before your DOT physical. Come to the exam prepared. Avoid big meals. Don’t get “White Coat Syndrome”. Get a second opinion.
What Can Cause You To Fail A Dot Physical?
If you have diabetes and you’re having a difficult time getting your blood sugar levels under control, you could fail the DOT physical. You might still be able to get a short-term certification so that you can take a couple weeks to get your diabetes under better control.
What Does A Non Dot Physical Exam Consist Of?
A Non-DOT drug test consists of either a 5-drug panel or a 10-drug panel. A DOT drug test looks for five drugs, and is referred to as a 5-panel screen: Marijuana. Cocaine.
Do They Watch You Pee During A Dot Drug Test?
The observer must watch the urine go from the employee’s body into the collection container. The observer must watch as the employee takes the specimen to the collector.
Do They Drug Test You For A Dot Physical?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test, but you will be required to submit a urine sample. This is used to screen your kidneys for potential medical conditions. Your employer may request that you have a drug screen done while you take your DOT physical.
Do You Get Drug Tested For A Dot Medical Card?
Although a standard drug test isn’t conducted during DOT physicals, the medical examiner will review your current medications with you – including those you take for diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, mental health conditions or recent surgeries.
How Long Is A Dot Physical Good For?
A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner’s certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.
What Happens If You Get Pulled Over Without A Dot Medical Card?
If this happens, you are essentially driving a commercial vehicle without a commercial license since your license would have been suspended or revoked when your DOT medical certification was not renewed. There is a chance you could lose your license for life. If drugs or alcohol were involved, arrest is standard.
What Does Your A1C Have To Be To Pass A Dot Physical?
The maximum certification for a person with diabetes is one year. According to DOT guidelines, a person with diabetes, whether controlled with diet alone or diet plus medication, must meet the following criteria: Maintain a glycosylated hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1C or “HBA1C”) of 8% or less.
How Many Times Can You Take Dot Physical?
Truck drivers must take and pass and not fail the DOT physical once every two years to be eligible to operate most commercial vehicles. The majority of the time, drivers pass this test with flying colors.
What Does Your Blood Pressure Have To Be To Pass A Dot Physical?
Your blood pressure must be controlled and be below 140 / 90 at the time of your DOT examination.
What Can Disqualify You From Getting A Cdl?
You’ll also suffer from violations or disqualification from: Following too closely to another vehicle. Driving 15+ MPH above the speed limit. Reckless driving. Traffic violations that are connected with a fatal accident. Driving a commercial vehicle without: Obtaining a CDL. Carrying a CDL. Erratic lane changes.
How Can I Pass A Medical Exam?
7 Tips for a Successful Medical Exam 1) Get a good night’s sleep. Try to get eight hours the night before your exam so your blood pressure is as low as possible. 2) Avoid salty or fatty foods. 3) Avoid exercise. 4) Don’t drink coffee or any caffeinated products. 5) Fast. 6) Drink water. 7) Know your meds.
Can You Keep Your Cdl Without A Medical Card?
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
Do You Have To Take Your Clothes Off For A Dot Physical?
You probably won’t be asked to get naked. Though each exam is different, most drivers report that they are not asked to fully disrobe for the exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your DOT physical to make things easier for both your and your examiner.
Is There A Grace Period On A Dot Physical?
The FMCSA allowed for a 120-day grace period to ensure physicians had ample time to become familiar with the new forms and to also program electronic medical records. With the closing of this grace period, the new forms and certificate must be used on any CDL-related examinations.
How Do You Pass A Dot Physical With High Blood Pressure?
Lowering Your Blood Pressure Short Term: Before Your DOT Physical Eat potassium-rich foods. Drink plenty of water. Lay off the coffee, cigarettes, and booze. Eat fruits & vegetables, and drink beet juice. Get some sleep. Take a deep breath, meditate.