What are the DOT physical requirements for truck drivers?

If you want to grow a career as a professional truck driver, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate trucks for business. One of the requirements for obtaining a CDL is to complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, which helps demonstrate you’re fit to operate such a significant type of machinery and keep yourself as well as those around you safe.

Driving large trucks is very different compared to driving a passenger vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), some of the major requirements for safely handling a big commercial vehicle include adjusting for differences in:

Stopping time and distance
Blind spots
Limited maneuverability
Changes in traffic

Commercial truck drivers need to make smart decisions quickly, which leads to various DOT requirements for truck drivers, from vision standards to hearing capabilities. In this article, learn about the DOT health requirements for truck drivers and how you can stay healthy as a truck driver to meet them.

Overview of FMCSA DOT physical requirements

All DOT physical examinations must be conducted by a licensed FMCSA-certified medical examiner, which may include doctors of medicine (MD), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and medical professionals with other titles. When you schedule an appointment, make sure to communicate that you need a DOT physical, so you can ensure you meet with a qualified examiner.

Each DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. When someone has a condition that the medical examiner wants to monitor, such as high blood pressure, the medical examiner may issue a certificate for fewer than 24 months.

Truck drivers will have to get a new medical examination and obtain a medical certificate before their medical card expires to retain their CDL. Failure to keep an up-to-date medical certificate can result in a downgrade of their CDL privileges and potentially harsher consequences.

What can you expect during a DOT physical? You’ll have to disclose your full health history, including any past medical problems and serious illnesses or injuries, any alcohol and/or drug use, chronic conditions, sleep disorders, lung disease, and other medical issues. Make sure to bring a complete list of all your medications, any glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, and letters from any specialists you see that outline your medical history and current health state.

What are the new DOT physical requirements? You’ll undergo a series of essential medical examinations, including:

Vision testing
Hearing assessment
Blood pressure check
Physical examination
Neurological evaluation
Musculoskeletal examination

The whole process for testing will take around an hour. Once you receive your DOT medical certification, you can submit it to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), based on their specifications.

DOT health requirements for truck drivers

What are the requirements for a DOT physical? When you go in for your physical, you can typically expect to have to meet the following standards.

DOT vision requirements

Commercial drivers must have visual acuity to identify drivers and obstacles from far distances. Drivers must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, either without glasses or contacts, or with the use of corrective lenses. Drivers must also have a peripheral vision of at least 70” in the horizontal meridian in each eye and must take a color vision test.

DOT hearing standards

During an audiometric evaluation, the medical professional will test to make sure the driver can hear a “forced whisper” at a distance of at least 5 feet, with or without hearing aid usage. That equates to an average hearing loss of less than 40 decibels.

Cardiovascular health

Regarding cardiovascular fitness guidelines and blood pressure regulations, a medical examiner in a DOT physical will check for an irregular heartbeat and signs of hypertension and high blood pressure.

DOT physical health

The medical examiner will also analyze neurological fitness and musculoskeletal fitness, including in medical history, to make sure the driver can physically execute their job.

DOT documentation requirements

Before you arrive at your physical, ask what documents the medical examiner will require. Typically, you’ll need to bring in your CDL or commercial learner permit and any documents the DMV requires. You may also need to bring in a CDL self-certification form and completed DOT medical certification form for the medical examiner to finish and sign.

Some parties may be exempt from having to have a medical examiner’s certificate (MEC). Who is exempt from a DOT medical card? According to the FMCSA, government employees may be exempt from FMCSA regulations, if the employer chooses.

Tips for a successful DOT physical

To present yourself in a healthy state during your DOT physical and complete the exam successfully, it’s important to thoroughly prepare for the DOT examination. Make sure you’ve gathered and completed all necessary documentation the medical provider requires and have it ready to take to your appointment.

Get a good night’s sleep so you’re well-rested on the day of your physical. Try to avoid using tobacco, coffee, and/or energy drinks for at least a day before your physical, as these substances could elevate your blood pressure.

Since you’ll have to undergo a DOT physical at least once every two years to maintain your CDL, you’ll also want to take good care of your health as a professional driver. Look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention physical activity guidelines to ensure you’re meeting them each week. If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, create a plan with your doctor to manage it effectively.

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DOT Physical Requirements for Truck Drivers

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