If you’re obtaining a commercial driver’s license, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires you to undergo a specialized physical exam. Radhey Bansal, MD, and the experienced practitioners at Comprehensive Medical Group of Kern Inc in Delano, California, perform DOT physicals for patients who operate commercial vehicles. To learn more about the DOT physical, call the practice or schedule an appointment online now.
A DOT physical is a comprehensive assessment of your overall health to determine if you’re fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle. While the evaluation is primarily a physical exam, DOT physicals also help assess your mental and emotional ability to operate and navigate heavy machinery.
If you pass the physical, you receive an official medical certificate stating your fitness for driving a commercial vehicle.
Anybody seeking a commercial driver’s license must undergo a DOT physical examination once every two years. You may need a DOT physical if you:
Your employer should notify you prior to your start date if you need a DOT physical as a condition for employment.
While most individuals only need a DOT physical every two years, some preexisting conditions may require more frequent evaluations. Other conditions can disqualify you from passing a DOT physical.
Common conditions that either disqualify you from obtaining a DOT medical card or require annual evaluations include:
If your doctor at Comprehensive Medical Group of Kern Inc determines that your condition is temporary or treatable, they may ask you to return in a few months to undergo another assessment.
You can also apply for exemptions if your doctor believes you are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to drive with a preexisting condition.
A DOT physical is similar to a routine exam. After recording your vitals, height, and weight, your doctor reviews your medical history. They may also ask you detailed questions about your diet, lifestyle habits, and any medications you’re taking.
The exam itself is a comprehensive physical in which your doctor checks your ears, nose, and throat, listens to your lungs and heart, palpates your organs, and tests your reflexes. They also test your vision and hearing.
Finally, the team uses urinalysis to test your blood sugar and run a drug screening. If necessary, you may need additional testing, such as bloodwork, X-rays, or an electrocardiogram (EKG).
To learn more about DOT physicals, call Comprehensive Medical Group of Kern Inc or book an appointment online today.
