The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration refers to the DOT physical as a physical examination that the Department of Transportation requires for all drivers of commercial vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating that exceeds 10,000 lbs in interstate. It must be done by a DOT-approved medical examiner. Otherwise, it won’t be valid.
What happens if I’m impaired?
You can go for the Driver Exemption Program instead if you have trouble meeting the requirements for the vision, heating, or physical impairment parts of the examination.
What if I’m a military veteran?
Then you can ask a qualified physician, vetted by the Veteran’s Administration, to carry out the DOT physical, instead of those from the National Registry ME’s.
What will the physical include?
It will consist of a vision test, hearing test, a urinalysis and a test that checks for your blood pressure or pulse rate.
What happens after the exam?
You will either receive a certificate that proves you are qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. That report will also be sent to the DOT and results will be noted in the commercial driver’s license information system.
How long does the card last?
When you pass the exam with flying colors, you can look forward to receiving a card that says you’re qualified to drive commercial vehicles. The card will last for up to 2 years. once it has expired, you will need to undergo the process again. If you develop a medical condition, you might get issued with a card that’s valid for only a year. In some cases, that becomes 3 months, which gives you just enough time to seek out treatment and get the condition cured.
So if you need to get clearance, it’s easy to find driving schools that offer you services, including a DOT physical, to help you.
