Department of Transportation Physicals

Many of those who are applying for or who have gotten jobs as commercial drivers will have to obtain a medical certificate in order to get a commercial driver’s license with the Department of Transportation. If you plan to work in this field, you should schedule an appointment with one of our examiners at Mango Clinic to get your DOT physical so you can get your license. Those jobs that require these types of physicals include those in which the driver will be operating a vehicle for interstate commercial needs, driving more than 75 miles to report to their jobs, operating a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers, transporting certain hazardous materials, or operating a vehicle over a certain gross combination weight rating. Those who fall under these categories must obtain a medical certificate based off their DOT physical to ensure they will be safe operating commercial vehicles and will keep their passengers and others on the road safe. Here is the information you need to know if you plan to obtain your commercial driver’s license.

Can Everyone Get a DOT Commercial Driver’s License?

Not everyone can qualify for a commercial driver’s license. Certain health conditions that make driving commercial vehicles unsafe prevent some individuals from passing their medical examinations. These include poor eyesight even with corrective lenses, use of amphetamines, narcotics, or other habit-forming drugs, or diabetes that requires injections of insulin. There are some other conditions that may be identified in your medical examination that could also prevent you from qualifying for a license.

Filling Out DOT Physical Forms

Before your appointment with a valid examiner, you need to disclose medical information on DOT physical forms. On these forms, you need to fill out your personal identification information as well as disclose your medical history. The following conditions must be disclosed on these forms: chronic pain, prior heart attacks or heart disease, hearing loss, missing limbs, digestive problems, dizziness or fainting, impaired vision, kidney disease, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy or seizures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or stroke. It is possible that these medical conditions could prevent you from qualifying for a commercial driver’s license.

What to Expect During Your DOT Physical

Your DOT physical must be performed by a valid provider such as our examiners at Mango Clinic. You will be matched with one of our providers, nurse practitioners, or provider’s assistants who will perform your physical. During the physical, the examiner will review your complete health history and ask you questions about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. The examiner will also do the following during your exam: check your blood pressure and pulse, perform a vision test, examine your general appearance, listen to your heart and lungs, examine your ears, eyes, and throat, perform a hernia check and neurological exam, and check your abdomen for abnormalities.

Filling Out Final DOT Forms

Once your examination is complete, you and your examiner will have a discussion about your results. The examiner will identify any concerns he or she has with your medical history or results of your exam. Any possible hazards must be disclosed on your forms and your examiner must determine if the hazards will affect your safety on the road. If so, you may not be able to obtain a medical certificate to get your commercial driver’s license. Depending on the results, you may receive a medical certificate good for three months, six months, one year, or two years. Those who receive a shorter-term certificate will require more frequent testing. It will also be noted on your certificate if you require hearing aids or corrective lenses to properly and safely perform your driving duties.

If you need your commercial driver’s license, schedule an appointment today at Mango Clinic.