CDL/DOT Physical
A CDL/DOT physical is a thorough medical exam that helps make sure you can safely drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The U.S. government establishes certain health standards that all CMV drivers must meet. If you meet these standards, you receive a medical examiner’s certificate that’s typically valid for two years.
Test Details
Preparing for Your CDL/DOT Physical Exam
To ensure a smooth examination process, it’s beneficial to contact the medical examiner’s office beforehand to clarify any specific preparation requirements. Generally, consider the following steps:
Gather Your Medical History: Compile information about your past and present medical conditions, surgeries, and medications. This will aid in completing the driver health history section of your medical examination report.
Download the Medical Examination Report Form: This form is available on the U.S. Department of Transportation website. Complete the relevant sections, including the health history checklist.
Complete Additional Required Forms: Depending on your health conditions, you may need forms such as the vision evaluation report, insulin-treated diabetes mellitus assessment form, or CMV driver medication form, all accessible from the DOT website.
Here are some specific items to prepare based on common health conditions:
- For Diabetes: Bring your latest A1C results.
- For Sleep Apnea: Have a three-month CPAP compliance report ready.
- If Taking Warfarin (Coumadin®): Bring a recent INR report.
Being well-prepared can help prevent delays in certification.
What to Expect During a CDL/DOT Physical
The DOT physical involves a thorough assessment of your overall health. The examiner will begin by reviewing your health history based on the information you provided on the medical examination report form. Follow-up questions may be asked for further clarification.
The examination typically includes:
- Checking pulse rate and blood pressure
- Measuring height and weight
- Conducting a urinalysis
- Evaluating vision and hearing
- Listening to heart and lung sounds using a stethoscope
- Observing walking patterns and checking reflexes
These evaluations help the examiner determine your overall health and identify any potential issues that may affect your ability to drive a CMV. It’s important to remain calm during the examination; its primary goal is to ensure safety on the road.
