DOT Exam

What is a DOT exam?

A DOT exam, or DOT physical, is a routine checkup required for all commercial drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

It’s an outpatient procedure that determines if you’re healthy enough to withstand the physical demands of operating a commercial vehicle.

What is a DOT exam used for?

A DOT exam assesses your overall physical health to ensure you’re safely able to operate a commercial vehicle. Commercial drivers have busy schedules that are physically and emotionally demanding.

Routine checkups at Cali Quick Urgent Care can help you stay healthy and alert you to potentially serious issues that don’t present obvious symptoms like heart disease or diabetes.

Who needs a DOT exam?

DOT exams are required of any commercial driver who:

• Transports materials in a vehicle that displays a hazmat placard
• Is paid to operate a vehicle that carries eight or more people
• Operates a vehicle that transports 15 or more people
• Operates a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of over 10,000 pounds.

Once you pass your DOT physical, Cali Quick Urgent Care provides you with a certificate that allows you to drive a commercial vehicle for two years.

How often do I need a DOT exam?

The FMCSA requires all commercial drivers to participate in a DOT exam every two years. If you have an underlying physical or mental condition that requires routine monitoring, you might need to undergo a DOT exam annually. That’s particularly true if you have sleep apnea, heart disease, or diabetes.

What does a DOT exam involve?

At Cali Quick Urgent Care, a DOT exam begins with a review of your medical history and a discussion of any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing. Next, the team conducts a comprehensive physical exam and tests your hearing, vision, blood pressure, and other health indicators.

Afterward, they order laboratory testing, including bloodwork and urinalysis. The team uses the results of these tests to ensure you’re healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle safely. 

What should I bring to my DOT exam?

The team at Cali Quick Urgent Care recommends bringing the following items to your DOT exam:

• Medical records
• Any results from recent laboratory tests
• Auditory or visual aids you use while driving, such as glasses, contacts, or hearing aids
• List of the prescription medications you take

In addition, let the team know if you’ve been diagnosed with any underlying conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea.

If it’s time for your biannual DOT exam, book an appointment at Cali Quick Urgent Care today. Click the online scheduler, or simply call the office.