Every two years, all drivers must undergo the DOT physical examination to protect the public and other road users. In addition, this exam can help prevent various diseases and conditions that could affect a commercial vehicle driver’s ability.
Vision
Vision is a common issue that comes up during a DOT physical. It is because of the long hours that drivers often spend behind the wheel. It can lead to eye strain, stress, and a deterioration of vision. So, what is a DOT physical exam consist of?
A DOT physical exam consists of various examinations that can measure the driver’s ability to perform their job. It also helps to identify health conditions that may cause them to be unsafe while driving a commercial vehicle.
A DOT physical exam vision portion must be passed with a minimum score of 20/40 in each eye, with or without prescriptive glasses. It includes a peripheral vision of at least 70 degrees and the ability to distinguish different colors.
During the vision portion of a DOT physical, you will be asked to read letters and numbers on a chart or paper. You will also be tested to see if you can recognize and distinguish traffic signals and devices that show red, green, or amber colors.
Another test that is performed during a DOT physical is for hearing. If you wear hearing aids or not, the doctor will test your ability to hear a forced whisper from five feet away.
A DOT physical is essential to ensure all drivers are healthy enough to operate commercial vehicles safely.
Hearing
A DOT physical exam thoroughly evaluates a driver’s eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and pulse rate. It is to ensure that the driver is not suffering from illnesses or health conditions that may interfere with their ability to drive commercial motor vehicles safely and efficiently.
Vision is tested by reading the Snellen chart, which can be found in any doctor’s or optician’s office.
Hearing is also assessed by hearing a forced whisper in one of your ears no less than five feet away. If you have hearing loss, you should bring your hearing aids with you to your appointment.
Lastly, a DOT physical examination consists of a urine test to determine if a driver has any drugs in their system that could impair driving skills. If a driver has any drug or alcohol issues, they must disclose these to the examiner.
It is essential to prepare for the DOT physical by drinking plenty of water before the exam. It will help keep your blood pressure within normal ranges and allow you to complete the test more quickly. Getting enough sleep before the test is also a good idea to keep yourself well-rested and alert.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a vital part of any physical exam. It is measured with two figures: systolic blood pressure, which captures the force of your heart’s pumping during each beat, and diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your blood vessels between each heartbeat.
Normal blood pressure ranges from 120 to 139 for systolic and 80 to 89 for diastolic. High blood pressure can be a big problem for drivers, leading to other medical conditions that can impact a DOT physical exam.
Luckily, there are some things that you can do to ensure you are well-prepared for your DOT physical and that your blood pressure is in an acceptable range before the exam. These include avoiding caffeine and alcohol for a week before the exam, reducing salt in your diet, and ensuring you drink plenty of water throughout the day before your appointment.
You can also keep your blood pressure in check by breathing normally and calmly during the exam. Many people hold their breath during a blood pressure test, which can make the reading higher than it should be.
The purpose of the DOT medical certification criteria is to safeguard the well-being and safety of all drivers. Therefore, they want to see that you are in good condition before you can drive a commercial vehicle.
Urinalysis
A DOT physical exam generally includes a urine analysis, which helps detect the presence of blood or other fluids in your body’s waste. This test can also tell your doctor if you have a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or diabetes.
You will give a sample of your urine into a sterile cup. The sample is then submitted to a laboratory. The testing company will review the sample and call you if it shows signs of abnormality.
The test may also include a smear or microscope examination of the urine. It can show whether bacteria, yeast, or parasites have contaminated the urine sample.
Your urine sample will also be examined for various substances, including proteins, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other cell fragments. Specific cell fragments can indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract, while others may be normal.
A urinalysis can reveal the presence of many kinds of bacteria and other foreign substances in your urine, which is essential information for your doctor to have about your health. Your doctor will use the urinalysis results to make a diagnosis and decide if more testing is needed.
In addition to a urinalysis, you will be tested for five classes of drugs: marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and opiates, methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Therefore, a DOT physical test is essential to ensure you are safe on the road.
