DOT Physical: Who Needs It, and What It Consists of

We understand the importance of maintaining safety standards in the transportation industry. We also recognize the necessity of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) physical exam for certain individuals engaged in safety-sensitive roles. That is why we are proud to offer DOT physical exams conducted by our licensed medical examiners listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry.

If you are a commercial driver or applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), we can help. This is particularly crucial if you are operating vehicles that carry 15 or more passengers, including the driver, or if you drive commercial vehicles crossing state lines that weigh over 10,000 pounds.
 
We also cater to individuals driving vehicles of any size that are used to transport hazardous goods and must have DOT rules placarded on them. Individuals involved in the operation of aircraft, such as pilots, flight engineers, navigators, and flight attendants, as well as maritime employees performing safety-related duties on vessels subject to Coast Guard regulations and certain railroad and pipeline employees involved in the operation or maintenance of trains and pipelines transporting hazardous materials, are all welcomed at our clinic for their DOT physical exams.

We are here to support Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers, Interstate Bus drivers, and School Bus drivers, as they are also mandated to take this physical exam. The CMV drivers include individuals operating vehicles carrying hazardous chemicals in quantities or a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more requires placards.

We aim to ensure a driver’s physical qualification to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Our team will provide you with thorough and efficient exams, and we will document the examination results on the specified form. We also provide continued support for individuals with certain medical conditions that may restrict or disqualify them from performing safety-sensitive transportation duties.

The frequency of these exams is typically every two years for drivers under the age of 65 with no disqualifying medical conditions. However, for drivers over the age of 65, an annual DOT physical is required. Yet, there may be circumstances where drivers need to take the exam more frequently.

For instance, if a driver has health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, they may need to take the physical annually or even every few months. This frequency is determined by our medical examiners based on their professional judgment and understanding of the driver’s medical condition.

If a driver has had a heart attack or stroke, they may need to have a DOT physical every six months. Additionally, if a driver develops a new condition that could impact their driving safety, they must take a DOT physical regardless of their last exam date. This is to verify that the driver can continue to perform their duties without posing a risk to themselves or others on the road.

Similarly, drivers involved in an accident that results in a fatality or serious injury must also undergo a DOT physical within a specified timeframe after the accident.

We are committed to aiding commercial drivers in maintaining good health and ensuring they meet the DOT’s physical requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements or a revoked DOT medical card may result in prohibition from driving a commercial motor vehicle. Therefore, we provide thorough and efficient physical examinations to help prevent such outcomes and to keep our roads safe.

If you’ve recently failed your DOT physical, there’s no need to panic. We’re here to guide you through the retaking process. Based on the specifics of your disqualification, you may be eligible to retake the exam after a brief waiting period. This period allows you to manage any minor or temporary medical conditions that may have contributed to your initial failure.

However, if your disqualification is due to a long-term or chronic medical condition that poses a potential risk to public safety, we’ll work with you to ensure your health issue is effectively addressed. Our goal is to ensure you’re safe on the road and pose no risk to others.

The retaking process involves scheduling an appointment with one of our CMEs. During this appointment, we’ll review your medical history, carry out a physical assessment, and do any required testing. If you pass the retest, a fresh DOT medical examiner certificate, good for a maximum of two years, will be given to you.

Keep in mind that the DOT physical is intended to guarantee your safety as well as the public’s. Failure does not permanently disqualify you from obtaining or retaining a commercial driving license, but it may impact your commercial driver’s license (CDL) status. If you believe you’ve been subjected to discrimination, you have the right to contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or your state’s labor department.

While hypertension does not automatically disqualify you from passing a DOT physical, it can introduce certain challenges. According to the FMCSA guidelines, to be certified for two years, your systolic blood pressure must be below 140 mmHg and diastolic below 90 mmHg. If your blood pressure is higher, there may be limitations, and you may receive a temporary certification requiring you to lower your blood pressure within a specified timeframe.

Our experienced doctors can provide recommendations for managing high blood pressure. These may include lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, reduced sodium intake, smoking cessation, or medications such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics.

In cases where treatment has been initiated, we will schedule a follow-up DOT physical within 30 days to assess your blood pressure control and determine if you meet the DOT requirements. We also assist in processing waivers for those whose high blood pressure is well-managed, not linked to other medical conditions, and is unlikely to impact safe driving.

We understand that passing a DOT physical is not only a legal necessity but also an important step in safeguarding your health and the safety of others. If you have further questions, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4272 W. Vienna Road, Clio, MI 48420. We serve patients from Clio MI, Montrose MI, Birch Run MI, Mount Morris MI, Beecher MI, Genesee County, MI, and surrounding areas.