Thursday, March 21, 2019

By Gary Patterson


The Department of Transportation requires commercial vehicle operators, especially those who drive buses and trucks to undergo medical checks periodically. After successfully completing a DOT physical San Antonio TX drivers can be sure there are no underlying medical issues that compromise their driving. This is just a precaution to safeguard the lives of all road users. When planning to go for the test, it is a good idea to learn about all the procedures involved.

The DOT physical can also be referred to as a DMV physical, DOT test, drivers physical or DOT exam. In compliance with the federal law, a certified and competent doctor, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant should oversee the process. Usually, the test commences with a review of the medical history of the driver, including a request to list medications taken regularly.

Some of the first tests conducted on the individual include blood pressure, pulse rate, vision and hearing tests. Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 vision in both or either eye whether they use eye glasses or contact lenses or not. Hearing wise, they are supposed to detect forced whispers from at least 5 feet away. The practitioner also checks for spine deformities. The mouth and throat are also checked to establish whether one has breathing or swallowing problems.

The other essential examinations that the examiner will conduct are neurological tests to confirm that the reflexes and coordination are normal. The examiner will also check for any impairment in the respiratory system by listening to the heart and lungs for murmurs. He or she will press your abdomen to check for abnormalities. Furthermore, the medical examiner will perform a hernia check and urinalysis to establish whether you have any underlying medical conditions.

After undergoing the DOT exam, you may get a certificate depending on the results of the tests. The certificate can be valid for a period of two years maximum before another DOT physical is done. It can also be valid for a period of 3 to 6 months.

A DOT exam is essential for many reasons, including assurance of proper vision under DOT regulations. Excellent vision is a significant requirement when operating a commercial vehicle. Mono-vision leads to denial of a DOT medical card. Drug testing is another essential reason for the exam. Drug tests help ensure that CDL holders do not use hard drugs that may endanger their lives and those of other road users. Hearing testing helps ascertain commercial vehicle drivers have no hearing impairment.

Screening of the brain is done in an effort to discover any injuries to the brain or any other problem that can deem you not fit to work as a commercial vehicle driver. If the tests discover a brain problem, you will be disqualified from getting certified to work as a commercial driver. Another essential test is done on the heart called cardiovascular screening, this is in an effort to bring out any heart issues that you may have that can make you unfit to operate commercial vehicles well..

Although it involves several steps, the test is risk-free and is conducted in the interest of the driver and the public. By checking your mental, physical and emotional health, the medical examiner can establish whether you are fit to drive commercial vehicles or not. The tests often take between thirty minutes and an hour to complete.




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