DOT Exams
A Department of Transportation Exam, also known as a truck driver physical, is a medical exam required to operate a commercial motor vehicles in the United States. These exams ensure that the commercial driver is physically and mentally fit to safely operate these vehicles. Dr. Matt Tuttle is a licensed medical examiner by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and routinely performs DOT exams for truck drivers.
Many truck drivers procrastinate getting their DOT exams because they think it will take too much time, or they’re worried about the paperwork being a hassle. At Premier Chiropractic Solutions, we provide quick physicals with a DOT certified medical examiner so that you can get back to work. We understand how important it is for a driver to maintain their commercial driver’s license. You can trust us to be professional and knowledgeable about your needs as a commercial driver.
DOT Exams include a vision test where drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. Drivers must also pass a hearing test to see if they are able to detect a “forced whisper” at 5 ft or less. Blood pressure and pulse will be analyzed, along with a urinalysis to check for underlying medical conditions. Lastly, the physical examination will assess the drivers general appearance, musculoskeletal function, neurological function, and more.
Getting a DOT Exam
If you have vision or hearing problems, you’ll need to bring your eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids. If you have diabetes, you’ll need to bring your most recent A1C lab results and blood sugar logs. If you have heart-related issues, you’ll need to bring a letter from your cardiologist that describes your medical history, current medications, and clearance to work as a truck driver.
DOT Exam Forms
There are several forms associated with DOT exams for commercial drivers. During the DOT exam, we’ll complete the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form which contains the driver’s information and health history. Upon passing the DOT examination, drivers will receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) Form to verify that they’ve completed their exam.