DOT Exam

If you operate a commercial vehicle, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires you to undergo a comprehensive physical, emotional, and mental health screening. Taiwo Adebayo, NP, is certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct these exams. Along with her experienced team, she can complete your DOT exam at On Time Urgent Care, LLC, in Columbus, Ohio. Call the office to book your DOT exam or schedule your appointment online today.

What is a DOT exam?

A DOT exam is a complete physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional screening required to maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). DOT exams ensure that you’re healthy and fit enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle. These screenings protect you and others on the road from physical harm.

Everybody with a CDL must pass a DOT exam at least once every two years. Individuals with chronic health concerns like diabetes may need to submit to more frequent screenings. The team at On Time Urgent Care, LLC, works with you to develop a personalized care plan and guide you through the DOT exam process.

Who needs a DOT exam?

Many employers request that drivers complete DOT exams. The Department of Transportation requires regular exams if you:

• Are paid to operate a vehicle that seats more than eight passengers
• Drive a vehicle with a capacity of over 15 passengers
• Operate a commercial motor vehicle between states with a total weight exceeding 10,000 pounds
• Transport goods using a vehicle that displays a hazardous materials placard

If you’re working with a new employer, they’ll tell you if you need a DOT physical.

How do I prepare for a DOT exam?

Every commercial driver should prepare for their DOT exam with the following paperwork:

• A valid driver’s license or passport
• A list of current medications and supplements
• Updated medical history
• Updated information from necessary specialists (cardiologists, rheumatologists, etc.)

If you rely on vision correction or hearing aids, bring your corrective devices to your exam.

What does a DOT exam involve?

A DOT exam is similar to your annual physical but includes a few extra steps. After recording your height, weight, and vitals (temperature, respiration [breathing] rate, pulse, and blood pressure), the team reviews your medical history.

They conduct a head-to-toe exam, looking inside your throat, ears, and eyes. The team listens to your heart and lungs. They palpate (touch) your abdomen to check for the correct organ size and placement. Finally, the team evaluates your strength, reflexes, balance, and coordination.

The team performs a vision and hearing screening along with a complete physical exam. Commercial drivers must have at least 20/40 acuity in both eyes and be able to hear at a “forced whisper” within five feet.

Call On Time Urgent Care, LLC, to learn more about DOT exams, or schedule your appointment online today.