A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required for people who drive commercial vehicles. The purpose of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires them for the safety of the public. What does a DOT Physical consist of? You will have a hands-on physical that includes checking your:
- Height
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Vision
- Hearing
- General appearance
- Skin
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth and throat
- Heart
- Lungs and chest
- Abdomen
- Back and spine
- Genital and urinary system, including checking for hernias
- Extremities and joints
- Nervous system, including your reflexes
- Gait, which is how you walk
- Circulatory system, which is your arteries, veins, and lymphatic system
You will also have a urinalysis to check for protein, blood, sugar, and specific gravity. These tests can tell your doctor if you need additional tests to check for other medical problems.
