A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam is integral to obtaining and maintaining a commercial driver’s license. Whether you are preparing for your first DOT physical or are a career driver, here are 11 myths and misconceptions that we need to dispel regarding the DOT physical exam.
1. Only Truck Drivers Need DOT Physicals
Truck drivers are the most frequent candidates for DOT physicals. However, anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that weighs over 10,000 pounds, carries eight or more passengers, or crosses interstate lines may need to pass a DOT medical exam. This may include:
- Truck Drivers (including semis and flatbeds). This applies to owner-operators as well as employees.
- Bus Drivers
- Some Delivery Drivers
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Drivers
- Tour Bus Drivers
- Agricultural Drivers
- Construction Workers (If they are driving dump trucks or cement trucks, for example.)
2. You Have to Have Perfect Health to Pass a DOT Exam
A Department of Transportation physical exam assesses whether you can safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have health conditions you manage properly, they may not disqualify you from obtaining a commercial driver’s license. The key is whether your health condition poses a safety risk to you or others on the road.
3. You Only Need the DOT Physical Once
Many drivers believe they only need a DOT physical exam once in their careers. This is not the case. Most medical certificates are good for two years unless you have a significant health incident (such as a stroke or heart attack) or a condition that requires more frequent monitoring (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition). After two years, you will need to be recertified, and if you aren’t, you risk losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some drivers (HazMat or school bus drivers) may be required to pass DOT physicals more frequently.
4. Failing a DOT Physical Will Result in Immediate Job Loss
Depending on your employer and the nature of the disqualification, failing your DOT physical does not necessarily mean that you will immediately lose your job. Sometimes, it means you must address a condition and get it under control before returning to work. However, there are medical conditions you may not be able to manage sufficiently. For your safety and that of other drivers, you will need to find another form of employment.
5. You Have to Have 20/20 Vision to Pass a DOT Physical
A DOT physical tests your vision because being able to see is an integral part of driving. However, drivers with vision impairment can still pass a DOT physical if they use glasses or contact lenses and their corrected vision meets the specified standards. To pass the DOT physical, you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without the use of corrective lenses) and be able to distinguish between the colors red, amber, and green (it is important for traffic lights). If you only pass in one eye, there is still the opportunity to pass the DOT physical after having an eye specialist complete a federal form.
6. You Can’t Pass a DOT Physical and Drive if You Are Over 60
Contrary to what many people believe, there is no age restriction for obtaining a CDL. As long as you can meet all the physical, mental, and medical requirements, anyone 21 and older can pass a DOT exam and get a commercial driver’s license. Individuals under 21 may need to pass the DOT exam for other reasons, but they will not be eligible for a CDL until they are 21 years of age.
7. Prescription Medications Will Disqualify You From Driving
Many drivers are hesitant to take prescription medications, worrying that it will disqualify them from operating a commercial vehicle. This isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, some prescription medications allow drivers to safely manage medical conditions and continue driving when they may not be able to otherwise.
Some medications can disqualify a driver, such as medications that make you drowsy or dizzy. However, medications for things like high blood pressure or high cholesterol and even mild drugs for things like anxiety and depression are allowed as long as you take the appropriate doses, and they don’t interfere with you driving safely. You will need to talk to your doctor and the medical examiner about any medications you take or plan to take.
8. A DOT Physical is Only About Your Physical Health
The DOT exam focuses on both a driver’s physical and mental fitness to drive. Yes, the doctor will test your vision, listen to your heart, and look for conditions that might get in the way of you driving safely. But they will also consider your mental health as well. Severe depression or schizophrenia may disqualify you from passing a DOT exam. A condition such as untreated severe sleep apnea can also prevent you from driving safely by making you drowsy. Your medical examiner will take all of these into account.
9. You Can’t Drive if you Have Diabetes
Diabetes alone rarely disqualifies you from passing a DOT physical exam. In fact, many drivers with diabetes can pass their DOT exam and have successful careers. Drivers with diabetes need to provide documentation of their condition, treatment, medication, and blood sugar levels. However, a driver with uncontrolled blood sugar levels may only qualify for a temporary certification.
10. A DOT Physical is Either a Pass or a Fail
Yes, the immediate result of a DOT physical is either a pass or fail, but it isn’t as cut and dry as it sounds. If the medical examiner has concerns about your health, you may still have options. In some cases, you may receive a temporary certificate that gives you time to get proper treatment or manage a medical condition. These temporary certificates can last from three months to a year.
11. All Doctors Can Conduct a DOT Physical
You can’t just go to your regular GP to get a DOT physical exam. An FMCSA-certified medical examiner must conduct the exam. If you’ve wondered, “How do I find a DOT-certified medical examiner near me?” you can use the TeamCME locator tool to find a local certified FMCSA medical examiner.
The requirements for obtaining and maintaining a commercial driver’s license are complex and can be confusing. Don’t let the misconceptions you hear keep you from scheduling a DOT physical. Certified medical examiners keep up-to-date on the physical and mental health requirements for drivers. Even if your health is not perfect, you may still be able to pass your physical. A DOT-certified provider can help you determine if it’s safe for you to drive commercially.
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Infographic
A DOT physical exam is crucial for obtaining and maintaining a commercial driver’s license. This infographic dispels eleven common myths and misconceptions about the exam, whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced driver.
