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Five Steps to DOT Urine Collection Certification
A Department of Transportation (DOT) specimen collector plays a critical role. Your job is to ensure and verify the integrity of the screening process. You are the only person who has direct contact with the employee, and you start the chain of custody for test...
Hypertension and Passing Your DOT Physical Exam
Unfortunately, high blood pressure, referred to as hypertension, is becoming more common and affects nearly 50% of adults. In addition to taking care of your health problems today to prolong your life, you need to have your blood pressure under control to pass the...
8 Medical Conditions Affecting Your DOT Physical
If you are a commercial bus or truck driver or in another driving job with high safety demands, you may need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. You will need to see a certified medical examiner to examine and issue a certificate for you. While most...
Do I qualify to be certified for DOT specimen collections?
Becoming a certified DOT specimen collector is an admirable step. You will be the first and only in-person contact to ensure public safety from substance use in safety-sensitive workplaces. Before you can take the certification course, there are a few requirements...
Tips To Prepare For Your DOT Physical
Being on the road driving can hit your health hard. Sitting in one place for hours can impact your circulatory system and hurt your legs and back, making you feel less like exercising when you do get a break. Long distance driving also requires you to be focused for...
Are there differences between DOT and non-DOT drug tests?
Whether you have to get a drug test, interpret it, or administer it, there are some differences you need to be aware of between Department of Transportation (DOT) and non-DOT drug tests. These readers point out some significant and not-so-obvious variations between...
How to Recertify as a DOT Medical Examiner in 2023
There is an updated version of this article for 2024, read it here: Taking the Medical Examiner Recertification Exam in 2024? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires training and testing on the physical qualification standards and guidelines...
Don’t Sweat Your DOT Physical
If you are a professional truck or bus driver, then you’re familiar with Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. They can be nerve-wracking if you are unprepared or don’t know what to expect. Here are some common questions drivers have and the answers you might...
What are the DOT violations requiring alcohol testing for commercial drivers?
A commercial license leads to strict regulation through the DOT to ensure public road safety. There are some moving violations and specific rules for alcohol consumption that all commercial drivers need to keep in mind. These driving experts discuss the top reasons...
The Skill Performance Exam (SPE): Clarification & Helpful Advice
Navigating through the Skilled Perfomance Exam (SPE) application can be a daunting process and many can hit roadblocks along the way. We will try to break down the process and share some important insights to help lead you in the right direction. Who is eligible for a...
Recent Posts
What Can Long-distance Truck Drivers Do to Maintain Their Physical and Mental Health?
The men and women who make sure your packages, food stuffs, and other essential materials are delivered intact and on time usually face gruelingly long hours on the road, frequent separations from loved ones, and considerable mental and physical stress. We queried...
Which factors lead to a temporarily suspended DOT physical certification and what course of action can lift the suspension?
A suspended DOT physical certification can cause a lot of stress and devastation. However, knowing what leads to a suspension and how to get it lifted can help you stay calm and follow the proper course of action to get your suspension raised. Read on to...
Fatal Flaws: Error Correction Training For Urine Specimen Collectors
Mistakes happen. You forget to sign a document, the test tube leaks, or the tube does not seal correctly. While you may be able to resolve or correct some errors, others are considered fatal flaws. If the urine sample is no longer usable and the test can no longer be...
Why Portable Spirometers Are Invaluable For DOT Examiners
For those who are or want to become a DOT certified medical examiner, having the right tools is crucial. They will allow you to accurately assess the health and fitness of the commercial drivers you see in your office. While you may already have many of these tools,...
Medical Marijuana: How it Can Affect Your CDL Status
Medical marijuana is scientifically proven to aid people with certain physical and mental illnesses. And, like many medicines, whether derived from plants or chemically created, marijuana has side effects. Is prescribed marijuana legal when driving with a CDL...