DOT Physical Near Stockton & Modesto, CA

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Getting Your DOT Medical Card In Stockton And Modesto

Are you concerned about taking the CDL physical examination or renewal? If you are, don’t worry. The process is quick and easy. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about the DOT medical exam.

What Do CDL, DOT, And CMV Stand For?

CDL-Commercial Driver’s License: Commercial drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License before they can operate commercial vehicles.

Department of Transportation: The DOT works to improve transportation around the country and to ensure safe transportation. They create regulations for CDL operators.

CMV-Commercial Motor Vehicle: Motor vehicles that carry passengers or goods from point A to point B and meet criteria, including weighing 10,001+ pounds, carrying more than eight passengers for compensation, carrying more than 15 passengers (not for compensation), or carrying dangerous materials.

What Is A DOT Medical Card In Stockton And Modesto?

The DOT medical card proves you took and passed the CDL physical exam and are cleared to drive commercial vehicles.

Why Do I Need To Pass A Physical To Drive?

Because a CMV is more dangerous due to the size, load capacity, speed, and sometimes hazardous cargo it carries. In an accident, commercial vehicles have the potential to cause more property damage and human casualties than private passenger vehicles.

The DOT requires CMV operators to follow stricter rules than private passenger vehicles to keep everyone safe.

What Does The DOT Exam Look For?

Your DOT medical examiner’s objective is to eliminate potential drivers with health problems that:

  1. Pose a threat to the driver and the surrounding community
  2. Can’t be controlled by lifestyle and medication

What Kinds Of Medical Conditions Disqualify Me From A CDL Job?

Many medical issues are quite manageable under the proper conditions. However, there are some notable exceptions, including:

  • Epilepsy- The patient will have seizures or lose track of their surroundings. There are medical devices that help lengthen the time between episodes, but rarely can they eliminate episodes completely.
  • Narcolepsy- The patient suddenly goes to sleep without warning, even if they are well rested from the night before.
  • Uncontrolled Mental Health Condition-Individuals suffering from severe depression with suicidal thoughts, or those with psychosis should seek medical attention before getting a DOT physical exam. 
  • Uncontrolled Heart Disease- Patients could suffer dangerously atypical heart rhythms, inadequate blood flow, or have a history of heart attacks, etc.

Do They Require DOT Drug Screening In Stockton And Modesto?

A DOT drug test is not part of the DOT physical. You will provide a urine sample for the medical examiner to perform a urinalysis. This demonstrates if there is excessive protien, blood, or sugar in your urine. The urinalysis does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications.  

 However, CDL drivers may undergo drug testing in the following circumstances:

  • The first DOT Exam (pre-employment)
  • During the DOT-mandated random drug test
  • After an accident (so your employer knows you were sober)
  • If you act like you’re using drugs or alcohol on the job

How Do I Find A DOT Physician And Drug Test Near Me in Stockton and Modesto?

Team CME’s website makes it easy by connecting you to a network of DOT examiners throughout the country. Simply use our finder tool to access a “DOT medical card near me” or “CDL medical exams near me.”