DOT Physical Near Chicago, IL

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Getting A DOT Medical Card Near Me In Chicago

Have you wondered what it’s like to be a commercial truck driver? Such challenging jobs keep our economy thriving and make our way of life possible. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers keep food and clothing on store shelves, construction sites supplied, and hazardous materials safely contained during transport.

Due to the crucial and sometimes dangerous nature of the job, commercial drivers must meet a higher standard to operate commercial motor vehicles. At first, the requirements may seem arbitrary and complicated. Still, the sheer size and weight of the vehicle in motion makes them a danger to the surrounding community if mishandled. Precautions must be taken to preserve public safety. An operator needs a CDL and a DOT (Department of Transportation) medical card.

What Is A DOT Medical Card?

Commercial vehicles are used to transporting unusually large cargo or more passengers than private vehicles can manage. Operators transport packages, raw materials, travelers, and emergency response crews.

Due to your vehicle’s unusual weight and size, commercial vehicle operation can be risky. Accidents in densely populated areas could be devastating. The Department of Transportation (DOT) understands the risks and works to make sure commercial operators drive sober, healthy, and responsibly. The DOT physical helps catch medical conditions that might alter your driving, like heart conditions, seizures, and others.

The DOT physical (sometimes called a DOT medical exam) is how they weed out safe drivers from those who are compromised by a health condition. The medical card verifies a driver’s eligibility for a maximum of two years before it needs to be renewed.

How Do I Get A DOT Medical Card Near Me In Chicago?

Looking for a “DOT physical near me”? You can use your favorite search engine or check our site for the closest location. Team CME works with many DOT physical exam locations countrywide, including in Chicago. Local clinics mean more convenience and less wait times.

Will I Need a DOT Drug Screening in Chicago?

A urinalysis checks if there is excessive protien, blood, or sugar in your urine. It does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications. 

A potential employer can request that a drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT physical exam. Drug tests may also be required if:

  • You are selected for a random test as required by the DOT
  • You were involved in an accident
  • Your behavior or appearance leads your boss to believe you might be intoxicated on the job

Note: Refusal to take the test is the same as failing it. A positive DOT drug test gets reported to the national clearinghouse and you will not be able to drive a CMV until you have completed a substance abuse program (SAP) and then obtain a new DOT medical card.

 

What Do I Do To Prepare?

  1. To have plenty of time to fill out paperwork, arrive 15 minutes early.
  2. Bring your adaptive devices such as glasses, hearing aids, etc.
  3. To review ongoing medical conditions, bring your medical records.
  4. For proper identification, bring your driver’s license or other form of photo ID.