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DOT Physicals in Oregon

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Getting Your DOT Medical Card In Oregon

Have you thought about becoming a commercial driver? Are you hesitant about taking the DOT physical examination (or getting an exam renewal)? This process need not be overwhelming, and it will get you closer to getting or maintaining a trucking job. Below, we answer the most common questions about the DOT medical exam.

What Do CDL, DOT, And CMV Stand For?

CDL-Commercial Driver’s License: Drivers of passenger buses, big-rig trucks, gas tankers, and other commercial vehicles need a CDL.

DOT- Department of Transportation: The DOT was instituted to manage transportation, including transportation safety, in the U.S. The DOT creates the rules that CDL drivers need to follow in the state of Oregon and the rest of the country.

CMV-Commercial Motor Vehicle: Commercial motor vehicles are large vehicles (usually weighing 10,001 pounds or more) that carry goods, multiple passengers (usually 15+), or hazardous materials.

What Is A DOT Medical Card In Oregon?

The DOT medical card is required countrywide so your employer knows you passed the DOT physical exam and can legally drive CMVs on public roads.

Why Do I Need To Pass A Physical To Drive?

Commercial motor vehicles have an unusual size, speed, and load capacity compared to private passenger vehicles and would cause more property damage and human casualties in an accident. Due to the dangerous nature of the job, the DOT needs SDL drivers to exceed the health screening that the DMV requires for private passenger vehicles.

What Is Involved In The DOT Exam?

Your DOT medical examiner looks at potential drivers with the goal of eliminating health problems that:

  1. Aren’t under consistent control
  2. Could interfere with your ability to drive competently

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

Thankfully, many of our medical issues are controllable under the proper conditions. Some of the possible exceptions are:

  • Uncontrolled Heart Disease- A heart attack on the road would be disastrous. Not only would the driver be far from help, but they could drift into oncoming traffic.
  • Blindness- There are different levels of blindness, but if you can’t see the lines on the road, street signals, and signs, or the surrounding vehicles in your peripheral vision, you’re a hazard behind the wheel.
  • Epilepsy- There are two main types of seizures: spasmodic movements and when someone just checks out and is unaware of their surroundings. Both would be dangerous while driving.
  • Narcolepsy- Uncontrollable sleepiness could cause mass casualties.

    Do They Do A DOT Drug Screening In Oregon?

    No. 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 which may indicate that you should follow-up with your primary care provider. These findings rarely cause disqualifiction. The urinalysis does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications.

    To Find A Local DOT Medical Examiner in Oregon…

    Use our Team CME website to tap into our list of DOT certified medical examiners in Oregon. Our locator tool will help you find a “CDL medical card near me” or “DOT physical near me.”