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DOT Physicals in South Carolina

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How Do I Find A DOT Medical Exam Center Near Me In South Carolina?

You will likely need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical if you operate a commercial vehicle. That will allow you to get your DOT medical card required for your job.

You’ll want a quick and easy solution so the exam doesn’t hold up your application or renewal and delay your ability to work. We can help you find a DOT physical here in South Carolina.

Team CME’s contracts with hundreds of clinics around the country, they can help you find DOT medical examiners in South Carolina. Finding a DOT physical close to home means you can get on the road faster. Check out our “DOT medical card near me” finder and set your appointment today.

How do I know if I need a DOT exam?

Your employer (or future employer) is your first resource. They will be able to guide you on all requirements to start work. DOT medical cards are required if you want to:

  • Drive a school bus or other passenger vehicle carrying 16 or more people
  • Drive a vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more
  • Drive a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

 

Why do I need a DOT medical card in South Carolina?

Commercial vehicle drivers must meet a certain standard because they transport people, transport cargo that could hurt others, or drive trucks big enough to cause severe damage. The Department of Transportation wants to ensure that commercial truck drivers are healthy for maximum safety.

Your South Carolina DOT medical examiner looks for unsafe medical conditions such as an unstable heart, epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing or sight loss, and drug use. Your provider can then assess the severity of these issues and help you know if they can be managed or if they will disqualify you from holding a DOT medical card.

Will I need a DOT physical renewal?

Two years between renewals is a general rule, though certain health conditions may require more frequent visits to maintain control.

Will my DOT exam in South Carolina include drug screening?

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:

  • When applying for work (pre-employment)
  • As part of the DOT-mandated random drug testing protocol
  • After accidents or injuries to prove you were sober at the time of the incident
  • If you give your employer reason to suspect you’re using on the job

Our DOT exam clinic locator feature makes finding “drug screening near me” quick and painless so that you can get tested and back to work.

What’s the difference between a DOT medical exam and a CDL medical exam?

The DOT medical exam is separate from your CDL (commercial driver’s license) exam, but you need both to drive a commercial vehicle. The CDL exam qualifies you to get your license, but it doesn’t assess your health, nor does it allow you to get behind the wheel yet. The DOT physical ensures that your health is up to snuff. It qualifies you for a DOT medical card and allows you to start driving commercial vehicles.