DOT Physical Near Columbia, SC

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Finding A DOT Medical Exam Center Near Me In Columbia, SC?

You will need a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical to drive commercial vehicles. Once you pass your physical exam, you will be issued a DOT medical card.

There’s plenty to do transitioning into a new job or getting ready to submit your renewal to continue your job. You don’t want to get bogged down by your DOT physical here in Columbia.

While you may dread the hassle of getting your DOT medical card, Team CME makes it easy because they have contracts with clinics nationwide, including DOT medical examiners in Columbia. We’ve made it easy to find a DOT physical exam near your home by creating the “DOT physical near me” finder for clinics. You can contact them today to book an appointment.

Why do I need a DOT exam in Columbia?

Tasked with keeping the roads safe, the Department of Transportation wants to ensure that commercial operators carrying many passengers, hazardous materials, or driving vehicles with a gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds are safe, sober, and in optimal health. After all, an incident on the job could damage many lives. That’s why they require DOT physicals and issue DOT medical cards to those who pass these exams.

Your Columbia DOT medical examiner watches for health conditions that can endanger you or those sharing the road with you. Health challenges like epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an unstable heart, visual problems, auditory problems, and drug use can be hazardous on the road. The DOT medical card proves that you are physically fit to be driving various commercial vehicles.

Will my DOT exam in Columbia include drug screening?

No. A urine sample is needed to perform a urinalysis. This demonstrates if there is excessive protien, blood, or sugar in your urine. It does not test for marijuana, narcotics, or other medications. Your employer or potential employer can request that a drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT physical exam. 

As a commercial vehicle driver, expect regular drug and alcohol testing as part of your employment. After a crash, your employer will have you tested to ensure you were clean and sober at the time of the accident. You’ll likely need random drug tests throughout the year, as well.

If you cause your employer to suspect alcohol or drug use on the job, they can have you tested. If you fail or refuse to complete the test, you won’t be able to drive commercial vehicles until you complete a substance abuse program and have another CDL medical exam. You’ll also need regular follow-up testing. 

The DOT exam clinic locator helps you find “DOT drug screening near me” so you can get tested and return to work.

Will I need a DOT physical renewal?

You will need to renew your DOT physical biannually. Schedule your appointment before the two years end to avoid temporary suspensions while you wait for paperwork. The provider may ask you to come in more often if you have additional physical challenges.

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.

Getting back to work (or getting ready to change your job) can be a hassle. Team CME makes it easy to find an affordable and qualified provider in Columbia for your DOT medical exam and drug testing. You can use our locator to find the most convenient Columbia DOT physical provider so you can get in, get out, and get back on the road.