DOT Physicals in Tennessee

Finding A DOT Physician Exam Near Me In Tennessee

Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step to a career in driving commercial vehicles, but before getting behind the wheel of a truck, you will need to obtain a DOT physical exam. You may have a few questions about it. What is the DOT exam? Where do you go to get it? Why do you need it? Can you visit any doctor’s office, or are there specific DOT Doctors you need to see? Read on for all of the answers you need about obtaining your DOT medical card in Tennessee.

What Is The DOT Exam?

Commercial motor vehicle operators keep our economy running and our supply lines open. Without a trucker carrying goods to retail stores, we couldn’t buy food, clothing, or basic household necessities. 

Due to your vehicle’s unusual weight and size, commercial vehicle operation can be risky. Accidents in densely populated areas could be devastating.

Aware of the risk, the Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces laws that ensure CDL drivers are healthy and sober and drive responsibly, keeping our roads safe. The DOT physical (commonly called the DOT medical exam) detects health conditions that could make it unsafe to drive, like unmanaged sleep disorders, problems with hearing or sight, epilepsy, etc.

You’ll receive a DOT medical card once you’ve passed the exam. The card generally lasts for two years.

DOT Drug Screening in Tennessee

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

Can My Primary Doctor Issue a DOT Medical Card in Tennessee?

Depending on your primary doctor’s certification, that is possible. They need to have accreditation from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Your doctor’s office can verify their qualifications. If your primary doctor doesn’t offer DOT exams, Team CME has contracts with DOT medical examiners countrywide. Search “DOT physical near me,” or check our website to find a DOT medical exam location in Tennessee.

What Can I Do To Prepare For My DOT Medical Exam in Tennessee

• ID: Be ready to prove your identity with either a standard or commercial driver’s license. If this isn’t available, any other form of photo ID is acceptable.
• ETA: To get in and out of the doctor’s office quicker, show up 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork for your appointment.
• Records: It helps to bring medical records of ongoing health issues so the examiner can determine if your condition poses a risk. However, many conditions can be controlled with proper lifestyle choices and medication. Talk to a doctor before you assume that you’ll be disqualified from getting your CDL and DOT medical card.