DOT Physical Near Brownsville & McAllen, TX

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Finding a DOT Physical Exam in Brownsville And McAllen

Truck drivers wear many hats. Whether you drive a delivery truck bringing food and goods to stores, a sanitation truck that keeps our neighborhoods clean, or a hazmat truck, your job is critical to our way of life. You keep our towns and cities functioning and our economy up and running.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) expects all CDL drivers to maintain a standard of health and drive responsibly to prevent accidents. Driving these huge vehicles is dangerous due to their size. An accident or mishap could cause serious damage.

So, what is the DOT medical exam? What should you expect during your appointment? Team CME is here to answer these questions.

What Is The DOT Physical Exam?

The terms DOT medical exam and CDL medical exam are often used interchangeably, but the most commonly used term is the DOT physical exam. It screens prospective CDL drivers for medical conditions that pose a threat while transporting cargo, people, or hazardous materials. The DOT medical card proves you passed the test and can now drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

What Conditions Disqualify An Operator From Getting Their DOT Medical Card In Brownsville And McAllen?

Fortunately, most conditions are controlled with the proper medication and lifestyle. Health conditions that can’t be overcome and pose a risk to drivers and the public (like epilepsy and blindness) could disqualify you from a career driving commercial vehicles. This is because the DOT has tight standards for keeping everyone safe.

Do I Need To Prepare For The DOT Physical Exam?

Most doctor’s offices prefer you come in 10-15 minutes before your appointment to complete paperwork. Your driver’s license or other photo ID is used to prove your identity. Additionally, medical records concerning ongoing conditions, glasses, hearing aids, and other adaptive devices will help the DOT medical examiner assess your health and prescriptions.

Once I Pass The Test, How Long Is The DOT Medical Card Good For?

Generally, the card must be renewed every two years. However, some medical conditions require more frequent visits to the medical examiner for DOT physical renewals.

Is A DOT Drug Test Required in Brownsville and McAllen?

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. 

A potential employer can request that a pre-employment drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT physical exam. Commercial drivers should consider random drug screenings a regular part of the job. In addition, your employer will likely require drug screening after an accident to prove you were sober. If you give your employer reason to believe you’re intoxicated at any other time, they can require you to test. After a failed drug test, you will need to complete a substance abuse program and then obtain a new CDL medical card before you can return to driving a commercial motor vehicle.

Medical marijuana, legally or illegally purchased, is a banned substance for all CDL drivers. If you feel you need this for your health, a CDL operator job isn’t a good fit for you. Regardless of why you take it, it can hinder your ability to drive safely.

Can I Use My Primary Doctor?

If your doctor has been certified by the FMCSA National Registry, they certainly qualify to perform the exam. Not all general practitioners do, however. Call your primary doctor’s office to see if DOT exams are services they provide.

How Do I Find A DOT Medical Examiner And Drug Test Near Me In Brownsville And McAllen?

If your doctor does not provide DOT exams, try an internet search for terms like “DOT physical near me” or find a local option using our website. Team CME has contracts with clinics nationwide, so CDL drivers have convenient options. Use our locator tool and schedule your exam today to get your DOT medical card.

How Long Is The Exam?

Appointments can last 30-45 minutes if you’re relatively healthy. Any ongoing conditions that require a closer look could delay things. If your health is compromised but controllable, the examiner may require a letter from a specialist detailing what conditions make it safe for you to drive. Once cleared, you need both the medical card and the CDL to operate commercial motor vehicles.