DOT Physical Near Dallas, TX

Obtaining a CDL Medical Card in Dallas And Fort Worth

Working as a truck driver is challenging, but your job is essential to our national economy and quality of life. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers keep grocery shelves stocked and supply construction materials for buildings, and deliver hazardous materials out of cities to safe disposal sites.

CDL jobs can be risky due to the gross weight and the size of the vehicle. Commercial drivers have to meet a minimum standard of health to qualify for work to ensure everyone’s safety. You need a commercial driver’s license and a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card to operate commercial vehicles.

What Is A DOT Medical Card?

DOT medical cards proves you passed the physical. While accidents happen in both private and commercial vehicles, mass casualties are more likely in commercial vehicles. Employers don’t want to hire an individual with epilepsy or someone who will fall asleep while driving due to narcolepsy.

To make certain all truck drivers meet the minimum standard, they are required to have a DOT physical (sometimes called a DOT medical exam) at least every two years. The medical card shows they passed that exam.

What Diagnoses Disqualify Me From Getting A DOT Medical Card In Dallas or Fort Worth?

We’re happy to see that many conditions are managed by the proper medication and treatment protocol, but there are exceptions. Epilepsy could cause a driver to have a seizure while transporting hazardous or flammable materials through our city streets. Uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, nerve damage in hands and feet, etc., may also pose an unnecessary risk. Your DOT medical examiner will tell you which conditions can be managed adequately to be safe on the road and which are disqualifiers.

How Do I Prepare For The DOT Physical Exam?

Bring your photo ID and medical records regarding any ongoing health problems, and arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to handle the paperwork.

How Long Is The DOT Medical Card Valid?

Generally, you can expect to complete the exam every two years, though some health problems require more monitoring. In that case, your DOT medical examiner will require more frequent visits between DOT physical renewals.

Is A DOT Drug Test Required in Dallas/Fort Worth?

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.

Can I Use My Primary Doctor?

If your primary doctor gets certified with the FMCSA National Registry, they can perform the DOT physical exam. Not all doctors are certified in this field, however. A quick call to their office should let you know if they can handle the exam or if you need to find a DOT medical examiner.

How Do I Find A DOT Medical Examiner And Drug Test Near Me In Dallas or Fort Worth?

A quick browser search for “DOT physical near me” should get you to the right place, or you can use our website to find a local option. Team CME has contracts with an extensive network of certified clinics nationwide for your convenience.

How Long Is The Exam?

Appointments generally last 30-45 minutes. Your medical examiner may require documentation from a specialist clearing you for duty if you have severe health issues. Once you’re cleared, you get your DOT medical card and operate commercial motor vehicles.