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DOT Physicals in Washington

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Getting Your DOT Medical Card In Washington

Getting a DOT medical exam should be a relatively simple process that allows you to get a trucking job in Washington. This article answers the most asked questions about the DOT medical exam.

What Do DOT, CDL, And CMV Stand For?

The DOT (Department Of Transportation) oversees transportation in this country. This includes overseeing transportation safety.

A CDL (commercial driver’s license) is a requirement for anyone driving commercial motor vehicles. It involves more stringent requirements than getting a standard driver’s license.

CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) include semi-trucks, vans, coaches, buses, etc. These vehicles usually exceed 10,0001 pounds and carry cargo and/or 15+ passengers. Sometimes, they carry hazardous materials.

CMV operators are required to carry both a CDL and a DOT medical card to drive CMVs.

What Is A DOT Medical Card?

You’ve been told you need to get a DOT medical card in Washington, but what is it? The DOT medical card is the necessary documentation to prove you passed the physical exam and are healthy enough to drive commercial motor vehicles.

Why Do I Need To Pass A Physical To Drive?

The unusual size or load capacity of most commercial vehicles is greater than that of private passenger vehicles. Because CMVs can cause more damage in an accident, they’re considered more dangerous. Consequently, CDL drivers must work under more stringent guidelines.

What Is Involved In The DOT Physical?

Your DOT medical examiner is looking for problematic health conditions that could negatively impact your driving, making it unsafe to drive commercial vehicles. If the condition can be controlled, you don’t have to worry, but some diagnoses could disqualify you from becoming a commercial driver.

What Kinds Of Medical Conditions Disqualify Me From A CDL Job?

Concerning conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • Uncontrolled Heart Disease- A heart attack on the road would be disastrous. Not only would the driver be far from help, but they could drift into oncoming traffic.
  • Blindness- There are different levels of blindness, but if you can’t see the lines on the road, street signals, and signs, or the surrounding vehicles in your peripheral vision, you’re a hazard behind the wheel.
  • Epilepsy- There are two main types of seizures: spasmodic movements and when someone just checks out and is unaware of their surroundings. Both would be dangerous while driving.
  • Narcolepsy- Uncontrollable sleepiness could cause mass casualties.

Are DOT Drug Screenings Required In Washington?

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.

Your potential employer can request that a pre-employment drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT medical exam. A clean drug test is mandatory in order to drive commercial vehicles.

How Can I Find A Local DOT Physician And Drug Test In Washington?

With the help of our Team CME site, you can easily find out which local doctors hold DOT certifications. Use our locator tool to find “DOT medical card near me” or “DOT physical near me.”