DOT Physical Near Seattle & Tacoma, WA

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Getting Your DOT Medical Card In Seattle And Tacoma

You know you need a DOT exam in Seattle or Tacoma to start driving a commercial motor vehicle. But what is it? The DOT physical exam allows you to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This article should answer most of your questions about the DOT physical.

What Do DOT, CMV, and CDL Stand For?

The DOT (Department Of Transportation) oversees transportation in America (to include transportation safety).

CMVs (commercial motor vehicles) include semi-trucks, coaches, passenger vans, and more. They generally weigh 10,001+ pounds and carry at least 15 passengers. They may also transport hazardous materials.

A CDL (commercial driver’s license) is the driver’s license needed to operate commercial vehicles.

To become a truck driver, you must earn your CDL plus pass a DOT physical.

Why do I Need To Get A DOT Medical Card In Seattle And Tacoma?

If you live in Seattle and Tacoma and are looking for a job driving CMVs, you will need to get a DOT medical card proving that you passed the CDL physical examination and are healthy enough to operate commercial vehicles. This medical card is required in every part of the country.

Why Do I Need To Pass A Physical To Drive?

Most commercial vehicles can cause greater harm in an accident than private passenger vehicles because of their size and cargo. Because of the danger, the DOT holds CDL drivers to more stringent standards of health.

What Is Involved In The DOT Exam?

Your DOT medical examiner identifies health conditions that negatively impact your ability to drive safely. If the medical issue is controllable, you can pass the exam, but some diagnoses are more limiting to commercial drivers.

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

Disqualifying medical conditions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Blindness- It’s necessary to see the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians in all weather conditions when you drive. If you have access to glasses, they may adequately compensate for loss of sight, so bring them to your appointment.
  • Advanced Heart Disease- You need to be alert and ready for action behind the wheel, which is hard if you’re in the middle of a heart attack. Plus, on some lonely road, it could be hours before you get medical attention.
  • Epilepsy- Concentration is impossible during seizures, which break through despite special diets, electrostimulators, and medication.
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes- While it is possible to control diabetes, extreme cases may make it difficult. Long trips with limited access to low glycemic foods and or miscalculations on insulin doses could be deadly without immediate medical attention. If you have your diabetes under control, bring medical records showing your treatment history.

Do They Do A DOT Drug Screening In Seattle and Tacoma?

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 potential employer can request that a pre-employment drug test be performed at the same time as the DOT physical exam. 

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.

How do I Find a Local DOT Physician And Drug Test In Seattle And Tacoma?

We’ve made this simple with our Team CME website. By using our locator tool, you can find certified DOT medical examiners in the greater Seattle and Tacoma areas. Our tool makes it easy to find a “DOT medical card near me” or “CDL medical exam near me.”