The DOT physical exam is a comprehensive assessment of people applying to become commercial drivers. There is plenty of documentation that must be brought to the physical, but here we will discuss some of the measures that will be taken during the exam.
Vision
It is required that any substantial vision or hearing impairment be cited on a driver’s license. Precise vision is essential for commercial drivers as they will spend long hours on the road. A minimum of 20/40 vision is required to pass this assessment, either in each individual eye or in both eyes if they have not received corrective surgery. It is important to take measures to maintain optimal eye health, as DOT physicals are only valid for 24 months at a time, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 70″ vision in the periphery is another requirement.
Hearing
Hearing is also essential to commercial drivers’ DOT physical exams. Sirens, car horns, and sounds that may signal truck problems are important to notice. To be attuned to these sounds, each driver must have no more than 40 decibels of hearing loss in their better ear. This value is referred to as a forced whisper that must be observable from five feet.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, hypertension, and indications of other heart diseases may leave you unqualified for commercial trucking. These metrics are taken to ensure that those who take to the road for long distances are in satisfactory physical health and not susceptible to cardiac arrests that could put themselves or other drivers at risk. Things like pacemakers and irregular heartbeats may also be of concern to the professional taking your DOT physical examination.
Urinalysis
Screenings for diabetes and other underlying medical conditions can be done through a sample of urine. This measure also serves the purpose of drug testing. Testing positive for any illegal substance or substance decided by the DOT as undesired can result in a potential driver not passing their exam. Drug tests are taken seriously despite the legalization of marijuana because emphasis is placed on ensuring drivers are being safe and protecting themselves, their fellow drivers, and the contents of the vehicle they are transporting.
DOT physical exams are as extensive as they are because even details such as sleep quality can affect a driver’s mental state on the road. It is vital that drivers, for their safety and others’, are of a certain health caliber. Go online to read more about DOT exams before you schedule one for yourself.