4 Reasons You May Need a DOT Physical

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires anyone who drives a commercial vehicle to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. The purpose of the DOT physical is to make sure you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to safely drive a vehicle for the well-being of the public.

If you’re new to commercial driving or it’s been almost two years since your last DOT physical, you need an official exam. We perform DOT physicals at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, and here are four reasons why you should schedule your DOT physical appointment with us.

1. It’s required by law

FMCSA is an agency of the US Department of Transportation established to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related accidents. One of the rules established to prevent accidents in the DOT physical.

By law, if you drive under certain circumstances or drive certain types of vehicles, you must have a DOT physical every two years.

The FMCSA requires DOT physicals for anyone who:

• Drives a vehicle that carries 15 or more people
• Gets paid to drive a vehicle that carries eight or more people
• Drives a vehicle that carries hazardous material 
• Drives a truck that carries more than 10,000 pounds of goods across state lines

The government requires that your DOT physical exam is conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.

2. Part of your job description

If you work for a business that involves driving in any of the above situations, you’re required to have a current and valid DOT physical examination certificate. If you drive without a valid DOT medical exam certification, your employer is liable. An employer may not hire you or allow you to work until you complete this exam.

3. For public safety

The purpose of the DOT physical exam is to make sure you’re not going to put anyone else’s life at risk when you’re driving your vehicle. Your DOT physical isn’t a replacement for your annual physical exam, but it’s a thorough evaluation of your overall health.

During your DOT, we review your medical history, ask about lifestyle habits that affect health (smoking, drinking alcohol), check your hearing and vision, and run a drug test. We also do a complete head-to-toe physical exam and a urine test to look for kidney disease and diabetes.

We want to make sure you don’t have any health issues that may make you unfit to drive safely, such as poorly controlled diabetes or a serious heart condition.

4. Your certificate is about to expire 

FMCSA requires that you get a DOT physical every 24 months, and it’s vital that you schedule your physical exam before your certificate expires. Even people in good health need a DOT physical and certification every two years in order to continue driving a commercial vehicle. 

You may lose work if you wait too long to schedule your DOT physical exam. We’re an urgent care clinic and can get you in for your exam quickly so you can get back on the road. Call Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland or schedule your DOT physical online today.