DOT Physicals
The Whiz Guys offer DOT physical exams! Dr. Michael T. Johnson and Dr. Jacob J. Bohnen are trained and certified to perform DOT exams. They are on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and are current with all guidelines that the FMCSA has set forth regarding DOT physicals. Find us the National Registry by clicking the link
https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/search-medical-examinersDOT Physical Exam
The DOT physical exam certifies that a driver is physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of safely operating a commercial motor vehicle. The exam incorporates the required medical assessment including but not limited to physical examination reviewing all systems, health history reviewing all systems, vision tests, hearing tests, blood pressure, pulse, and urine testing for specific gravity, blood, protein, and sugar. DOT physicals are highly regulated for the drivers’ safety. DOT medical examiners are specially trained to understand the regulations and prevent drivers from being inappropriately disqualified. If the driver passes all required testing, the driver will receive a DOT Medical Card.
Both Doc Mike and Doc Jake are current with the Federal DOT guidelines. If the driver needs the proper waiver or exemption (i.e. Insulin Dependent or Vision), The Whiz Guys will provide the application/checklist and instructions on how to obtain it. Also, for your convenience, The Whiz Guys will call you a month before your certificate will expire so you don't forget to renew your card. The Whiz Guys report all DOT exams to the FMCSA.
For all you CDL drivers, The Whiz Guys will provide a self-certification form and a copy of your DOT medical card in order to prepare you for your registration with the state department.
What’s up with all the changes?
Driving a commercial motor vehicle means long, hard hours on the road. The FMCSA has updated the DOT regulations to better reflect the physical demands drivers face and to help them be safer on the job. The Whiz Guys are up on these changes and are trained and certified to perform the DOT exams.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
You are required to have a physical exam and carry a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate if:
- You operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 4,536 kilograms (10,001 pounds) or more in interstate commerce.
- You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, in interstate commerce.
- You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from your regular work-reporting location, in interstate commerce.
- You transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards, in interstate commerce.
The US Department of Transportation sets the following guidelines:
- CDL holders (Drivers) must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
- Drivers cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin unless accompanied by a waiver by endocrinologist; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
- A driver's blood pressure must be under 140/90. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted but has limitations of at least one year.
- Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.
- If a driver has a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease, he/she will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test (performed within the last 12 months) along with a release from the driver's physician stating that he/she can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.
- The Department of Transportation also requires clearance for drivers that have been diagnosed with the following conditions: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, or have had recent workers' compensation claims.
For a complete list of physical requirements, click the link
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/driver-medical-fitness-dutyHow Long is the Exam Valid?
A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner's certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a medical condition.
If the medical examiner finds that the person he/she examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the medical examiner will furnish one copy of the results to the person who was examined and complete a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
If you need a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Examination, give us a call. We can usually see you the same day. Your exam should take about 30 minutes.