What is included in a DOT Physical Examination for CDL?
If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. A qualified examiner may be a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. The examiner will review your health history and ask you to list the medications you take on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
- Check your pulse and blood pressure
- Perform a vision test
- Observe your general appearance
- Examine your eyes, throat, mouth, and ears
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Check for spine deformities
- Perform a neurological exam
- Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
- Perform a hernia check
- Some medical conditions that might disqualify a candidate from passing the physical exam include a history of epilepsy, a history of alcoholism, a diabetic condition for which insulin is needed, loss or impairment of a limb that prevents safe driving, implanted heart defibulator or the use of medications or drugs like methadone, medical marijuana, amphetamines or narcotics without a physician’s prescription