The Sleep and Wellness Center is happy to announce its newest service: DOT Examination. If you or your employees have been labeled “safety-sensitive” by the Department of Transportation (DOT), it means that their job can impact both their own safety and the public’s safety. For this reason, commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive employees are required to have regular physicals to ensure they are in good physical condition to work safely.
What Is a DOT Examination?
A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) examination is a medical exam to ensure you meet the standards to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) like semi-trucks, buses, and vehicles that carry hazardous materials. Since driving these types of vehicles is a big responsibility, employers must make sure that you’re able to perform this task safely.
As an example, you have to be able to hear sounds around you, clearly identify road signs, and stay awake. Some health conditions may affect your ability to perform such tasks, or they may put you at risk for medical emergencies that could put you or others on the road in danger.
If you meet the corresponding medical standards, you are granted your medical examiner’s certificate or medical card. DOT’s are typically valid for up to two years, but you may need to do exams more frequently depending on your medical history.
Who Needs a DOT Examination?
If you meet any of these requirements, you are most likely to need a DOT examination if you:
- Drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver
- Are paid to drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 8 passengers, including the driver
- Transport hazardous materials that require your vehicle to have a placard
- Operate a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of 10,000 pounds (5 tons) or more
- Drive a CMV across state lines
- Drive a CMV within state boundaries (You may or may not)
What Happens During a DOT Examination?
Medical History Review
The examiner will ask about your medical history, including any medications you are taking and any past or current health conditions.
General Physical Examination
This includes checking your general appearance for signs of medical conditions, measuring your height, and weight, and evaluating your overall physical fitness.
Vision Test
Your vision will be tested to ensure you meet the required standard of 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction.
Hearing Test
You’ll need to pass a hearing test, often the “whisper test”, where you must hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away.
Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate
These will be measured to ensure they are within safe and normal limits.
Urine Test
This checks for underlying medical conditions like diabetes. It may also be used to test for drugs and alcohol if requested by your employer.
Physical Fitness Tests
These may include tests for hernias and other conditions that could affect your ability to perform your duties as a driver.
DOT Examination in New Jersey: Contact the Sleep and Wellness Center
The Sleep and Wellness Center is expanding its medical services: if you are a driver with a CDL, you can get our DOT Examination done at our practice for $150.
If you wish to schedule an appointment for DOT examinations in New Jersey, our office is available for consultations at 31 East Darrah Lane, Lawrence Township, NJ. To schedule an appointment, call 855-611-9116.
