Dot physical

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ugminer, Apr 14, 2020.

  1. Ugminer

    Ugminer Light Load Member

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    Whst all does a physical consist of?
     
  2. REO6205

    REO6205 Road Train Member

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    Blood pressure, eyesight, hearing, and a general wellness check. Nothing too complicated.
     
  3. supertrucker79

    supertrucker79 Light Load Member

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    Don’t forget the drug screening requirement per FMSCA. BP over 140 requires BP medicine to control it, get issued for 1 year instead of the 2 year.
     
  4. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Drug screening has nothing to do with a dot physical
     
  5. roshea

    roshea Road Train Member

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    Urinalysis test for diabetes (sugar, protein) is the only "drug test" for a DOT physical. There is a separate pre-employment drug test that each employer you apply to will required, but it is not part of the DOT medical, although it may be performed at the same time and place as the physical.
     
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  6. Ugminer

    Ugminer Light Load Member

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    The hearing is what bothers me
     
  7. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

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    Sometimes they touch big willy and the twins.
     
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  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Go to audiologist get the current chart from him very recently if not that very day showing a 500 hertz, 1000 hertz and 2000 hertz at 40 db or better naturally or with hearing aids. (Not boosters at walmart)

    Have that signed, dated and so on with audiology information source etc.

    You carry a spare pack of batteries with you mint and ready to go. Be prepared to show them per DOT regulations at all times.

    Be prepared to show that chart. Say nothng until doctor asks about your hearing which will become self evident during the exam if you cannot hear well.

    I am deaf from birth, one of the first OTR truckers in my state from that environment. Without hearing aids I can hear 500 and 1000 hertz at 30 db but 2000 to 4000 needs a boost of about 40 more db. Anything beyond 5000 is dead. Something like a 150 db needed to get through. That hurts people.

    Your DOT doctor will review your entire medicine history that you have ever been prescribed and filled at any pharmacy in the USA. Do NOT try to hide or lie about any medicine he asks about if any. If you have old meds in the cabinet? Leave them there or destroy them. Do not take them ever in trucking.
     
  9. REO6205

    REO6205 Road Train Member

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    I wear hearing aids in both ears. As long as they're working and I have spare batteries readily at hand I've had no problem with the DOT physical.
     
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  10. Ugminer

    Ugminer Light Load Member

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    Thanks