DOT Physical vs. A Regular Physical ?

Really no difference except that certain medical conditions can disqualify you from passing a DOT physical because of federal guidelines.

 

I'd say a regular physical is more comprehensive than a truck driver DOT one. However, if you get into the different classes of DOT physicals, i.e., flying (which by the way, should be the physical required for truck drivers), is much more stringent than either a regular or trucking DOT physical.

Basics on current physical required for truck drivers:

(1) Is applicant breathing?

(2) Does applicant have enough body parts (i.e., both hands, both legs and feet or prostetic devices) to operate a CMV?

(3) Can applicant see?

(4) Can applicant hear?

If these 4 questions are answered "yes" then applicant may be given a medical card.

 

Before I got into trucking, under a year ago (schooling and all), I had a thorough physical, heart stress test, prostate, blood, eye, hearing, the whole nine yards, prescribed by my Doctor.

Then during school, I had the DOT, which was a wimpy test if you ask me. 5 ft. away, they said my name, I responded with "what", this passed me for the hearing part, guess what, I wear hearing aids, but I didn't have them in at the time. Eye exam, if you didn't have glasses on, you passed. Now some of you may say, ya right. Well guess what, I had 2 DOT exams, one for the school and 1 from my company, and they were exactly the same way. Urine was another part and blood pressure check.

I wear my hearing aids, whenever I drive, I also wear glasses, because it sharpens everything up, my vision from my Doctor physical was 20/25 left eye, 20/30 right eye, which passes me on the DOT exam, if they would have ever done a good exam. But I got glasses, because of the huge difference when I put them on, crisp and clear.

No stress test, physical (lifting weights) test, from the DOT exam. I've had High Blood Pressure for many years now, it's not a problem because I have it under control w/meds. but a lot of guys didn't pass the first time. 2nd test for those guys, they were put into a dark room for 15-30 and asked to try and take a nap, then the Nurse would come in and take their BP, which at that time, there's almost no way could they fail it, everyone passed.

DOT exams, are a sinch. But what I would do, get a real physical from your Doctor, for your own peace of mind. Then get what ever you need so your in tip top shape for driving. I was a business owner (construction) and carpenter for 28 yrs, I bought the best tools and the right equipment for my jobs. Driving, my body is the tool and equipment, thus I want it in right shape. I dropped some weight and I exersize to stay in top shape, alertness. I always take my work seriously.

Sorry if this was to much info......

 

I'm getting mine done today with VA. Anyone had theirs done there? Will they have all the paper work I will need? My blood pressure is high a lot of time, I take meds for it. I have Sleep Apnea as well. The VA already knows all this, they diagnosed me. Will any of this disqualify me? I will tell everything they did with me.


hopefully no prostate exams.

 

I never heard of the VA doing DOT physicals. But that doesn't mean they don't. Being gov't and all it seems like they would. The forms are downloadable off the FMSCA.gov website if they don't have them
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Blood pressure has to be under 140/90.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you have to be treated and found compliant with a CPAP. That or a BiPap or surgery. Sleep apnea is the latest thing DOT is cracking down on.

 

I didn't think VA could get me in in time, so didn't explore that avenue, let us know how that works out. I'll be going to a local 'business health' clinic for mine to the tune of $125, fortunately my school reimburses that, and all of my testing fees and records fees...it all adds up!