If you are designated as a “safety sensitive” employee by the department of transportation you are required to have a DOT exam performed. This is to ensure that you and other drivers you encounter are safe on the road.
Relief Chiropractic can perform this exam for you in our office or at your place of work.
Passing the exam successfully usually means you will not have to take the exam for another 2 years (24 months). There are some instances this period might be shortened in the case that serious health issues could arise in the future.
Dr. Paolini understands DOT rules and regulations and can provide the guidance employers and employees need to navigate through the system to get and keep your driver’s safely on the road quickly.
Want to know more about the DOT physical exam? (Click Here) to access the FMCSA webpage regarding the DOT physical exam.
What Employers Should Know
- Only a CME can administer a DOT physical.
- A DOT physical is required when a driver operates a CMV across state lines (i.e., interstate driving).
- Employers of intrastate drivers (i.e., drivers who stay within one state) are subject to the physical qualification regulations of that specific state.
- The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) has a current list of CMEs.
If you are a business with more than 10 employees, ask our office about special group pricing.
Forms
Various forms are required for your exam. They can be found online or downloaded here.
These include:
- the medical examination report MCSA-5875
- the medical examiners certificate form (MCSA-5876)
- the Insulin treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment form (MCSA-5870) if you are diabetic
The MCSA-5870 must be filled out by your treating physician no more than 45 days before your exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A DOT Physical?
If you are a commercial driver, you are a “safety-sensitive” employee. For your safety, and the public’s safety, FMCSA requires you to complete and pass a DOT physical to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). You are required to complete and pass a DOT physical if you:
- Operate a motor vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds
- Operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people
- Are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight people
- Transport hazardous materials that required your vehicle to be placarded
What Do I Need To Bring With Me?
You should arrive to your appointment with the following:
- Valid driver’s license
- Employer authorization form
- List of any current medications, dosages and doctor’s names that prescribed them
- List of any allergies
- Your health history.
- Any completed medical exemptions, or medical clearance forms
- CPAP compliance form if you use one
- Recent (6 months) A1C report if you are diabetic.
- Eyeglasses and/or hearing aids if you are required to wear them.
- Any other test paperwork
What Tests Are Done In A DOT Physical?
Dr. Paolini will perform a series of tests to check your blood pressure, vision, hearing, digestive, and mental health. You might also undergo urinalysis for diabetes and drug testing.
A DOT physical can take between 30 minutes and one hour to complete.
What If I Fail My DOT Exam?
If you’ve failed your DOT physical, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. A failed test IS NOT the end of the line for your driving career. Sometimes changing your DOT physical status from fail to pass is as simple as getting corrective lenses or perhaps a hearing aid. There are also certain exceptions that can be met to receive medical clearance to drive. Be sure to ask.
You are also allowed a second opinion under FMCSA rules. While it is tempting to withhold information on the second exam (or even the first), remember that all tests are filed with the FMCSA. Trying to cheat the system will lead to loss of your job and the inability to get another. It can also lead to fines and even jail.
Always remember that the purpose of the DOT exam is to make sure that both you and other drivers are safe on the road. Fact is, truck and big rig accidents account for the second highest number of road accident deaths. It is a big responsibility and should be taken very seriously.