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How to Prepare for a Successful DOT Physical
If you drive for a living — that includes a commercial truck, city bus, or a vehicle that carries more than eight people — you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical every two years.
A DOT physical ensures you’re fit to operate a vehicle on the road and that you don’t have any undiagnosed or untreated conditions that could compromise safety.
As a certified Department of Transportation examiner, Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, understands all of the complexities — and paperwork — involved in a DOT exam.
If you’re scheduled for an upcoming DOT physical at Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center team in Glen Burnie, Maryland, here’s what you can do to prepare for a successful appointment.
Understand the DOT requirements
Before scheduling your DOT physical, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements outlined by the DOT. These requirements typically include criteria such as vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and overall physical fitness.
An example of some of the necessary requirements to pass a DOT exam include:
- Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction (glasses or contact lenses)
- Ability to distinguish colors (red, green, and yellow ) in a standard traffic signal
- Ability to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet
- Ability to hear a pure tone audiometric test at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in each ear (with or without hearing aids)
- Blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg
This is just a small sample of the requirements. Dr. Bamba reviews all of the requirements with you and completes the necessary paperwork. That said, understanding these standards will help you prepare in advance.
Bring a list of your current medications
Because Dr. Bamba needs to review all your medications, bring a list of everything you take regularly. Include prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications.
Be prepared to discuss your current medications with Dr. Bamba. Certain medications may require additional documentation or clearance from Dr. Bamba to ensure compliance with DOT regulations.
Gather necessary documentation
On the day of your DOT physical, you'll need to provide certain documentation. This may include your driver's license, medical history, prescription medications, and any relevant medical records or reports.
Having these documents organized and readily available helps expedite the check-in process. You won’t be able to continue your exam if you don’t have a valid form of identification.
Get a good night of rest
Prioritize getting a good night's sleep before your DOT physical appointment. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep to be well-rested and alert during your examination.
Adequate rest supports optimal cognitive function, physical performance, and overall well-being — all of which are factors evaluated during your DOT physical.
Be ready to talk about your health
Communicate openly and honestly with Dr. Bamba during the examination regarding your health history, medications, and any concerns. Be prepared to undergo various assessments, including vision and hearing tests, blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis, and physical examinations.
Stay hydrated
In the days leading up to your DOT physical, focus on maintaining proper hydration by drinking plenty of water. Avoid excessive caffeine, which can affect your blood pressure and heart rate and potentially impact your examination results.
As a bonus: staying hydrated will make your urinalysis and any blood tests easier.
What happens after your DOT physical
After your exam, Dr. Bamba reviews the results and any additional monitoring that you may need before receiving your certificate. Some conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, require annual exams.
For example, if you have a blood pressure reading between 140/90 mmHg and 159/99 mmHg, you may receive a temporary certification for a specified period while you work to lower your blood pressure levels.
If you pass your exam, Dr. Bamba files the necessary paperwork and issues your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), which is sometimes referred to as a DOT medical card. A MEC is typically valid for 24 months unless otherwise noted.
Questions about your upcoming DOT exam? Give us a call at 443-493-7760 or use our online form to get started.