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DOT Examination

DOT Physical Exam in Columbia MD

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a medical examination required of commercial drivers. A DOT physical is intended to ensure that those who drive commercial motor vehicles are physically, cognitively, and emotionally healthy. DOT physical exams are available at Elite Urgent Care. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045.

DOT Physical Exam Near Me in Columbia MD
DOT Physical Exam Near Me in Columbia MD

Table of Contents:

What is a dot test?
How do you pass the DOT test?
How long does it take to do a DOT test?
How do you prepare for the DOT?

What is a dot test?


The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires DOT physical tests to ensure public safety. This ensures that the commercial driver is able to tolerate the health effects of long periods of sitting while driving. It is mandatory to undergo a DOT physical in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license. DOT physicals include the medical history, including prescription medications, surgeries, and substances you consume – tobacco, alcohol, etc.

Additionally, the DOT physical includes a variety of body functions, such as blood pressure measurement, pulse measurement, your ability to hear whispers, a survey of spinal deformities, an examination of neurological reflux, and a physical exam to determine if you have swelling or breathing problems. The DOT physical also examines your lungs and heart, a hernia examination, and a urinalysis to determine if your kidneys are functioning properly.

DOT physicals can be administered by medical doctors (MD), osteopathic doctors (DO), chiropractors (DC), physician assistants (PA), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

A complete physical examination is included in the DOT physical test. DOT physicals test your health for the purpose of determining whether you’re in good enough shape to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

How do you pass the DOT test?


The best way to ensure you pass the DOT test is by adhering to generally good health practices including diet, exercise, and regular checkups.

Nutritional gaps can be filled by vitamins in truck drivers since they do not always have easy access to healthy foods. You can learn what supplements you need from your doctor, but common vitamins include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D. Multivitamins are a good way to get all of these in one pill.

It’s important to stretch after you exit your truck, not just to relieve your aches and pains, but also to prevent blood clots. Find a place where you can walk, jog, or ride your bike during your breaks and try your best to stay active.

Make sure you get regular checkups and seek medical care if you feel unwell, even at an urgent care center or a pharmacy’s medical office. Having annual doctor visits can help you identify issues early so you can address them before your next physical is required.

How long does it take to do a DOT test?


A physical exam can result in a few different outcomes, depending on your doctor’s findings. In the event the medical examiner does not find any health conditions serious enough to affect your driving ability, you may be able to drive for two years. It is possible to be able to drive, but you may need regular health monitoring. And it is also possible that you might have too many serious health issues to qualify for CDL.

DOT Physical Exams usually take less than an hour to complete. Make sure you follow FMCSA guidelines and bring all the necessary and valid documents for the examination. Upon completing your DOT physicals, the physician will begin the documentation process.

How do you prepare for the DOT?


When you enter the examination room on the day of your appointment for your CDL physical exam, you must be in the best health possible. Trucking careers can be impacted greatly by this appointment. It is considered immediate disqualification if you have too high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, poor vision, or epilepsy. For this reason, it is best to do whatever is in your power to improve your health prior to the appointment.

Having all the necessary documentation on hand will help your exam run more smoothly and efficiently. If your primary physician is not conducting your physical, bring your complete medical records. If you are being treated for a specific health condition, please bring the name and contact information of your doctor. Bringing a complete list of all medications you are taking, including their names, dosages, strengths, and doctors’ names, is also recommended.

DOT physical exams are available at Elite Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Ellicott City MD, Elkridge MD, Laurel MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.