If you drive a commercial vehicle, the law requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical every two years. At Solace Family Healthcare, family practice and urgent care provider Tracy Underwood, FNP-BC, and the team provide DOT physicals to CDL license holders. The practice has credentials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and can ensure you remain compliant. If you need a DOT physical in Cumberland, Maryland, walk-in today — no appointment needed.

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What is a DOT physical?

A DOT physical is a routine checkup required of commercial drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The exam ensures you’re mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy enough to operate a bus, semi, or another commercial vehicle.

Most drivers schedule a DOT physical every two years, but if you have a medical condition, like heart disease or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), more frequent checkups might be necessary.

Who needs a DOT physical?

The FMCSA requires you to undergo a DOT physical if you:

  • Drive a vehicle that holds more than 15 people
  • Are paid to drive a vehicle that carries more than eight people
  • Carry hazardous materials in your vehicle that require a hazardous materials placard
  • Drive a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more

If you have any questions about what your job requires, speak with your employer before visiting the team at Solace Family Healthcare.

What happens during a DOT physical?

A DOT physical includes several steps, including:

Discussion of your lifestyle

First, your Solace Family Healthcare provider asks about your lifestyle and medical history, including if you have any underlying health problems, how often you exercise, and if you smoke or drink alcohol. Make sure to answer your provider’s questions honestly. The more truthful you are, the easier it is for them to get a clear understanding of your health.

Physical exam

Next, your provider conducts a physical exam. They check your weight and blood pressure, test your reflexes, palpate your organs, examine your skin for any unusual moles or growths, and conduct an eye chart test to assess your vision.

Laboratory testing

Lastly, you have lab work. That includes urinalysis and a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test to screen for diabetes.

Most DOT physicals take about 30 minutes. As soon as your provider receives the results of your lab tests, they fill out the necessary paperwork.

What should I bring to a DOT physical?

The team at Solace Family Healthcare recommends bringing the following items to your DOT physical:

  • Your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids (if you use them)
  • The names of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take
  • The results of any recent medical tests
  • A letter from your cardiologist (if you have heart disease)
  • A record of your most recent blood sugar readings (if you have diabetes)

You should also bring any paperwork your provider needs to fill out for your employer.

To renew your commercial driver’s license, walk into Solace Family Healthcare for a DOT physical today.