DOT Physical

If you’re a bus or truck driver, you’ve most likely heard of the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Required to ensure the public’s safety and your safety, this check-up verifies employees are in the best of health to work safely. Here’s everything you need to know about the DOT physical.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates a DOT physical for everyone applying for a commercial vehicle driver’s license. This includes people who operate:

Vehicles that carry more than 15 people or more than eight people if the driver is paid
Vehicles that transport hazardous material and have a placard
Vehicles that have a gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more

What Does a DOT Physical Consist Of?

All DOT physicals must be completed by a medical examiner licensed by the FMCSA. In the first part of the physical, you will need to fill out a medical examination form with your detailed medical history. This form can also be filled before the appointment to save time.

For the medical checkup, your doctor will test:

Hearing
Vision
Blood pressure
Urinalysis (drug testing)
External and internal health including, but not limited to: motor skills, lungs, neurological reflexes, heart conditions, sleep apnea, and limb impairments.

What to Bring to a DOT Physical

Before you come to your physical, bring a complete list of all medications with dosage amounts and the prescribing doctors’ names and addresses. If you’re a driver with medical issues, you’ll have to bring documentation from your physician. Below are a few examples:

Drivers With Vision or Hearing Problems:

Bring contact lenses, glasses, or any device you normally use to see
Hearing aids

Drivers With Heart Issues, Brain Tumors, or Previous History of Strokes:

A detailed history of your health and a letter that designates you as safe to work from your cardiologist or neurologist.
For heart issues, results from a recent stress test or cardiogram test

Drivers With Permanent Limb Loss:

A Skilled Performance Examination (SPE)
An overview from your doctor about any work restrictions of the injury

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"Step Ahead PT in Marblehead is a wonderful facility with expert therapy. I have been going there off and on for years for back and hip ailments. Andy is the best. He has over 20 years experience with therapy and is always right on with his observations, evaluations, course of therapy and at home routines that will help and cure your aches and pains."

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Eric F.
"I have seen Andy for several different injuries throughout my high school and collegiate basketball career. He has helped me get through every single one— from back pain/stress fracture/spasms, chronic ankle pain, hip flexor issues, and a broken ankle. With a combination of hands-on treatment, to providing exercises and protocols to follow, to helping you find the perfect way to smoothly get back to activity, Andy will successfully help you get back to feeling 100% and back to your daily activities."

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"I’ve spent several decades in front of a computer, which can cause many issues. I’ve been working with Andy for a couple of years now, and his PT has really helped me reduce the pain and discomfort in my shoulders/back and hands. He’s a kind person too, and that goes a long way in this crazy, fast-paced world!"

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"This is the best PT practice I’ve experienced. The therapists are hands on and completely focused on outcome. The environment is very personalized so if your tired of being treated as simply a number or if you are looking to return to or continue an active lifestyle, you need to come see Andy and his team."

Al Wilson
"I discovered Step Ahead PT through a yelp recommendation, and have not been disappointed. I was in a serious car accident in November, and by January I was back to my intense workouts under the guidance of Andy (Owner of Step Ahead). Each session was tailored specifically for me and around getting me back into my pre- accident strength."

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Monday:

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Tuesday:

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Friday:

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Monday:

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