DOT Physicals

People who regularly drive for work often need to pass an exam called a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. If you require a commercial driver’s license, visit Kashif Siddiqui, MD, and Sumera Muzaffar, MD, at Broadway Family Clinic in Pearland, Texas. They’re authorized to perform DOT physicals so you can drive legally and safely at work. Call Broadway Family Clinic to schedule your DOT physical or request an appointment via the online booking form today.

What are DOT physicals?

United States Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals are exams you must pass to obtain a commercial driver’s license. These exams ensure you’re fit enough to drive as part of your job without putting yourself or others at risk.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the system. To obtain a commercial driver’s license, you apply through your home state licensing bureau (e.g., the Department of Motor Vehicles).

Your DOT physical is essential for obtaining your license. After passing the exam, you receive a certificate permitting you to drive commercially for two years. People with chronic health problems who pass the exam will require more frequent checkups.

What happens at DOT physicals?

DOT physicals involve various stages, including:

Detailed health history

Your provider asks about your general health and whether you have chronic medical problems. They discuss your lifestyle, including tobacco and alcohol use, and review any prescription medicines you take.

Physical exam

Your provider conducts a physical exam similar to those you have at annual checkups. They assess your blood pressure, measure your heart and breathing rates, listen to your heart and lungs, assess your hearing and vision, and test your reflexes. 

Lab tests

Lab tests usually include bloodwork and urinalysis. These tests look for signs of underlying health problems, such as high blood sugar (a diabetes symptom) and high cholesterol (which can lead to heart disease).

Depending on your age and medical history, you might need additional procedures, like an electrocardiogram (EKG), to check your heart’s electrical activity.

After finishing the DOT physical, your provider gives you the completed form for your employer.

Should I bring anything with me for my DOT physical?

You should bring the following items to your DOT physical:

• Recent lab test results 
• Prescription medicines list
• Eyeglasses and/or hearing aids
• Medical records from diabetes or sleep apnea specialists, if you have them

Preparing for your DOT physical appointment helps to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

If you have a physical impairment affecting your ability to safely operate commercial vehicles, you must get a state-approved variance. For example, you might have to complete a Skill Performance Evaluation if you’re missing a hand, finger, arm, foot, or leg or if they’re severely impaired.

Call Broadway Family Clinic to schedule a DOT physical, or use the online booking form to arrange your appointment today.