Getting Ready for Your DOT Physical? Here’s How to Prepare

Everyone should have regular physical exams to ensure they're healthy throughout their lifetime, but there are other specified exams you need when you drive or operate a commercial vehicle on the road.

A DOT physical exam is essential for driving a commercial vehicle. It ensures you're in the best physical and mental shape to keep yourself and others on the road safe.

If you need a DOT physical, our Integrated Body and Medicine team can help. We’re certified to provide DOT exams to patients in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area.

Who needs a DOT physical?

A DOT physical is a specialized exam that people driving a commercial vehicle must have to be on the road. Only a doctor who is a licensed medical examiner on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration National Registry may do the exam.

You don't need a DOT physical exam to drive any vehicle on the road, but you do need it in certain circumstances. For instance, you need a DOT exam if you drive a vehicle with more than 15 people and receive payment for driving a vehicle with more than eight passengers.

A DOT physical exam is also necessary for those who drive a vehicle with hazardous materials that require a placard and those who drive a commercial vehicle that weighs five tons or more.

What to bring to the exam

You need to bring the proper forms and information to the exam. Having the appropriate paperwork and information makes the process go smoothly and prevents delays in passing the exam and completing the paperwork.

There are some essential items and information that we would like you to have at your appointment, and they include:

Any pertinent medical history

Your medical history involves any prior hospitalizations, immunizations, illnesses, and medications or allergies that you have had or currently have. You can get your entire medical history from your primary care provider by calling them beforehand so you have it for the DOT physical.

The medical exam form

The medical examination report form is available on the US Department of Transportation website. You can fill out parts of the form before your appointment to make the process smoother.

Any other forms you require

Ask our team beforehand if there are other forms you need to bring with you. Certain medical conditions require additional forms that you need to bring with you on exam day.

Lab test results

If you have certain medical conditions, you need to bring up-to-date lab results with you. For example, if you have diabetes, bring a current A1C result, and if you take the blood thinner warfarin, bring a current INR reading.

List of current medications

Please bring a written list of all your medications, dosages, and how many times a day you take each one.

Vision evaluation form

If you have vision problems, you'll need to have your optometrist or ophthalmologist fill out a form once per year. To make the process run smoothly, you must have them fill out this form at least 45 days before your DOT exam.

Insulin-treated diabetes form

Diabetic patients who take insulin must also bring a separate form from their primary care provider. The form describes all the information the examiner requires to ensure you're safe driving.

Other ways to prepare for the exam

Preparing for your DOT exam isn't something you do overnight; it should be something you're aware of well ahead of time to ensure you're healthy and safe to drive on the road with others. You can be ready for your DOT exam by:

Taking your medications as prescribed
Avoiding heavy drinking
Getting your vision checked
Avoiding recreational drugs or illegal substances
Quitting smoking and vaping
Keeping your blood sugar in check
Monitoring your blood pressure
Following a healthy diet
Exercising regularly

If you have any questions about what you need for your DOT exam, don't hesitate to contact our team. We can help you navigate the forms and information you require on the day of your physical.

To schedule your DOT exam, call our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area today or use our handy scheduling tool to request an appointment.