How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical

Commercial drivers complete a range of essential tasks, from making sure grocery stores are stocked to transporting essential supplies to farms and manufacturing companies.

Considering there are up to 3.36 million truck drivers in the United States, healthy and capable drivers make way for safer roads. That’s where Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals come in.

If you’re a commercial driver in the US, the DOT requires you to have a specialized physical every two years to ensure your safety, as well as that of passengers and other drivers on the road.

Our expert team of medical providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is pleased to provide DOT physicals to help you maintain your health and career.

If you have a DOT physical coming up, here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

What happens at a DOT physical 

Our team will review your medical history and discuss any health concerns or symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They’ll also assess your physical abilities, such as your hearing and vision.

Your vitals will be checked, including your blood pressure and heart rate. 

DOT physicals vary from others in that our team will review your DOT physical application forms. And you’ll need to hit certain benchmarks to pass the exam, such as:

• Being able to hear a forced whisper from five feet away
• Having at least 20/40 vision in both eyes 
• Being able to distinguish between different colors
• Blood pressure reading of 140/90 or lower

Needing corrective lenses to see clearly is perfectly acceptable. The same goes for needing oral blood pressure medication to fall into that healthy range or taking antidepressants to manage a mental illness. As long as you are managing your chronic condition as prescribed, you can pass.

How to prepare for your DOT physical

Staying healthy is essential for commercial drivers, and an upcoming DOT physical may motivate you to improve your habits. Keep in mind that those habits should remain between physicals, too.

Steps you can take to improve and maintain positive health and meet the DOT physical requirements include:

• Eating a nutritious diet rich in fiber and low in salt
• Exercising routinely
• Prioritizing healthy sleep habits
• Managing stress
• Promptly addressing any medical issues with proper care

When it comes time for your physical, you can prepare by completing the proper paperwork and bringing it to the exam. Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take, too. Lastly, be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns about your wellness. 

To learn more about anxiety disorders or to get the care you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website today.