Preparing for Your DOT Physical

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) asks that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers get a DOT physical every two years to certify that they’re healthy enough to drive commercial vehicles and ensure public safety. Like a regular physical exam, a DOT physical checks your hearing, eyesight, and overall health. 

Certain health conditions can increase the risk of hazardous driving, potentially leading to accidents that endanger public safety, your safety, and the company’s liability. A DOT physical helps you identify and address health conditions to meet DOT’s safe driving standards. 

As occupational medicine experts, our Peaks Medical and Urgent Care team can ensure you’ll be safe on the job and keep others safe. At our medical clinic in Dillon, Colorado, you can get a DOT physical every two years to confidently fulfill your work responsibilities. 

Whether it’s your first DOT physical or you’ve had many, we can help. To start, here’s everything you need to know to prepare. 

What to bring to a DOT physical

Preparing for a DOT physical is easy. You’ll just need to collect and bring a few relevant documents. Along with your general knowledge about your medical history, be sure to bring: 

The medical examination report form

This is an official government form for a DOT physical. You can download and print it from the Department of Transportation website. It includes sections about your medical history and overall health, which you’ll need to fill out before your visit. 

Other forms as-needed

You may need to fill out and bring other official forms or health documentation based on your health and needs. These include:

• Vision evaluation forms
• Insulin-treated diabetes mellitus assessment forms
• CMV driver medication form
• Recent medical test results

If you don’t know which official forms apply to you, just give us a call. 

Before your DOT physical

We have a few tips to help you prepare for your visit and ensure accurate exam results. Our team at Peaks Medical and Urgent Care recommends:

• Avoiding caffeine
• Limiting sugar
• Minimizing salt intake
• Drinking plenty of water
• Reviewing your forms for accuracy

You might need some information from other providers, such as information about your vision from your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They fill out the vision evaluation form, which you can find on the DOT website. Make sure they complete the form no more than 45 days before your appointment. 

What if you fail a DOT physical?

If you’re getting a DOT physical, there’s a chance you won’t meet the standards required by the DOT to pass. That doesn’t mean you’re disqualified from your job — just that you’ll probably need more testing to properly treat a condition. Our team tells you what else you’ll need to do moving forward. 

Are you prepared for your next DOT physical? Call Peaks Medical and Urgent Care or request an appointment online today.