Below are some common questions we receive from drivers and employers. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or want to speak with someone.
FAQs
Do I need to submit paperwork to government?
Our staff will submit your completed physical and supporting documents to fmcsa.gov. Unless the examiner makes a special request your documentation will be completed by the team at Priority Care.
Are you certified to perform the DOT physical?
Yes, we have several certified medical examiners on staff. Each Priority Care location has a certified examiner standing by to perform your physical. Visit the FMCSA website to see our team.
Do you have to take a drug test for a DOT physical?
Typically, no, a drug test is not required. The need for a drug screen is at the discretion of the medical examiner. It is not mandatory unless the examiner determines it to be.
What do you look for in a DOT physical?
- Loss of hearing
- Digestive problems
- Psychiatric disorders
- Dizziness or fainting
- Alcohol/Drug Use
- Missing limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Impaired vision
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Chronic pain
- Paralysis
- Brain injuries or neurological disorders, Epilepsy or seizures
- Heart attack or heart disease
- Respiratory (breathing) Conditions
What does DOT physical mean?
As announced in early 2013, DOT/FMCSA has implemented new medical administrative processes, and as part of the new process all DOT Medical Examiners are required to undergo specialized DOT training, take a DOT certification and maintain certification as a Medical Examiner with FMCSA. Drivers and employers should be aware that as of July 1st 2014, all DOT exam results will be recorded electronically with FMCSA, as per Federal regulation.
The Department of Transportation requires all commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants to undergo a specialized physical examination as part of the application process. This is done to ensure commercial drivers are healthy enough to operate a large vehicle for long stretches of time.
What does the medical examiner do and what will they check?
- General Appearance: Marked overweight, tremors (shakes), signs of drinking/drug abuse or problems.
- Eyes: Will be checked for size equality, adjustment to light, proper movement and coordination. You will be asked about a history of cataracts, glaucoma, and other issues which may require a follow-up with a specialist.
- Ears: Will be checked for visible signs of scarring or blockage, as well as for holes in your eardrums.
- Mouth and Throat: Will be checked for physical deformities that could interfere with breathing or swallowing.
- Heart: Checked for murmurs and extra sounds, enlarged heart, pacemaker and implantable defibrillator.
- Lungs and Chest: Abnormal sounds and breathing rates. Anything out of the ordinary may require further tests, such as x-rays.
- Abdomen and Organs: Will be checked for enlarged liver and spleen, unusual masses, sounds, hernias and weaknesses.
- Vascular (blood movement) System: Abnormal or weak pulse, normal blood flow, varicose veins.
- Urinary System: Will be checked for hernias.
- Extremities/Limbs: Loss or damaged limbs or digits. Limp, deformities, weakness or other deficiencies of use in arms, legs, hands, feet, grasp and strength.
- Spine/Skeletal: Deformities, limitation of movement, tenderness.
- Neurological (The brain and the nervous system): Balance/equilibrium, reflexes, speech coordination.