DOT Physical Requirements
The standards and requirements for a DOT Physical are set at a federal level by the FMCSA. This means that no matter where in the country you receive one, the Certified Medical Examiner will be using the exact same process to complete your medical exam.
This also means that all Certified Medical Examiners are legally required to adhere to the same set of rules and are unable to deviate due to federal regulations.
What Does The DOT Physical Test For?
1. Blood Pressure and Pulse
The examiner will measure your blood pressure and pulse to detect any signs of high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
2. Hearing
Drivers must hear a “forced whisper” from 5 feet away, with or without a hearing aid. This is equal to having a hearing loss of less than 40 dB in the better ear.
3. Urinalysis
A urine test is required to check for health issues like diabetes.
4. Vision
Drivers need at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. They also need at least 70 degrees of peripheral vision in each eye.
5. Physical Exam
The physical exam looks at many parts of your health, including:
- General Appearance
- Eyes (issues like cataracts or glaucoma)
- Ears (problems like scarring or perforated eardrums)
- Mouth and Throat (breathing or swallowing issues)
- Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
- Lungs and Chest (abnormal breathing, respiratory issues)
- Abdomen and Viscera (enlarged liver, muscle weakness)
- Vascular System (abnormal pulse, varicose veins)
- Genito-Urinary System (hernias)
- Extremities (impaired limbs)
- Spine and Musculoskeletal System (surgery history, motion limitations)
- Neurological System (issues with balance, coordination, speech, reflexes)