D.O.T. PHYSICALS

The Department of Transportation requires drivers to get regular physicals in the state of Nevada to make sure they can be safe on the road. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:

• You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes

• You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes

• You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities

• There are some restrictions for commercial drivers who have certain health problems. If you take injectable insulin for diabetes, for example, you cannot get a commercial driver’s license. You must have at least 20/40 correctable vision in both eyes. The DOT does allow you to wear contact lenses or glasses to improve your vision. You cannot use narcotics, amphetamines, or other habit-forming drugs if you want to obtain or renew your commercial driver’s license.

• Once the medical examiner completes all the DOT physical requirements, you will discuss any hazards created by your health history or current medical condition. The examiner must document these hazards on your DOT physical form and determine whether you meet the standards for receiving a medical certificate.

• If you meet the standards and do not require periodic medical monitoring, your certificate will be valid for two years. In some cases, the medical examiner will issue a certificate that lasts for only three months, six months, or one year. The examiner will also note whether you must wear a hearing aid or corrective lenses. If you do not meet the standards, the examiner will not be able to issue a valid medical certificate.

• How often is a medical exam required?

• When a driver returns from an illness or injury that interferes with driving ability, the driver must undergo a medical examination even if the medical examiner’s certificate has not expired.

• The medical examiner is responsible for certifying only drivers who meet the physical qualification standards. Certification cannot exceed 2 years, and at the discretion of the FMCSA medical examiner, may be less than 2 years.

• What to expect during you DOT exam?

• Please bring your driver’s license

• The medical examiner will review the Health History section with the driver and conduct the physical examination.

• A urinalysis will be performed to help screen for diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease

• If you wear corrective lenses, please bring them with you for the examination as a vision exam will be performed.

• Your medical certificate will be issued provided no complicated medical issues exist.

• Why are the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension important?

• These criteria are important because there is strong prospective, randomized clinical-trial evidence that hypertension markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and that effective treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To be certified to drive, the driver should have ongoing hypertension management and be free of side effects that may impair safe driving.

• What medical conditions disqualify a commercial bus or truck driver?

• The truck driver must be medically qualified to not only drive the vehicle safely, but also to do pre and post trip safety inspections, secure the load and make sure it has not shifted. Bus drivers have different demands. By regulation, Specific Medically Disqualifying Conditions Found under 49 CFR 391.41 are Hearing Loss, Vision Loss, Epilepsy and Insulin Use. Drivers who require a Diabetes or Vision exemption to safely drive a CMV in addition to those pre-printed on the certification form are disqualified until they receive such an exemption.