Helpful Information When Preparing For A DOT Physical San Antonio TX

By Gary Patterson


If you work in the transportation sector where you are charged with the task of ferrying people or goods from one place to the other with a motor vehicle, the DOT requires you to undergo some tests to ensure that your driving performance is up to standard. This test is crucial, especially for people who drive trucks and buses. When preparing for a DOT physical San Antonio TX drivers can benefit if they learn what the test involves.

A Dot physical is also known as a drivers physical, DOT test, DOT exam or DMV physical. A competent practitioner in the public health department should carry out the DOT exam as stipulated in federal law. Different health experts, including physician assistants, doctors or nurses can perform the test successfully. Before the test starts, a review of your medical records is necessary. You must also provide a list of all medications that you take regularly.

Some of the first tests conducted on the individual include blood pressure, pulse rate, vision and hearing tests. Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 vision in both or either eye whether they use eye glasses or contact lenses or not. Hearing wise, they are supposed to detect forced whispers from at least 5 feet away. The practitioner also checks for spine deformities. The mouth and throat are also checked to establish whether one has breathing or swallowing problems.

The other essential examinations conducted include a neurological examination to ensure that coordination and reflexes are not impaired, and listening to your lungs and heart to determine if there are murmurs or if respiratory functions are impaired. A press on abdomen helps reveal if there are any abnormalities. The practitioner also does a hernia check and conducts a urinalysis to check for indications of any underlying medical condition.

After undergoing the DOT exam, you may get a certificate depending on the results of the tests. The certificate can be valid for a period of two years maximum before another DOT physical is done. It can also be valid for a period of 3 to 6 months.

Several factors and reasons necessitate this test. Checking your vision is one of the main reasons for this test. It is essential that all commercial vehicle drivers have good sight. Therefore, mono-vision and other impairments lead to denial of the medical card. Curbing drug use is another factor that necessitates DOT exams. Substance abuse is dangerous for commercial vehicle drivers and those they serve.

Brain and neurological screening are also done as part of the physical to unmask any brain injuries that may affect the driver. Discovery of disorders such as seizures during the test is crucial because individuals with such problems should not have DOT medical cards. Cardiovascular screening to unmask any heart problems is another crucial reason for performing the DOT test, as individuals with serious heart issues should not operate commercial vehicles.

The DOT physical poses no risk whatsoever and is done to comply with the DOT requirements along with the federal laws. The test does not take a lot of time. It only takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete it.




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