DOT Physicals: What to Expect

Ellisville Medical Clinic Now Offering Appointments

If you are a professional truck or bus driver, and your employer requires that you have a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, you may wonder – what exactly is required with a DOT Physical? The DOT physical exam is a necessary test for any individual hoping to get behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This examination makes sure that all commercial drivers are up to par in their daily health examinations and are at peak performance. It ensures that you or other CMV drivers are physically able to handle the long hours and stress of operating a commercial vehicle.

Danielle Welch, FNP-C, CME Ellisville Medical Clinic

Ellisville Medical Clinic is pleased to offer DOT Certification for our local workforce. DOT physicals are available by appointment and provide a thorough physical exam, vision exam and mental stability exam. Danielle Welch, FNP-C, CME, at Ellisville Medical Clinic, is pleased to offer this benefit to our community.

What Does this Exam Consist of? 

A DOT Physical evaluates a driver’s vision, blood pressure, and a complete review of their medical history. This can help ensure that a driver does not have certain health conditions and can safely operate a commercial vehicle. The different parts of a DOT Physical Exam are:

• A Vision Test – During a DOT Physical, your examiner will test you for at least 20/40 vision for both eyes. If you wear prescription glasses, bring them along. You will also be tested to distinguish various colors with and without the prescribed lenses.
• A Hearing Test – Another portion of the test includes a hearing test. With or without hearing aids, a driver must be able to hear a forced whisper from less than five feet away.
• Urinalysis – You will be asked to take a urinalysis test. This test will help determine if you might have a medical condition or any irregularities that require immediate attention.
•  Blood Pressure/Pulse Rate – Your blood pressure and pulse test will be taken. This will help check for any abnormalities and make sure that you are healthy enough to sit for long periods of time.
• Physical Examination – There will also be a physical exam that occurs during your DOT Exam. You will be tested for:

• General Appearance (weight, tremors, drug/alcohol problems)
• Mouth and Throat (breathing and swallowing)
• Lungs and Chest (breathing)
• Abdomen and Organs (unusual masses, hernias, weakness)
• Vascular System (weak pulse, blood flow, varicose veins)
• Limbs (Loss or damage, weakness)
• Skeletal (limitation, tenderness)
• Neurological (balance, reflexes, speech)

The passing of a DOT physical gives drivers the certification to be behind the wheel of their commercial vehicle. This certification lasts between 3 months to 2 years. This certification is dependent upon the health of the driver, along with the possibility of not passing the DOT physical as a result of health conditions holding back the driver from being at peak performance.

What Do I Need For My DOT Examination?

When attending your DOT physical, be prepared to supply any documents listing medication that have been prescribed by doctors in the past month. If in the scenario of a medical disability, please supply a medical release form to illustrate doctor’s approval to work with this condition.

Where Can I Receive A DOT Physical Exam?

Ellisville Medical Clinic is pleased to provide comprehensive DOT Physical Exams with Certified Medical Examiner, Danielle Welch, FNP-C, CME. To schedule an appointment, call 601-477-8553. Ellisville Medical Clinic is located at 1203 Avenue B, across from West Ellisville Baptist Church.