There
are some jobs where you need to meet specific health requirements before you
can be considered fit for employment. Long-term and temporary careers like
truck or bus driving are regulated by the government and have strict standards.
At
Bethel Medical Center, we conduct a large number of DOT physical exams in
Rockville, MD, and we’re going to provide information here so you will know if
you should schedule one. Upon passing your examination, you’ll be given a
medical certificate that’s valid for two years. However, if you have diabetes,
high blood pressure, or heart disease, then you will need a DOT exam yearly.
Before
we go further, however, let’s define a DOT physical exam. It is a medical checkup that ensures you physically
meet the requirements of a commercial driver's job. A DOT physical includes a
detailed health history, a physical exam, urinalysis, and other testing, such
as a blood test.
A
DOT physical is required of commercial drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA). More specifically, DOT physicals are required
for drivers who:
Transport
hazardous materials that require their vehicle to use a hazmat placard.
Operate
motor vehicles that carry or transport more than 8 people.
Operate
vehicles that have a gross combination weight rating of 10,000 lbs.
If
you’re looking to be hired as a private or commercial truck or bus driver, it’s
of great importance to take care of your DOT physical exam at your earliest
convenience. You can contact our office in Rockville, MD, to schedule an exam or ask questions regarding the examination process.
