How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical

When you drive or operate a commercial vehicle, you may be required to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical every two years — but how do you get ready for your exam? Discover what to expect at your DOT physical and how you can prepare.

Driving a commercial vehicle is an excellent career with a lot of responsibility. You must ensure you're healthy to protect yourself and others on the road. A DOT physical is an exam that allows our team to evaluate your overall health, so you're safe on the road.

The team at Prudent Medical Providers offers DOT physicals as one of the staple treatments in their facilities. Our team has three expert nurse practitioners who hold your health in the highest regard.

What is a DOT physical?

A DOT physical is an exam often required of people who drive a commercial vehicle. It's a comprehensive medical screening that our team uses to ensure you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.

You may need a DOT physical if you meet any of the following criteria:

Drive vehicles that carry 15 or more people
Operate hazardous materials vehicles that need placards
Get paid to drive vehicles that hold more than eight people
Drive vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds

A DOT exam is good for two years in most cases. Our team uses these exams to ensure that you're healthy enough to take on the intense physical and mental demands that driving a commercial vehicle brings.

The schedules associated with driving a commercial vehicle are demanding and take a toll on your health if you're not careful. Our team checks every aspect of your health during a DOT physical exam.

How to prepare for your physical

If you need a DOT physical, you must get ready for your exam. Preparing ahead of time ensures that our team has everything they need to perform your physical.

Our team may provide you with the paperwork you can complete at home before your appointment. While it's not required, filling it out beforehand saves time on the day of your exam. Other essential components to help you get ready for your exam include:

Letters from any specialist, including a cardiologist
A list of your current and past doctors' names and addresses
Current blood sugar readings and hemoglobin A1C results if you're diabetic
Letters from your doctor if you're on any controlled substances
Sleep studies or CPAP machine records showing you use it properly
Notes from a neurologist if you have seizures or any brain disorders

Make sure you have all of the necessary information collected before the day of your appointment.

What do you need to bring?

One of the main ways to prepare for your DOT physical is by knowing what to bring along to your appointment. You must be adequately prepared for your exam so it goes smoothly and you can continue driving your commercial vehicle.

Our team helps you with what to have with you for your exam. Bring any information relevant to your health. For example, here are a few of the essential things you want to have with you at your DOT exam:

A list of your current medications
Recent laboratory results
Any pertinent medical records
Glasses or hearing aids
Findings of any recent surgeries

Before your exam, contact our team to discuss how you can efficiently prepare for your physical.

If you need a DOT physical exam, don't hesitate to call Prudent Medical Providers at our convenient locations in Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington. You may also send the team a message on our website.