How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical

If you want to drive a commercial vehicle, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Preparing for your exam before your visit can save a lot of time and frustration. Here are some tips to get you ready.

It’s easy to view the DOT physical as a nuisance, but when you realize that it ensures the safety of everyone on the road, its value becomes more evident. The DOT physical ensures that everyone who drives commercial vehicles is fit to do so.

Only physicians certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — like Dr. Asif Aziz at Prestige Primary Care — can perform the official DOT physical. If you live in the greater Dallas, Texas, area, he’s your go-to health care provider who can guide you through the DOT physical process and get you on the road safely.

How to prepare for a DOT physical

The first step is to make an appointment with Dr. Aziz and gather your information. Dr. Aziz asks about your health history and current conditions, so you should bring all documents that indicate medical procedures, treatments, and dates. For example, bring:

A list of all your doctors, including their names and addresses
A list of all your medications and the dosages
If you have diabetes, bring blood glucose readings and A1C levels
If you wear glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, bring them
Bring the results of all medical tests you’ve undergone

You get the picture — we need documentation of every condition, including, but not limited to, sleep apnea and CPAP usage, and heart and brain conditions. If you’ve experienced medical conditions that involve your brain, heart, or nerves, bring a letter from those doctors verifying you’re safe to drive.

These conditions disqualify you for a DOT card

If you have a condition that interferes with your ability to drive safely, you won’t qualify for a DOT card and can’t drive a commercial vehicle. Here are some examples of disqualifying conditions:

Hearing or vision loss that can’t be corrected
Uncontrolled diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions
Seizure disorders like epilepsy
The need for oxygen therapy
Illegal substance use
Marijuana use (even medical marijuana)
Kidney disease
Certain respiratory conditions

Dr. Aziz considers all the factors involved in your case and makes his decision based on your test results and his experienced judgment.

If you don’t pass your DOT physical due to a health condition, you may qualify once you seek treatment and get the condition under control. Talk to Dr. Aziz about what you can do to restore your health and qualify for a DOT card.

Our Prestige Primary Care team offers comprehensive medical services, and we can help you manage chronic diseases and medications so you can drive safely.

To schedule your DOT physical, call or book online.