Preparing for Your DOT Physical

Anyone who drives commercial vehicles, such as semi trucks or city buses, is required to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical every two years. This exam assesses your general health to ensure you can safely operate commercial vehicles.

If your first DOT physical is approaching, it’s normal to feel anxious, but you can ease those nerves with some advanced preparation. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Logan, FNP-C, provides comprehensive DOT physicals. Here are our simple tips to help you prepare.

Know what to expect

Every DOT physical includes several specific components, including:

• Medical history review
• Blood pressure check
• Vision test
• Hearing test
• Comprehensive physical exam

A urinalysis is also required to check for underlying conditions, like diabetes and kidney disease, that could affect your ability to drive safely.

To meet DOT guidelines, you must receive your exam from a certified medical professional. Kathleen has completed the necessary training to earn this distinction.  

Bring the right documents

Before arriving at your appointment, take a few moments to gather the necessary documents, including:

• Photo ID
• List of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you take
• List of any vitamins and nutritional supplements you take
• Medical records (if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition)
• Corrective lenses or hearing aids, if you use them

If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine or if you have recently undergone lab testing, such as blood work or diagnostic imaging, bring that information as well. It helps ensure you’ve covered all of your bases so we have everything needed to approve your certification. 

Tips for a smooth DOT exam

Leading up to your DOT physical, live as healthily as possible. For instance, we recommend going to bed earlier than usual the night before so you get a good night’s sleep and feel well-rested. 

Similarly, we encourage you to drink plenty of water so you’re ready for the urinalysis; avoid substances like caffeine and tobacco because they can raise your blood pressure. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure your prescription is up-to-date — if it isn’t, you may have to retake your exam.

Schedule your DOT physical today

Driving a commercial vehicle is a big responsibility, which is why there are strict requirements for certification. By following the tips provided in this blog, you can arrive at your appointment confidently and ready to roll. 

Whether you need to schedule the first DOT physical of your career or you’ve been doing this for years, we’re here to help you get the certification you need. To make an appointment at Broderick Healthcare, call our office at 617-905-1978 or send your request online.