DOT Physical Checklist: How Iron Range Drivers Can Pass The First Time
Commercial drivers keep the Iron Range moving. Log trucks, ore and taconite haulers, school buses, delivery trucks, and snowplows all depend on drivers with a current DOT medical card. When that card is about to expire, the last thing you want is a surprise at your physical that keeps you off the road.
At Davis Chiropractic Health & Wellness, P.A. in Grand Rapids, Dr. Todd Newman is a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry, and we offer DOT physicals for a flat $105. Here is what to know so your exam goes smoothly.
What The Exam Checks
Every DOT physical follows the same federal standards. The main areas are:
- Blood pressure. A reading of 140/90 or lower generally qualifies you for the full two-year card. Higher readings may mean a shorter certification or a recheck.
- Vision. You need at least 20/40 in each eye (glasses or contacts are fine), adequate peripheral vision, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals.
- Hearing. You must be able to hear a forced whisper at five feet, with or without a hearing aid.
- Urinalysis. A simple dipstick screen for general health. This is not a drug test.
- Physical exam. A review of your heart, lungs, spine, joints, and reflexes, plus your health history and medications.
Your Pre-Exam Checklist
Most delays happen because a driver is missing paperwork or walks in with a high blood pressure reading. A little preparation prevents both.
Bring With You
- Your driver’s license
- Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids you use while driving
- A list of your medications and doses
- Sleep apnea: a recent CPAP compliance report
- Insulin-treated diabetes: the completed Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) from your treating provider
- Heart conditions: recent notes or clearance from your cardiologist
The Day Of Your Exam
- Take your regular medications as prescribed, including blood pressure medicine
- Skip the extra coffee, energy drinks, and nicotine beforehand, since they can raise your blood pressure
- Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed
Don’t Wait Until The Last Week
Your medical card has an expiration date, and an expired card can take you off the road. We recommend booking your DOT physical about a month before your card expires. That leaves time to gather any records or schedule a recheck without missing work.
Taking Care Of The Body That Does The Driving
Long hours behind the wheel are hard on the body. Many drivers deal with low back pain, stiff necks, sore shoulders, and numbness or tingling in the legs from sitting for hours at a time. Beyond DOT physicals, our team offers chiropractic care, massage therapy, and Graston and ART soft tissue therapy to help you stay comfortable and keep working.
Book Your DOT Physical In Grand Rapids
Serving drivers in Grand Rapids, Cohasset, Coleraine, Deer River, and across the Iron Range. Flat $105 fee. Book online or call (218) 326-1804.