According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), there are more than 13.3 million people who work in transportation and transportation-related industries, accounting for roughly 9.1 percent of employees in the United States.
If you want to pursue a career in the transport sector as a driver of a commercial vehicle, your first step is to secure a DOT medical card to be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Below, we’ve provided some more information about the importance of a DOT medical card and what the process of getting it involves.
Why a DOT Medical Card Is Necessary
A Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, which is actually less of a card and more of a document, is what every person desiring to land and maintain safety-sensitive job needs. The DOT defines safety-sensitive jobs as those in which the employee’s performance can impact their own safety and that of the public.
A DOT medical card is essentially proof that you’re in optimal physical condition to operate a commercial motor vehicle, specifically:
- A truck carrying 10,000 pounds or more gross weight
- A truck carrying hazardous materials (hazmat)
- A vehicle carrying 15 or more passengers
What the DOT Exam Involves
To obtain a DOT medical card, you must undergo a physical exam, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once you’re issued a DOT medical card, you need to renew it every two years. Medical examiners are required to keep a copy of the physical examination results for three years, so individuals can get copies of those results as needed.
A DOT exam includes various assessments, such as the following:
- Vision check
- Hearing test
- Skin check
- Blood pressure check
- Physical exam (general appearance, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, lungs, neurological function, etc.)
- Urinalysis
If you fail in any of these evaluations, talk to your medical examiner if there’s anything you can do to correct the problem. If the problem is not something you can fix, ask if you can apply for a waiver or an exemption.
DOT Physical Exam in King, North Carolina
At Cardinal Urgent Care, we desire to be your one-stop destination for your healthcare needs. Our professional team, headed by Dr. Samir Patel, offers an extensive range of ancillary services, including DOT physicals and occupational medicine services, because we believe health care should be convenient, comprehensive, and efficient.
While our patients can walk in anytime during our business hours for most of their needs, we encourage those coming to get a DOT medical card to schedule an appointment ahead of time to ensure streamlined care.
To book an appointment, you may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form. We look forward to serving you!
