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DOT Physical

Why did the FMCSA regulations change?

Driving a commercial motor vehicle means long, hard hours on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has updated the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations to better reflect the physical demands drivers face and to help them be safer on the job. The new regulations require all medical examiners performing DOT physicals to:

  1. Be trained and certified in the FMCSA standards;
  2. Report exam results monthly to the FMCSA.

What are DOT physicals?

DOT Physical

Federal law requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles (DMVs) to receive regular physical examinations. These exams are defined as the “Department of Transportation Medical Examinations.” DOT physicals are highly regulated for the drivers’ safety. They detect physical, mental, and emotional issues that can affect a driver’s ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. DOT medical examiners are specially trained to understand the regulations and prevent drivers from being inappropriately disqualified.

DOT Physical Exams include:

  • Health History Review
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Blood Pressure/Pulse Rate
  • Urine Specimen Testing
  • 12 Point Physical Body Exam
  • National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)

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