Discover all you need to know to excel in your DOT physical in Bronx from our comprehensive guide.
Are you feeling stressed out thinking about your DOT Physical exam? We understand you can feel nervous as your career depends on this result.
The Department of Transportation has made the DOT Physical examination compulsory for every commercial driver in the United States. You must pass it to get your CDL license. You have to take this test every two years to renew your license. You need to do it more often in case you have any ongoing medical conditions.
Only a certified medical examiner has permission to perform DOT physicals. At DOT CDL Physicals, we have our certified examiner, Dr. Ataul Chowdhury. He will share some DOT physical tips from his years of experience. This will help you prepare for the test in advance.
Tips to Help Your DOT Physical Preparation
Understand the Purpose of the DOT Physical
Before you take this test, you need to know its purpose properly. In this test, the doctor will evaluate your physical, mental and emotional ability to drive large commercial vehicles. You can ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road through this test. So you must prove your overall fitness honestly and accurately.
Have a Clear Idea About What To Expect
Your preparation becomes easier when you know the whole process of the test properly. You can expect these during your test:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Checking your vital signs like pulse, BP, etc.
- Performing physical assessments like heart, lungs or abdomen
- Performing vision and hearing test
- Ordering laboratory tests like blood and urine tests
- Testing substance abuse
- Examining for sleep apnea
Gather Necessary Documentation
You need to bring some necessary documents for your test. You will also have to complete the FMCSA medical examination report form. You should have the following during your appointment:
- Medical records from your primary care physician
- List of prescribed medication
- Blood sugar record and current Hgb A1C
- Records from specialists if you are under treatment
- Visual and auditory devices like glass, lenses and hearing aid
- 90 days data from CPAP machine in case you have sleep apnea
- Letter from your neurologist if you had a stroke or seizure
Prepare for Vision and Hearing Tests
The medical examiner will check your hearing and visual ability. So you need to make sure your reports are updated. You should go to eye and ear specialists to check your health status. You should get the correct visual and hearing aids for accurate results. The medical examiner will assess your abilities to check whether you can meet the standard of the exam requirements. The examiner will check to assess acuity, peripheral vision, and color perception. The hearing tests evaluate your ability to detect tones, understand speech, and recognize whispers.
Manage Your Medications
Certain medications may affect the accuracy of your DOT physical results. You must consult with your physician before your exam. Your physician will tell you whether you need medication adjustments or not. You can bring letter from your doctor with an explanation of your medication management.
Maintain Healthy Lifestyle
You should include healthy lifestyle practices in your daily routine. It will help you stay fit during your exam. You can eat more fruit and vegetable. You should also consume food items that contain lean protein and whole grains. You must avoid high sugar and salt intake to keep your BP and blood sugar controlled. You need regular physical movement as well. You can go for walks in the morning or evening. It will keep your heart in good condition and manage your weight.
Control Your Blood Pressure
You must avoid drinking coffee, alcohol and energy drinks for 24 hours before your assessment until you are done with the exam. These products can increase your blood pressure. Drinking them can make your readings inaccurate. You can get disqualified or have other consequences for high BP. You need to manage your stress levels too. Excess stress can increase your pressure level. You can try deep breathing exercises or yoga to relax your mind.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
Examiners will check your blood glucose level to identify diabetes. You should follow proper diet, lifestyle and medication to keep your sugar level stable. Also, you should eat small meals the day before your examination. Heavy lunch and dinner before your assessment will increase the amount of sugar in your urine. This may provide false information about your kidney condition. Eating small meals will prevent you from being overly hungry. You will have fewer sugar spikes in your blood as well.
Take Preparation for Drug and Alcohol Testing
You may require drug and alcohol tests during your DOT physicals. You can get disqualified if your results are positive for drugs and alcohol. You should not consume alcohol or abuse substances. You can consult a primary care physician in case you have an addiction. We can do your assessment and provide proper treatment. Some of your prescribed medications can affect your test results. You can bring a written letter from your physician and discuss it with the medical examiner before your test.
Drink Lots And Lots of Water
The medical examiner will conduct your urine test. Your sugar, protein and other metabolic elements will be checked through this test. It will help to know about your kidney functions and other medical issues. Drinking lots of water will make your urine sample appropriate for the test. So we recommend that you hydrate your body properly before your exam.
Remember To Bring Your Hearing & Vision Supports
You need to have a clear vision to ensure safety while driving. You have to use your corrective lenses for the test if you need them to meet the necessary vision standards. So make sure you bring your powered glasses or contact lenses for the test. This requirement is also valid for your hearing aids. You need to bring it to pass the exam.
Show Up Well Rested
Sleeping quality is given higher priority during the DOT physical test. Your quality of sleep can affect your test results. Make sure you get good quality sleep the night before your test. Proper and peaceful sleep will keep your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs stable. It will also help you to stay relaxed and stress free. So you should ensure proper sleep to prove your fitness for driving.
Plan Your Exam Day in Advance
Preparing for your exam in the days ahead will keep you away from last moment stress. Arrange your necessary documents at least 2 days before your exam. Prepare loose and comfortable clothing to avoid last minute confusion about what to wear and feeling stressed out. Make sure to arrive early for your test. You will have a lot of time to finish the paperwork and relax.
Be Honest and Don't Try to Cheat
You have to be truthful throughout your exam. This exam will prove your ability to drive safely. You must answer all the questions of the medical examiner honestly. Also you should never try to tamper with your urine sample. We can detect it during our lab testing. Moreover, authorities will thoroughly review your medical records if you cause an accident. They will look for potential reasons that caused the accident. You may face serious legal consequences if the investigation can prove your dishonesty.
Schedule Your Exam at DOT CDL Physicals
DOT CDL Physical is your DOT physical exam partner in Bronx. We offer you comprehensive and hassle free tests with guaranteed accurate results. We have a certified medical examiner to conduct your test. Our physician Dr. Ataul Chowdhury has years of experience in providing this service while maintaining the guidelines properly. You can consult our doctor for other medical issues before your exam. We also offer treatment for sleep apnea. Our service is available in two accessible locations in Bronx for your convenience. Book your appointment today. We offer walk in exam also.