Physicals

Items to bring to your appointment:

• All current medication bottles
• A list of any over the counter medications or supplements
• Any recent lab results including hemoglobin A1C levels within the last 3 months
• If you have had a heart attack, heart stents, cardiac surgery or cardiovascular disease, you will need to bring a copy of any stress testing that has been performed within the last 2 years (required) and a clearance letter from your cardiologist
• A copy of your latest sleep test results if you are using a CPAP
• Current driver’s license
• If you wear hearing aids, be sure to bring them with you

• You will fill out a medical questionnaire about your health history
• Your vitals will be taken including pulse, blood pressure, weight and height
• You will be given a vision test
• You will have to provide a urine sample for a dipstick test (SP, Glucose, blood, & protein)
• If you have a history of respiratory disease or abnormal sounds noted on your physical exam a lung function test may be required during your DOT exam
• A certified DOT examiner will review your history and complete the exam
• After the exam is completed and the examiner determines you are approved to drive, a card will be issued to you
• People with diabetes will fill out an additional questionnaire

Tips to make the process easy and quick:

• Make sure you continue to use your prescribed medications including blood pressure
• Cutting back on caffeine and nicotine can help improve your blood pressure
• Avoid using decongestants, diet pills, steroids and certain pain medication (Ibuprofen and naproxen) prior to your exam
  Reduce the amount of salty foods you eat
• Avoid adding salt to your food can also help to lower your blood pressure
• Cut back on coffee, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks
  Sit quietly before measuring your blood pressure
• Try to get your DOT EXAM at least a month prior to DOT expiration
  Avoid high noise levels prior to your DOT appointment
• Drink water. Come well hydrated.
• If you have not had an eye exam in the past 2 years, consider having one done prior to your DOT exam
• If you are diabetic and use insulin you will need to go to FMCSA.DOT.gov, then in the search bar type: Diabetic exemption, this will guide you through the process to apply for a waiver.