Wednesday, April 10, 2019

What You Need To Know About Getting A DOT Physical San Antonio TX

By Gary Patterson


If you work in the transportation sector where you are charged with the task of ferrying people or goods from one place to the other with a motor vehicle, the DOT requires you to undergo some tests to ensure that your driving performance is up to standard. This test is crucial, especially for people who drive trucks and buses. When preparing for a DOT physical San Antonio TX drivers can benefit if they learn what the test involves.

A Dot physical is also known as a drivers physical, DOT test, DOT exam or DMV physical. A competent practitioner in the public health department should carry out the DOT exam as stipulated in federal law. Different health experts, including physician assistants, doctors or nurses can perform the test successfully. Before the test starts, a review of your medical records is necessary. You must also provide a list of all medications that you take regularly.

During the test, the examiner will monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate and then perform a vision test because drivers are mandated to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye whether they are using corrective lenses or not. The examiner will also perform a whispered voice test. Other tests include checking the spine for deformities and an examination of your throat and mouth for swallowing or breathing problems.

The medical examiner will also perform a neurological exam to ensure that your coordination and reflexes are not impaired. The examiner will also check for respiratory issues by listening for murmurs in your heart and lungs. A press on the abdomen helps reveal any abnormalities while a urinalysis is done to detect any underlying medical issues.

The examiner issues a medical certificate after completing the test successfully. Typically, the certificate is valid for two years if the individual does not need monitoring medically. A 3 to 6 months certificate may also be issued and if one does not pass the test, the document is not issued.

Several factors and reasons necessitate this test. Checking your vision is one of the main reasons for this test. It is essential that all commercial vehicle drivers have good sight. Therefore, mono-vision and other impairments lead to denial of the medical card. Curbing drug use is another factor that necessitates DOT exams. Substance abuse is dangerous for commercial vehicle drivers and those they serve.

Brain and neurological screening are also done as part of the physical to unmask any brain injuries that may affect the driver. Discovery of disorders such as seizures during the test is crucial because individuals with such problems should not have DOT medical cards. Cardiovascular screening to unmask any heart problems is another crucial reason for performing the DOT test, as individuals with serious heart issues should not operate commercial vehicles.

The DOT physical poses no risk whatsoever and is done to comply with the DOT requirements along with the federal laws. The test does not take a lot of time. It only takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete it.




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