The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires every commercial driver applicant to pass a DOT physical exam under the supervision of a certified physician. This means that even if you are an excellent driver, you can’t get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) until you prove your physical fitness.
DOT Physical exams are meant to prevent drivers with any medical issue that can impair their ability to drive a heavy commercial vehicle safely. The exam helps keep the highways safe for everyone. So, if you are looking at becoming a commercial driver soon, you must look for a center that conducts CDL physical exams near your residence in Miami.
What’s the CDL Exam About?
The physical exam assesses your ability on different scales, including:
Your Vision
You will need to prove that you have no visual disability or impairment. You will need to meet certain requirements with or without using corrective glasses that you wear at all times. These requirements are:
● 20/40 acuity in each eye
● 70” peripheral vision
Your Hearing Ability
As a driver, you will need to prove that you are aware of your surroundings. This will include your ability to judge the presence of vehicles around even in momentary blind spots. You will also need to exhibit your knowledge of safety warnings like emergency vehicle sirens, people shouting from crosswalks, and other scenarios. If you use hearing aids, you can bring them along in order to take the exam.
Your Heart Rate/Blood Pressure Levels
Very high blood pressure could drastically affect your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. It may be possible for some people to keep their blood pressure under control through the use of medications or by making certain lifestyle changes. If your medications too can lead to drowsiness, even if for a moment, you may be advised otherwise.
Other Medical Issues
Another common medical condition that is considered very serious for commercial drivers is diabetes (Type 1 & 2). The exam may also help discover if you suffer from any kind of kidney issue. If your blood sugar level is below 200, you should have little to worry about, even if you require insulin injections now and then.
Other Medical Disorders and Injuries
Besides all of the above, the exam will assess you for the following conditions:
● Cardiovascular Issues
● Spinal Cord Injuries
● Chronic Pain Anywhere in Your Body
● Sleep Apnea
● Seizures or Epilepsy
● Any Kind of Physical Disability
As a commercial driver, you have to be a healthy person. This is because the role will need you to drive for several hours a day, and several days a month. Your body should be able to handle the stress that comes along. Your mind too should be in the right frame and keep you focused and constantly aware of your surroundings. It could get monotonous at times, so your mind should be able to adjust accordingly.
Get started by walking into your nearest CDL DOT Exam center and fill out a form with all the required details. After that, breathe easy and coordinate with your examiner, and answer all the questions honestly. In most likelihood, you will be cleared to move on to the next stage for getting your commercial driver’s license in no time!
Call the CDL physical exam center near you today to know more.
