DOT Examination

People who drive for a living must complete a physical exam at least every two years. N’Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, at Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is a certified Department of Transportation (DOT) examiner. She believes partnering with truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators is important to ensure they can safely drive on the roads. Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center or schedule your DOT examination online today.

What is a DOT examination?

A DOT examination (DOT physical) is a routine medical checkup that all commercial drivers must take every two years. This requirement comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees commercial vehicle safety.

The exam evaluates your physical and neurological (brain) health to ensure you can safely operate a commercial vehicle as part of your job. Driving any vehicle long distances or for many hours daily is stressful and demanding. It increases your risk of certain conditions, and if you have problems like poor sight, it might be unsafe for you to drive.

Regular DOT examinations check your health so you can do your job safely. 

Who needs a DOT examination?

The law requires all drivers who transport hazardous materials (displaying a hazmat placard) or operate vehicles with a gross combination weight exceeding 10,000 pounds to have DOT examinations.

They’re also necessary for passenger vehicles. If you earn money from driving vehicles with eight or more passengers or operate a commercial vehicle carrying 15 or more passengers, you’ll need a DOT examination.

After your DOT examination at Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center, you get a certificate that confirms you’re safe to drive for two years. People with chronic disorders like kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and high blood pressure might require annual DOT examinations.

What happens at my DOT examination?

Dr. Bamba begins your DOT examination with a medical history and medication review. She also enquires about your diet, exercise regime, stress levels, and whether you drink alcohol or smoke. 

Next, Dr. Bamba performs a physical exam, measures your blood pressure, and evaluates your hearing and sight. She orders urinalysis and blood tests that check for illegal substances, high cholesterol, and hormonal imbalances.

If your physical exam goes well and the test results are normal, Dr. Bamba signs the DOT examination certificate that goes to your employer. If she uncovers any problems, like high blood pressure or prediabetes (the early stages of diabetes), she recommends appropriate treatment and monitors your progress over time.

What should I bring to my DOT examination?

It’s essential to bring the following to your DOT examination:

• Medical records
• Recent test results
• Hearing or vision aids
• Medication list

Dr. Bamba understands the challenges truck drivers and other commercial drivers face and offers a straightforward DOT exam experience. 

Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center to book your DOT examination or schedule a consultation online today.