Considering a career in the transportation industry? A DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam will be a requirement before you get on the road. Necessary for all commercial vehicle operators, the detailed medical exam ensures that every driver is healthy enough to safely complete the difficult tasks of commercial drivers. 

If you’re in need of a DOT physical, trust the testing experts at Artesia, NM’s Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening to carry out the necessary procedures. If you’re seeking drug testing, require an alcohol lab test, or require other tests to meet occupational requirements, then these experts have got you covered.

Wondering what to expect during your DOT physical? Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening provides a handy FAQ:

• How Do I Know If I Need Testing? DOT regulations, including the DOT physical exam, apply to transportation employees who affect the safety of others during their daily routines. There are separate DOT agencies with separate drug and alcohol testing requirements, so these types of testing are separate from the DOT physical—although they’ll both be required.
• Who Will Examine Me? You will meet with a well-qualified medical examiner who will safely conduct the physical in the same way that your regular doctor would. Assuming that you’ve received regular physicals in the past, the DOT is incredibly similar and is conducted by a similar physician. 
• What Medical Information Am I Providing? Think of the first time that you saw your regular doctor. Likely, you filled out paperwork that contained your basic information, from name and address to a detailed medical history. The same occurs with a DOT physical. You’ll provide the necessary information regarding your medical history, including mental conditions, severe injuries, surgeries, and vision and hearing problems that could affect both yourself and others while on the job. 
• What If I Pose A Hazard? Once the physical portion of your exam is complete, the medical examiner will mention any potential hazards. This could be as simple as vision problems that put you in danger on the road. If a hazard is noted, the examiner will set requirements before signing and issuing your certificate (such as wearing glasses while driving).
• How Long Will My Certificate Last? Your certificate lasts up to two years. If you experience issues in the meantime, you’ll have to renew it more often—usually annually.