Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Helpful Information When Preparing For 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 other essential examinations conducted include a neurological examination to ensure that coordination and reflexes are not impaired, and listening to your lungs and heart to determine if there are murmurs or if respiratory functions are impaired. A press on abdomen helps reveal if there are any abnormalities. The practitioner also does a hernia check and conducts a urinalysis to check for indications of any underlying medical condition.

After the tests, the examiner issues a two-year certificate when the results establish that regular medical checkups are not necessary. The examiner may also issue a 3 to 6 months certificate in some cases. If the examiner is convinced that you do not meet the required medical standards to operate in commercial vehicles, a certificate will not be issued.

One of the key reasons why the tests are done is to check for the presence of drugs in the drivers. It is life endangering for commercial drivers to use drugs and still carry out their duties. Vision and hearing impairment tests are also conducted. All the medical examinations done are essential in making an informed decision on whether to entrust the individuals with driving commercial vehicles.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment