DOT FAQs

If your career requires you to drive a vehicle for long periods, you may need to schedule a DOT physical to ensure you are capable of extensive time behind the wheel. At Dodd Chiropractic Clinic, we provide a variety of services to our patients in and around Jacksonville, including DOT physicals. Let’s look at some of the common questions that we run into regarding DOT physicals.

• Who needs a DOT physical?
  • To obtain your CDL license, you need to receive a DOT physical. The requirements for a CDL depend on the vehicle being driven. CDLs are needed for vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or if towing another vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. CDLs are also needed for vehicles that carry 24 or more passengers.
• How often do you need a DOT physical?
  • The maximum certification interval for a DOT physical is two years. Your certification interval may be less than two years if you have certain health conditions, like hypertension or diabetes.
• Who can perform DOT physicals?
  • The majority of DOT physicals are performed by doctors of Medicine, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of chiropractic, physician assistants, and advanced nurse practitioners. These providers are required to take extra training and become certified through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• What does the practitioner test for in a DOT physical?
  • We will perform various tasks that confirm your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. You will answer a complete health history questionnaire before being evaluated. The practitioner will evaluate many aspects of your overall health, including your vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart, lungs, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. A urinalysis will also be performed, which checks for blood, sugar, and proteins in your urine.
• Can I pass a DOT physical if I have diabetes?
  • This will depend on what type of diabetes you have and how it is controlled. If you are a type II diabetic that uses oral medication, you will be able to pass your DOT physical. The problem occurs for type I diabetics, type II diabetics that require insulin, or diabetics that have uncontrolled blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, we recommend that you call our office so that we can inform you about the MCSA 5870 form. This form is required for drivers that use insulin to control their diabetes.

Schedule Your DOT Physical in Jacksonville, FL

If you would like to learn more about our DOT physical services or would like to schedule an appointment with a member of our staff, contact Dodd Chiropractic Clinic. Call our team today at (904) 388-1811 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.