Does DOT Physical Drug Test in 2024?

A DOT physical is an acronym for the physical exam required by the Department of Transport for individuals who drive a commercial vehicle.

The department of transport’s physical exam ensures that the mental and physical health of the driver is in excellent condition.

The department of physical transport exam is strenuous and thorough. It is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the general safety of the public.

In the course of this article, we will determine who needs a DOT physical exam, Does DOT physical include a drug test in 2024.

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Does DOT Physical Require Drug Test in 2024?

Does DOT physical require a drug test in 2024? The answer to that is no, and it doesn’t. Drug tests are generally not included when you undergo a department of transport (DOT) physical exam.

However, a drug test would most likely be required by your employers. A urine sample is required to check for medical conditions which can affect your driving but not for drug tests.

Traditionally, the drug test is not included in the department of physical transport exam, but your employer can request for a drug test to be included. 

Who Needs a DOT Physical Exam?

A DOT physical exam is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all commercial drivers.

Commercial drivers include drivers of vehicles that carry more than fifteen people, or you are paid for vehicles that are expected to carry more than eight people.

It is also required for drivers of vehicle that carry dangerous or hazardous materials that normally warrants the vehicle to carry a warning sign and for interstate drivers of heavy-duty trucks with a combined weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

What Does a DOT Physical Exam Entail?

The doctor (certified by the FMCSA) is likely to ask questions about your medical history, which would likely include the following; Symptoms you might be currently experiencing, history of your health problems, if you’re a smoker, if you’ve ever failed a drug test, medications you take et cetera.

The physical exam would also include your height measurement, weight, hearing, lungs, heart, blood pressure, vision, nervous system, et cetera.

As we discussed previously, your urine samples would be needed to check for protein levels, blood sugar, kidney, or any health-related problems.

You’re also checked for sleep disorders. The department of physical transport examination is usually very thorough.

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Factors That Can Disqualify You From Passing a DOT Physical

Certain medical conditions can disqualify you from passing the department of transport (DOT) physical exam. Any medical condition that impedes your ability to drive without posing a threat to yourself and other road users can disqualify you.

It is unsafe to drive if you have a medical condition that probably affects your hearing, vision, et cetera.

Medical conditions that are capable of disqualifying a candidate are; diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, marijuana usage, presence of protein in the urine, which can result from kidney disease, vision or hearing loss, seizures, et cetera.

Ways to Prepare for a DOT Physical Exam

To help you save time and effort, a few things are necessary for a DOT physical exam. They include:

• A record of your blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Your prescription glasses if you use them
• A comprehensive list of medicines you take and their dosage
• A letter of approval from your cardiologist if you suffer from any heart condition
• A letter of approval from your neurosurgeon if you have a brain tumor or any medical condition that affects the brain
• An approval letter from your doctor if you’re on blood thinner drugs
• Your hearing aids if you suffer any form of hearing loss, your personal doctor’s name, office address, et cetera.

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Conclusion 

Does DOT physical include drug test in 2024, is one of many questions answered in the article?

The DOT physical exam is extremely necessary for drivers of huge 18-wheeler trucks and commercial vehicles for the safety of the driver and the safety of other road users.

DOT physical covers many medical conditions that can prove fatal to a driver and other road users if not adhered to.

The DOT physical exam is pretty thorough in scope and wisely so. Society needs healthy drivers to forestall accidents of catastrophic proportions on the road.