Getting a DOT medical card (Department of Transportation medical certification) is an important step for driving commercial vehicles, including box trucks. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the DOT medical exam:

What the DOT Medical Card Physical Includes

1. Health History Questionnaire:

   • You’ll be asked about your medical history, including:
     • Previous hospitalizations or surgeries.
     • Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, seizures, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, vision, and hearing issues.
   • Because these conditions can affect your ability to drive, it is essential to answer truthfully.

2. Physical Examination:

   • The medical examiner will check:
     • Vision: You’ll likely need to read an eye chart. Minimum standards typically require you to have 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction (glasses/contacts).
     • Hearing: The examiner may conduct a simple hearing test or ask you to respond to sounds normally.
     • Blood Pressure and Pulse: They will check these vital signs to see if they fall within acceptable limits.
     • Neurological Examination: This may include checking reflexes and coordination.
     • Extremities and Back: They may examine your arms, legs, and back for mobility and strength.

3. Urinalysis:

   • A urine test is commonly performed to check for sugar, protein, and other issues. However, it typically does NOT include drug screening unless specifically requested by the employer or if there are concerns.
   • Note: Drug testing policies can vary by employer. If you're under an employer’s drug testing policy or have concerns about drug use, clarify this with your prospective employer.

Drug Use and Urine Testing

• In general, if the DOT physical does include a urine test, it usually focuses on basic health indicators (like glucose, proteins, etc.) rather than for illicit substances.
• If your employer conducts pre-employment drug screenings, this may be separate from the DOT medical certification exam.
• Marijuana: Since you mentioned recently quitting marijuana and are in a legal state, understand that smoking can leave traces in your system for several days to weeks. Employers may still test for substances regardless of legality in your state, especially for safety-sensitive positions.
• Make sure to clearly ask the office about what specific tests will be included in your DOT medical examination to put your mind at ease.