What You Should Know About DOT Physicals Omaha

By Roger Watson


If you intend to become a commercial vehicle driver, then you might be required by the Department of Transportation to undergo a medical exam. Only applicants found to be physically fit are eligible for Commercial Driver's License. The procedure is simple and involve common medical tests. Below are some things about the DOT Physicals Omaha drivers need to know.

The exam is highly regulated to ensure the safety of drivers. Thus, it is designed to establish id drivers have any physical, emotional, or mental issues that may affect their ability to drive commercial vehicles. The examiners are highly trained to ensure that drivers are fairly examined and not inappropriately disqualified.

However, if you have certain conditions, you should not be worried because some cases exempted from the requirements. Individuals who fail to meet requirements for Vision, Physical Impairment parts, Diabetes, or Hearing may be placed under the Driver Exemption Program. However, this decision is made upon being reviewed by a certified doctor to ascertain that the driver can operate exceptionally well with the condition.

Applicant must undergo a blood pressure test. The work of a commercial vehicle driver is rigorous and can be strenuous at times. For people with conditions such as hypertension, this may expose them to risk of cardiac arrest. In case that happens when they are driving, they could impact on the safety of other road users as well. Hence, applicants should have a regular heart rate.

A urinalysis is also mandatory. This is to determine if the applicant has any protein, blood, and sugar that may indicate a hidden health problem. There could be conditions such as diabetes and Kidney disease that have not yet manifested. Drivers are also tested for alcohol and common drugs. This is to ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles are never under the influence when operating these machines.

The audible range of the applicant is also tested. Roads are normally very busy and it is important that the driver be able to easily hear different sounds from other road users or other sources that may impact on their driving. Tests are conducted using different frequencies at various distances.

The sight of the driver is also tested. The doctors use the Snellen eye chart to ensure that drivers can see the road with satisfactory clarity. This helps improve road safety because they can see obstacles from a distance and brake in time. Most heavy vehicles do not brake easily and may fail to hold emergency breaks. Hence, good vision is necessary.

Applicants who use Schedule one drugs cannot pass the eligibility test. These drugs can affect one's functionality and ability to handle machines. These drugs include narcotics and amphetamines as well as a variety of other habit-forming drugs. Alcohol and illicit drugs are also tested.

The applicant's medical history is also reviewed. This is to check if the individual has a medical history that could affect their driving ability. The doctor will check for a history of functional, organic, mental, or nervous diseases as well as psychiatric disorders.

The test is very straight forward. Just ensure that you are well prepared. In case of a problem, you can always seek clarification.




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