To be a professional truck driver, you need to pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical. FMCSA requires this exam and assesses various aspects of your health for them to ensure safety on roads while transporting cargo or passengers with their trucks
If you pass your DOT physical, then it’s time to get yourself a medical card and start driving again! FMCSA will either give approval or denial results.
To give yourself the most excellent chance at passing, make sure to study these tips on how you can do well in it. Understanding what needed information for each question is the key to a successful outcome. These will help prepare your mind and muscle memory, so there won’t be any surprises when faced with tough questions during an exam day situation!
Tips to Pass a DOT Physicals
- Be ready with all documents and paperwork.
Make sure you bring everything with you, including any documents or paperwork that you might need for this process. It includes:
- Medical records – this is a great way to track your health and progress, including information about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance.
- A list of any health conditions you have and who treats you for them.
- A list of medications you take and who prescribed them to you is essential. Make sure that it’s accurate, as any change in dose or schedule could result from a mistake on your end rather than something being wrong with the medication itself!
- Ensure to complete any action items from your last DOT medical examination,
- Take Your Medications Properly
When it comes to taking medications, do your best around the same time each day and if you run out before a physical, then make sure to refill as soon as possible. The impact of taking medication at varying times or stopping your medication altogether can affect the results during a physical.
- Be honest about your health history
Ensure that the information in your past medical records is up-to-date and includes any updates since then. Refrain from giving false statements to ensure this doesn’t happen, but be honest about what has changed so you can continue driving!
- Avoid unhealthy habits
There are some things you want to do before your morning of stage production which can help prevent high blood pressure and blood sugar, including:
- Smoking
- Not enough sleep
- Drinking a large number of caffeinated drinks
- Consuming sugary foods and drinks
- Start your healthy journey today!
Get into a healthy routine three weeks before your DOT physical. Do this by following the tips below:
- The easiest way to maintain a healthy diet is by stocking your refrigerator with lower calories, sugar, and sodium.
- If you’re eating one or two larger meals each day, it may be better for your health to eat three smaller ones. It will help with weight loss and blood sugar.
- Get enough sleep
- To improve your fitness level, you need to be physically active. One way of doing this is by taking walks outside and stretching. The DOT examiner will likely notice if you’re not physically involved in the exam!
- Monitor your blood pressure and sugar before an exam.
We all know the importance of staying healthy. So, maintaining good health habits will ensure that you have a successful testing day! If you are around Massachusetts and haven’t done with it, contact New England Dot Physicals to book your appointment.
