Gretna Medical Center
315 Westbank Expressway
Gretna, LA 70053
Phone:(504) 364-1844
New Orleans DOT Physical |New Orleans DOT Physical
Anyone who drives commercially is required by law to take a New Orleans DOT physical examination from the Department of Transportation to obtain a CDL big truck driving license. It is meant to protect drivers and the general public from accidents or other road blockades caused by unhealthy and unfit drivers. Commercial driving is more demanding than personal driving, and it often poses more hazards for road users. The stress of handling commercial vehicles is always compounded by the long driving hours involved as well as special driving requirements. It is in the best interest of the general public for all commercial drivers to be fit mentally, emotionally and physically, and every commercial driver has the obligation to protect life and property by taking the test.
New Orleans DOT Physical Explained
It is the Federal Government that sets the rules and regulations for the safe conduct of commercial driving throughout the country, and state governments set even more regulations that are specific to their jurisdictions. The Federal Government carries out this function through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The administration:
- Sets the criteria for the DOT Physical examination
- Sets the health standards for commercial drivers
- Makes sure that all commercial drivers are of generally sound health and mind.
As a professional driver, you must always have certification from the Department of Transportation to dispense your services on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set out that requirement for professional drivers to carry their certificates of good health. If you are a professional driver, you need to undergo examination from a medical professional who is identified and recognized by the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Any medic who is listed on this registry understands the health standards that are required for drivers to qualify as fit for commercial driving. The doctors are obligated to make sure that you do not qualify erroneously and that you are not disqualified unjustly either.
Are You a Commercial Driver?
Well, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does define and qualify commercial drivers as those whose professional duties include just one or multiple of the following descriptions. You are considered to be a professional driver if:
- The vehicle you operate can carry more than 15 people
- The gross combination of weight you carry exceeds 10,000 pounds
- The 8-passenger vehicle you drive earns you a living.
- Drive hazardous loads.
How Frequently Should You Take DOT Physicals?
Well, that all depends on your first examination results. If you are generally clear of any of the conditions we listed above, your certificate of good health will be valid for two years. That lifespan can be cut by half if you suffer blood pressure complications. You can always retake a failed DOT physical after treating whichever condition that disqualified you in the first place.
Why Is It so Important to take a DOT physical in New Orleans?
You cause real-life danger to road users, yourself and property when you drive while suffering acute pain. There are other health conditions that drastically impair a driver’s ability to focus, stay alert and respond to road hazards proactively. The DOT physical examination is purely meant to access drivers and determine that they aren’t suffering from any of the following impairing conditions:
- Kidney disease,
- Digestive problems,
- Chronic pain,
- Epilepsy,
- Heart complications,
- Dementia,
- Amputations and physical disfigurations,
- Impaired vision,
- Loss of hearing.
They are all aggravated health conditions that can lead unfit and unhealthy drivers into causing fatal accidents.
Open 7 days a week. Walk-in patients are welcome.
