School bus drivers are a critical part of the school day, transporting students to school and home safely throughout the day. In order to maintain certification as a bus driver, you may be required to undergo a physical to make sure you are healthy enough by Department of Transportation standards. Your school may require you to undergo physicals more frequently than other positions depending on the guidelines they follow.

What is a DOT Physical?

In order to maintain your Commercial Driving License (CDL), you will need to undergo a physical measured by Department of Transportation standards. While a physical can remain valid for up to two years, your school district may require a new examination on file every year, six months or monthly depending on risk factors. Your doctor will need to see a copy of your medical history as well as a list of medications you are currently taking that may appear on a drug screen, including prescription and over-the-counter. If you use hearing aids or corrective lenses, you should bring them to your appointment in order to verify their functionality with your doctor. During your appointment, the following will be checked:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure
• Vision and hearing
• Blood sugar
• Stress
• Reflexes
• Cardiac function

Certain factors may need to meet certain levels in order to pass your physical. Your vision must be at least 20/40 in each eye with or without the use of contact lenses or glasses and your blood pressure must be at least 140/90 with or without the use of medication. If you suffer from a chronic disease such as hypertension or diabetes, you will need to show that you can control or manage it with medication.

The importance of DOT physicals for bus drivers

Regular DOT physicals are important for school bus drivers for many reasons. As drivers, they spend a lot of time sitting in an oversized vehicle, concentrating on safely navigating through the roads in narrow residential areas and busy downtowns. Because they are often sitting and stressed, drivers may experience increased blood pressure levels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to further medical issues if not treated quickly. By undergoing routine physicals, your doctor will be able to provide treatment or refer you to a specialist as needed.

DOT Physicals for Bus Drivers in Cedar Grove, NJ

If you are in need of a DOT physical as a school bus driver, visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove today! We will work with you and your employer to make sure you meet the specifications of the job. For questions please call 973-239-2300.