In major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, public transportation is a critical part of peoples’ everyday lives. They use the bus and train to get to school, to work, to daycare to pick up their children. As a bus driver, you will be required to undergo periodic DOT physicals to maintain your certification. These physicals are designed to check areas of your health that the Department of Transportation deems critical to their standards. Depending on your results or employer, you may be required to undergo DOT physicals more frequently than the standard to maintain your certification.

What is a DOT Physical?

The Department of Transportation has specific standards to measure requirements for your Commercial Drivers License. Your examination can remain valid for up to two years, though some employers may require annual or biannual physicals depending on their own requirements or risk factors you may have. The following will be checked during your physical:

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

You will be required to bring a copy of your medical history and a list of over-the-counter and prescription drugs you are currently taking in case you need to submit to a drug screen, as well as hearing aids or corrective lenses you use to improve your hearing or vision. As a bus driver, you will need to have a vision measure of at least 20/40 with or without the use of glasses or contact lenses and a blood pressure reading of at least 140/90 with or without the use of medications to control your levels. If you have chronic conditions, you will need to be able to show your ability to control and manage symptoms as you will spend most of your time sitting. 

Why do bus drivers need to undergo DOT Physicals?

Driving is an intense position that puts a lot of strain on your body, from sitting in oversized vehicles for much of the day to the stress of safely navigating through narrow or busy streets on schedule. The stress of constantly driving can lead to elevated blood pressure levels, which can lead to further medical issues if not addressed quickly. By undergoing DOT physicals on a regular schedule, you will be able to stay healthy while performing your job and get advice on how to stay relaxed throughout the day. 

DOT Physicals for Bus Drivers in Cheltenham, Wyncote & North Philadelphia, PA

If you are currently or in the process of becoming a bus driver in the Philadelphia area, visit AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham today for a DOT physical! Our walk-in urgent care is able to set up occupational health services including physicals, workers’ comp treatment and routine drug testing with businesses of all sizes in the area. To schedule an appointment for a physical, please call 215-935-6777.