Medical Cards/DOT Physical Exams

What is a learner’s permit physical?

Any Pennsylvania resident who wants to drive a car must first undergo a learner’s permit physical. A learner’s permit physical is a comprehensive physical exam that evaluates all aspects of your health, including your vision, reflexes, memory, and hearing. 

Under Pennsylvania state law, a doctor, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, or chiropractor can perform a learner’s permit physical. In most cases, an appointment takes no longer than 45 minutes.

What happens during a learner’s permit physical?

During a learner’s permit physical, your Woudsma Chiropractic Associates provider performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks a series of general health questions. 

Make sure to print out and bring your Form DL-180 to your appointment. After gathering all of the necessary information and performing an evaluation, your chiropractor can fill out the necessary information and sign off. After your provider fills out your Form DL-180, you can return to the DMV and take your learner’s permit test. 

What is a CDL or DOT physical?

Anyone who operates a commercial truck for a living must participate in a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical once every two years. In order to comply with federal law, your exam must be performed by a qualified medical provider like the team at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates. 

Woudsma Chiropractic Associates offers discounts to companies who send five or more drivers for DOT exams. If you have 10 or more drivers who need physicals, the team can make arrangements to travel to your office.

What happens during a CDL or DOT physical?

During a CDL or DOT physical, your chiropractor performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your overall health. During your DOT physical, your chiropractor also:

• Checks your blood pressure
• Evaluates your spine
• Inspects your eyes and ears
• Checks for hernias

Your chiropractor may also request a urinalysis to test for underlying health problems that don’t present more obvious symptoms. 

Is there any way to fail a CDL or DOT physical?

Certain health problems can disqualify you from receiving your DOT license. These include:

• History of epilepsy
• Diabetes requiring insulin
• Taking medications like methadone
• Having poor vision or hearing

A history of alcoholism or drug use or the loss of a limb may also disqualify you from driving commercially. 

Whether you’re a teenager who just turned 16 or you’re a seasoned trucker who needs to renew your DOT license, the caring team at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates can help. Make your appointment today by calling or clicking the online booking tool.