If you are a bus or professional truck driver in New Orleans, Louisiana, your employer will require that you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A CDL is a driver’s license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in the United States in commerce. To get a CDL in New Orleans or anywhere else in the U.S., you will need to pass several exams, including CDL physicals.
The CDL physical exam, also called a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, comprises five main categories you must pass—general physical exam, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and urinalysis.
The General Physical Exam Contains the Following Tests:
- General appearance
- Abdomen and organs
- Limbs
- Lungs and chest
- Mouth and throat
- Neurological
- Skeletal
The physical exam will look for any potential health issues that would deem driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as unsafe. This is not only for the driver’s safety,
Vision Test
You must have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction (eyeglasses or contacts). Those who wear prescription glasses are encouraged to bring them along for this part of the test.
Hearing Test
You must perceive a forced whisper voice at five feet or more with or without a hearing aid. Otherwise, you must undergo a formal hearing test with an audiometer and pass.
Blood Pressure Test
Your blood pressure must be less than or equal to 140/90 to be qualified as a driver. However, if your blood pressure is more than 140/90 but less than 180/110, you may be eligible for a shorter interval Medical Examination Certificate.
Urinalysis Test
As a DOT employee operating heavy machinery, you are responsible for preventing injury to yourself and others on the road. A urinalysis test can determine if there are potential health issues or concerns that could put your safety or the safety of others at risk.
Medical Conditions That Can Disqualify a Driver in New Orleans
- History of epilepsy (seizure disorder).
- Diabetes requiring the use of insulin. Unless you have an exemption issued by the federal government.
- Failing to meet the minimum vision and hearing standards.
- Using a narcotic, amphetamine, or another habit-forming drug without a prescription.
- Loss or impairment of an arm or limb that interferes with commercial driving or tasks related to driving, unless accompanied by a Skills Performance Certificate (SPE).
- A history of alcoholism.
Where Can I Find DOT Testing and CDL Physicals in New Orleans?
If you are an employee who drives a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), LCMC Health Urgent Care is ready to meet your DOT testing needs. We offer comprehensive DOT testing that’s fast and simple. And, because our clinics offer walk-in service, you don’t need to schedule an appointment. Instead, find a location that is closest to you and walk-in! We currently have seven different locations in the New Orleans area to help you. When you need DOT testing in New Orleans, we are ready to help. Learn more about the DOT testing process, and find out how LCMC Health Urgent Care can help with quick and convenient services.