CDL DOT Physical Medical Exam Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is a DOT Physical Exam?

A DOT physical is a Medical Examination that is required for commercial driver license holders (CDL drivers) by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This Exam normally takes 30 minutes to determine your overall physical health and ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The Exam is required to obtain a CDL and must be renewed every 2 years with another exam. The physical examination must be performed by a Certified Medical Examiner (CME).

The Video Playlist below shows the DOT Medical Exam Procedures and will answer most of your questions.

What Does the DOT Physical include?

The DOT Physical Doctor will review the driver’s medical history, ongoing treatment and will conduct a physical assessment of the eyes, ears, mouth, skin, heart, spine, abdomen, and chest. They will check for muscle weakness, vascular abnormalities, hernias, and neurological issues.

The Physician will also check your Overall Appearance to see if you are visibly overweight and/or have any obvious signs of shaking, tremors, excessive nervousness, wheezing etc.

Eyes: Your eyes will be checked for proper movement, dilation and overall vision. You will be asked if you have a history of glaucoma or if you have ever been told you have any degree of macular degeneration.

Ears: Ears will be checked for any blockage or abnormalities.

Mouth & Throat: You will be checked for swallowing issues and/or any throat or mouth issues.

Heart: Heart will be checked for any murmurs, erratic beating, or other unusual sounds. You may be asked if you have a pacemaker.

Lungs & Chest: The DOT physical exam doctor will listen to and watch your breathing. If there are any suspected issues a chest x-ray may be ordered before certification.

Abdomen & Organs: Masses or enlargements, odd tenderness upon palpitation.

Blood PressureBlood pressure under 140/90: 2-year medical card certificate. Blood pressure 140/90 - 159/99: 1-year medical certificate, must be renewed every 12 months. Blood pressure 160/100 - 179/109: 3 month medical certification. Full disqualification if not under control after 3 months, until controlled. Will be required to renew every 12 months. Blood pressure at or greater than 180/110: Automatic disqualification, 6 month certification once blood pressure is under control, must be renewed every 6 months. Blood pressure can be controlled with or without medication.

Extremities / Limbs: Check for missing limbs, fingers or toes. Test for weakness, a lack of strength, and/or limited range of movement in your extremities and limbs.

Spine / Skeletal: Spine check for any crooked areas or unusual areas, movement limitation, and/or weakness.

Neurological: Check balance, reflexes, stability, mental clarity and speech coordination.

What Are the DOT Physical Requirements?

Vision: drivers must have 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without corrective lenses), peripheral vision of at least 70 degrees and the ability to distinguish between red, green, and amber/yellow.

Hearing: Drivers must be able to hear a “forced whisper” from five feet away, with or without a hearing aid.

Blood Pressure: 140/90 or below for a 2 year medical card. If your blood pressure is higher than this, you will need to be re-assessed more frequently, and/or take measures to reduce your blood pressure to the passable range. If your blood pressure is too high — above 180/110 — you will not pass the DOT Physical.

Urinalysis: Your urine will be analyzed for levels of glucose, protein, or blood. This is not a drug test, although some employers will request to have a drug screen done during the DOT physical exam.

How Much does a DOT Physical Cost?

The cost of a DOT Physical Exam ranges from $45. to $300. There is a DOT Physical Doctor in Roanoke, Texas that does provide CDL Medical Exams for a very low cost. The prices vary by state and population density with an average price of $65.00 to $140.00 Use this directory to check the current prices in all 50 states of the USA. Note: Interstate drivers can get DOT Physicals in any state other than where they are licensed, it pays to shop around.

How Long Does a DOT Physical Last?

The DOT Physical Medical Certification expires 2-years after the Exam Maximum. May expire earlier if medical conditions exsist.

Are DOT Physicals Covered by Insurance?

No. DOT Physicals are not covered by insurance but may be paid for by your employer if you are a company driver.

How to Pass the DOT Physical Exam?

Bring all necessary documents and paperwork. Medical records, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance data if you have sleep apnea.

A list of any health conditions you have and who treats you for them.

A complete list of any medications you take and who prescribes them to you.

Any items noted by the previous DOT medical examiner if you’ve had a DOT Physical in the past.

When the doctor asks questions about your medical history a one word answer will usually suffice, don't elaborate, you may be opening a can of worms that will require the doctor to order more testing and delay your certification.

Don't Smoke or drink coffee (caffiene) the day of your physical. Doing so may increase your blood pressure substantially.

What Happens If I Fail A DOT Physical?

If you do have a condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, missing limbs, or have hearing, vision or respiratory problems you might not be able to get a 2 year medical card but an exemption may be available and you might be permitted to drive. In this case your CDL medical certificate may expire in 3, 6, or 12 months and you will need another DOT Physical Exam in order to keep driving.

Where To Get a DOT Physical Exam Near Me?

Use the Fastertruck DOT Physical Providers Directory to find DOT Physical Doctors and prices in your area.

How To Use the Fastertruck DOT Physical Doctor Directory?

Click this link to go to the Fastertruck DOT Medical Exam Providers Directory. Once there, Select a state to view the listings and prices. The directory has been created in a simple spreadsheet format which makes it easy to find the right DOT Physical Exam Provider. Then Call the phone number and make an appointment.

How Do I Get DOT Physical Forms?

The Most Current, Updated DOT Physical Forms are located here. These are the forms that Dot Physical Doctors are required to use. Print and fill them out before going to your appointment or you can wait and use the doctor's forms at the office.

• CDL Drivers DOT Medical Exam Form MCSA-5875 & CDL Medical Card MCSA-5876 PDF New Forms Expire 12/31/24
• DOT Physical Insulin Diabetes Assessment Form MCSA 5870 PDF New Form Expires 12/31/24
• DOT Physical CMV Driver Medication Form MCSA 5895 PDF New Form Expires 04/30/23

Choose a DOT Physical Provider

DOT Physical Providers Add a Directory Listing as low as $99.95/yr.