DOT Physicals

DOT Physicals

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. A DOT physical helps determine if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.

Commercial drivers are safety-sensitive employees; they perform a job that can impact their own safety and the public’s safety. Employers of commercial drivers must comply with federal regulations for DOT physicals.

Things You Must Bring To Your Appointment: 
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Avoid caffeine or tobacco products 1 hour before your exam
  • Current medication list (prescription and non-prescription) 
  • Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids
  • Federal Vision or Diabetes Waiver, if applicable 
  • Medical records from your treating provider
    • If you have conditions such as cardiac disease – information about pace-maker, AED-defibrillator stents or CABG, Results of your last EKG, Stress Test or Echocardiogram. 
    • Diabetes medications or insulin use. Your last blood test for HGA1C. Your last annual eye exam. 
    • Sleep disorders and use a CPAP. Bring a recent 3 month recording of its use. 
    • Neurologic Disease
    • If you take a prescribed medication for pain, you will need a letter from your prescribing provider stating that it is safe for you to drive a commercial vehicle. 
  • Current FMSCSA Waiver or Exemption Certificate or Skills Performance Evaluation, if applicable.
What Happens During the Examination: 
  • The doctor will review your health history with you. 
  • Conduct a thorough physical examination. 
  • Run a urine screen (dip-stick test) for urine specific gravity, urine protein, urine blood, and urine sugar, to check for the onset of possible disqualifying medical conditions. 
Upon exam completion, the CME will report the results to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration National Registry. Certified drivers will receive a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate (MEC), or DOT medical card.

How Long Is A Medical Card Good For? 
  • 2 years – If you meet all the FMSCA DOT Regulations for Commercial Driver Fitness. 
  • A limited time, usually 1 year or 6 months, if periodic monitoring is required for certain medical conditions. 
  • A limited time, usually a 1 to 3 month window, if you have a recently diagnosed condition that you are working with your primary care doctor to get under control. 
  • Disqualified. A medical condition or medication may cause your medical card to be disqualified until the disqualifying conditions are rectified. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can any provider perform my DOT physical?

    Only a Certified Medical Examiner can administer a DOT physical.  The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) has a current list of CMEs. Dr. David Gehling is a Certified Medical Examiner. National Registry Number: 1290120612 Certification Date: 03/01/14

  • Who needs a DOT physical?

    A DOT physical is required when a driver operates a CMV across state lines (i.e., interstate driving).  Employers of intrastate drivers (i.e., drivers who stay within one state) are subject to the physical qualification regulations of that specific state.

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