DOT Physicals
We are specialists
in physical testing
for commercial drivers
Commercial drivers are required to complete and pass a DOT physical to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) for their own safety and the public’s safety.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to determine if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a CMV.
When a driver arrives for their DOT physical, a certified medical examiner (CME) will cperform a physical examination that may include:
- Vital signs
- Review of medical history
- Hearing and vision
- Heart and Lungs
- Extremities
- General phyical appearance
Upon passing the physical, the driver will be issued a DOT medical card by the examining physician.
Please note: without a valid DOT medical card, a driver's CDL will not be valid.
Who requires a DOT Physical?
- Operate a motor vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination or vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds
- Transport hazardous materials that required placards
- Operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers
- Paid operator of a motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight passengers
Do you manage a fleet of
trucks and drivers?
As an employer of commercial drivers, you must comply with federal regulations for DOT physicals. Contact us today to set up a cost effective and convenient testing program for your drivers.
What drivers need for their physical
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Forms
English
All drivers should bring the following:
• A list of ALL of your medications, including the doses and your doctors’ names and addresses
• Complete page one of the exam (driver’s portion). The form can be downloaded under the forms tab above.
Drivers requiring eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids:
• Bring your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids
• You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test
Drivers with high blood pressure:
• Your blood pressure MUST be below 140/90 during your exam
Drivers with heart-related issues:
• Bring a letter from your cardiologist indicating you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle
• Bring results of any stress test, ECHO cardiogram, or other testing completed within the past two years
Drivers taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin):
• Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your physician
Drivers with diabetes:
• Your blood sugar should be managed
• Bring the most recent lab test results for Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and any other records related to your diabetes
Drivers who have suffered a stroke, brain tumor or have a seizure disorder:
• Bring a letter from your neurologist stating your medical history, medications, and current neurologic/psychiatric status
Drivers with sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine:
• Bring readings from your machine documenting use or a letter from your sleep specialist
• Bring at least 90 days of readings
Drivers taking medications that cause sleepiness or are FDA controlled substances:
• Bring a letter from your and medical records from your physician regarding the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medications
Drivers with permanent loss of use in an arm or a leg:
• Bring a letter from your from your physician describing the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury
• You may have to pass a Skilled Performance Examination in order to qualify for your DOT card
If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary or specialty physician BEFORE your re-certification date.
These are guidelines only and do not guarantee passing the exam. Additional testing or/information may be required by your DOT examiner.
Español
Todos los conductores deben traer lo siguiente:
• Una lista de TODOS sus medicamentos, incluidas las dosis y los nombres y direcciones de sus médicos
• Complete la página uno del examen (parte del conductor). El formulario se puede descargar en la pestaña de formularios de arriba
Conductores que requieren anteojos, lentes de contacto o audífonos:
• Traiga sus anteojos, lentes de contacto o audífonos
• Se le pedirá que apruebe una prueba de visión y audición
Conductores con presión arterial alta:
• Su presión arterial DEBE estar por debajo de 140/90 durante su examen
Conductores con problemas relacionados con el corazón:
• Lleve una carta de su cardiólogo que indique que es seguro conducir un vehículo DOT
• Traiga los resultados de cualquier prueba de esfuerzo, cardiograma ECHO u otra prueba completada en los últimos dos años
Conductores que toman el anticoagulante Coumadin (warfarina):
• Traiga una carta reciente de INR (nivel en sangre y autorización) de su médico
Conductores con diabetes:
• Debe controlar su nivel de azúcar en sangre
• Traiga los resultados de las pruebas de laboratorio más recientes para la hemoglobina A1C (HgAIC) y cualquier otro registro relacionado con su diabetes
Conductores que han sufrido un derrame cerebral, un tumor cerebral o un trastorno convulsivo:
• Traiga una carta de su neurólogo que indique su historial médico, medicamentos y estado neurológico / psiquiátrico actual
Conductores con apnea del sueño y utilizan una máquina CPAP:
• Traiga lecturas de su máquina que documenten el uso o una carta de su especialista en sueño
• Traiga al menos 90 días de lecturas
Conductores que toman medicamentos que causan somnolencia o son sustancias controladas por la FDA:
• Traiga una carta de sus registros médicos y de su médico con respecto a la seguridad de conducir un vehículo del DOT mientras usa estos medicamentos.
Conductores con pérdida permanente de uso en un brazo o una pierna:
• Traiga una carta de su médico que describa la lesión y si tiene restricciones laborales debido a la lesión
• Es posible que deba aprobar un Examen de desempeño calificado para calificar para su tarjeta DOT
Si no está seguro de si calificará para una tarjeta DOT, es posible que desee programar una visita con su médico de cabecera o especialista ANTES de la fecha de recertificación. Estas son solo pautas y no garantizan la aprobación del examen. Su examinador del DOT puede requerir pruebas o información adicional.
Forms
DOT FORM 5875
Medical Examination Report Form shows a driver what to expect during their examination.
This form does not need to be completed before your visit.
DOT FORM 5876
Medical Examiner's Certificate Form is another example of what a driver can expect during the physical exam. Certified drivers will receive their MEC after the exam is completed.
DOT FORM 5870
Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment is for commercial drivers with insulin-treated diabetes. Drivers must have this form completed by their physician no more than 45 days prior to the DOT Physical. This form is required before a Medical Examiner's Certificate Form MCSA-5876 can be issued to a certified driver.