FAQ
What are the DOT physical requirements?
There are 5 sections to the medical exam. Vision, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis and a physical exam (general appearance, eyes, ears, mouth throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, vascular, genitourinary, extremities, spine and neurological.
What are the DOT requirements for blood pressure?
Your blood pressure must be less than 140 systolic and 90 diastolic to get a medical card. If your blood pressure is above the 140 and 90 but less than 180 and 110 you will get a 3 month certificate to lower your blood pressure to below 140 and 90. If you have treated stage 1 or 2 hypertension the maximum certification is 1 year. If you have treated stage 3 hypertension the maximum certification is 6 months.
What will the DOT physical process be like?
You will fill out the health questionnaire on the DOT physical exam. The exam will often take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. The doctor will be sure to cover the following 5 parts of the medical exam: vision, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis and a physical exam (general appearance, eyes, ears, mouth throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, vascular, genitourinary, extremities, spine and neurological.
Why is a urine test part of the DOT physical?
This simple urinalysis is done as a screening for early onset of certain conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems and more.
Can I get a copy of my DOT exam?
Yes. The patient will be given 2 copies of the exam after every test. The company you drive for will need one on file and the DMV will often need a copy.
How long are the DOT physicals good for?
The maximum time the federal motor carriers allow a driver to be certified for is 2 years. Certain conditions will shorten the maximum time.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
No. The DOT physical includes a urinalysis that tests for glucose, protein, specific gravity and blood. Drivers will be randomly tests for drugs, but the drug test is not an official part of the DOT physical.
Can I get a copy of my DOT exam?
Yes. The patient will be given 2 copies of the exam after every test. The company you drive for will need one on file and the DMV will often need a copy.
Who can perform DOT physicals?
Any physician that is registered with the national registry of certified medical examiners. For a complete list go to nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/
How much does a DOT physical cost?
DOT physicals often range between $50 and $100. Our office currently charges $50 for the DOT physical.
Can I pass a DOT physical if I am overweight?
Your weight is not the determining factor in passing a DOT physical. There are a lot of health conditions linked to being overweight that may disqualify a driver. Most of the conditions linked to being overweight that may disqualify a driver are no problem if the driver is treated for the condition. Sleep apnea is one of the conditions linked to being overweight. If the driver can show they do not have sleep apnea or are being treated for sleep apnea they will often still qualify for a one year medical card.
What type of vision is required for the DOT physical?
You must have 20/40 or better vision in each eye and both eyes together with or without corrective lenses. You also need a horizontal field of vision 70 degrees or better. You will also need to be able to distinguish red, green and yellow.
When do I need to have my DOT card with me?
Anytime you are driving a commercial vehicle you will need a medical card. We will laminate your card if you would like to help the card last.