DOT Exams: What To Expect
Physicals… Who Needs ‘Em?!
Whether you're a seasoned trucker or just starting out, your DOT physical is a key part of staying safe and compliant. But what exactly happens during the exam? What should you bring (and what should you leave at home)? Let’s break it down.
Why Are DOT Physicals Important?
Think of a DOT physical as your roadworthiness check—just like your truck, you need to be in top shape to handle long hours, heavy traffic, and high-pressure deadlines. Required by the Department of Transportation (DOT), this exam ensures you're physically and mentally fit to drive a commercial vehicle. A certified medical provider will assess your overall health and determine if you meet the requirements for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Now, let’s go over what to expect and how to prepare.
What to Expect During Your DOT Physical:
Vision test:
Ensures you meet the DOT's 20/40 vision standard (with or without corrective lenses).
Both eyes are tested individually and together.
Must have a 70-degree peripheral vision in each eye.
Some drivers may need to pass a color vision test to distinguish traffic signal
Tip: Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them!
Hearing test:
Ensures you can hear a forced whisper from at least 5 feet away, with or without a hearing aid.
If you struggle with this, a formal audiometry test may be required.
Tip: If you use a hearing aid, bring extra batteries to your exam!
Urine test:
We’ll screen for underlying health issues, including:
Diabetes (checking for sugar in urine)
Kidney disorders
Blood pressure-related issues
Tip: This is not a drug test, but employers may request one separately.
Blood pressure and pulse check:
We’ll look for hypertensive symptoms or irregular heartbeats that may affect driving safety.
DOT requires blood pressure to be under 140/90 for a two-year certification.
If between 140/90 – 179/109, you may get a temporary certificate and need re-evaluation.
Tip: Don’t drink caffeine or smoke cigarettes before your appointment. Sit with your back supported, your legs uncrossed, and your feet flat on the floor while having your blood pressure checked.
Medical history:
You’ll fill out a Medical Examination Report (MER) Form detailing:
Past or current medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions)
Medications you’re taking
History of surgeries, hospitalizations, or injuries
Use of corrective lenses, hearing aids, or CPAP machines
Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use history
Tip: Be honest and bring a list of medications and past medical history with you.
Physical examination:
The examiner will check your
General appearance (signs of medical conditions)
Heart & lungs (using a stethoscope)
Neurological health (reflexes, balance, coordination)
Musculoskeletal system (strength, flexibility, and ability to perform essential job duties)
Abdomen & digestive health (hernia check)
Tip: Wear comfortable clothing for easy movement during the exam.
Additional tests: Depending on your medical history or specific requirements, additional tests like blood tests or sleep apnea screening may be necessary.
The “Do”s!
And now we get to the meat of this blog post! The Dos and Do Nots! These are thoughtful tips that our very own POHS staff came up with to help you better prepare for your upcoming DOT exam.
Please do… bring your driver’s license!
Please do… bring a Hemoglobin A1C lab result (past 3 months) if you are diabetic.
Please do… if you are diabetic and on insulin, have your PCP complete the Insulin-Treated Diabetic Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) prior to your appointment and bring it with you.
Please do… if you have heart-related issues, bring a letter from your Cardiologist outlining medical history and ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle, as well as a Stress Test or Echocardiogram from the last 1-2 years.
Please do… if you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, bring a compliance report with one year of data (preferred), 90 days minimum.
Please do… bring contacts, prescription lenses or hearing aids to pass the vision and audio tests.
Please do… bring a current list of medications, including your dosage. If you take Coumadin (Warfarin), bring a recent INR letter from your PCP.
Please do… let your PCP know about your DOT exams if they prescribe you a new medication. If your new prescription says, “May Cause Drowsiness” on the label, you will most likely need your PCP to sign a medication form for you to bring to your DOT exam.
Please do… If you have any other medical conditions, including mental health, please bring a treating provider letter stating you are cleared to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The “Do Not”s!
Please do not… bring any additional people to your appointment, especially children.
Please do not… lie or omit information on your exam form. This is a federal document, and it is illegal to be untruthful when filling it out. If found out, your certification will be denied, you will be reported as “not passing” to the FMCSA, and your provider will be very, very grumpy with you.
Please do not… do illegal drugs.
Please do not… skip prescribed medications on the day of your physical (especially medications for controlling your blood pressure.)
Please do not… urinate before coming to your appointment, as we will need a sample from you.
Finally, please do not… get upset if you are certified for less than two years or do not pass. Our staff must follow state & federal guidelines and regulations when it comes to your DOT exam. We cannot, in good faith, certify somebody who may pose a safety risk to themselves or others while on the road. Please remember that our staff members are kind and want to help you. We don’t enjoy denying you.
Additional Helpful Tips
Stress tests are good for two years.
If you know you have an issue with blood pressure – try making an appt first thing in the morning vs. late afternoon. Also, avoid salty foods/caffeinated drinks beforehand.
If you have vision problems (excluding the need for prescription lenses), you will need to bring a Vision Evaluation Report from your Ophthalmologist.
If you have monocular vision, you are now allowed to drive if the appropriate vision form is signed off by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Previously, people with monocular vision were not allowed to drive.
DOT forms can be done electronically now. If you provide an email address at the time of scheduling, we can send you the forms to fill out prior to your appointment. You can also find the FMCSA form here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can I choose any doctor for my DOT physical?
Yes and no: not all providers are certified to complete DOT exams. You can choose among those who are certified.
Q2. What happens if I fail my DOT physical?
It depends on the reason for the failure. If it is something correctable or reversible and it is corrected or reversed, then another DOT physical is required. If it is something irreversible such as certain cardiac or neurologic conditions, there may be no options to pass in the future.
Q3. Can I renew my CDL without a DOT physical?
No.
Q4. Should I bring a copy of my medical records to the examination?
Not necessary, but it can be helpful if it pertains to recent cardiac, neurologic care, or may assist in passing the exam.
Q5. Will my examiner test for drugs during the DOT physical?
No, it is not part of the DOT physical.
After The Exam
Pass: You’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), valid for up to two years.
Conditional Pass: If you have a medical condition that requires monitoring (e.g., high blood pressure), you may get a short-term certificate.
Fail: If you don’t meet DOT standards, you may need further testing or treatment before reapplying.
DOT physicals help keep you—and everyone else on the road—safe. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare will help make this a quick appointment for everyone! Got questions? We’re here to help! Contact our clinic anytime for answers or to schedule your exam.
