Every commercial driver knows the drill—without a valid DOT physical, you’re off the road. But showing up unprepared could mean delays, extra costs, or even failing the exam. This DOT physical checklist ensures you have everything you need for a hassle-free DOT physical
The Department of Transport Medical Exam and Commercial Motor Vehicle Certification, known as the DOT physical, is mandatory every two years. DOT physicals are overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of the Department of Transportation (DOT).
The primary goal of the biannual exams is to prevent accidents by evaluating drivers and identifying health conditions that can impair driving abilities. DOT physicals ensure drivers meet the health standards for safe vehicle operation, keeping themselves and other road users safe. The FMCSA goes to great lengths to make the process thorough, consistent, and trustworthy. Drivers appearing for this biannual certification should know what to bring to DOT physical to have a convenient and quick experience.
Who Must Have DOT Physicals?
People driving commercial vehicles (Commercial Driver’s License, CDL, holders) typically must have a DOT physical. Some people not holding a CDL also need it:
- Interstate truck drivers
- Bus operators
- Hazardous material carriers
- Drivers of commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs
- Those transporting eight or more passengers for compensation
How to prepare for a DOT Physical Examination
Find a Certified Medical Examiner. It’s essential to get a DOT physical by a licensed medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. Licensed medical examiners can be doctors of medicine (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctors of chiropractic (DC). A DOT physical is valid for 24 months unless the medical examiner detects a condition that needs more frequent monitoring.
Book an appointment. It’s sensible to keep track of the next certification date and book an appointment in advance to get a convenient time slot.
Prepare for the DOT physical. Drivers should make sure they’re well-rested and hydrated when going to the examination. They should collect all their medical records, previous Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and documentation from their regular healthcare provider. Those with doubts about passing the DOT physical because of medical conditions should schedule a consultation with their healthcare providers.
What to Bring to DOT Physical
Documentation. Certain documents are mandatory at the DOT physical:
- Valid identification. A current driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID.
- Medical records. This should include all records of current or past medical conditions.
- List of medications. Drivers should list all medications they’re taking, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and supplements. Include the prescribing doctor’s name and contact information. It’s helpful to carry the medicine containers for verification.
- DOT medical card. This card should be available for renewals.
Vision Requirements. Drivers will have to pass a vision test and should remember to bring their glasses or contact lenses if they use them. Drivers blind in one eye (monocular vision) should bring a Federal Vision Exemption paper.
Hearing requirements. Drivers using hearing aids should bring them to the DOT physical. They must meet the necessary hearing thresholds for safe operation since adequate hearing is essential for maintaining alertness and responsiveness on the road.
General measures. Remember not to urinate just before you go to the DOT physical, as a urine sample is required. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to take your medicines regularly, avoid caffeine and nicotine for several hours before the examination, and get adequate sleep. Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 millimeters at the DOT physical.
Medical conditions and medicines. As written above, drivers should carry all prescriptions, medicine containers, and their provider’s contact details. They should also have any recent hospital discharge papers or emergency room visit documentation. Additionally, for specific conditions:
- Those on blood thinners (coumadin or warfarin) should have their most recent INR (international normalized ratio) report.
- People with diabetes should bring their blood sugar logs and the latest HbA1C level report. They will also have their urine tested for glucose. If they are taking insulin for treatment, they should bring a DOT Insulin paperwork Form MCSA-5870 filled out by their treating physician.
- Drivers who have suffered a stroke, brain tumor, or brain hemorrhage (bleeding), and those with a seizure disorder, will need a letter from their neurologist detailing their treatment, history, and current neurological state.
- Those taking medication for anxiety or adult ADHD, and those on sleeping pills or narcotics for pain relief should show a letter from their physicians regarding the safety of driving while taking these medicines. The letter should mention that the medication is well-tolerated with no daytime sleepiness.
- People who have had a heart attack, pacemaker or stent placement, open heart surgery, valve replacement, or cardiac bypass surgery should have a letter from their cardiologist stating that it is safe for them to drive a vehicle. They should also bring results of a recently done stress test, electrocardiogram (EKG), and pacemaker check, as applicable. Drivers who use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or have sleep apnea should have a letter from the specialist treating them, mentioning the status of their condition. Usage statistics from the CPAP machine should also be available. Usage statistics for the last 30 days and 90 days are required for initial certification and recertification, respectively.
Differently-abled drivers. Those with permanent loss of the use of an arm or leg should have a statement from their physician about any work restrictions. They may also need performance evaluations, such as the Skilled Performance Evaluation, in order to acquire the DOT card.
The DOT physical is an essential element of road safety. The FMCSA intends that these examinations should identify potential health risks and prevent accidents caused by medical emergencies. Drivers and medical examiners must take these federally regulated examinations seriously since they’re conducted in the interest of public safety. Medical examiners cannot certify drivers on the day of the DOT physical if required information is not available. Drivers will have to return within a given time frame with the missing information.
A DOT physical must be conducted diligently but can be made a smooth, hassle-free experience with some preparation. Following a DOT physical checklist helps drivers finish the process quickly and conveniently.