DOT Physical Exam Info for The Driver

Scheduling Your DOT Medical Exam

Past or recent illnesses or injuries.
Review of current medications, including controlled substances.
Review of any medical conditions such as heart disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Physical exam
Blood pressure & Pulse
Vision acuity test
Hearing test
Urine dip screen
If needed, other tests for cardiac or pulmonary & respiratory conditions.

At least 20/40 correctable vision in each eye as well as both combined. Glasses or contacts are allowed.
Needs to be able to distinguish colors found on traffic signals.
Forced whisper test to detect adequate hearing.
Controlled blood pressure under 140/90. Prescription medication may be used to control blood pressure.
Cannot have diabetes that requires insulin injections.
Maximum blood sugar level allowed is 200.
No use of a schedule I drug (controlled substance), amphetamine, narcotic or habit forming drug.
For any exemptions for vision, diabetes, etc. , please bring the exemption to your physical exam.

Arrive about 15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
Bring your completed DOT Form to your visit along with your driver’s license and pocket certificate.
Bring your glasses, contacts and/or visual aids.
Bring all medication bottles that you take including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
Bring a list of of your doctors, their phone number and address.
Take any required medications prior to your visit, including blood pressure meds.
Drink plenty of water. You’ll be required to give a urine sample to screen for kidney problems.
If you have any of the conditions below, bring the requested items.
- Diabetes - Bring a list of medications and the name of your prescribing doctor. Bring copies of your blood sugar results or hemoglobin A1C results from the past 3 months.
- High blood pressure - Bring a list of medications and the name of your prescribing doctor.
- Heart condition - If you’ve had a heart attack or cardiovascular disease, bring a copy of your last stress test or release from your cardiologist.
- Sleep apnea - Bring a copy of your latest sleep study results if you have one.

The most common reasons for failing a DOT physical are high blood pressure and uncontrolled sugar in your urine. Both conditions can commonly be controlled and managed.
DO NOT DRINK COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS BEFORE YOUR EXAM
Another reason for failing a DOT exam would be having any condition that would cause a loss of the ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, including the loss or impairment of limbs, poor vision, insulin controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, mental disorders or use of certain drugs.
DOT medical cards are typically issued for 2 years. However, your medical examiner may issue a card for one year, if you have a medical condition that requires monitoring, such as hypertension.
If you fail your medical exam, your medical examiner may issue you a 3 month medical card and have you return for further follow-up, to be sure that your medical issue is now controlled.
Drug testing is not a typical part of the DOT exam but may be required by your employer.

The fee is $100 for the DOT exam
Urine screen and spirometry may be an extra charge
Payment is expected at the time of scheduling and prior to the exam. It is not covered by insurance.
If you schedule a DOT exam and fail to cancel your appointment within 24 hours, you will be charged the full amount.
If your condition requires additional testing, such as an audiometry for hearing, pulmonary function test for asthma or stress test for a heart condition, then there will be separate charges for those services.