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Dr. Andy’s DOT Physical Exam Requirements AdviceOne of the best things you can do before your DOT Physical Exam is simply COME PREPARED.
Bring your current medication list, glasses or contact lenses, hearing aids if you use them, and documentation for any ongoing medical conditions. Additionally, if you use CPAP, bring a current compliance report.
Don’t stop taking prescribed medications because you have a DOT Physical scheduled. Instead, take your medication AS PRESCRIBED by your Primary Health Care Provider. If you have questions about a medication or dosage, speak with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Also, don’t assume that having a medical condition automatically means you can’t qualify. FMCSA standards address many medical situations individually, and some conditions require additional information rather than an automatic disqualification.
My goal is to apply the applicable Federal standards fairly and efficiently while adhering to the MINIMUM Federal Standards — saving Drivers AND Trucking Companies Time & Money — without compromising safety.
The more prepared you are when you arrive, the easier it is for me to evaluate your individual situation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes physical qualification standards for commercial drivers who operate covered commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
These standards appear primarily in 49 CFR §391.41.
However, passing a DOT Physical isn’t simply about passing one test. Instead, the DOT Medical Examiner evaluates multiple areas of your health to determine whether your physical condition meets the applicable standards for safely operating a commercial motor vehicle.
FMCSA’s physical qualification standards address 13 areas related to the driving function.
Consequently, your Medical Examiner looks at the complete picture rather than focusing on one number or one medical condition.
Many commercial motor vehicle drivers who operate in interstate commerce must meet FMCSA medical qualification requirements.
However, CDL requirements and DOT medical requirements aren’t exactly the same thing.
Some commercial drivers who don’t hold a CDL may still operate vehicles that fall under federal medical qualification requirements. Likewise, state rules may affect drivers who operate only in intrastate commerce.
Therefore, drivers should understand whether they operate in interstate or intrastate commerce and which medical requirements apply to their particular driving activities.
You can’t simply visit any healthcare provider for a federally required DOT Medical Exam.
A healthcare professional who performs physical qualification examinations for interstate CMV drivers must meet FMCSA requirements and appear on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Certified Medical Examiners complete required training, pass the National Registry certification examination, and maintain their certification according to FMCSA requirements.
Dr. Andrew Goesel, D.C., C.M.E., is an FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner and performs DOT Physical Exams at Affordable DOT Physicals in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
During your examination, Dr. Andy reviews your medical history and evaluates areas of your health that could affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Your DOT Physical may include:
The Medical Examiner records the examination findings on the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875.
Ultimately, the Medical Examiner must determine whether the driver meets the applicable FMCSA physical qualification standards.
Vision plays an important role in commercial driving.
Under the standard vision requirements, a driver generally needs at least 20/40 distant visual acuity in each eye, either without corrective lenses or separately corrected to 20/40 or better.
Additionally, the standard addresses binocular acuity, field of vision, and the ability to recognize the standard red, green, and amber colors used in traffic control signals and devices.
If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the applicable standard, bring them to your DOT Physical.
Importantly, drivers who don’t meet certain vision requirements in one eye may still have a pathway to qualification under FMCSA’s alternative vision standard. That process requires additional evaluation and documentation.
Therefore, don’t automatically assume that a vision issue means you can’t become medically qualified.
FMCSA also establishes a hearing standard for commercial drivers.
A driver can meet the federal hearing requirement by first perceiving a forced whispered voice in the better ear at a distance of at least 5 feet, with or without a hearing aid.
Alternatively, an audiometric test can measure hearing ability. Under that method, the driver’s average hearing loss in the better ear cannot exceed the applicable FMCSA limit at specified frequencies.
If you use hearing aids, bring them to your appointment.
Drivers who don’t meet the standard may have other options under certain circumstances, including the possibility of an FMCSA exemption.
Blood pressure is another important part of the DOT Physical.
Dr. Andy will measure your blood pressure during the examination. Depending on the reading and your individual medical situation, blood pressure can affect the length of your medical certification or require additional evaluation.
Therefore, drivers who take prescribed blood pressure medication should continue taking it AS PRESCRIBED by their Primary Health Care Provider.
Never stop or change your medication simply to prepare for a DOT Physical.
Additionally, if coffee, tea, energy drinks, nicotine, or other stimulants tend to raise your blood pressure, consider avoiding them before your appointment.
Arriving early enough to sit and relax before the examination may also help you avoid rushing into the office immediately after dealing with traffic or other stressful situations.
Having diabetes does not automatically prevent a commercial driver from becoming medically qualified.
However, the Medical Examiner needs enough information to properly evaluate the condition.
FMCSA has specific requirements for drivers who use insulin to control diabetes. Those requirements may involve additional documentation and evaluation from the healthcare professional who manages the driver’s diabetes.
Consequently, drivers with diabetes should prepare before their DOT Physical rather than arriving without the necessary medical information.
If you’re unsure what documentation to bring, contact us before your appointment.
Taking prescription medication doesn’t automatically prevent you from passing a DOT Physical.
Nevertheless, Dr. Andy needs to know what medications you take and why you take them.
Bring an accurate list that includes:
Certain medications require additional consideration under FMCSA regulations. As a result, Dr. Andy may need additional information from the prescribing healthcare professional before making a certification decision.
Most importantly, DO NOT stop taking a prescribed medication to try to pass your DOT Physical.
Questions about changing medication should always go to the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Drivers frequently ask whether sleep apnea automatically disqualifies them.
It does not.
Instead, the Medical Examiner considers the driver’s individual situation and whether the condition could interfere with safely operating a commercial motor vehicle.
If you currently use CPAP, bring a current, up-to-date CPAP compliance report to your appointment.
Having that information available helps Dr. Andy evaluate your situation without unnecessary delays.
Preparation can make a significant difference.
Before leaving for your appointment, bring:
If you aren’t sure whether you need documentation for a particular medical condition, call before your appointment.
A quick conversation beforehand can save you a return trip.
No. A standard DOT Physical and a DOT drug test are separate procedures.
The DOT Physical includes urinalysis as part of the medical examination. However, drivers should not confuse that urinalysis with a federally regulated DOT drug test.
Affordable DOT Physicals DOES NOT currently offer Drug Testing.
A Medical Examiner may certify a qualified driver for up to 24 months.
However, not every driver receives a two-year certification.
Certain medical conditions may require closer monitoring. Therefore, the Medical Examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period when appropriate under the applicable standards.
Your medical history and individual examination findings help determine the appropriate certification period.
Don’t automatically assume that one medical issue ends your commercial driving career.
Depending on the specific requirement and medical condition, several possibilities may exist.
For example, Dr. Andy may need additional medical documentation before making a determination. Other situations may involve an alternative qualification standard, a Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate, or an FMCSA exemption.
However, Medical Examiners don’t issue federal exemptions themselves.
FMCSA handles applicable exemption programs, while the Medical Examiner determines whether the driver meets the other relevant physical qualification standards.
Therefore, the next step depends entirely on the driver’s individual situation.
Affordable DOT Physicals keeps pricing straightforward.
Standard Office DOT Physical: $129
Pre-Booked and Pre-Paid Online: $99 (Book online at AffordableDOTPhysicals.com and Choose the “Express DOT Physical” option for this limited-time Discount.
You Save: $30
Drivers who pre-book and pre-pay online receive the $99 office price.
Additionally, same-day online appointments may still qualify for the $99 price when you book and prepay at least one hour in advance and appointment availability permits.
Last-minute call-ahead appointments that haven’t been pre-booked and prepaid cost the standard $129.
Need your DOT Physical today?
First, go to www.AffordableDOTPhysicals.com and check our online appointment availability.
Drivers who pre-book and pre-pay online at least one hour ahead may qualify for the $99 office price.
Alternatively, call at least one-hour ahead to confirm last-minute availability.
Planning even a couple of hours ahead can save you both time and money.
Do I have to be perfectly healthy to pass a DOT Physical?
No. FMCSA’s physical qualification standards don’t require perfect health. Instead, the Medical Examiner determines whether you meet the applicable standards for safely operating a commercial motor vehicle.
What vision do I need for a DOT Physical?
The standard generally requires at least 20/40 distant visual acuity in each eye, either uncorrected or corrected. Additional requirements address binocular acuity, field of vision, and color recognition. An alternative vision standard may apply to certain drivers who don’t meet the standard in one eye.
Can I wear glasses during my DOT Physical?
Yes. If you need corrective lenses to meet the applicable vision standard, bring and use them during the examination.
Can I use a hearing aid during my DOT Physical?
Yes. FMCSA’s hearing standard allows drivers to meet the requirement with a hearing aid. Therefore, bring your hearing aid if you normally use one.
Will high blood pressure automatically disqualify me?
Not necessarily. Blood pressure can affect certification depending on the reading and your individual medical circumstances. Dr. Andy evaluates your situation under the applicable FMCSA standards.
Can I pass a DOT Physical if I have diabetes?
Potentially, yes. Diabetes does not automatically prevent medical certification. However, additional requirements apply in certain situations, particularly for insulin-treated diabetes.
Does sleep apnea automatically disqualify a truck driver?
No. Dr. Andy evaluates the individual driver’s situation. If you use CPAP, bring a current compliance report to help avoid delays.
Do I need to fast before a DOT Physical?
Generally, no. Eat normally unless your healthcare provider has instructed you otherwise for another medical reason.
How long does a DOT Physical take?
Most routine appointments with Dr. Andy take approximately 25 minutes. However, reviewing additional medical information can require more time.
Myth: You have to be in perfect health to pass a DOT Physical Exam.
Fact: FMCSA establishes physical qualification standards related to safe commercial driving. Many drivers have medical conditions and can still qualify depending on their individual circumstances and the applicable requirements.
Myth: Any doctor can perform a federally required DOT Physical.
Fact: Healthcare professionals who perform physical qualification examinations for interstate CMV drivers must meet FMCSA requirements and maintain certification and listing on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Myth: Failing one part of the examination always means you can never drive commercially again.
Fact: Some situations may require additional medical documentation, further evaluation, an alternative qualification standard, an SPE Certificate, or an FMCSA exemption. The available options depend on the specific medical issue.
DOT Physical Exam – Learn exactly what happens during your examination and how to prepare.
CDL Medical Exam – Understand the complete medical examination process for commercial drivers.
FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner – Learn why choosing an FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner matters.
CDL Medical Card – Learn how medical certification works and what happens after your examination.
Low Cost DOT Physicals – Find out how to save money when scheduling your next DOT Physical.
DOT Physical Exam Cost – Learn what a DOT Physical costs and how pre-book, lower your DOT Physical Cost and save you $30.
Need to complete your DOT Physical Exam Requirements and renew your medical certification?
Schedule your Fast and Affordable DOT Physical in Mount Juliet TN today.
Affordable DOT Physicals
145 Bear Crossing, Suite 111
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Phone: (615) 200-0094
Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday–Sunday: 8 AM–2 PM
Pre-book and pre-pay online for $99 and save $30 off our $129 standard office fee.
Need a same-day appointment? Book online at least two hours ahead or call to confirm availability.
This DOT Physical Exam video walks drivers through the full examination process from start to finish.
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace personalized medical advice from your Primary Health Care Provider or another qualified healthcare professional. Medical certification decisions depend on each driver’s individual medical situation and applicable FMCSA standards.
AffordableDOTPhysicals.com also offers On-Site DOT Physicals to Trucking Companies and Fleets along the following roadways, routes and corridors:
On-Site DOT Physicals available to Trucking Companies and Individual Drivers coming from, going to OR traveling through the following cities, counties and area Truck Stops and/or Larger Fuel Stations. Of course, In-Office service is always available ON THE FLY at our main location in Mt. Juliet, TN (I-40 Exit #229), where Same Day, Evening and Weekend Appointments are always conveniently available – FAST & EASY !
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DOT Physical Middle Tennessee | DOT Physical SR-109 Tennessee Highway 109 State Road 109 | DOT Physical State Road 70 SR-70 Tennessee Highway 70 Hwy 70 | DOT Physical Interstate 40 I-40 | DOT Physical Interstate 841 I-840 | DOT Physical I-24 Interstate 24 | DOT Physical I-65 Interstate 65 | DOT Physical Interstate 75 I-75 | DOT Physical State Highway 231 U.S. Route 231 US-231 | DOT Physical Smith County Tennessee | DOT Pysical Nolansville Tennessee | DOT Physical Nolansville Pike | DOT Physical Sparta Tennessee | DOT Physical Briley Parkway Tennessee
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Drivers can also use the TeamCME DOT Physical provider directory to find Certified Medical Examiners and compare DOT Physical locations, pricing, hours, and appointment options.