DOT Physical Exams: What Every Commercial Driver Should Know

Key Takeaways

      • A DOT Physical Exam is essential for commercial drivers to meet FMCSA medical standards and ensure safety while driving.

      • The exam usually takes 20-25 minutes and reviews medical history, blood pressure, vision, hearing, and overall health.

      • To prepare, bring your driver’s license, medication list, and any required medical documentation.

      • Costs are $99 for online bookings and $129 for same-day appointments; pre-booking saves you money.

      • Drivers should avoid common mistakes like forgetting their medication list or scheduling the exam at the last minute.

    In This Guide

      • What a DOT Physical Exam is…

      • Who needs one?

      • What happens during the appointment?

      • What to bring…

      • How much it cost?

      • Common questions drivers ask.

      • How to schedule with Dr. Andy.

    Dr. Andy’s DOT Physical Exams Advice

    One of the first questions drivers ask me is, ‘Am I going to pass?’ In my experience, most qualified drivers do just fine. The best thing you can do is come prepared with your medication list and any documentation for ongoing medical conditions. My goal is to help you through the process efficiently while making sure you meet FMCSA requirements.

    DOT Physical Exams

    If you earn a living behind the wheel, keeping your medical certification current is just as important as keeping your CDL valid. Whether this is your first examination or a renewal, knowing what to expect can remove a lot of unnecessary stress.

    A DOT Medical Exam and a DOT Physical Exam are essentially the same certification process. Federal regulations require that the examination be completed by a certified DOT Medical Examiner listed on the National Registry.

    During your visit, your medical history, medications, blood pressure, vision, hearing, urinalysis, heart and lung function, and overall health are reviewed. The purpose isn’t to find reasons to fail drivers—it’s to confirm you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.

    Bring your Driver’s License or CDL Driver’s License, medication list, glasses, contacts or hearing aids if you use them, and any paperwork related to ongoing medical conditions – INCLUDING Current CPAP Compliance Log Report. Being prepared helps your appointment move quickly.

    Affordable DOT Physicals offers appointments for just $99 when booked online at www.AffordableDOTPhysicals.com. Call-ahead same-day appointments are available for $129 when not pre-booked and pre-paid, so it is worth taking a few moments to book and pre-pay through the ‘Book Now’ button on the website to immediately save $30. If you’d like a complete breakdown of pricing, see our DOT Physical Exam Cost guide. On-Site Physicals are also available at your place of employment, Trucking Fleet locations, Truck Stops and larger fueling stations.

    After you successfully complete your examination, you’ll receive the documentation needed for your CDL Medical Card when you meet FMCSA requirements.

    Common Questions Drivers Ask Me

      • Will high blood pressure automatically fail me? Not necessarily. Many drivers qualify when their condition is properly managed. High blood pressure may variably reduce the term until your next requited DOT or CDL Physical to ensure appropriate and even required management. Improved Lifestyle habits as well as regular monitoring of, and adjustments to, any currently prescribed hypertension medication by the prescribing Medical professional are the best ways to help ensure that you will not only pass, but will also qualify for the longest possible term based on your particular situation at the time of your DOT Physical and current FMCSA Standards.

      • How long does the exam take? Most appointments are completed in about 25 minutes.

      • Do I need to fast? No. Eat normally unless another healthcare provider has given you different instructions.

    Common Mistakes

      • Waiting until the last minute to schedule

      • Forgetting a medication list

      • Forgetting Current, Up-To-Date CPAP Compliance Log / Report

      • Leaving glasses or hearing aids at home

      • Having too much caffeine before your physical, triggering a high blood pressure reading

      • Not bringing supporting medical documentation

    Myth vs. Fact

    Myth: Chiropractors cannot perform DOT physicals.

    Fact: Certified Medical Examiners, including qualified chiropractors like Dr. Andrew Goesel, D.C., C.M.E., may perform DOT physicals when Certified and listed on the FMCSA National Registry.

    Why Drivers Choose Dr. Andy

      • FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner (D.C., C.M.E.)

      • $99 online appointments (Save $30 when Pre-booked and Pre-paid)

      • Call-ahead same-day appointments

      • Convenient location at 145 Bear Crossing, Suite 111, Mt. Juliet, TN

      • Just off I-40 next to Costco (Exit #229 – Golden Bear Gateway Exit), 3 Buildings down from Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, Located on Main Floor of Building JUST WEST of – right next to – Tennessee Oncology / AOS Building

      • Serving Nashville, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, State Highway 109, Hwy 109, I-40 Corridor, Watertown, Hermitage, Donelson, East Nashville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Hartsville, Lafayette, Goodlettsville, Smyrna, La Vergne, Portland, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Columbia, Manchester, Gordonsville, Smithville, Carthage and Cookeville and more.

    Continue Learning

    Schedule Your Appointment

    Get Your Affordable DOT Physical Exam & Drug Testing Appointment Scheduled Today…
    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
    Book Online Here for $99 or call 2 hours ahead for same-day appointments ($129).

    Medical Disclaimer

    This guide is for educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice.

    On-Site DOT Physicals for Trucking Companies, Fleets and Individual Drivers !

    AffordableDOTPhysicals.com also offers On-Site DOT Physicals to Trucking Companies and Fleets along the following roadways, routes and corridors:

    On-Site DOT Physicals also Available at the Following Locations:

    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 !

    Tennessee

    DOT Physical Brentwood TN | DOT Physical Centerville TN | DOT Physical Chattanooga TN | DOT Physical Clarksville TN | DOT Physical Cleveland TN | DOT Physical Columbia TN | DOT Physical Cookeville TN | DOT Physical Davidson County | DOT Physical East Nashville TN | DOT Physical Franklin TN | DOT Physical Goodlettsville TN | DOT Physical Gordonsville TN | DOT Physical Hartsville TN | DOT Physical Knoxville TN |
    DOT Physical Lafayette TN | DOT Physical La Vergne TN | DOT Physical Madison TN | DOT Physical Manchester TN | DOT Physical Maryville TN | DOT Physical Memphis TN | DOT Physical Portland TN | DOT Physical Smithville TN |
    DOT Physical Smyrna TN | DOT Physical Spring Hill TN | DOT Physical Tennessee | DOT Physical Watertown TN |
    DOT Physical Westmoreland TN | DOT Physical Williamson County

    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

    Kentucky

    DOT Physical Bowling Green KY | DOT Physical Elizabethtown KY | DOT Physical Frankfort KY | DOT Physical Lexington KY | DOT Physical Louisville KY

    Georgia

    DOT Physical Atlanta GA

    Alabama

    DOT Physical Birmingham Alabama | DOT Physical Huntsville AL

    Indiana

    DOT Physical Indianapolis IN

    Missouri

    DOT Physical St. Louis MO

    Ohio

    DOT Physical Cincinnati OH

    Find Other Locations Close to You

    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.