DOT Medical Exams: What Every Commercial Driver Should Know

Key Takeaways

    • A DOT Medical Exam helps determine whether a commercial driver meets applicable FMCSA medical qualification standards for safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

    • Most routine appointments with Dr. Andy take about 25 minutes, although additional medical documentation can make an appointment longer.

    • Bring your driver’s license or CDL, medication list, glasses or contacts, hearing aids if used, and relevant medical documentation—including a current CPAP compliance log/report when applicable.

    • Online appointments are $99 when pre-booked and prepaid. The standard fee is $129, including call-ahead same-day appointments that are not pre-booked and prepaid.

    • Calling ahead matters for same-day service because Dr. Andy may not be at the office for an unexpected walk-in.

In This Guide

    • Who needs one?

    • What happens during the appointment?

    • What to bring

    • How much it costs

    • Common questions drivers ask

    • How to schedule with Dr. Andy

Dr. Andrew Goesel's DOT Medical ExamDr. Andy’s DOT Medical Exam 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. Bring your medication list, any documentation for ongoing medical conditions, and a current CPAP compliance log/report if you use CPAP. My goal is to make the process efficient, give you clear answers, and complete your examination in accordance with current FMCSA requirements. Dr. Andy, as a Certified Medical Examiner, adheres to MINIMUM Federal Standards – saving Drivers AND Trucking Companies Time & Money – without compromising safety.

DOT Medical Exams

If you earn a living behind the wheel, keeping your medical certification current is part of staying ready for work. A DOT Medical Exam and a DOT Physical Exam are terms commonly used for the same commercial-driver physical qualification examination. Whether this is your first exam or a renewal, knowing what to expect can make the process much less stressful.

Federal rules require drivers subject to FMCSA medical certification requirements to be examined by a certified Medical Examiner listed on the National Registry. The examination is designed to determine whether the driver meets the applicable physical qualification standards for operating a commercial motor vehicle safely.

What Does a DOT Medical Exam Consist Of?

Your visit includes a review of your health history and medications along with the required testing and physical examination. The Medical Examination Report includes items such as pulse, blood pressure, vision, hearing, urinalysis, and examination of body systems relevant to safe commercial driving. Your individual health history can also determine whether additional documentation is needed.

The purpose is not to look for reasons to fail a driver. It is to determine whether you meet the applicable medical qualification standards and whether any condition needs additional information, monitoring, or a shorter certification period. If you have ANY questions, please contact our office. We are here to help.

What Should You Bring to Your DOT Medical Exam?

    • Driver’s License or CDL Driver’s License

    • Current medication list, including dosages when possible

    • Glasses or contact lenses if you use them

    • Hearing aids if applicable

    • Medical documentation related to ongoing conditions

    • Current, up-to-date CPAP compliance log/report if applicable

    • Any additional paperwork requested for your individual medical situation

Arriving prepared can help prevent unnecessary delays. If you are unsure whether documentation is needed for a condition or medication, call before your appointment and ask.

DO NOT forget to take your prescribed blood pressure medication AS PRESCRIBED by your Primary Health Care Provider. Call them directly with any questions, concerns or when seeking drug-related advice such as follow-up monitoring and general medication management – PRIOR to your DOT Physical date IF POSSIBLE. This can potentially affect the Status and/or Term of your Certification.

DO NOT drink Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, etc), nor any type of “Energy Drink’ for several hours prior to your scheduled DOT Physical visit.

How Much Does a DOT Medical Exam Cost?

Low Cost DOT Physicals has a $129 standard fee. Pre-book and pre-pay online through the Book Now button at AffordableDOTPhysicals.com and save $30, bringing your office appointment to $99. Last-minute, Call-ahead appointments that are not pre-booked and prepaid are $129. This is our Standard fee.

SAME-DAY Appointments, when pre-booked ONLINE only require 1-Hour advance notice to receive the $30 Discount. IT IS EASY to plan ahead and save $.

If you want a complete pricing breakdown, see our DOT Physical Exam Cost guide.

Same-Day and On-Site DOT Medical Exams

Need a same-day appointment? CALL AT LEAST ONE HOUR AHEAD to confirm availability. Please do not assume an unexpected walk-in can be accommodated because Dr. Andy may not be at the office when you arrive. Pre-booking online is the easiest option and immediately saves $30.

On-Site DOT Physicals are also available at places of employment, trucking fleet locations, truck stops, larger fueling stations, and other appropriate locations throughout Tennessee. Mobile and on-site services are available for $129; the $30 pre-booking discount does not apply to mobile or on-site service.

Same Day or Next-Day On-Site Service may be available, especially in Middle Tennessee.

What Happens After the Exam?

If you are medically qualified, the Medical Examiner completes the required certification documentation. FMCSA uses the Medical Examination Report (MCSA-5875) to document the examination, and qualified drivers may receive the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876). For CDL/CLP holders, FMCSA has also implemented electronic transmission of examination results to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies. Our CDL Medical Card guide explains the certification process in more detail.

Common Questions Drivers Ask Me

Is a DOT Medical Exam the same as a DOT Physical Exam? Yes. The terms are commonly used to refer to the same physical qualification examination for commercial drivers.

How long does the exam take? Most routine appointments with Dr. Andy are completed in about 25 minutes. An exam can take longer when additional medical history or documentation needs to be reviewed.

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

Will high blood pressure automatically fail me? Not necessarily. High blood pressure can affect the certification period, depending on the reading and the applicable FMCSA standards. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate management with your prescribing medical professional can help you stay prepared for your DOT exam.

What if I use a CPAP machine? Bring a current, up-to-date CPAP compliance log/report. Having the appropriate documentation available can help Dr. Andy review your situation efficiently. Regular use of the CPAP (greater than 70% of the time) MUST be reflected on your Compliance Report.

Common Mistakes

    • Waiting until the last minute to schedule

    • Forgetting a current medication list

    • Forgetting a current, up-to-date CPAP compliance log/report when applicable

    • Leaving glasses, contacts, or hearing aids at home

    • Having too much caffeine before the physical if it raises your blood pressure

    • Not bringing supporting medical documentation

    • Arriving as an unexpected walk-in without calling ahead

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Chiropractors cannot perform DOT medical exams.

Fact: Qualified doctors of chiropractic can become Certified Medical Examiners and perform DOT physical qualification examinations when they meet FMCSA certification requirements and are listed on the National Registry. Dr. Andrew Goesel, D.C., C.M.E., is an FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner.

Why Drivers Choose Dr. Andy

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

    • $99 online appointments when pre-booked and prepaid — save $30

    • Last-Minute, Call-ahead same-day appointments available for $129 (Only if Dr. Andy can accommodate an unscheduled Walk-in Appointment.)

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

    • Just off I-40 at Exit #229 (Golden Bear Gateway), near Costco and three buildings down from (West of) Texas Roadhouse

    • Main-floor office just West of Tennessee Oncology / AOS

    • On-Site DOT Physicals available for employers, fleets, truck stops, and larger fueling stations

    • Extended hours designed to work with commercial-driver schedules

Continue Learning

DOT Physical Exam – Learn what happens during the physical and how to prepare.

DOT Medical Examiner – Learn why your exam must be performed by a qualified Certified Medical Examiner.

Low Cost DOT Physicals – See the pricing options and how pre-booking can save you $30.

CDL Medical Card – Understand medical certification and what happens after you qualify.

DOT Physical Exam Requirements – Review the medical qualification requirements commercial drivers should know.

Schedule Your Appointment

Get Your Affordable DOT Medical Exam conveniently Scheduled Today… Pre-Book ONLINE (Fast & Easy) or Call.

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

EASILY Book and pre-pay online for $99, or book online/call at least 2 hours ahead for a same-day appointment.

Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice provided by YOUR Primary Health Care Provider or other qualified Medical Facility providing such care and advice regarding your health, as needed. Medical certification decisions depend on the driver’s individual medical situation and applicable FMCSA standards.

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