DOT Physical Exam

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: What Every Commercial Driver Should Know

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

- DOT Medical Exam – Understand the complete certification process.

- DOT Medical Examiner – Learn why choosing the right examiner matters.

- DOT Physical Exam Cost – See what affects pricing.

- CDL Medical Card – Understand your certification and renewal.

- DOT Physical Exam Requirements – Review FMCSA qualification standards.

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 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.

Serving Drivers Across Tennessee and Beyond

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