DOT Physicals

DOT Physicals

Doctors Medi Center offers DOT (CDL) physical exams and TLC physicals 7 days a week. While we accept walk-ins, we recommend booking an appointment because we know your time is valuable and we don’t want to waste it. We also understand that as a driver, you’re always on the go and we work to get you back on the road fast. To expedite your visit, you can download the Medical Examination Report and complete the driver’s portion prior to coming in!

The Department of Transportation has set some restrictions recently for commercial drivers who have certain health problems. Have they affected you? If you take injectable insulin for diabetes, for example, you cannot get a commercial driver’s license and you will not pass a DOT physical. You must have at least 20/40 correctable vision in both eyes. The DOT does allow you to wear contact lenses or glasses to improve your vision. You cannot use narcotics, amphetamines, or other habit-forming drugs if you want to obtain or renew your commercial driver’s license. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU DO NOT PASS YOUR DOT EXAM, THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU GET A REFUND.

What Should I Expect During My DOT Physical?

During a DOT physical at Doctors Medi Center, our providers will review your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam along with a urine test. We will complete the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination and supporting documents, including all DOT physical forms. In order to be cleared for your CDL medical card and receive all documentation, you must pass all DOT physical requirements.

Items You Should Bring to Your DOT physical:

• List of current medications, including dosages
• Glasses if you wear them
• Hearing airs if needed
• Any yearly clearance from a specialist for any chronic conditions that may be required
• For Diabetics currently under the care of a physician, a HBA1C result less than 90 days old

What Medical Conditions Can Disqualify a Driver?

• History of epilepsy (seizure disorder)
• Diabetes requiring the use of insulin (unless you have an exemption issued by the Federal government). If you don’t meet the minimum vision and hearing standards listed above, even with the help of corrective lenses or a hearing aid) you may be disqualified.
• If you don’t meet the vision standards or you are using insulin for your diabetes it is also possible to apply for an exemption by going to the Federal Diabetes and Vision Exemption Program at the FMCSA website.
• Medications: Use of methadone is automatically disqualifying. Use of a narcotic, amphetamine,or other habit forming drug without a prescription from a treating physician is disqualifying.
• Loss or impairment of an arm or limb that interferes with commercial driving or tasks related to driving, unless accompanied by a Skills Performance Certificate (SPE).
• A driver with a history of alcoholism is disqualifying.