How to get a dot physical card

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required of people who drive commercial vehicles. The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: "DOT Medical Exam and Commercial Motor Vehicle Certification," "Part 391."

If you want to drive large commercial vehicles for a living you’ll need a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and a valid DOT medical card. This card can only be obtained once you have successfully passed a DOT physical, which you’ll need to have again every 1-2 years for the duration of your career.

While the process of getting your DOT physical and medical card is straightforward, many people feel confused about the requirements they have to meet to pass. Below, we’ll talk you through each aspect of the physical, what standard you need to meet to pass, and link to further resources where you can find out more about the requirements for each element of the DOT medical exam.

What is a DOT Physical?

The DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination you must undergo before being permitted to drive commercial vehicles for a living. This physical ensures you are fit enough to meet the demands of your job and can operate large vehicles or vehicles with passengers without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.

Do I Need a DOT Physical?

You are required to have a DOT physical if:

• You transport hazardous materials
• You operate a vehicle that carries more than 15 people
• You are paid to operate a vehicle that carries more than 8 people
• You operate a vehicle with a gross combined weight of more than 10,000lbs

What does the Physical Consist of?

The DOT exam will look at your:

• Health history
• Vision
• Hearing
• Blood pressure

As well as a range of other health indicators that can indicate that there is a problem that may put you at risk while operating a commercial vehicle. The DOT medical exam includes a urinalysis.

How do I Prepare for a DOT Physical?

If you’re fit and in good health, there’s very little you need to do to prepare. The DOT exam is simply a check-up by a doctor to ensure you are fit enough to operate such a large vehicle.

If you’re overweight, are recovering from a bigger health issue, or are having a serious health issue managed by a doctor, you may want to make additional preparations. Whether or not you need to make any changes before your CDL DOT physical or bring anything with you will depend on your circumstances and current level of health.

If you are currently managing any health issues, make sure your prescriptions and medications are up to date, you’ve recently had a vision test and have the right corrective eyewear, and the same for your hearing if you suffer from hearing loss.

It’s good practice for anyone getting ready for their DOT Physical to cut back on processed foods, alcohol, and smoking to ensure they’re in good health at the time of their physical.

What do I Need to Bring?

You need to bring:

• Your medical records, if your exam is being carried out by a new doctor
• Medical records from any specialists you see, such as a sleep apnea specialist
• Your most recent laboratory reports if you have diabetes or a similar condition
• Your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you require them to drive
• A list of any prescription medication you take, including what dose you take and when

You may also want to bring the DOT Physical medical examination report form with you so you can fill it out ahead of time at home. You can find that form here and in the forms section at the end of this article.

What are the DOT Physical Requirements?

Vision Requirements

To pass the vision test, you need to have 20/40 vision in each eye either with or without glasses, a field of vision of 70 degrees or more in each eye, and be able to differentiate between red, green, and amber. If you do not meet these standards but meet all other standards of the DOT Physical, you may be able to apply for exemption. To find out more about the DOT Physical eye exam, see our guide here. 

Hearing Requirements

To pass your hearing test, you must be able to hear a harsh whisper in your best ear, at no less than 5 feet, with or without a hearing aid. If you fail this basic hearing test, you’ll be referred for an audiometry test which will further determine if you are safe to drive. In most cases, you’ll be able to get a hearing correction device and then pass your DOT Physical. If you need a hearing aid, you must wear it at all times while driving. You’ll only fail the hearing test if you are completely deaf and cannot pass the whisper test even with hearing aids.

 Blood Pressure Requirements

High blood pressure is an extremely common health problem, and the DOT medical exam uses it as a key health indicator. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you’ll pass the DOT physical blood pressure requirements with flying colors. Between 140/90 and 179/109, you may need to have a medical exam more frequently or be given a temporary medical card and be asked to reduce your blood pressure within a 3-month period. For more information, see our dedicated guide here. 

What Medical Conditions Affect Your Ability to Pass the DOT Physical?

There are a handful of health issues that are DOT Physical disqualifying conditions, meaning that if they are out of control or too severe for you to operate a large commercial vehicle safely, you will not be able to pass the DOT Physical.

These conditions are:

Find out more about how to pass the DOT Physical with a medical condition here, or click the links above to learn more about the individual conditions and their physical requirements.

What do They do in a DOT Physical?

Your medical examiner will first talk through your medical history with you and any ongoing treatment you have. They’ll then take your height and weight, so they can calculate your BMI, and check your blood pressure, vision, and hearing.

They’ll do a general assessment of your physical health, looking at your skin, reflexes, and will check for hernias.

You’ll also submit a urine sample that will be analyzed to calculate your blood sugar levels and a few other health markers.

In most cases, the DOT exam will end there and you’ll get your medical certificate. However, if your medical examiner found something they believe warrants further testing, or if the requirements of the physical demand it, you may be referred on for another test before you can get your certificate.

How Much Does the Physical Cost?

The DOT Physical price varies depending on where you get it, and if you are fronting the cost, or if the company you work for will cover part or all of the cost. Generally, the physical costs $85 – $150.

Related: Can I Get a DOT Physical in Any State?

Can I Get a Free DOT Physical?

Many companies pay for their drivers’ DOT Physicals, so if you’re about to move to a new company, ask them if they will cover the costs of your medical exam.

Related: Can Chiropractors and Other Doctors do DOT Physicals?

Do DOT Physicals Include a Drug Test?

The DOT Physical does not specifically test for drugs. The urine sample you give as a part of your DOT Physical checks your blood sugar levels. Some employers will require you to submit a urine sample for a DOT drug test, but the DOT Physical itself will not look for legal or illegal substances. For more information on how your drug and medication use will affect your ability to pass the DOT Physical, click here.

What Will Make You Fail a DOT Physical?

If you have extremely high blood pressure, high blood sugar, an untreated hernia, uncorrected vision or hearing, you may fail the DOT Physical.

What Happens if You Fail the DOT Physical?

Failing your medical exam is never good news, but it’s also rarely the end of your driving career. In most cases, failing your physical simply means you need to make some lifestyle changes and improve your health so you can safely get back on the open road. Remember that the DOT Physical isn’t trying to catch you out – it looks at your overall wellbeing and considers if you may have a major health episode in the near future that would jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If you fail a DOT Physical, work with your doctor to get your health back on track so you can get back on the road. For more information on what happens if you fail a DOT Physical, click here.

Where Can I Find the DOT Physical Forms?

You need to fill out a medical examination report before or when you start your physical. Many people find that having time to think through their answers makes the process of getting their DOT medical exam less stressful, so you can find the form and fill it out ahead of time here.

You can also find an example of the medical examiner’s handbook here.

Generally, the DOT Physical is straightforward and nothing to worry about. The medical examiner merely needs to ensure you are fit and healthy enough to operate a large commercial vehicle. We have plenty of information for each medical condition and how they affect your ability to pass the DOT Physical, so if you have any concerns, make sure you read those guides to put your mind at ease.

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