DOT Physicals

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a health examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that professional drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.

What happens during a DOT Physical?

Your certified medical examiner will check your vital signs and perform a thorough examination, evaluating several health-related categories, such as:

• Back and Spine
• Mouth and Throat
• Eyes and Ears
• Lungs and Chest
• Heart
• Extremities
• Nervous System

When the physical is concluded, the examiner will report the results to the National Registry of Certified Examiners (NRCME). Certified drivers will receive a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) or DOT medical card.

How to prepare for a DOT Physical

The DOT Physical should take approximately 45 minutes. Please bring all necessary documents to your appointment; these include:

• A valid driver’s license
• List of current medications
• List of past surgeries and medical conditions
• List of any allergies

If the driver has any pre-existing conditions requiring additional paperwork, please bring that information with you. Examples of documentation include a copy of a stress test or echocardiogram for those with medical exemptions for vision, hearing, or seizure disorder.