Skip to page content

Why is a DOT Physical Exam Required?

4 mins read

In order to operate a commercial vehicle professionally, drivers must obtain two very important documents: a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card. These documents help certify that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are medically fit to safely operate large vehicles and minimize the risk of safety incidents.

To obtain a valid DOT medical card, truck drivers must successfully complete the DOT physical exam every 1–2 years. The DOT exam can be performed by any licensed medical examiner who is listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.

So, CMV drivers need to pass the DOT exam in order to maintain employment, but why is it required? Keep reading to learn all about why the DOT physical exam is required and how to obtain a DOT medical card.

What is a DOT Physical Exam?

what is a dot physical exam

The DOT medical exam is a physical examination required by the FMCSA. It certifies that CMV drivers are physically and mentally fit enough to perform their jobs safely and that they do not have any medical conditions that will interfere with their job performance.

The exam consists of two main parts: a medical history review and a physical examination.

Who needs to get a DOT Physical Exam?

Who needs to get a DOT Physical Exam

The DOT physical exam is required for CMV drivers who operate a vehicle that:

  • has a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds;
  • is paid to transport over 8 passengers, including the driver
  •  is used to transport over 15 passengers, including the driver;
  • or hauls hazardous materials that require a placard.

 

What is included in a DOT Physical Exam?

What is included in a DOT Physical Exam

The DOT exam includes a comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical examination by a certified medical examiner.

For the medical history portion, you must fill out the medical history form before your visit.

During the DOT physical examination, a certified medical examiner will check things such as:

• height and weight
• blood pressure
• vision test
• hearing loss
• vascular system and pulse rate
• mouth and throat
• urinalysis
• blood sugar levels
• hernias
• skin
• lungs and breathing
• neurological issues and reflexes
• sleep apnea and narcolepsy
• and more

 

How often do you need a DOT Physical Exam?

In most cases, the DOT medical examiner’s certificate is valid for up to two years.
However, in some cases, an underlying medical condition will require a CMV driver to have an exam more frequently. Some conditions that require annual or quarterly testing to monitor your health include:

  •  unmanaged diabetes
  • very high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • heart disease

 

If health conditions are well-managed and improve, then a driver can be cleared for a medical card that is good for one to two years.

Why do you need a DOT Physical Exam?

Operating a CMV is no small feat! With the intense schedules, long hours, and mental stress and exhaustion, becoming a CMV operator can put the driver’s life at risk, as well as the lives and safety of the general public. Not just anyone is qualified for this job — drivers must be in good health with high awareness of surroundings, quick reflexes, and sound judgment skills.
Therefore, the DOT physical is a comprehensive health evaluation. The goal is to identify and prevent any medical reasons that could interfere with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle and keep everyone safe.

The exam includes things such as vision and hearing tests to ensure that CMV drivers can see and hear well enough to be aware of their surroundings, safely operate a vehicle, and avoid potential accidents. Screening for health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and hernias is important to minimize the risk of a driver having a medical emergency while driving. Finally, while the DOT exam does not include a drug test, questions about the use of controlled substances is included in the medical history section in order to minimize the occurrence of impaired driving.

How to prepare for your DOT Physical Exam?

To prepare for your exam and minimize the risk of disqualifying for a DOT card, you should do your best to take care of your health and wellness. Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping your mind sharp, and avoiding excessive smoking or drinking.

It is also best to regularly see a healthcare professional and keep up to date with things like your vision prescription and any medications or treatment regimens (if prescribed).

What do you need to bring to the DOT Physical Exam?

To help the exam run quickly and smoothly, it is best to bring anything you think might be relevant to your health and ability to perform work. Things to bring might include:

  • A complete list of your doctors and their contact information, including your primary care physician and any specialists
  • A complete list of any medication you are taking, including the dosage and prescribing doctor’s name
  • Eyeglasses, corrective lenses, and/or hearing aids, if you use them to drive
  •  Any letters or medical records from specialist doctors regarding special health conditions and your health history

 

How Much Does a DOT physical cost?

Since the DOT physical is a requirement of the job, many employers will cover some or all of the cost for you. Otherwise, the cost is $100.  Call our offices today and we can help you determine the cost of getting a DOT physical exam.

Where can you get a DOT Physical Exam in New York City?

At Great City Medical in New York City, our doctors provide DOT Physical Exams. Feel free to give us a call if you have general questions about DOT exams, or if you want to schedule an appointment!

what people say about us

Testimonials

Excelentes atenciones, no las conozco personalmente y no se porque pero estas personas tienen algo sobrenatural porque no se explicar lo bien que me atendieron. son bastante rápidos pienso yo y todo muy limpio, muy lindo.. gracias chicas!
Chamel D.
Chamel D.
22:17 27 Nov 23
El trato de todo el personal es excelente
Miosotis M.
Miosotis M.
20:06 27 Nov 23
The experience was great Patricia was so nice dealing with me an my sister an so professional
Kwame L.
Kwame L.
19:29 27 Nov 23
Dr. Tsyba is one of the most greatest GYN there is. I couldn’t ask for a better DR.
Gordiva C.
Gordiva C.
22:54 22 Nov 23
Escelente
Gilberto P.
Gilberto P.
17:04 22 Nov 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.
ibro D.
ibro D.
02:25 17 Nov 23
Great experience each time I go . Professional clean and very respectful office. Staff always pleasant. Doctors very caring.
Juanita R.
Juanita R.
20:22 13 Nov 23
Excelente servicio, la atención al cliente y el seguimiento al paciente muy bueno.
Edwin S.
Edwin S.
20:02 13 Nov 23
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed.. Dr Marly Granna is the best .. you don’t meet doctors like her anymore these days 🙇‍♂️🙏
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
17:56 13 Nov 23
It’s always a welcoming experience.
Mr.M A
Mr.M A
22:30 09 Nov 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
10:52 08 Nov 23
From the front deck to the Doctor are very easy to talk to, is a great experience visiting them
Azeez O.
Azeez O.
18:46 07 Nov 23
Fast , professional and great experience. I highly recommend this place for anyone who needs to do immigration medical exam . 10/10
adelina T.
adelina T.
23:36 26 Oct 23
J’ai eu une bonne impression a Harlem Gynecologist, l’accueil au top,le personnel au top,rien a dire
diaby H.
diaby H.
18:28 25 Oct 23
My MD is great! Very attentive to my needs. Great listener and good bedside manner.
Rhonda M.
Rhonda M.
18:06 24 Oct 23
I highly recommend Great Medical!they are amazing.
Julio C.
Julio C.
17:48 20 Oct 23
My first time visiting this practice. They were very through, from intake, which was done by a Dr. that I assumed was a nurse because he was so young lol. I wound up seeing Jaime who is a GYN NP, she was awesome. They asked a lot of questions about my history, which I really appreciated. Labs and Sonogram are done on-site. I will be returning.
Shay S.
Shay S.
01:13 20 Oct 23
The ladies are very polite and the doctors are really nice😊
Sheribel C.
Sheribel C.
19:45 12 Oct 23
I’ve been coming here for years and my doctor shows true concern about all my health issues staff here are also great
Trina M.
Trina M.
17:26 12 Oct 23
They e the best and I lov my dr Grana
jorge B.
jorge B.
16:40 09 Oct 23
I have been there about 5 times and I must say , they are very Professional and friendly. From front desk , nurses and doctors.
Wendy W.
Wendy W.
11:05 06 Oct 23
Patty the sono tech and Dr. Yelena Tsyba are excellent care givers. They were kind courteous and answered all my questions
Elisa T.
Elisa T.
20:55 05 Oct 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
20:26 05 Oct 23
Amazing and fast serviceEveryone is so kind and friendlyThank you
Anastasiia T.
Anastasiia T.
17:33 05 Oct 23
I had a great experience at Great City Medical. My appointment was scheduled right away, the staff is very nice and professional, communication was great and prompt. Highly recommend!
Stephany B.
Stephany B.
00:35 27 Sep 23
Great and fast service.. very friendly doctors and assistants..
Mohammed Y.
Mohammed Y.
19:40 26 Sep 23
Great place and Friendly staff .Dr. Tsyba is awesome
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
16:54 21 Sep 23
Muy buenas atenciones 👍🏽
Mateo Rosario H.
Mateo Rosario H.
16:22 21 Sep 23
The doctor and staff were truly amazing. They are friendly, caring and very professional. I was seen immediately and felt very comfortable in the calmenvironment.
Daysi P.
Daysi P.
00:31 15 Sep 23
helpful,quick response and communication
Cherry P.
Cherry P.
01:26 14 Sep 23
It was all smooth. They shared the information with me prior to the medical immigration test. I highly recommend great city. 5 stars for e-communication and responsiveness!
Mahy H.
Mahy H.
17:34 13 Sep 23
Th everyone is amazing! From the reception all the way to the doctors
Winnie G.
Winnie G.
16:54 06 Sep 23
The wait to be seen is short and everybody worked well together to give each patient a pleasant experience.
Sharon P.
Sharon P.
22:46 05 Sep 23
The staff was knowledgeable of my situation and took care of me properly.
Tyrone M.
Tyrone M.
18:26 30 Aug 23
Good service!
Leandro A.
Leandro A.
16:38 30 Aug 23
Dr yelena is great
Dayana R
Dayana R
16:20 30 Aug 23
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
23:19 29 Aug 23
Muy profesional
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
18:25 22 Aug 23
Fun visit, everyone was super sweet and beautiful! From the front desk allllll the way up until I had my blood drawn at the end! Would recommend to any woman/person
Jasmine K.
Jasmine K.
00:01 15 Aug 23
I finally have a great medical Dr.. She ordered blood work an gave me medical referrals.I love my GYN DR. at this office tooThe office is very nice n clean the front desk receptionists are all very nice a pleasant
Kyra W.
Kyra W.
17:53 07 Aug 23
Great experience!
Yami
Yami
18:00 28 Jul 23
Fast service , great assistance
Ayanna G.
Ayanna G.
16:37 28 Jul 23
I go there for my immigration exam! Everything was so perfect! Everyone was so nice with me! This is the perfect place to go for anything you want. They will help you!
Jonas C.
Jonas C.
18:05 27 Jul 23
Excelente personal very friendly ,they made easy your visit to the Dr. RECOMIENDADISIMO
Ingrid C.
Ingrid C.
19:05 26 Jul 23
It was a great experience for me as the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, also there was almost no waiting time. It was efficient, in a great atmosphere.
Ishak-Kristof F.
Ishak-Kristof F.
17:13 21 Jul 23
The people that was working with me was very nice
tyrese C.
tyrese C.
16:30 21 Jul 23
Great staff, great experience the lady’s were very professional
1 Hungry Y.
1 Hungry Y.
19:01 20 Jul 23
Great guys. Anthony is awesome.
Alberto A.
Alberto A.
18:23 20 Jul 23
The place is clean the staff and the Doctor made me feel comfortable and welcome
vickie F.
vickie F.
18:48 19 Jul 23
The doctor I saw was lovely and personable. I’d only suggest they improve the overall appearance of the practice. The floors were a bit dirty, the bathroom too.
Sophie S
Sophie S
15:45 14 Jul 23
Excelente atención
J&L LOS R.
J&L LOS R.
16:04 11 Jul 23
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
17:58 10 Jul 23
I love This Medical Office!@
Ethel C.
Ethel C.
23:11 05 Jul 23
Muy buen servicio, rapido y muy amables
Luis M Perez S.
Luis M Perez S.
04:04 02 Jul 23
Service was kind, friendly and helpful.
Phyllis T.
Phyllis T.
20:22 22 Jun 23
I have been to three states and I have never come across a medical facility where all the staff look so happy, they are all so friendly, patient orientated, gentle in care and knowledgeable with patient informing! I am so happy I found them and would recommend to everyone!
Kyle V.
Kyle V.
20:05 15 Jun 23
Service was good. Very welcoming.
Fatima O.
Fatima O.
14:55 15 Jun 23
Fue muy buen servicio todo el personal muy amable
Silvia G.
Silvia G.
22:37 14 Jun 23
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
16:38 13 Jun 23
The front dest, nurses and the doctor are very nice and professional.I didn’t wait and entered my appointment on time and everything was really quick.Overall, great experience. I highly recommend 🙂
Tzlil B.
Tzlil B.
17:27 06 Jun 23
So easy and effective getting my medical done with this team… a bit shoutout especially to Patricia who was so communicative and lovely throughout the process. And all the doctors were very comforting with my vaccines and bloods as I’m not the best with needles lol!! Can’t recommend more.
Flynn S.
Flynn S.
16:43 05 Jun 23
My original appointment was with Dr. Tysba however I was seen by the NP instead. Which turned out fine, she was great.Good Job!
Anasha A.
Anasha A.
17:52 03 Jun 23
Very happy with the year check up today 06/01/23
juan S.
juan S.
18:43 01 Jun 23
I Loved the Dr I seen today she was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable.I’m definitely going to make this my primary GYN clinic
Quaidasia T.
Quaidasia T.
19:26 31 May 23
I went to Great City Medical for an immigration medical exam. Very friendly staff! The lady who worked with me was so sweet, explained everything and answered all my questions. I spent 15 min in my first visit there (blood work and fill out forms).Bring your immunization records to avoid extra charges for vaccine shots.UPD: I received I-693 in a sealed envelope as well as a copy of I-693. The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
Ksenia K
Ksenia K
17:23 26 May 23
js_loader
en_USEnglish