DOT physicals
Federal law requires commercial drivers to receive regular physical exams under the guidelines of their local Department of Transportation (DOT). Urgent care providers can administer these exams, focusing on potentially limiting mental or physical issues.
Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams
If you are a public transportation driver, your safety and the safety of those around you are our top priorities.
At CareNow® urgent care, we provide DOT physicals to help ensure you are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The exam measures your ability to manage the long hours and potential stress that accompany a career as a public transportation driver.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
DOT physical exams we offer
If you drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you are required by federal law to obtain regular, passing physical exams under the DOT.
How do I know if I need a DOT physical?
You will need to get a physical if you:
- Carry more than 15 passengers in your vehicle
- Drive a vehicle with a gross weight (or gross combination weight) of 10,000 pounds or more
- Get paid to drive more than 8 people in your vehicle
- Transport dangerous or hazardous materials
Our specialists are also able to point you in the right direction for other on-the-job related evaluations.
What does a DOT physical involve?
A physical exam will be administered to evaluate your:
- Abdomen
- Appearance
- Ability to walk
- Back and spine
- Blood pressure
- Circulatory system
- Genital and urinary system
- Height
- Hearing
- Eyes and ears
- Skin
- Joints and extremities
- Lungs, chest and heart
- Mouth and throat
- Nervous system (reflexes)
- Vision
- Weight
Additionally, you should expect for your protein, blood, sugar and specific gravity to be evaluated with a urinalysis. Based on these various tests and their results, we will be able to see if further medical evaluation will be necessary.
Your doctor, in addition to a physical exam, will also ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history. These questions may include details about medications and prescriptions, past surgeries and the use of substances.
Preparing for your DOT physical
The requirements for DOT physicals are the same regardless of your location.
If you want to save time on the day of the exam at one of our immediate care clinics, you can complete the driver's portion of the test. After this, you must provide basic information about your:
- Doctors (names and practice addresses)
- Blood sugar reading history and most recent HbA1C if you have diabetes
- Hearing aids, contacts or glasses
- Letter from your cardiologist approving your ability to drive if you have heart problems
- Letter from your doctor if you're taking medications that are controlled substances or induce drowsiness, or if you've permanently lost the use of an arm or leg, which would include any work restrictions
- Letter from your neurologist if you have experienced a stroke, seizure disorder, brain tumor or bleeding in the brain
- Medications (names and dosage)
- Recent blood level and clearance test if you have been prescribed a blood thinner
- Recent heart test results
- Records from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine of the last 90 days if you have sleep apnea)
It is in your best interest and the best interest of your company and the general public that you are healthy and approved for driving a commercial vehicle. Our team is happy to walk you through this process and compassionately guide you through your physical. To confirm the availability of a provider certified for DOT Physicals, please call your closest clinic.