Truck Drivers: Your Road to DOT Certification Starts Here – Schedule Your Exam Today

A: A DOT physical is a comprehensive health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Its purpose is to ensure that drivers are physically, mentally and emotionally capable of safely operating large commercial vehicles, thereby protecting both the drivers and the public. Exams can only be conducted by FMCSA-certified medical examiners.

Generally, you are required to have a DOT physical every two years. However, depending on the findings of your examination or if you have certain medical conditions, your Medical Examiner’s Certificate might be valid for a shorter duration, as determined by the certified medical examiner.

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, please bring the following:

• Valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of medications, including dosages and prescribing providers
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, if used
• Recent lab results (e.g., A1C logs for diabetes)
  Clearance letter from your cardiologist (if applicable)
• Completed health history form (if available beforehand)
• Insulin-Treated Diabetes Assessment Form (MCSA-5870), if applicable and completed within 45 days
• If you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and were recommended positive airway pressure therapy for treatment (CPAP, BiPAP), a 30 day compliance report confirming a four hour per night compliance level of 70% is required. Data must be from within the last 90 days

DOT Forms You May Need

• Medical Exam Report (MER) – MCSA-5875
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) – MCSA-5876
• Insulin-Treated Diabetes Assessment Form – MCSA-5870

All forms are available online to review prior to your appointment.

Your DOT physical will include several components:

• Vision Screening – Minimum 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and at least 70° peripheral vision.
• Hearing Test – Ability to hear a forced whisper at 5 feet or better (with or without hearing aid).
• Blood Pressure & Pulse – Screening for hypertension and irregular heart rhythms.
• Urinalysis – Used to detect medical conditions such as diabetes—not for drug screening.
• Full Physical Exam – Assessment of multiple systems including neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and more.

The medical examiner will review your medical history and assess your overall health to ensure you meet the FMCSA’s medical standards for commercial driving.

Yes, some common medical conditions could lead to not passing a DOT physical either temporarily or permanently.

Common disqualifying conditions:

• Heart conditions (e.g., angina, recent heart attack, blood clots)
• Seizure disorders (unless controlled with FMCSA exemption)
• Balance disorders (e.g., Meniere’s disease)
• Vision or hearing loss that does not meet DOT minimum standards
• Use of marijuana or other Schedule I substances, even if prescribed

However, in many cases, these conditions can be managed, and drivers may still be able to obtain certification.

Some medical conditions may not automatically disqualify a driver, but require careful evaluation and documentation: diabetes (especially if insulin-treated), high blood pressure, respiratory conditions, kidney issues (such as proteinuria, hematuria, glycosuria). In many cases, drivers may still qualify for certification with proper monitoring or supporting records.

Drivers with certain conditions may be eligible to apply for an exemption from FMCSA requirements. Common exemption categories include: vision, hearing or seizures. Applications must be submitted directly to the FMCSA and meet all required criteria.

Absolutely. All of our medical examiners who conduct DOT physicals are certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This ensures that your examination is performed by qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about the specific regulations and requirements for commercial drivers.

While the exact duration can vary slightly depending on individual circumstances and medical history, a typical DOT physical at Occupational Health Group usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes. We strive to make the process as efficient as possible to get you back on the road quickly.

The cost of a DOT physical at Occupational Health Group is $70. We accept various forms of payment, including major credit cards, debit cards and cash. Please inquire about direct billing options if your employer is covering the cost of your examination.

Not necessarily. If the medical examiner identifies a condition that does not currently meet the FMCSA standards, they will discuss the findings with you in detail. In some cases, you may be issued a temporary certification to allow you time to address the issue. The examiner may also recommend further evaluation or treatment by a specialist. Our goal is to guide you through the process and help you understand the requirements for certification.

Most health insurance plans generally do not cover the cost of DOT physical exams because they are typically considered occupational or work-related physicals. However, there can be exceptions, and coverage may vary depending on your specific insurance policy. It’s recommended to check directly with your insurance provider to confirm if they cover DOT physical exams as part of their benefits.  

In many cases, employers, especially trucking companies, may cover the costs of DOT physicals for their drivers. Therefore, it’s also a good idea to check with your employer’s HR department to see if they provide coverage or reimbursement for DOT screenings.  

Medicare and Medicaid generally do not cover DOT physical exams as they are classified as job-related examinations.

Please note: OHG does not file insurance claims.

A standard DOT physical does not include a drug test. While a urinalysis is required, it is used only to screen for medical conditions such as diabetes. If your employer requires drug testing, OHG offers FMCSA-compliant drug and alcohol testing services in addition to physical exams.