What is a DOT physical and who needs one?

A DOT (Department of Transportation) physical is a medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Anyone operating vehicles over 10,000 lbs, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying 16+ passengers must pass this exam to obtain or renew their Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

How often do DOT physicals need to be renewed?

Standard DOT medical certificates are valid for up to 2 years. However, certain conditions may require more frequent certification: 1 year for drivers on blood pressure medication achieving good control, or shorter intervals (3-12 months) for conditions requiring monitoring like controlled diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.

What conditions can disqualify a driver from DOT certification?

Disqualifying conditions include: vision worse than 20/40 corrected in each eye, hearing loss below standards, insulin-dependent diabetes (requires exemption process), seizure disorder or epilepsy, certain cardiovascular conditions, and use of Schedule I drugs or certain medications. Some conditions may qualify for exemption with proper documentation.

Who can perform DOT physical examinations?

Only medical examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can perform DOT physicals. This includes MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, DCs, and ODs who have completed FMCSA training and passed the certification test. The examiner's National Registry number must appear on the certificate.

What are the blood pressure requirements for DOT certification?

Blood pressure requirements: Stage 1 (140-159/90-99) allows 1-year certification, Stage 2 (160-179/100-109) allows 1-year certification once treated and controlled, Stage 3 (180+/110+) is disqualifying until controlled below 140/90. Drivers must demonstrate sustained control before recertification.

DOT Physical Form Template | FMCSA Medical Exam Report

MEDICAL EXAMINATION REPORT FORM (for Commercial Driver Medical Certification) DRIVER INFORMATION Name: [Driver Name] | DOB: [Date of Birth] Driver License No: [License #] | State: [State] * HEALTH HISTORY (Driver checks Yes/No)

[ ] Yes [ ] No - Head/brain injuries or seizures
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Eye disorders or vision loss
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Heart disease, heart attack, or other cardiovascular condition
[ ] Yes [ ] No - High blood pressure
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Muscular disease or limitations
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Sleep disorders, pauses in breathing (Sleep Apnea)
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Diabetes or elevated blood sugar controlled by: [ ] Diet [ ] Pills [ ] Insulin

* EXAMINATION (Medical Examiner) 1. Vision:

* Right Eye: 20/[__] | Left Eye: 20/[__] | Both: 20/[__]
* Color Vision: [ ] Meets standards [ ] Does not meet

2. Hearing:

* Forced whisper test: Right ear [__] ft | Left ear [__] ft

3. Blood Pressure / Pulse:

* BP: [___]/[___] | Pulse: [___] Regular/Irregular

4. Urinalysis:

* Sp. Gr: [____] | Protein: [____] | Blood: [____] | Sugar: [____]

5. Physical Examination:

[ ] General Appearance
[ ] Eyes
[ ] Ears/Mouth/Throat
[ ] Heart (Murmurs, extra sounds)
[ ] Lungs/Chest
[ ] Abdomen/Viscera
[ ] Vascular (Pulse details)
[ ] Genito-urinary (Hernias)
[ ] Extremities (Limb impairment)
[ ] Spine/Musculoskeletal
[ ] Neurological (Reflexes, coordination)

* MEDICAL EXAMINER DETERMINATION

[ ] Meets standards, but periodic monitoring required (e.g., BP).
* Certificate valid for: [3 mo / 6 mo / 1 yr / 2 yr]
[ ] Does not meet standards.

Examiner Name: [Name] National Registry No: [Number] Date of Exam: [Date] Signature: __________________________

Administrative — DOT Medical Exam Report (Commercial Driver)

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