What to Expect During Your DOT Medical Exam

Preparing For Your Exam

There is no major preparation needed for a DOT Physical, and it is a very fast process.

When Preparing For Your DOT Physical:

• Take any prescribed medications as you normally would.
• You are required to wear loose clothing such as a T-Shirt and Sweatpants so your clothing will not restrict your movement or hinder the exam.
• We recommend that you drink water before you arrive, because we will need a urine sample. This is not a drug test, and will only be used for kidney analysis.
• Before your appointment, we will send you a health history questionnaire via e-mail or text. To save time, please complete it before your visit.

What To Bring To Your Appointment:

• A valid form of identification, such as your license or photo ID.
• Eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids (if applicable).
• A list of all the medications you are currently taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. The list should include the name of the medication, the dosage, and how often you take it.
• A Medical Opinion Letter if you have recently undergone treatment, injury, or surgery for a condition that may affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• An FMCSA Waiver of Exemption, or Skills Performance Evaluation (If Applicable).
• If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, bring in a printout of your usage and have it show at least a 70% usage over a 90 day period. This would mean that a person is using the machine at least 7 out of every 10 nights for four hours or more.
• If a driver has diabetes and is on insulin, a waiver is needed. If on Metformin, no waiver is required. However, in both cases, an A1C blood test is required from your physician in order to show that the values are within normal limits.

What to Expect During Your Exam

We make every effort on our part to make your exam as quick as possible. With the way our booking system works and how we schedule your DOT Physical online.

The Medical Examiner’s Exam Includes The Following…

• Medical history review: The medical examiner will ask about your medical history, including any current or past medical conditions, surgeries, or injuries that may affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Physical examination: The examiner will conduct a physical examination, which will include checking your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and pulse. They will also examine your head, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities to check for any abnormalities or signs of illness.
• Urinalysis: The examiner will perform a urinalysis to check for any medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. This is not a drug test.
• Verification of Sleep Apnea Documents: If the driver has sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine, the medical examiner will require a printout of usage with at least 70% usage for at least 7 out of 10 nights for four hours or more over a 90-day period.
• Waivers/Medical Opinion Letters: If the driver has a medical condition that may affect his or her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, the medical examiner may require a Medical Opinion Letter or a Waiver of Exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Skills Performance Evaluation: For some specific physical medical conditions, a Skills Performance Evaluation may be required by the FMCSA. (More info on this here)
• Insulin Waiver: If the driver has diabetes and is on Insulin, he or she will need to bring a waiver filled out by a qualified medical examiner.
• A1C Documentation: If you’re diabetic please bring in a recent A1C reading.

After Your DOT Physical

Our Medical Examiner will fill out your Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination form and will issue Medical Examiner’s Certificate/DOT Medical Card if all is in order. Both of these documents will be completed at your exam and will be provided to you before you leave.

If you would like, we can fax or email these documents to your company on your behalf.