What is a DOT physical? And other frequently asked questions
By The Schneider Guy
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you’re considering becoming a professional truck driver, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is to complete your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
At Schneider, our commitment to safety involves supporting our drivers’ well-being. That’s why we offer programs that promote driver health and will cover the cost of DOT physicals.
But what is a DOT physical? And what does the exam consist of? Keep reading to find out.
What is a DOT physical?
A DOT physical is a health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The examination is designed to ensure professional commercial vehicle drivers are physically and mentally capable of handling the demands of their job.
After completing a DOT physical, you will either be given a DOT medical card and cleared to drive for two years or told you did not meet the FMCSA standards.
Where can I get a DOT physical?
DOT physicals must be carried out by a medical examiner recognized by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This can include, but is not limited to:
Doctors of Medicine (MD).
Doctors of Osteopathy (DO).
Physician Assistants (PA).
Advanced Practice Nurses (APN).
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC).
At Schneider, we help drivers find a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) for their DOT physical and will cover the cost of the exam.
Who is required to get a DOT physical?
The FMCSA requires any Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder who operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle in interstate commerce to undergo a DOT physical.
Examples of individuals who need to pass a DOT physical include:
Drivers of vehicles with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more.
Drivers of vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers.
Drivers of vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
What does a DOT physical consist of?
A DOT physical includes several components that are designed to test someone’s overall health and physical ability.
A DOT physical usually includes:
A health history review: You'll need to provide your comprehensive health history, including past surgeries, chronic illnesses, current medications and any symptoms that could affect your ability to drive safely.
A physical examination: The examiner will perform a general physical exam, checking your heart rate, blood pressure, weight and overall physical appearance.
Vision and hearing tests: Your vision and hearing will be tested to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
A urinalysis: A urinalysis is conducted to check for the presence of drugs or other medical conditions, like diabetes.
Cardiovascular and respiratory evaluations: These include examinations of your heart and lungs to detect any abnormalities that could impact your driving ability.
To get the full picture of what you can expect in a DOT physical, check out the Medical Examiner’s Report Form.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
To pass a DOT physical, drivers must meet several health criteria. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Vision criteria.
Drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction. This means they should be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away.
Additionally, drivers must show they have a 70-degree field of vision in each eye and do not have any color blindness that would impair their ability to recognize traffic signals and devices.
2. Hearing criteria.
Drivers must be able to hear a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without a hearing aid. This requirement ensures drivers can hear potential warnings or emergency signals while on the road.
3. Blood pressure criteria.
Drivers' blood pressure must be less than 140/90. The pulse rate is also checked to detect any irregularities in the heart rhythm.
4. Medical conditions.
Certain medical conditions can disqualify someone from passing a DOT physical. These include:
Epilepsy.
Certain heart conditions.
Severe high blood pressure.
Insulin-dependent diabetes.
Addiction to drugs or alcohol.
5. Mental health conditions.
Mental health is as important as physical health for a driver. Conditions like severe depression or anxiety may disqualify a driver from passing their physical.
These are just a few of the requirements to pass a DOT physical. Everyone's medical history and condition are unique, so what disqualifies one person might not disqualify another.
A complete list of disqualifying conditions and exemptions can be found in the FMCSA’s guidelines.
How often are DOT physicals required?
A DOT physical exam certificate is generally good for up to 24 months. However, more frequent examinations may be required when there is a need to monitor certain conditions, such as high blood pressure.
How much is a DOT physical?
A DOT physical costs between $50 and $150, depending on the state the driver lives in. However, many trucking companies will cover the cost of a DOT physical.
At Schneider, we cover the cost of drivers’ exams when they go to an approved clinic.
How long does a DOT physical take?
A DOT physical typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What should I bring to a DOT physical?
For a DOT physical, you should bring:
Medical records, including your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and compliance data if you have sleep apnea.
A list of any health conditions you have and who treats you for them.
A complete list of any medications you take and who prescribes them to you.
Any required action items noted by the previous DOT medical examiner if you’ve had a DOT physical in the past.
How do I pass a DOT physical?
To pass a DOT physical, you should prioritize healthy lifestyle choices weeks before your scheduled exam. This includes maintaining:
Consistent sleep habits.
A regular exercise routine.
Make sure to stay consistent with taking your medications and avoid unhealthy practices on the day of the exam, such as getting inadequate sleep and smoking. It is also important to be honest when documenting your health history during the examination process.
At Schneider, we help set drivers up for success on their DOT physical by providing the resources they need to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle. We offer tools like a zero-cost weight management program and access to a nationwide network of driver facilities with:
Fitness centers.
Healthy food options.
Showers.
Laundry.
Safe parking.
Discover how to stay healthy out on the road
Maintaining healthy habits can be tough for truck drivers. Check out our guide to staying healthy as a truck driver to learn more about eating right, working out and getting better sleep.
Schneider Guy loves the "Big Orange." He's passionate about the trucking industry and connecting people to rewarding careers within it. He's been the eyes and ears of our company since our founding in 1935, and he's excited to interact with prospective and current Schneider associates through "A Slice of Orange."
