Question 1

What is a DOT physical?

Accepted Answer

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam is a medical exam required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle drivers. DOT physical exams help determine whether a commercial vehicle driver is physically and mentally fit to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). DOT physical examinations help test the general wellness of a professional driver and screen for any mental or neurological medical conditions that may affect a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. You must pass a DOT physical to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Question 2

Who needs a DOT physical exam?

Accepted Answer

People who are looking to become professional drivers must pass a DOT physical exam before they can receive a CDL. This includes truck drivers and bus drivers. You must pass a DOT physical if you:
- Operate a commercial motor vehicle with a gross combination weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
- Operate a motor vehicle that carries more than 15 people.
- Are paid to operate a motor vehicle that carries more than 8 people.
- Transport hazardous materials that require the vehicle to have a hazmat placard.

Question 3

Are CDL physicals the same as DOT physicals?

Accepted Answer

Yep! A CDL physical exam is the same thing as a DOT physical exam. You must pass a DOT physical in order to obtain a commercial driver's license. A DOT physical ensures that you are physically and emotionally fit, with the mental acuity, to drive a commercial vehicle.

Question 4

What does a DOT physical cover?

Accepted Answer

DOT physical exams assess your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. If you pass a DOT physical examination, you will be given a Medical Examination Report and a Medical Examiner's Certificate. The DOT physical will cover: __Medical history__: You will need to provide medical records that display your medical history. The examiner will also ask questions about the medication you take, surgeries you've had, and substances you may use (like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco). __Physical examination__: Your examiner will perform a full physical evaluation to assess your eyesight, hearing, and blood pressure. The doctor will determine whether you have any underlying conditions. __Urinalysis__: You will be asked to take a urine test to screen for health conditions such as diabetes. Most health conditions will not keep you from passing a DOT physical for your CDL. There are, however, a few conditions that may disqualify you, including:
- High blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Some cases of sleep apnea
- Poor vision that cannot be corrected
- Deafness that cannot be corrected with hearing aids
- Diabetes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart or lung disease

If you can manage some of the conditions listed above, you may still be able to pass a DOT physical. The medical examiner will ask questions about how you manage such conditions, and how they affect your daily life.

Question 5

How do I find a DOT physical near me?

Accepted Answer

Right here!

Connect on Sesame with a doctor qualified to conduct DOT physicals near you for an affordable, upfront price. Sesame works with doctors - not insurance companies - who post upfront, cash prices for their services. Save 60% on your DOT physical with Sesame. No copays, hidden fees, or surprise billing - just quality care.

Question 6

How much does it cost to get a DOT or CDL physical examination?

Accepted Answer

DOT physicals usually cost around $80-$100. These are one-time prices that will usually be listed upfront by the clinic.

On Sesame, DOT physicals start at $71. Connect with a doctor in Kansas City, MO to get an affordable, quality physical today.

Question 7

How long does a DOT physical take?

Accepted Answer

The DOT physical is a very routine physical exam, so unless any serious health concerns are found, the entire exam will only take about 30-45 minutes. To prepare for your DOT physical, it is recommended that you bring eyeglasses/contacts, hearing aids, medications, or other medical devices that you regularly use. Having this information on hand will help speed up the process.

Question 8

What is a DOT medical card?

Accepted Answer

The DOT medical card is another name for the medical examiner's certificate. This certifies that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle. You must receive a medical examiner's certificate to be able to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Question 9

How long is a DOT medical certification valid?

Accepted Answer

If you pass your DOT physical exam, you will be given a medical examiner's certificate that is valid for two years. If you happen to have a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be required to take a DOT physical exam every year. If this is the case, you will be informed during your first physical exam.

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