Department of Transportation Physicals

DOT physical examinations are health physicals required of commercial motor vehicle drivers. Only a licensed health provider such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant can perform the DOT physical examination.

Many different health components are assessed during a DOT physical examination including a person’s general appearance/development, head and eyes, ears, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, genital-urinary system, nerve function, and muscoskeletal function. In addition hearing and vision are assessed. Further a person’s blood pressure is checked as well as an assessment of their urine for disorders such as diabetes are performed.

A DOT physical exam is valid for up to a maximum of 2 years. If a health problem or concern is noted during a DOT physical examination the exam can be found invalid for certification or can be valid for a time lesser than 2 years such as 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc…

If a DOT physical exam is determined valid by the examining provider a DOT certification card is provided to the commercial driver who had the examination performed. The driver is required to carry this card with them while driving a commercial vehicle.

For additional information on DOT physical exams or to discuss details, costs, or schedule an appointment, please call 218-312-3017.