If you drive a commercial vehicle, the DOT physical is what keeps your license valid. This guide covers what is checked, what disqualifies you and what to do if the certification comes back for less than two years.
Who needs the exam?
Anyone driving a vehicle over 10,001 pounds, transporting placarded hazardous materials, or carrying 9 or more passengers for pay, or 16 or more without pay. Also anyone getting or renewing a CDL.
What is checked and what the rule requires
According to the FMCSA medical requirements:
| Requirement | What is required |
|---|---|
| Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without lenses, 70° field |
| Hearing | Whisper at 5 feet, or equivalent audiometry criterion |
| Blood pressure | Below 140/90 for the 2-year certification |
| Urine | Sugar, protein and blood. Not a drug test |
How long the certification lasts
- 24 months: everything within range
- 12 months: blood pressure between 140/90 and 159/99
- 3 months: blood pressure between 160/100 and 179/109, with a single temporary certification
- Temporarily disqualified: blood pressure of 180/110 or above, until controlled
Being certified for one year is not a punishment: it is a signal that something needs treating before the next one. Blood pressure control between certifications is what brings the 24 months back.
Conditions that need extra paperwork
- Insulin-treated diabetes: form MCSA-5870, completed by the physician treating the diabetes
- Sleep apnea: CPAP compliance report
- Epilepsy: requires a federal exemption
- Heart problems: cardiologist's report with functional assessment
- Limb loss or limitation: SPE certificate
Arriving without those documents means coming back another day.
How to arrive prepared
- Avoid coffee, energy drinks and hard exercise beforehand: they raise blood pressure
- Take your usual medication, blood pressure medication included
- Bring glasses and hearing aids if you use them
- Sleep well the night before
- Bring your medication list and your specialists' reports
Mistakes that cost a second visit
Going straight after a long shift without sleep. Stopping blood pressure medication thinking it helps. Forgetting glasses. Not bringing the completed MCSA-5870 when using insulin. Any of those means repeating.
Where to do it
At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Little York the DOT physical is done walk-in, Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM, in Spanish. The cost is given before starting and no insurance is needed.
Need medical attention?
We're here to help. Call now to schedule your appointment or visit our clinic without an appointment.
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