A DOT physical is a health exam required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The DOT physical determines if a driver is physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of operating a commercial motor vehicle. The FMCSA requires drivers to pass a DOT physical to maintain a commercial driver’s license. Here’s everything you need to know about the DOT physical, including what to bring, what to expect from the doctor during the exam, and the benefits of getting your physical at an urgent care center.
For same-day DOT physical exams, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Boulder. Open seven days a week, just walk-in today!
What to bring with you to a DOT physical exam
Before getting your DOT physical, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you can complete the exam in one visit. Fill out the driver’s portion of the Medical Examination Report before going into your exam. You can also get a medical release opinion letter from your primary care doctor or specialist for any medical conditions being treated, recent surgery or illness, etc. If applicable, you will want to bring your FMCSA Waiver, Exemption Certificate, or Skills Performance Evaluation.
When you go to the exam, bring your driver’s license or other photo identification. If you use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or a hearing aid, bring them with you. If you take any medications, bring a list of them along with the dosage and the name and contact information (phone/fax number and address) of the prescribing doctor.
What will your provider check during your exam?
During the DOT physical exam, your doctor will review your health history with you. They will also conduct a thorough physical examination. You will be required to submit a urine sample for analysis to check for any disqualifying medical conditions. Unless your employer requires it, your urine will not be tested for drugs or alcohol.
The doctor will weigh you on a scale, and you will undergo a vision and hearing test. Make sure you have your glasses, contacts, or hearing aid with you for this portion of the exam. If you fail the vision portion of the test, you will need to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
You will be asked questions about your drug and alcohol use. You may also undergo a hernia test, which involves the doctor placing a hand on your pelvis and asking you to turn and cough.
The benefits of getting a DOT physical at urgent care
You can get a DOT physical at an urgent care center much more quickly than at your general practitioner’s office. You may call ahead for an urgent care appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. If you are on a tight deadline or don’t have much time to wait for a doctor’s appointment, consider going to urgent care for your DOT physical exam.
DOT physicals are not typically covered by health insurance, so you may want to compare costs between your general practitioner and the urgent care center. You may find that the cost of an exam at urgent care is more affordable. If you have any additional questions, call AFC Urgent Care Boulder directly.
