For more than two decades, Minnesota Occupational Health has helped commercial motor vehicle (CMV) companies and drivers like you with expert physical exams required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Our skilled administrative and healthcare teams make it easy to schedule fast, thorough exams for you and your coworkers – so you can stay compliant and get back to work quickly.
Your exam will be performed by certified medical examiners, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This ensures you or your coworkers meet DOT and FMCSA health standards and are officially cleared by a provider listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
DOT Physical Exams
A DOT physical exam makes sure you’re medically fit to drive a commercial vehicle without posing a risk to public safety. It checks for current or past conditions, surgeries, or anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. These exams include tests and screenings to confirm you’re physically and mentally able to handle long-distance transport. The medical examiner also reviews your health history and all medications – prescription or over-the-counter – to ensure nothing puts you or others at risk on the road.
Components of the Exam
Sight. Good vision is one of the most important physical requirements for safely operating a commercial vehicle. During your DOT exam, you’ll go through several vision tests – checking for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and peripheral vision. The exam also looks at your range of motion and whether you’re colorblind, since recognizing road signs and judging distances are key to doing your job safely.
Hearing. Your hearing is essential for long-distance commercial driving. Along with sight, it helps you stay aware of traffic and road hazards. Unusual sounds can signal mechanical problems, making good hearing key to spotting issues early and staying safe. It’s also vital for hearing radio updates about route changes or your next pick-up or drop-off, helping you stay informed and on schedule.
Physical endurance. Even if your current job doesn’t involve loading or unloading, you may work for a company that does. That’s why the DOT exam includes a physical endurance check. It tests your ability to lift, bend, squat, carry materials, walk while holding items, and reach overhead – ensuring you can safely handle the demands of the job if needed.
Mental stability and alertness. Long-distance driving can strain both your body and mind. That’s why it’s important to stay alert for extended periods – watching other drivers, traffic, and weather conditions. You need to stay awake, calm, and focused on the road, using good judgment and quick thinking to solve problems and reach your destination safely.
Examiners also assess your mental well-being. Driving long distances away from home, family, and friends can be tough, even for the most resilient. That’s why it’s crucial you can work alone for long stretches without it affecting your ability to drive safely and protect public safety.
Vehicle operation. While your commercial vehicle training covers proper operation, the DOT exam tests your sensory, muscle, and reflex abilities because these affect your safe driving. During this part, your range of motion and muscle coordination are carefully evaluated.
Ability to maintain control. Keeping full control of your vehicle is essential for safety and job performance. You must be able to decide to stop driving if you feel tired, sleepy, or disoriented. A part of the DOT exam checks how well you can maintain control of the vehicle in different situations.
What You Need For The Exam
In order to have a fast, stress-free exam, you should bring the following items with you:
- Full bladder for urine testing
- State photo ID
- Current, or expired medical card for re-certification
- Waivers or exemptions for any medical reasons
- Visual aids (glasses or contacts)
- Hearing aid (if needed)
- Healthcare documents, including medical procedures and medications in the last 5 years
- Medical releases or documentation for illnesses, conditions, and/or injuries you have been treated for
- For CPAP users, bring a log of use for 1-year and provide date of last medical examination for its use
Timely Exams
The biggest delay in finishing your DOT exam is not having all the proper documents with you. The exam usually takes 30–45 minutes if you bring everything needed and can quickly provide a urine sample.
If you have or have had any of these conditions, bring your diagnosis and the date it occurred. Also bring your doctor’s contact info, any documents about related limitations, and records of current and past medications. It’s very important to bring all relevant documents, especially those from the past five years.
If you take any medication – prescriptions or supplements – bring details on the dosage, how long you’ve used it, the date your doctor last renewed it, and the date of your last exam to assess your need for it.
Let Us Help
The team at Minnesota Occupational Health is experienced and here to make your DOT exam as easy as possible. We’ll work with you to help you get back to work fast. Feel free to ask us any questions or share concerns about your health and work eligibility.
Based on your results, our qualified medical examiners can issue a driver certification for two years or a limited time. If you don’t pass, the examiner may give a temporary disqualification (due to a medical condition or missing documents) or a permanent disqualification. For questions or more info, call 651-968-5300 or contact us here.