What is a DOT physical?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is an examination to evaluate whether or not a driver is healthy enough to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Not just any doctor can perform a DOT physical. 

A DOT Physical must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner that is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.

Who needs a DOT physical?

 All CDL Drivers must have a DOT physical

Before applying for a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), you must pass a DOT physical, and bring the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) proof, by showing your MedCert Card (Medical Certification Card)

A CDL is required for any person that will be driving:

• A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier. AND/OR
• Any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing UP TO10,000 lbs.

There are 3 classes and 9 endorsements for your CDL

Eligible Endorsements for each Class

Class C License must hold one or more of the following endorsements:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Passenger Transport (P)
• School Bus (S) (this is an optional endorsement, not a requirement and cannot be held by itself with a Class C License)

Class B License can hold one or more of the following endorsements:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Passenger Transport (P)
• School Bus (S)
• Tank Vehicle (N)
• Tanker and Hazardous Materials (X)

Class A License can hold one or more of the following endorsements:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Passenger Transport (P)
• School Bus (S)
• Tank Vehicle (N)
• Tanker and Hazardous Materials (X)
• Double/Triples (T)

Some companies require a DOT Physical for operating NON – CDL vehicles such as:

• Small delivery trucks, vans, couriers, etc.
• Large moving equipment, farm equipment, construction vehicles, forklift, etc.

How to Prepare

What to bring:

• Bring your drivers’ license.
• Bring a list of your current medications, as well as the name and phone number of the doctor who prescribed them.
• Do you wear eye glasses, contact lenses, hearing aid? Bring them with you!

What to expect:

• A review of your Medical history
• A physical exam including:
  • Vision test
  • Hearing test
  • Blood pressure
  • Urine test

The US department of Transportation sets the following guidelines:

• Drivers must have 20/40 vision in each eye. Glasses/contact lenses are permitted.
• Drivers can now be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
• A driver’s blood pressure must be under 139/89. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
• Use of a schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic, or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.
• Bus drivers with S class license can get up to 1 year Certificate
• All other drivers can get up to a 2 year Certificate

When you pass your DOT Physical, you will be given your MedCert Card (Medical Certification Card)

• We register your Medical Certification online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• We send in your Certificate & Affidavit to the State Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
  We can do this for any state, not just Tennessee!

Why choose McPherson Physicals for your DOT Physical?

• Don’t sit at a sick clinic with sick patients!
• All we do are DOTs, Drug Screens, & DNA testing.
• No appointments necessary!
• You can walk-in during our normal business hours and be seen by a physician without a long wait!
• You are in & out within minutes!
• All paperwork is done electronically. Use our iPads for convenient registration.
• We give you a laminated copy of your MedCert Card to keep in your wallet/glove box, as well as your full size certificate!
• If you ever lose, or misplace your MedCert Card, we will gladly print you off a new one.
• We go the extra mile at McPherson Physicals!

Helpful Resources for Drivers:

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  http://www.dmv.org/
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• Over-the-counter Medicines and Driving
  http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm417426.htm