A slight spike in blood pressure. A missing document. An expired certificate. That’s all it takes to be declared unfit for duty—and sidelined from the road.
So, what is a DOT physical? It’s more than a formality. It’s a federal requirement designed to ensure commercial drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of operating large vehicles safely. But for many fleet managers, keeping track of every driver’s medical compliance can feel overwhelming.
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What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a federally mandated medical examination required for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This exam confirms a driver’s fitness for duty, ensuring they can safely perform their job without risk to themselves or others.
According to the FMCSA, all CDL drivers must pass a DOT physical conducted by a medical professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
What Is Involved in a DOT Physical?
Drivers often ask what is involved in a DOT physical, especially if it’s their first time. The exam is comprehensive, assessing a range of health indicators that could impact a driver’s ability to safely control a commercial vehicle.
What Is Included in a DOT Physical?
- Vision Test: Must meet a minimum of 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.
- Hearing Test: Ability to hear a forced whisper at five feet.
- Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: To detect hypertension or irregular heartbeats.
- Urinalysis: Screens for signs of diabetes, kidney issues, or other underlying conditions.
- Physical Examination: General check of neurological, cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory health.
Our features let companies store DOT exam results securely and set automatic expiration reminders so you’re never caught off guard.
What Is Required to Pass a DOT Physical?
To pass, a driver must meet FMCSA medical standards. These include:
- Controlled blood pressure
- Normal heart rhythm and respiratory function
- Acceptable vision and hearing
- Absence of disqualifying conditions like epilepsy or unmanaged diabetes
- No history of substance abuse unless cleared by a medical review officer
Drivers with certain health conditions may still qualify for a medical exemption, but this must be documented and kept on file.
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What Is the Urine Test for in a DOT Physical?
The urinalysis included in the DOT physical is not a drug test. Instead, it screens for:
- Glucose (can indicate diabetes)
- Protein (may signal kidney conditions)
- Blood or sediment (could point to infection or other issues)
DOT drug testing is a separate requirement for CDL drivers. To understand how test results are monitored, read more about what the Clearinghouse does.
What Is a DOT Physical Consist Of?
The full exam includes both a health history review and a physical evaluation:
- Medical History Form: Includes questions about past surgeries, conditions, medications, and symptoms.
- Vital Signs Check: Blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight.
- Vision and Hearing Screening
- Urinalysis
- Physical Exam
- Certification Decision: If passed, the examiner issues a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card), valid for up to 24 months.
This process must be repeated at least every two years—or more frequently if the examiner recommends it based on health conditions.
What Is a DOT Physical Examination vs. a Non-DOT Physical?
A DOT physical exam is federally regulated, while a non-DOT physical is typically required by employers outside of commercial driving. A non-DOT physical may check similar health factors but is not governed by FMCSA regulations.
If your company employs both CDL and non-CDL drivers, our platform helps you distinguish between requirements and ensures documentation stays organized and accessible.
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What Is Required in a DOT Physical?
Employers must ensure that:
- Each CDL driver undergoes a DOT physical at least every 24 months
- Medical Examiner’s Certificates are up to date
- Exam results are kept on file and available for audits
- Any waivers or exemptions are tracked and properly documented
With Drivers Files Online’s digital system, you can streamline onboarding and compliance tracking in one place.
What Is a Non DOT Physical?
A non-DOT physical is typically used for job roles that don’t fall under FMCSA regulation. These exams vary in scope and are based on individual employer requirements. For example, warehouse workers, delivery drivers operating under 10,001 lbs., or office staff might need non-DOT exams.
If you’re running a mixed fleet, we help you monitor which employees need DOT exams and which don’t—without mixing up paperwork.
What Is the Average Cost of a DOT Physical?
The cost typically ranges between $75–$150, depending on the location, clinic, and whether additional testing is needed. Some employers cover this cost for their drivers, especially during onboarding or recertification.
Managing costs across driver and vehicle compliance? You might also be wondering how much an IFTA license costs.
What Is Required to Maintain DOT Physical Compliance?
For fleets, staying compliant means more than just scheduling exams. You also need to:
- Record each driver’s certification
- Monitor upcoming expiration dates
- Store and retrieve documents for DOT audits
- Address flagged health concerns with medical follow-ups
Our platform supports these functions through built-in reminders, document storage, and automated MVR checks to maintain a complete compliance profile.
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What Is a DOT Physical Test vs. Drug Testing?
While both are federally required, DOT physicals and drug testing are separate. Drug and alcohol tests must follow DOT collection guidelines and are monitored through the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Want to know more about substance testing regulations? Read our full breakdown of commercial driver drug testing.
Stay DOT Compliant with Confidence ✅
For drivers, passing a DOT physical is required to stay behind the wheel. For employers, maintaining compliance is essential to avoiding fines, failed audits, or disqualified drivers.
Drivers Files Online makes it easy to manage DOT physicals, certification timelines, and driver records. Whether you’re onboarding a single new hire or managing a multi-state fleet, our tools help you stay organized, compliant, and audit-ready.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dot Physical Exams
What is a DOT physical?
A federally required medical exam that ensures CDL drivers are fit to safely operate commercial vehicles.
What is a DOT physical exam?
An evaluation by an FMCSA-certified examiner to assess a driver’s vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health.
What is a DOT physical test?
It includes a vision and hearing check, urinalysis, physical examination, and medical history review.
What is involved in a DOT physical?
The exam reviews vital signs, health history, physical systems, and includes a urine test to detect certain medical conditions.
What is the urine test for in a DOT physical?
To screen for glucose, protein, and other health indicators—not drugs.
What is required to pass a DOT physical?
A driver must meet vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health standards without disqualifying conditions.
What is the average cost of a DOT physical?
Costs typically range from $75 to $150, depending on the provider and region.
Where can I manage DOT physical records for drivers?
With Drivers Files Online, you can securely store medical certifications, set expiration alerts, and streamline compliance across your fleet.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For official DOT physical exam requirements, visit the FMCSA’s Driver Medical Fitness for Duty page or speak with a certified medical examiner.
