DOT Physicals

We are the experts in physical testing for commercial drivers.

Driven by our industry-leading turnaround time, analytical solutions, and customer service, Reliant is elevating the quality of patient care with DOT testing and screening.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial motor vehicle drivers to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical to determine if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license and operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).

✓ DOT Drug/Alcohol Testing

✓ Random Testing

✓ Return-to-duty testing

✓ Post-accident testing

✓ Reasonable suspicion

✓ Follow-up testing

Learn about Reliant's Rapid Diagnostic Solutions

doctor and patient with foot injury
 

A DOT physical requires a certified medical examiner (CME) to perform a physical examination, which may include:

  • Medical history: Conduct a review of the driver's medical history
  • Vital Signs: Perform a physical examination of the driver's vital signs.
  • Hearing and Vision: Conduct a physical examination of the driver's hearing and vision.
  • Heart and Lungs: Perform a cardiopulmonary check on the driver.
  • Extremities: A physical examination of the driver's arms and legs
  • General Appearance: DOT physical includes inspection of general appearance.

A driver's CDL is not be valid without a valid DOT medical card.

doctor talking to employee patient

 

Be Prepared for your DOT physical

All drivers should bring the following to their DOT physicals:

  • A comprehensive list of your medical history, including medication, dosages and names and addresses of doctors
  • Complete page one of the exam (driver’s portion)

Drivers who require eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids:

  • Please bring your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids
  • You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test

Drivers with high blood pressure:

  • You must have a blood pressure reading of below 140/90 during your exam

Drivers with cardiovascular issues:

  • You must provide a letter from your cardiologist indicating that you are fit to drive a DOT vehicle
  • Please bring your most recent stress test, ECHO cardiogram, or other testing results

Drivers with diabetes:

  • Please bring the most recent test results for your Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) as well as any other records relating to your diabetes

Drivers with sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine:

  • Please bring a printout of your CPAP machine usage report or a letter from your sleep specialist
  • Provide at least 90 days of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine readings

If you are uncertain whether you are eligible for a DOT card, it may be advisable to schedule a visit with your primary care or specialty physician before your certification date.

These guidelines do not guarantee that you will pass the exam.

You may be required to take additional tests or provide additional information as part of your DOT examiner's evaluation.

DOT Form 5875 (Click here to download DOT Form 5875)
Medical Examination Report Form shows a driver what to expect during their examination. This form does not need to be completed before your visit.

DOT Form 5876 (Click here to download DOT Form 5876)
Medical Examiner's Certificate Form is another example of what a driver can expect during the physical exam. Certified drivers will receive their MEC after the exam is completed.

DOT FORM 5870 (Click here to download DOT Form 5870)
Insulin-treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment is for commercial drivers with insulin-treated diabetes. Drivers must have this form completed by their physician no more than 45 days prior to the DOT Physical. This form is required before a Medical Examiner's Certificate Form MCSA-5876 can be issued to a certified driver.

 

Do you manage a fleet of vehicles and drivers?

As an employer of commercial drivers, you must comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations concerning physical examinations. Contact us today to discuss setting up a cost-effective and convenient testing program for your drivers.

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