The Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination is a standardized medical assessment required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This evaluation ensures that individuals operating large, heavy, or hazardous vehicles are medically fit to handle the job’s demands. Drivers operating interstate vehicles over 10,000 pounds, transporting hazardous materials requiring placards, or carrying more than eight passengers for compensation must pass this exam. The physical assesses a driver’s health against federal standards to prevent accidents caused by sudden medical incapacitation. Passing the exam results in a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, typically valid for a maximum of two years.
Required Documents and Identification
Preparation for the appointment requires gathering specific documents and personal items. Drivers must present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a current driver’s license, to confirm their identity. A comprehensive and current list of all medications is mandatory for the medical examiner’s review. This list must include the name of the prescription or over-the-counter drug, the exact dosage, and the frequency taken.
Drivers should also include the name and contact information for any prescribing physicians or medical specialists. Furthermore, drivers must bring any corrective devices they rely on for driving, as these will be used during the sensory portions of the exam. This includes eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids, which must be worn or available during the vision and hearing assessments.
Managing Chronic Conditions for Certification
Drivers with chronic health conditions must bring specific medical documentation from their treating physicians. This documentation proves the condition is stable and well-managed, often requiring more frequent monitoring or specific federal forms.
Diabetes Mellitus
For drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM), the FMCSA requires the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) completed by the treating clinician. This form must attest that the individual has a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled diabetes. Drivers also need to provide recent laboratory results, such as a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test taken within the last six months, and continuous blood glucose self-monitoring records for the past three months.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiovascular conditions require a clearance letter from a cardiologist following events like a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery. After a myocardial infarction, a driver must wait a minimum of two months and provide documentation of a satisfactory exercise tolerance test, required every two years for recertification. Similarly, drivers who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery must wait three months and provide a cardiologist’s clearance confirming cardiac stability and a left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 40%.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
For drivers diagnosed with OSA, the medical examiner requires a specialist’s letter and documentation proving compliance with therapy. If a driver uses a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a compliance report covering the last 90 days is necessary for recertification. This report must show usage of at least four hours per night on 70% of nights. The medical examiner may order a sleep study if the driver exhibits specific risk factors, such as a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40. Drivers with chronic conditions often receive a shorter certification period, typically one year.
Components of the Physical Examination
The examination performed by the Certified Medical Examiner (ME) begins with a review of the driver’s health history and documentation for any chronic conditions. A general physical assessment follows, covering twelve body systems, including neurological and musculoskeletal systems, to check for impairments that could interfere with driving control. This assessment looks for issues like reduced range of motion, tremors, or signs of disease in the lungs, abdomen, and spine.
The examination includes a vital signs check, focusing on blood pressure and pulse rate to evaluate cardiovascular health. Drivers must have a blood pressure reading under 140/90 mmHg to qualify for the maximum 24-month certification. Readings indicating Stage 1 hypertension typically result in a one-year certification, while Stage 2 leads to a three-month temporary certification to allow time for treatment.
A sample is collected for urinalysis, which screens for underlying medical conditions like diabetes or kidney issues by checking for the presence of protein, sugar, or blood. Sensory testing includes a vision acuity check, requiring drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a peripheral vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian for each eye. Hearing is tested by requiring the driver to perceive a “forced whisper” from five feet, which may be performed using hearing aids.