The non-Commercial Driver’s License (non-CDL) Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a specialized medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This evaluation ensures drivers are physically and mentally fit to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The physical is required for drivers operating CMVs with a gross vehicle weight rating between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, transporting placarded hazardous materials, or carrying more than 15 passengers. Because the physical adheres to strict federal guidelines, the requirements are consistent regardless of the state or certified medical examiner conducting the assessment.
Required Preparation and Medical History Documentation
The physical examination begins with the driver’s administrative and medical preparation. Drivers must first complete the Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875), a detailed medical history questionnaire. This self-reported history requires complete disclosure of past surgeries, chronic medical conditions (like diabetes or sleep apnea), and any history of substance use.
Drivers should arrive prepared with specific documentation to streamline the process for the certified medical examiner. This includes a comprehensive list of all current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including the dosage and prescribing physician’s contact information. Drivers who use corrective devices, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, must bring them, as minimum standards for vision and hearing are tested while using these aids.
For drivers managing specific chronic conditions, additional medical records are necessary to demonstrate stability. For example, individuals with diabetes need to provide recent Hemoglobin A1C lab results and blood sugar logs. Drivers with a history of heart issues typically need a clearance letter from their cardiologist indicating they are safe to operate a CMV.
Essential Physical Measurements and Screenings
Following the review of the medical history, the examiner conducts several objective tests to establish the driver’s basic fitness levels. This includes checking vitals, such as measuring the pulse rate to detect irregularities. The examiner also measures blood pressure; a reading below 140/90 mmHg generally qualifies a driver for the maximum two-year certification period.
Higher blood pressure readings may result in a conditional or shorter-term certification. For example, readings between 160/100 and 179/109 mmHg may result in a three-month temporary card, allowing time for management and re-testing. Vision screening is mandatory, requiring drivers to have at least 20/40 visual acuity in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) and demonstrate a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.
Hearing ability is tested using the forced whisper test, requiring the driver to perceive a forced whisper from five feet or more in at least one ear. If the driver fails this initial screening, a formal audiometry test is required to determine compliance. The final standardized screening is a urinalysis, used to check for signs of underlying medical conditions like diabetes or kidney issues, not for drug testing.
Detailed Body System Evaluation
The examination includes a hands-on assessment where the medical examiner evaluates the functionality of various body systems. The musculoskeletal evaluation checks the driver’s range of motion, strength, and overall physical condition. The examiner looks for physical deformities or limitations in the extremities or spine that could interfere with operating vehicle controls, such as steering or using foot pedals.
The cardiovascular system is closely examined by listening to the heart and lungs to detect murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or signs of respiratory impairment. This ensures the driver does not have a heart condition that could lead to sudden incapacitation while driving. The examiner also checks the vascular system for signs of abnormal pulse or varicose veins that could indicate circulatory issues.
A neurological assessment is performed to check for impairments that could affect coordination or reaction time. This includes testing reflexes, assessing balance, and evaluating gait. The general physical appearance is also noted, looking for signs of disease, tremors, or weakness.
Certification Outcomes and Follow-Up
Upon completion of all necessary tests, the medical examiner makes a final determination regarding the driver’s qualification status. The most favorable outcome is full certification, typically valid for 24 months, granted to drivers who meet all physical qualification standards. A shorter, conditional certification, often lasting three months to one year, is issued when a driver has a managed condition, such as controlled hypertension or stable diabetes, that requires periodic monitoring.
If the driver has a disqualifying condition that cannot be corrected or managed to meet FMCSA standards, the certification is denied. Following a successful examination, the driver is issued the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876), commonly referred to as the DOT medical card. The driver must carry this certificate whenever operating a CMV as proof of medical qualification.
If a driver is initially disqualified due to a correctable issue, such as high blood pressure, they may seek re-testing once the condition is successfully brought under control. The medical examiner is required to submit the results of the physical to the FMCSA, regardless of whether the outcome is a qualification or a disqualification.