The Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination is a mandatory health assessment for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates this exam to ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit to safely operate commercial vehicles on public roadways. Passing the DOT physical, which includes checks on vision, hearing, and cardiovascular health, results in a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) generally valid for up to 24 months.
The Requirement for Certified Examiners
Any DOT physical must be performed by a Medical Examiner (ME) actively listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). This registry is a federal program created by the FMCSA to ensure medical professionals understand the unique physical and mental demands of commercial driving. MEs are healthcare professionals—such as medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, or advanced practice nurses—who have completed specialized training.
This training covers the FMCSA’s physical qualification standards and requires passing a certification test. The certification ensures the examiner is proficient in applying the federal regulations when evaluating a driver’s fitness. A physical examination performed by a provider not on the NRCME will be considered invalid and will not satisfy the federal requirement for commercial driving.
Locating Authorized Examination Facilities
The most reliable way to find a certified facility is by using the NRCME’s official website lookup tool. This free resource allows drivers to search for a Medical Examiner by zip code, state, or name. The search results display the provider’s name, address, contact information, and the expiration date of their federal certification.
Certified Medical Examiners operate in a variety of clinical settings. Occupational health clinics frequently employ NRCME-certified staff, specializing in workforce health and regulatory compliance. Many urgent care centers also offer DOT physicals and have certified examiners on site.
Some private practice physicians, chiropractors, and physician assistant offices also maintain NRCME certification. Drivers who spend significant time on the road can look for specialized truck stop clinics located at travel centers. Always confirm the provider’s NRCME status when scheduling the appointment to prevent delays or invalid documentation.
Preparation for Your DOT Physical Appointment
Arriving prepared ensures the examination proceeds efficiently and without the need for follow-up visits. Drivers should bring a valid driver’s license and a completed Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA-5875), detailing their health history.
Drivers must also bring the following items to the exam:
- A comprehensive list of all current medications, including dosage and the names of prescribing doctors.
- Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) or hearing aids, as the examiner will test vision and hearing with these aids.
- Specific documentation from your treating physician or specialist if you have a chronic medical condition.
Required Documentation for Chronic Conditions
If you have a chronic medical condition, specific documentation is required. Drivers with diabetes must provide their most recent hemoglobin A1C results (ideally from within the last six months). Those with sleep apnea must bring at least 90 days of compliance data from their Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. If you have a history of heart conditions, a letter from your cardiologist stating fitness to operate a CMV, along with recent stress test results, is typically required.