What is a DOT Physical? Everything you need to know

A DOT physical is a mandatory medical exam for CDL drivers and some non-CDL drivers that are regulated by the DOT.

The DOT physical is intended to make sure that a driver's physical and mental health will not impair their driving ability. 

After passing a DOT physical, drivers will be issued a medical examiner’s certificate, also called a medical card. The medical card is required to operate a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or to drive a vehicle over 10,000 pounds across state lines. CDL drivers will also need to provide a copy of their medical card to their state’s driver’s license agency.

How long does a DOT physical take and how often do I need one?

The DOT physical exam usually lasts around 45 minutes. We cover exactly what to expect during the physical examination here.

When you pass, you are issued a medical card that is valid for 24 months or less. When a medical card is valid for less than 24 months, it is usually because a medical issue requires more frequent check-ins.

What is a DOT medical card or certificate?

A DOT medical card, also known as a medical examiner’s certificate, shows that you have successfully completed a DOT physical and provides an expiration date by which you need to take another. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of DOT, provides this sample of a medical certificate. ‍

How long is my medical card good for?

A medical card is typically good for 24 months but certain medical conditions may require more frequent renewals.

These decisions are made by the medical examiner, but common conditions that result in shorter medical card lengths include:

‍

  • Diabetes. This used to be a disqualifying condition that would prevent you from receiving a medical card unless you were granted an exemption. Since 2018, drivers who have controlled diabetes and a stable insulin regimen need only to visit their treating doctor within 45 days before the exam. Your treating doctor completes Form MCSA-5870 if all conditions are met. Your medical card will then be issued for 12 months instead of the usual 24 months. 
  • Monocular vision. This also was a disqualifying condition before 2018 unless you were granted an exemption. Since 2018, drivers who are unable to meet the vision standards in one eye will need to have their vision evaluated and Form MCSA-5871 completed if all conditions are met. This evaluation can be conducted by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or medical examiner if they are qualified to conduct the evaluation. Your medical card will then be issued for 12 months instead of the usual 24 months.
  • High blood pressure. For this condition, medical examiners have discretion in deciding whether to issue a medical card at all. A medical card for less than 24 months will likely be issued if your blood pressure causes the examiner concern, but is not high enough to disqualify you from receiving a medical card. 
  • Respiratory conditions. These conditions can be disqualifying, so your medical examiner may issue you a short-term medical card while you obtain further tests or see a pulmonary specialist. 
  • Signs of kidney disease. This is usually found when excessive protein is identified in your urine test. Depending on the level and your medical examiner’s discretion, you may be issued a medical card for less than 24 months. The length of time granted will depend on what your medical examiner thinks is appropriate.

What happens if my medical card expires?

Any driver required to have a valid medical card can receive traffic citations and fines if you continue to drive with an expired card.

If you hold a CDL, then the consequences of letting your medical card expire vary by state. In most states, your license will either be downgraded or suspended if you let your medical card expire. FMCSA maintains a list of state requirements that includes the state penalties for not renewing.

Who needs a DOT medical card?

Any driver that operates a commercial vehicle is required to carry a medical card by law. The FMCSA defines a commercial vehicle as:

  • A motor vehicle in interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds,
  • A motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people,
  • A motor vehicle designed to carry between 9 and 15 people if you are paid to operate the vehicle, or
  • A motor vehicle requires a placard due to transporting hazardous materials.

If you operate a vehicle that meets any of these criteria, then you must go through a DOT medical exam and maintain a valid medical card.

Location: New York, NY, USA

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