What to Expect at a DOT Physical Exam

The Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam is designed to verify your safety as a commercial driver. Knowing what to expect can significantly lower your anxiety and help you prepare to pass the exam smootly.

1. Vision and Hearing Analysis: You must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses). For hearing, you must be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of 5 feet in at least one ear (with or without a hearing aid).

2. Blood Pressure and Pulse: Our examiner will test your blood pressure. To pass without restriction, your blood pressure must be under 140/90. If it's between 140/90 and 159/99, you may receive a 1-year card. Higher readings will limit your card or require controlled treatment plans.

3. Urinalysis Testing: A quick point-of-care urine sample is tested for protein, blood, and sugar. This is NOT a drug screen (although a separate drug test might be requested by your employer). Rather, it checks for underlying medical conditions like kidney issues or diabetes.

4. Physical Examination: The medical examiner will check your ears, eyes, throat, heart, lungs, spine mobility, neurological reflexes, and core abdomen to ensure you are physically capable of handling the physical stress of interstate commerce.