DOT physical
The Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam at MinuteClinic® is part of your medical certificate that determines if you’re medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle, per DOT regulations. The DOT physical exam is not intended to replace a comprehensive annual wellness exam.
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We offer services at MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy®
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Have questions about DOT physicals? Get started here.
What is a DOT physical?
A DOT physical confirms whether you are healthy enough to perform the demanding profession of a CMV (commercial motor vehicle) driver. It helps to keep the nation's roads safe and includes:
Blood pressure and pulse rate: Your MinuteClinic® provider will check your blood pressure and pulse to measure your systolic and diastolic pressure levels, as well as testing for irregular heart rate.
Hearing: Drivers must be able to hear a 'forced whisper' at a maximum distance of 5 ft. with or without a hearing aid. The standard equates to a hearing loss of less than 40 decibels in the better ear.
Urinalysis: A urine test screens for underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Vision: Drivers must have a minimum acuity of 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. They must also have at least 70º of peripheral vision in each eye along the horizontal meridian.
Getting help
You must complete the Health History section of the DOT Medical Examination Report in advance. Please bring this report to your visit for the MinuteClinic provider to review.
A MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history, conduct an eye exam, perform a urinalysis, order additional labs as clinically indicated and refer you for additional testing and diagnosis as needed. Following the exam, your MinuteClinic provider will prepare a completed medical examination report form as part of your commercial driver's medical certification.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
- Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.
If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.
If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.
- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
DOT physical medical history and health categories
- Abdomen and viscera (enlarged liver, muscle weakness, viscera)
- Ears for such issues as scarring or perforated eardrums
- Eyes for such issues as visual acuity, peripheral vision, cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Extremities for such issue as limb impairment
- Heart for such issues as irregular sounds, murmurs or a pacemaker
- Hernia
- Lungs and chest, not including breast examination (for such issues as abnormal breathing, cyanosis or impaired respiratory functions)
- Mouth and throat, to check for breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Neurological conditions, including ataxia, asymmetrical deep tendon reflexes, coordination or impaired equilibrium or speech pattern
- Vascular system (irregular pulse, carotid artery or varicose veins)
- Spine and other musculoskeletal issues, including limited motion, previous surgery, tenderness and so on
DOT physical uses and benefits
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to have the DOT physical exam to maintain their driver certification. The DOT deems professional drivers who operate commercial vehicles of 5 tons or more as “safety-sensitive” because they can affect both their safety and the public's safety.
Drivers must provide periodic physical exam reports to maintain compliance and continue working. Certified Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examiners can perform the DOT physical. Your exam at MinuteClinic® follows the specific guidelines of the FMCSA to ensure that commercial drivers are in satisfactory health and able to work safely.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.