Looking for a DOT physical exam near me? Any commercial driver who needs a DOT medical card must be examined by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. A regular doctor who isn’t on the Registry can’t issue a valid certificate.
This guide shows how to find a certified examiner near you, exactly what the exam checks, what it costs and how to avoid getting a shorter certificate. Check your knowledge with the free DOT physical exam practice quiz.
Key takeaways
- Only examiners on the FMCSA National Registry can certify you.
- Certificates last up to 24 months, or less if you have a condition that needs monitoring.
- Key standards: 20/40 vision in each eye, the forced-whisper hearing test at 5 ft, and blood pressure of 140/90 or lower for a 2-year card.
- Bring your glasses or hearing aids, a medication list and records for any conditions.
USA DOT Physical Exam: Quick Facts
- Regulated by
- FMCSA (49 CFR 391.41–391.49)
- Who can examine
- Certified medical examiners on the National Registry
- Max certificate
- 24 months
- Typical cost
- About $75–$150 (varies by clinic and location)
- Time needed
- About 30–60 minutes
- Forms
- MCSA-5875 (report) · MCSA-5876 (certificate)
How to Find a DOT Physical Exam Near Me
The most reliable way is the official FMCSA National Registry search. Enter your ZIP code to see every certified examiner nearby, including occupational-health clinics, urgent cares, chiropractors and physician offices.
- Confirm Registry status before you book. Ask for the examiner’s National Registry number.
- Ask about walk-ins. Many occupational-health and urgent-care clinics do same-day DOT physicals.
- Ask about price upfront. Prices vary widely, and a urinalysis or extra testing may cost more.
- Check with your employer. Many carriers have a preferred clinic and pay for the exam.
CDL Medical Exam Near Me
A CDL medical exam is the same thing as a DOT physical. To find a CDL medical exam near me, search the FMCSA National Registry by ZIP code, then call a few listed clinics to compare price and walk-in availability. After you pass, keep your medical certificate, and make sure your state licensing agency has your current medical status so your CDL stays valid.
More on CDL Medical Exam Near Me →DOT Physical Exam Requirements (What’s Checked)
The examiner reviews your health history form and runs a standardized exam. These are the main standards:
| Area | Standard |
|---|---|
| Vision | At least 20/40 in each eye and both eyes together, with or without correction; 70° horizontal field in each eye; able to tell red, green and amber apart |
| Hearing | Hear a forced whisper at 5 feet or more in the better ear (hearing aids allowed), or pass an audiometric test |
| Blood pressure | 140/90 or lower for a 2-year card; Stage 1 (140–159/90–99) usually gets a 1-year card |
| Urinalysis | Screens for protein, blood and sugar. This is NOT a drug test |
| Physical exam | Heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities, neurological reflexes |
If vision in one eye doesn’t meet the standard, FMCSA’s alternative vision standard (with an eye specialist’s report) may still let you qualify. A complete eye exam before your physical can help.
Good to know
Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes can be certified if their treating clinician completes form MCSA-5870 within 45 days before the exam.
How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost?
Most drivers pay roughly $75 to $150 without insurance. Big-city clinics and exams that need extra testing (for example an audiogram or sleep-apnea follow-up) can cost more. Health insurance usually doesn’t cover DOT physicals because they’re job-related, but many employers pay or reimburse the cost.
More on How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost →What to Bring to Your DOT Physical
- Driver’s license and your current medical card if you’re renewing
- Glasses, contacts or hearing aids
- A complete list of medications with doses
- Records for any conditions: sleep apnea (CPAP compliance report), diabetes (recent A1C), heart conditions (cardiologist clearance), and so on
- Your completed MCSA-5875 driver health history, if the clinic sends it ahead
Pro tip
Take your blood-pressure medication as usual and skip caffeine and nicotine before the exam. A rushed, high reading is the most common reason drivers get a shorter certificate.
After Your DOT Physical
If you pass, you get a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876). Examiners report results to FMCSA, and CDL holders’ medical status is shared with their state licensing agency. Keep a copy of your certificate anyway. If you’re a new driver working toward a CDL, you’ll also need your state’s knowledge tests. For example, Florida drivers start with the Class E knowledge exam before moving up to commercial classes.
Veterans with service-connected conditions should know how those conditions are documented. See our C&P exam guide.
More on After Your DOT Physical →Free practice test
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Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA DOT Physical Exam practice test →USA DOT Physical Exam FAQs
How do I find a DOT physical exam near me?
Use the FMCSA National Registry search at nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter your ZIP code. Only examiners listed there can issue a valid DOT medical certificate.
Full answer →Is a CDL medical exam the same as a DOT physical?
Yes. A CDL medical exam is the FMCSA DOT physical, done by a certified medical examiner on the National Registry.
Full answer →How long is a DOT physical good for?
Up to 24 months. The examiner can issue a shorter certificate, such as 1 year, 6 months or 3 months, to monitor conditions like high blood pressure.
Full answer →Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
No. The urinalysis in a DOT physical only screens for protein, blood and sugar. DOT drug testing is a separate process that your employer requires.
Full answer →What disqualifies you from a DOT physical?
Common reasons include uncontrolled blood pressure (180/110 or higher), vision or hearing below the standards without an exemption, epilepsy or recent seizures, and some uncontrolled heart or respiratory conditions. Many conditions can still qualify with documentation or a shorter certificate.
Full answer →How much is a DOT physical without insurance?
Usually about $75–$150, depending on the clinic and your location.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.