UNDERSTANDING DOT PHYSICAL EXAMS
A DOT physical is a medical exam required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The purpose of this exam is to assess whether a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of safely operating a CMV. As a commercial driver, you are considered a safety-sensitive employee. To protect both you and the public, the FMCSA requires you to successfully complete a DOT physical in order to keep
your commercial driver’s license (CDL) valid.

WHO PERFORMS A DOT PHYSICAL?
The Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical requirements that a CMV driver must meet to pass their DOT exam. Excel Urgent Cares is legally required to follow these criteria when performing the physical.

The FMCSA only allows certified medical examiners to perform DOT physicals. Our offices has at least one CME on staff – our CMEs undergo extensive training and are certified by the FMCSA to perform DOT physicals.

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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A DOT PHYSICAL

During a DOT physical, a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) will assess your vital signs, go over your medical history, and conduct a required hands-on physical exam. This evaluation includes, but is not limited to:

•  Overall physical appearance

• Eyes

• Ears

• Mouth and throat

• Heart

• Lungs and chest

• Limbs and extremities

• Nervous system

• Hernias

• Back and spine

 

If you meet all DOT physical requirements, the CME will provide you with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), commonly known as a DOT medical card. Maintaining a valid DOT medical card is essential—without it, you risk losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

As of 2023, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2) and/or vision in only one eye (monocular vision) must comply with updated certification standards. Any required exemption forms must be completed at least 45 days prior to taking the DOT physical exam.

DO YOU NEED A DOT PHYSICAL?
You must complete and pass a DOT physical if you:

• Drive a motor vehicle in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating

• (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross combination weight exceeding 10,000 pounds

• Operate a vehicle built to transport more than 15 passengers

• Are compensated to drive a vehicle designed to carry more than eight passengers

• Haul hazardous materials that require your vehicle to display placards

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Getting Your DOT Physical Is Simple and Convenient
To receive your DOT medical card, you must meet all DOT physical requirements.
 

Here’s what to expect:
STEP 1: Schedule Your Exam
Reach out to your nearest Excel Urgent Care location to book your DOT physical. Walk-ins are welcome.

STEP 2: Complete Your Physical
Your DOT exam includes a review of your medical history, a comprehensive physical examination documented electronically through the Medical Examination Report, and a urine test required for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination.

STEP 3: Medical Exam Reporting
After your exam is finished, your results are submitted electronically to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). If you meet the certification standards, you will receive a copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate.