Doctors Express - DOT Physicals

Urgent Care for Kent

DOT Certified Physicians

The DOT/ Commercial Driver's License Physical Requirements

The Department of Transportation / DOT Physical is one of the most important qualifications for any CDL driver. Its purpose is intended to help ensure the safety of both the CDL holder and the other drivers sharing the road with him. The DOT requires every CDL driver to receive periodic physical examinations conducted by an approved DOT medical examiner, like the Doctors at Doctors Express Southcenter. The DOT medical exam looks for certain pre-existing medical conditions that might impair a driver's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. A medical examiner's certificate, which is commonly known as a DOT medical card, provides proof the driver has meet the medical requirements to hold a CDL. In most states, a perspective CDL driver must hold a valid DOT medical card before a CDL learner's permit can be issued.

Basic DOT Medical Requirements

• A holder of a CDL must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. The key here is correctable vision and that means eye glasses or contact lenses are OK.
• A CDL driver cannot be a diabetic requiring needle-injected insulin. Diabetes controlled by diet may be permissible.

A driver's blood pressure must be 160 over 90 or less for a 24 month DOT Medical Certificate. Additional blood pressure standards:

• 140-159/90-99 - 12 month certificate
• 160-179/100-109 - 3 month temporary certificate
• Over 180/110 - DOT disqualifier

In some instances, a prescription blood pressure drug can be used to control high blood pressure.

• The blood sugar level must be under 200.
• The use of a narcotic or any other habit forming drugs will prevent you from passing the DOT physical.
• A current diagnosis of any cardiovascular disease or cardiac issues may require you to provide additional information from one of our Doctors.