What is a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam?
A DOT physical is a health examination mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. A DOT physical helps determine if a driver is physically, mentally and emotionally fit to operate a CMV.
What does a DOT physical exam consist of?
During a DOT physical, a certified medical examiner (CME) will check your vital signs, review your medical history and perform a required hands-on physical examination that includes, but is not limited to the following:
- General appearance
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth and throat
- Heart
- Lungs and chest
- Extremities
- Nervous system
- Hernias
- Back and spine
How much does a DOT physical exam cost?
Department of Transportation physical exams cost $100 at UT Health East Texas Physicians.
Why get a DOT physical exam?
If you are a commercial driver, for your safety and the public’s safety, FMCSA requires you to complete and pass a DOT physical to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). You are required to complete and pass a DOT physical if you:
- Operate a motor vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds.
- Operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people.
- Are paid to operate a motor vehicle designed to carry more than eight people.
- Transport hazardous materials that required your vehicle to be placarded.
How are DOT physical exam results reported?
The CME will issue you a medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) – also called a DOT medical card – when you meet the DOT physical requirements.
Where to get a DOT physical exam?
UT Health East Texas Physicians has locations across East Texas for your convenience. This includes Canton, Frankston, Gun Barrel City, Henderson, Mineola, Quitman, Pittsburg and two locations in Tyler. Our providers follow the specific guidelines of the FMCSA to ensure that commercial drivers are in satisfactory health and able to work safely. See the complete list of our nine DOT physical exam locations with hours of operation to the right.
