DOT Physicals

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires applicants and holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) to undergo a physical exam every two (2) years. These exams are to ensure that drivers can physically operate commercial vehicles safely.

Some of the requirements of the test include:

• Ability to recognize colors of traffic signals (red, yellow, green)
• Ability to hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away, with or without a hearing aid
• 20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without correction
• No current diagnosis of high blood pressure which interferes with ability to control a commercial vehicle safely
• No use of habit-forming drugs

As of May 21, 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) required that physicians become certified medical examiners in order to perform DOT physicals. At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, all of our Physician Staff are certified. DOT physicals require no appointment.

What to bring to your DOT Physical?

To facilitate your visit, please review the following suggestions to help you prepare for your exam:

1. Please bring a list of all your current medications, including physician name, contact information, and dosages. If you currently take medication on a regular basis, remember to continue to take your medication as prescribed.
2. You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test – If you use eyeglasses, contact lenses or a hearing aid – please bring those items with you.
3. Blood pressure must be under 140/90. If you are currently taking blood pressure medication, remember to take it the day of your exam.
4. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar should be controlled through oral medication or diet. Drivers cannot be on injectable insulin (without the waiver). Bring documentation of A1c performed within the last 6 months (must be within normal range).
5. If you see a physician regularly for conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, neurological conditions, etc., please provide clearance letters from your physician to be considered for licensure.
6. Drivers who have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine should provide a minimum of 90 days of data from their machine. Clearance documentation should be provided by your physician.
7. For drivers who currently take medication that may cause sleepiness/drowsiness or controlled dangerous substances (such as ADHD medication, narcotics for pain or psychiatric conditions or sleeping pills), you should provide documentation from your prescribing physician clearing you for commercial driving.
8. If you have a history of heart-related issues (including cardiac bypass surgery, valve replacement, open heart surgery, pacemaker, or stent), you should provide documentation from your cardiologist that includes current medication and medical history and states that you are “cleared to drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions". You may also have to provide a record of recent (within the last 12 months) stress tests, Echocardiograms, or another pertinent testing.
9. Clearance is required by the DOT from treating physicians for the following conditions – recent back injury, a current hernia, recent major surgery, or recent workers’ compensation claims.

DOT Physical FAQs for Drivers:

Q. When should I consider getting a DOT physical renewal? How does a new driver get a DOT physical?

A. A DOT physical is required when a commercial driver needs to either apply for their CDL or renew it, in order to continue driving. A DOT physical can be completed at a provider’s office that offers these physicals such as an urgent care center.

Q. What should I prepare for before I visit for my DOT physical?

A. Make sure you bring in any documentation that is necessary for your provider including medication records and prescriptions for existing health conditions. Any new health concerns or ailments should also be provided to your provider.

Q. What should I expect during my DOT Physical?

A. During a DOT physical, you should expect a full review of your overall health, existing conditions, hearing, vision, and blood pressure along with standard physical exam services. A DOT physical also evaluates current conditions to determine your fitness to operate a commercial vehicle.

Q. Where can I get a DOT physical?

A. Patients can always schedule or walk-in as a patient to AFC Urgent Care Edgewater for DOT physicals at 3059 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater, MD. We’re also open every day to serve patients for DOT physicals

Q. Where is a local urgent care center nearby for DOT Physicals?

A. AFC Urgent Care Edgewater is located near the following communities: Edgewater, MD; Annapolis, MD; Davidsonville, MD; Largo, MD; as well as Rolling Hills, MD.

The above list provides guidelines for preparation for DOT exams. Additional testing and/or information may be required by the DOT examiner.

AFC Urgent Care Edgewater is open 7 days a week with extended hours Monday through Sunday 8:00am – 6:00pm. No appointment is necessary. We are conveniently located in Edgewater at 3059 Solomons Island Road, across from Lee Airpark.