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First Care Medical Clinic

DOT Physical

GET YOUR DOT & CDL CERTIFICATE WITH OUR SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS!

 

 

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required of people who drive commercial vehicles. The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires them for the safety of the public. 

First Care Medical Clinic can service at all six locations in North Carolina locations in Monroe, Albemarle, Gastonia, and Charlotte, or one clinic in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

To schedule a visit, call the First Care Medical Clinic office nearest you or click the button below to book an appointment online.

Schedule Appointment

How Can You Get a DOT Physical?

 

DOT Physicals can only be performed by health care professionals who are certified by the FMCSA. You can search for a licensed medical examiner here. Licensed medical examiners may be:

  • Doctors of medicine (MD)
  • Doctors of osteopathy (DO)
  • Physician assistants (PA)
  • Doctors of chiropractor (DC)
  • Advanced practice nurses (APN)


What is a DOT Physical?

You will need a DOT physical if you: 

  • Drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people.
  • Are paid to drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 8 people.
  • Carry hazardous material in your vehicle that requires your vehicle to have a placard.
  • Drive a vehicle on the interstate with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

You will need a DOT physical if you: 

  • Drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people.
  • Are paid to drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 8 people.
  • Carry hazardous material in your vehicle that requires your vehicle to have a placard.
  • Drive a vehicle on the interstate with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds

How To Prepare For a DOT Physical?

You can fill out the driver’s portion of the exam at home if you want to save time on the day of the physical. You will also need to bring:

  • A list of all of your doctors’ names and addresses
  • A list of all of your medicines, including the dosage
  • Your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, if you use them
  • A record of your blood sugar readings and your most recent Hgb A1C if you have diabetes
  • A record from your CPAP machine showing proper use for at least 90 days if you have sleep apnea
  • A letter from your cardiologist indicating you’re safe to drive a DOT physical if you have heart issues
  • The results of recent heart tests, if you’ve had them
  • A letter from your neurologist if you’ve had a stroke, a brain tumor, seizure disorder, or bleeding in the brain 
  • A letter and medical records from your doctor if you’re taking any medicines that can cause sleepiness or are controlled substances
  • A letter from your doctor if you’ve lost permanent use of an arm or leg, including any work restrictions 
  • A letter from your doctor and a recent blood level and clearance test if you’re taking the blood thinner Coumadin