DOT / CDL PHYSICALS

At QLMD Direct Primary Care, we perform DOT Physical Exams to assist drivers in obtaining a CDL Medical Card.

Tests at QLMD are quick and confidential. We pride ourselves on helping drivers manage any medical conditions they might have, so they can meet DOT requirements and continue to work safely. Schedule your appointment today using the link below!

Schedule Your DOT / CDL Physical Today

Before Your DOT Physical

Before your appointment, please download and fill out this form (link) then bring it with you to your appointment.

What To Bring To A DOT Physical

For drivers with hearing or vision problems

Bring their eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids.

For drivers with a history of diabetes

Bring the most recent lab results from their Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and their blood sugar logs. (We can perform the HgA1C in the office for an extra fee if you don’t have it.)

For drivers with a history of heart related issues, (including the use of a stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, or heart attack)

At a minimum, bring a letter from your cardiologist that outlines your medical history and current medications and indicates that you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle. You may also need to bring the results of a recent stress test, echocardiogram or other testing completed within the past 1-2 years.

For drivers with a history of Sleep Apnea and/or use of a CPAP machine

Bring a reading from your machine documenting proper use of your machine; a letter from your sleep specialist may be required.

For drivers with a history of stroke, seizure, brain tumor or bleeding in the brain

Bring a letter from your neurologist that outlines your medical history, current medications, and current neurologic and psychiatric state.

For drivers who have experienced the permanent loss of use in an arm or a leg

Bring an overview from your physician of the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury. You may need a Skilled Performance Examination in order to qualify for your DOT card.

For drivers who are taking any medications that may cause sedation or sleepiness or controlled substances (including narcotics, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication)

You will most likely need a note and medical records from your treating physician regarding the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medications.

For Drivers who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin)

Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor.

If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary or specialty physician or with us before your re-certification date.

The above are guidelines only, and not meant to be all inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the exam. Additional testing or/information may be required by your DOT examiner.

What the DOT Physical Covers

1. Vision

Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction (glasses or contacts). They are also required to have at least 70 degrees peripheral vision in the horizontal median, measured in each eye.

2. Hearing

Drivers must be able to perceive what is known as a “forced whisper” at a distance of 5 feet or less with or without a hearing aid. This equates to an average hearing loss in the better ear of less than 40 decibels.

3. Blood pressure/pulse

The medical examiner will check the driver’s blood pressure and and pulse to look for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.

4. Urinalysis

A urinalysis is required. This test looks for underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.

5. Physical Examination

The physical exam will cover a dozen different categories:

General appearance
Eyes (cataracts, glaucoma, color vision, etc.)
Ears (scarring of tympanic membrane, perforated eardrums, etc.)
Mouth and throat (to look for problems with breathing and swallowing)
Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
Lungs and chest, not including breast examination (to look for abnormal breathing, impaired respiratory functions, cyanosis, etc.)
Abdomen and viscera (enlarged liver, viscera, muscle weakness)
Vascular (abnormal pulse, carotid, varicose veins)
Genitourinary (hernias)
Extremities (limb impairment)
Spine, other musculoskeletal (previous surgery, limitation of motion, tenderness, etc.)
Neurological (impaired equilibrium, coordination or speech pattern, ataxia, asymmetric deep tendon reflexes)

A DOT physical can only be completed by a medical examiner who is certified by the FMSA. It is up to the Medical Examiner to determine if a candidate meets all the requirements, and to mark the report to the best of their knowledge.