STEP ONE: Driver Health History 
Before meeting with the examiner, you must fill out the top part of the DOT physical form. The first section has room for your name, social security number, birth date, driver’s license number, address, and telephone number. The second section asks about your medical history. Be sure to answer each question truthfully or you could face serious legal consequences in the future.

You must indicate whether you have had any of the following:
 

• Brain injuries or neurological disorders
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Loss of hearing
• Heart attack or heart disease
• Impaired vision
• Kidney disease
• Digestive problems
• Psychiatric disorders
• Dizziness or fainting
• Paralysis
• Stroke
• Missing limbs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chronic pain

STEP TWO: DOT Physical Exam Procedure
In order to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. A qualified examiner may be a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. The examiner will review your health history and ask you to list the medications you take on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
 

• Check your pulse and blood pressure
• Perform a vision test
• Observe your general appearance
• Examine your eyes, throat, mouth, and ears
• Listen to your heart and lungs
• Check for spine deformities
• Perform a neurological exam
• Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
• Perform a hernia check

STEP THREE:  Pass or Fail
If the examiner determines you have passed your physical, you will  be given an updated medical certificate. If you do not pass the examination for any reason, the doctor will explain what needs to be addressed to meet current FMCSA guidelines. 

What To Expect at Your Appointment