How Long Is a DOT Physical Good For?

Have you scheduled your DOT physical but want more information? From helping you understand the answer to "How long is a DOT physical good for," to providing you with an FMCSA compliance checklist, FMCA Filings is the one-stop source for all your trucking administrative needs. Keep reading to discover everything you should know about the physical from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

What Is the DOT Physical?

The DOT physical exam is a health check required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help uphold public safety by reducing the frequency of accidents caused by commercial drivers.

All operators with commercial driver's licenses must obtain a biennial physical if they:

• Transport hazardous materials that require a truck placard
• Operate vehicles intended for 15 or more passengers
• Qualify as employees who transport more than eight passengers
• Drive a vehicle with a gross weight of over 10,000 pounds

The FMCSA requires the physical every 24 months. However, certain conditions can increase how often you'll need recertification with a new physical.

What Happens During the DOT Physical

What happens when you schedule your physical with the Department of Transportation? FMCA Filings can help you find a DOT-certified doctor who will perform the following examination.

Vision and Hearing Tests

Whether naturally or with corrective lenses, you must maintain a visual acuity of 20/40 in both eyes. The doctor will also ensure you have a peripheral vision of at least 70". As of 2024, if you fail either test in only one eye but pass the other physical qualifications, you may still qualify to keep driving.

As a driver, you must remain capable of hearing what the DOT calls a forced whisper from no greater than five feet away. Having a hearing aid doesn't disqualify you from this test. However, if you pass the test with a hearing aid, you must wear it whenever you operate the vehicle.

Blood Pressure and Pulse Check

The medical definition of stage-one hypertension (high blood pressure) is a result between 140/90 and 159/99. With this diagnosis, you'll require a new physical every year. Stage two hypertension consists of a result between 160/100 and 179/109, which will certify you for only three months. Blood pressure over 180/110 disqualifies you from driving. However, you can schedule another physical in six months if you manage to reduce your blood pressure.

The doctor will also test for irregular heartbeats, which indicate you face a higher risk of experiencing a dangerous medical event while driving.

Urine Analysis

A urine analysis can help detect underlying conditions like diabetes and also functions as a drug test.

Sleep Apnea Test

If you report any of the following symptoms, your doctor will perform a sleep apnea test:

• Drowsiness or fatigue during the day
• Morning headaches
• A sore throat or dry mouth when you awake
• Gasping in your sleep
• Heavy and persistent snoring

Some people can take a sleep test at home using a device that measures your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and breathing patterns.

Standard Physical

Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and check your:

• Eyes to test for non-acuity issues like cataracts and glaucoma
• Ears to determine if you have a perforated eardrum or other issue
• Heart, chest, and lungs to check the possibility you have heart or breathing problems
• Abdomen for muscle weakness, liver enlargement, or ulcers
• Reflexes and extremities
• Bowels for hernias or obstructions

Finding a Disqualifying Medical Issue

If your doctor finds various physical or mental conditions or evidence of certain drugs or medications, they can disqualify you from driving. Depending on the issue, you can sometimes take another physical and attempt recertification after a designated number of months. Your doctor may also exempt you if they believe with reasonable certainty you can still drive safely.

Physical Conditions

The following physical conditions will disqualify you from operating a commercial vehicle:

• Defects or impairments in or loss of limb or appendage
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory diseases
• Epilepsy or narcolepsy
• Certain colorblindness
• Severe hearing loss

Mental Health Issues

The DOT regulations disqualify drivers with the following conditions:

• Major depression, including bipolar
• Antisocial personality disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders

Disqualifying Medications

If drug tests find evidence of any of the following in your system, the doctor will disqualify you:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• PCP
• Any prescription you don't have a prescription for
• Any other scheduled drug

Learn More From FMCA Filings

How long is a DOT physical good for? If you're in good health, you'll only need recertification every two years. Whether you seek a DOT-certified doctor or wonder about DOT regulations for dump trucks, the diverse knowledge base and expert agents at FMCA Filings can provide you with all the answers you need. You can reach out to us by filling out an online form or speaking with a team member using our live chat feature.