DOT Physicals

The Department of Transportation (DOT)  requires a specialized physical exam for employees operating a commercial motor vehicle at least every other year. This is needed to be considered compliant and able to work.

Tomo offers DOT physicals at our Tulsa Oklahoma Office or can utilize our nationwide network of clinics to find a provider convenient for you.

semi truck on high way

Tomo provides Testing Services for the Department of Transportation

A DOT physical follows strict guidelines mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This ensures that drivers, commercial drivers, and other safety-sensitive employees are in good health and physically capable of performing their job duties.

According to the FMCSA, “A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination must be conducted by a licensed ‘medical examiner’ listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The term includes, but is not limited to, doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), and doctor of chiropractic (DC).”

What do I need for my DOT physical?

  • A list of all medications, including dosage information and prescribing doctor name and address
  • Drivers with vision aids need to bring their glasses and or contacts
  • Drivers with hearing problems need to bring their hearing aids
  • Drivers with diabetes must bring their most recent lab results from their Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C) and their blood sugar logs
  • Drivers with heart-related issues must bring a letter from their cardiologist outlining their medical history, current medications, and indication they are safe to work

You can find a more comprehensive list here.

What happens during my DOT physical?

  • Vision check: Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. They are also required to have at least 70” peripheral in the horizontal meridian, measured in each eye.
  • Hearing check:  Drivers must be able to perceive what is known as a “forced whisper” at a distance of five feet or less, with or without a hearing aid. This standard equates to an average hearing loss in the better ear of less than 40 dB.
  • Blood pressure/pulse rate: Blood pressure and pulse will be taken to identify signs of high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
  • Urinalysis: This test is required by DOT and looks for underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
  • Physical Examination: The physical exam will cover eyes, ears, mouth and throat, heart and vascular, lungs and chest, abdomen, extremities, spine and musculoskeletal, and neurological health.

After the DOT exam, you will receive a DOT physical form. The Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875, can be found here. The MER contains the driver’s information, health history, and findings from the doctor during the DOT exam.