Department of Transportation / DOT

DOT physicals, also known as commercial driver’s license (CDL) physicals, are medical examinations that commercial vehicle drivers are required to undergo to ensure that they are physically and mentally capable of operating a commercial motor vehicle safely.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), regulates and sets the standards for CDL physicals. Sharon Larsen, DNP, APN is an FMCSA-certified medical examiners and is authorized to conduct these physicals and determine if drivers meet the physical and mental qualifications to operate a commercial vehicle. During a DOT physical, our provider will evaluate the driver’s overall health, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general fitness. If the driver passes the DOT physical, they will receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), which is valid for up to two years, depending on the driver’s health status. Drivers with certain medical conditions or health concerns may receive a shorter certification period.