DOT EXAM – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Victoria Ajayi, CRNP is a certified medical examiner with the USDOT and can issue a certified medical certificate for those who pass the DOT exam. As a trusted healthcare provider in Parkville, MD, she offers these exams with professionalism and attention to detail.

The DOT physical is highly regulated by the FCMSA. Victoria Ajayi knows the seriousness of these regulations and complies completely.

Your DOT exam will include the following components:

Overview discussion of injuries in the recent past
Evaluation of current medications and prescriptions
Evaluation of any known medical situations such as heart disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Physical exam.
Vitals assessment i.e. Blood pressure & pulse.
Vision perception test.
Hearing exam
Urine analysis.
Kasper report and possibly a urine drug screen, if taking controlled substances or require by employer.
Other possible tests as needed for cardiac or pulmonary & respiratory conditions.

The basic requirements for passing a DOT physical exam under the new standards are:

At least 20/40 correctable vision in each eye as well as both combined. Glasses or contacts are allowed.
Must be able to distinguish colors used in on-road signs and signals.
Passing a forced whisper test to assess adequate hearing. (Minimum of 5 feet)
Controlled blood pressure under 140/90. Prescription medication may be used to accomplish this.
If a Diabetic, must be non-insulin dependent.
Maximum blood sugar level of 200 or less.
No use of a schedule I drug (controlled substance), amphetamine, narcotic or habit-forming drug.

Before you arrive at our office for your DOT exam, please do the following:

Arrive 20 minutes ahead of scheduled appointment for completing paperwork.
You can download a copy of the DOT form you’ll need by clicking here.

Please bring the following with you as they apply to you:

Glasses, contacts etc.
A list of prescription medication you use as well as over the counter medications.
A list of doctors you’ve seen in the recent past and their contact information.
If you’re a Diabetic, bring sugar level results or a hemoglobin A1C report for the last 3 months.
If you have a heart condition, bring your most recent stress test results if possible.

Passing or Failing your DOT exam:

If you pass the exam a certificate will be issued which is valid for 2 years.

Common reasons for failing a DOT exam include high blood pressure and/or an elevated blood sugar. Both of these can usually be controlled with medication. In some cases we are still able to issue a short term certificate allowing you to drive. These are 3 month or 12 month instead of the usual 24 month certificates and require follow up visits with the doctor for monitoring of the medial condition.

Other reasons for failing an exam are any of the following situations: Vision problems that cannot be adequately corrected with lenses, impairment or loss of limbs, insulin dependence, use of certain controlled drugs, ( Methadone, Marijuana, Miraplex etc.) mental disorders, uncontrollable hypertension, epilepsy or any other medial condition which could hinder you from operating a vehicle safely.

A drug test is not necessary unless required by your particular employer.

Charges for your DOT exam:

Victoria Ajayi, CRNP charges an affordable price for the DOT exam.
The charge includes the physical exam and urine screen. You may be referred out to a specialist if your condition requires additional testing, such as an audiometry for hearing, a pulmonary function test for asthma or a stress test for a heart condition. There may be additional charges.

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FAQs About the DOT Physical

What should I expect when I go in for a DOT physical?

When you come in for a DOT physical, we follow federally required steps to assess your overall fitness to drive a commercial vehicle. This includes reviewing your medical history, checking your vital signs, testing your vision and hearing, and conducting a urinalysis. We make sure every part of the exam is thorough and in line with FMCSA standards.

How do I know if my health condition will affect the outcome of the exam?

We look at each case individually. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or past injuries don’t automatically disqualify you. What matters is how well your condition is managed and whether it interferes with your ability to drive safely. We often request recent documentation or may issue short-term certification when appropriate.

Why is the DOT physically structured the way it is?

The DOT physical is based on federal regulations that are designed to ensure a driver is physically and mentally able to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. We follow these standards closely to help maintain public safety and driver wellness across the transportation industry.

What do I need to bring with me to be fully prepared for the exam?

We recommend bringing a list of your current medications, including dosages and prescribing physicians, any necessary assistive devices like glasses or hearing aids, and recent lab results if you have a condition like diabetes or heart disease. This allows us to complete your exam without delays or extra follow-ups.

How is the certification decision made after the exam?

After we complete the evaluation, we determine if you meet the FMCSA’s medical standards. If everything checks out, we issue a certification that’s typically valid for two years. If there are medical issues that need monitoring, we may issue a short-term certificate and provide guidance on next steps.

What happens if further testing is needed after the physical?

In some cases, we may need additional information or specialist evaluations—for example, a stress test for heart concerns or a hearing exam if you have hearing loss. We’ll let you know exactly what’s needed and help you understand how to proceed so the certification process stays on track.

What is the benefit of completing this physical regularly?

Besides meeting legal requirements, regular DOT physicals help identify health concerns early. Through these evaluations, we help drivers stay informed about their health status, manage chronic conditions, and take steps to maintain long-term fitness for driving.

Take Control of Your Health—We’re Here Every Step of the Way

Whether you’re managing a condition or starting fresh with preventive care, our dedicated team is ready to support your journey to better health—contact us today to book your visit.