DOT (DMV/CDL) Examination

Our DOT (DMV/CDL) Examination Service is designed to facilitate certification of commercial drivers and operators in compliance with the requirements set by the CA Department of Motor Vehic (DMV) & Department of Transportation (DOT). 

How should I prepare for a DOT (DMV/CDL) physical?

All drivers want the exam process to go smoothly and easily, and it helps when you're well prepared. Maintaining good health through balanced diet & regular exercise, getting checkup periodically, and if necessary, taking your medications as prescribed, goes a long way to ensure that you will avoid all of the pre-exam anxiety and be able to pass your DOT exam each time.

Ideally, having access to a computer with internet and a printer would save you a lot of time. 

1. Before your appointment, open the required form by clicking on this link: (FMCSA form MCSA 5875).

2. Fill out page 1 & 2, sign your name at the end of page 2, then PRINT PAGES 1 TO 5, and bring them to the exam. Otherwise, you will be required to complete this form before the examination.

3. You must have your glasses/contact or hearing aid with you for the examination if you have any vision or hearing issues that require their use while driving.  

4. Lastly, take all required medications as prescribed by your doctor and/or a glass of water at least an hour before the appointment. You shouldn't come with an empty stomach, but food should preferably be consumed an hour prior to the examination.

What does the DOT (DMV/CDL) physical entails?

DOT physical is a short but critical process. The goal of the exam is to ensure that you are healthy enough to safely operate a commercial vehicle. It is not a regular physical and does NOT include a breast, gynecological or prostate/rectal exam. 

The examiner will first review your medical history provided in your form (FMCSA form MCSA 5875). This includes past surgeries, list of current medications you take, as well as any existing health symptoms or medical conditions and treatments that you may have had.

As part of the examination, your blood pressure, vision, hearing will be tested. A urine test (NOT a drug test) will also be performed to check for signs of diseases. A physical examination will then follows where all major body systems that may affect your ability to work will be evaluated. Please be aware that there are specific requirements that the examiner must adhere to during the examination. 

What happens after the examination?

If you're deemed sufficiently safe and healthy, the examiner will issue you a Medical Examiner Certificate (MEC) that will be valid for up to two years. 

Any health concerns noted by the medical examiner that may shorten or prevent your certification period will be made aware to you at that time. 

What to do if you fail the DOT (DMV/CDL) exam? 

In some instances, missing information (medication info, clearance...) or equipment (eyeglasses, hearing aid...) may temporarily prevent or delay certification. You will be instructed on what is needed in order to complete the exam. 

Unfortunately, there are medical conditions that have the potential to preclude driving due to their harmful nature, or due to their effects on your ability to drive. In certain cases, however, a driver could still be qualified to drive following a properly managed course of care or period of observation. The medical examiner will advise you if there are options to consider in order to pass and obtain your certificate. In some instances, even if you failed the exam, you're still qualify for a California intrastate restricted medical certificate (DL 51B) .

For further questions or concerns about medical requirements, you may visit the FMCSA’s FAQ page.  

Special Circumstances:

In the event that you have existing vision issues or one discovered following the exam, please print out Vision Evaluation Report form (FMCSA form MCSA 5871) and bring to your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist for certification.

In the event that you are an insulin dependent diabetic, please print out Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (FMCSA form MCSA 5870) and bring to your treating doctor for certification.

If you are on medications for health conditions that may affect driving, the medical examiner may require you to bring CMV Driver Medication Form (FMCSA form MCSA 5895) to your doctor for certification.

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