DOT Physical FAQ: Answers to the Questions CDL Drivers Ask Most

After 40 years of examining commercial drivers, Dr. David Jacobsen has heard just about every dot physical question a driver can ask — before the exam, on the table, and after walking out the door. This page collects the 14 most common ones and answers them straight, in plain English. If you want to go deeper on any topic, every answer links to the full guide. And if you're ready to get on the schedule, book your exam online or call us at (386) 226-0011.

Before the Exam

1. What is a DOT physical, and do I need one?

A DOT physical is a federally required medical exam that confirms you're physically and mentally fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. If you hold or are applying for a CDL, federal law requires you to pass one and maintain a valid medical card to drive.

The exam is governed by FMCSA standards under 49 CFR Part 391. It covers everything from blood pressure and vision to neurological function and medication review. If you drive a commercial vehicle for a living, there's no getting around it — but there's also nothing to fear if you come in prepared. Get the full picture at our complete CDL physical guide.

2. How do I schedule a DOT physical near me?

You schedule a DOT physical with an FMCSA-certified medical examiner — and OneCare CDL in Daytona Beach, FL is one. Call us at (386) 226-0011 or book your exam online at /book.

Dr. Jacobsen is listed on the FMCSA National Registry, which means your results are reported directly to the federal database. OneCare CDL is appointment-based, so call ahead or book online to lock in your time. Same-day medical card issuance is available for drivers who pass. For more on finding an examiner, see our guide on how to find a DOT medical examiner.

3. What should I bring to my DOT physical?

Bring a valid government-issued ID, your current glasses or contacts if you use them, a list of all medications you take, and documentation for any ongoing medical conditions. Showing up prepared saves time and avoids surprises.

If you have a relevant medical history — sleep apnea equipment, insulin records, a previous waiver or exemption — bring that documentation too. The more complete the picture you give the examiner, the smoother the visit goes. See the full rundown in our DOT physical checklist.

4. How long does a DOT physical take?

Most DOT physicals take between 30 and 60 minutes from check-in to medical card. If additional review is needed for a complex health history, it may take a bit longer.

The exam itself is methodical but not slow — Dr. Jacobsen has done this for four decades and knows how to keep things moving without cutting corners. Want to know exactly what happens minute by minute? Read how long a DOT physical takes and what to expect.

5. How much does a DOT physical cost?

The cost of a DOT physical varies by provider, but OneCare CDL offers competitive, transparent pricing with no surprise fees. We also offer a combo CDL physical and drug test option that saves you time and money.

Pricing can shift based on whether you're a new or returning driver, and whether you add services like a drug test. For current 2026 pricing, see our DOT physical cost guide. To book and confirm your rate, call (386) 226-0011 or visit /book.

6. What does the DOT physical exam test for?

The DOT physical checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart and lung function, neurological health, urinalysis, and your overall physical and mental fitness to drive safely. The examiner also reviews your medical history and current medications.

It is a head-to-toe evaluation — not a quick check. Dr. Jacobsen reviews every system because FMCSA requires it, and because your health on the road matters. For a step-by-step breakdown of what the exam covers, visit our complete DOT physical exam guide.

What Happens During the Exam

7. Does a DOT physical include a drug test?

No — a DOT physical and a DOT drug test are two separate requirements. You may need both, but they are not automatically combined.

Many drivers assume the urine sample collected during the exam is the drug test. It isn't — that sample is checked for kidney function indicators, not controlled substances. A DOT drug test requires a separate chain-of-custody specimen collected by a certified collector. OneCare CDL offers both services, and our CDL Physical + Drug Test Combo is a convenient way to knock out both in one visit. Read more at does a DOT physical include a drug test.

8. What are the blood pressure requirements for a DOT physical?

Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 to receive a full two-year medical card. Readings between 140/90 and 179/109 may result in a shorter certification period, and readings at or above 180/110 are disqualifying until blood pressure is controlled.

Blood pressure is one of the most common reasons drivers don't pass on the first attempt. If yours runs high, there are steps you can take before your exam. See the full breakdown of FMCSA stages and what each means for your certification in our DOT physical blood pressure requirements guide.

9. Is there a vision and hearing test?

Yes — both vision and hearing are tested at every DOT physical. You must meet minimum standards in each to be certified.

For vision, you need at least 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without correction), adequate field of vision, and the ability to distinguish traffic signal colors. For hearing, you need to perceive a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away, or pass an audiometric test. Glasses, contacts, and hearing aids are all permitted. Get the details in our CDL vision requirements guide and our CDL hearing requirements guide.

10. What is the urine test checking for?

The urinalysis at your DOT physical checks for indicators of kidney disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions — not drugs. A dipstick test analyzes protein, glucose, blood, and specific gravity in your urine sample.

If the results flag something concerning, Dr. Jacobsen will discuss it with you. High glucose, for example, may prompt questions about diabetes management. It's a health screen, not a trap. For a plain-English explanation of every element on the test strip, read our DOT physical urinalysis guide.

After the Exam

11. How long is the medical card valid?

Most drivers receive a medical card valid for up to two years. However, if you have a health condition being monitored — such as high blood pressure or diabetes — your examiner may certify you for a shorter period (one year, six months, or three months) and require you to come back sooner.

In Florida, your exam result transmits electronically from the National Registry to FLHSMV and posts to your driving record, so you no longer send a paper certificate to the state yourself. Your examiner will still issue you a paper copy — keep it. For drivers in other states, check with your state licensing agency for what applies to you. Learn more about keeping your card current in our DOT physical renewal guide.

12. What happens if I don't pass?

Not passing a DOT physical doesn't always mean your driving career is over. Some conditions result in a temporary disqualification that can be resolved with treatment, documentation, or a specialist's clearance.

Dr. Jacobsen's approach is to tell you exactly what the issue is and what your options are — not just hand you a disqualifying form and send you on your way. Some drivers qualify for FMCSA waivers or exemptions. Others simply need to get a condition under control and reschedule. See what the process looks like in our guide on what happens if you fail a DOT physical.

13. Can I retake the DOT physical?

Yes — there is no mandatory waiting period imposed by FMCSA between attempts. If you address the disqualifying condition, you can schedule a new exam.

For example, if your blood pressure was too high on exam day, you can work with your physician to get it under control, then come back. If a medication disclosure raised a question, a letter from your treating doctor may resolve it. Call (386) 226-0011 to discuss your situation before booking a repeat exam — we can help you understand what to address first.

14. What should I do if my medical card is about to expire?

Don't wait until it expires — schedule your renewal exam before your current card runs out. Driving with an expired medical card puts your CDL at risk.

A good rule of thumb: schedule your renewal exam 60 to 90 days before your expiration date. That buffer gives you time to handle any follow-up if something comes up during the exam. In Florida, once you pass, your updated certification posts electronically to your driving record. Keep your paper copy as a backup. For everything you need to know about the renewal process, visit our medical card renewal guide — then book your renewal exam online or call (386) 226-0011.

Ready to Get Your DOT Physical Done Right?

Whether you're a new CDL driver getting your first exam or a veteran due for renewal, OneCare CDL in Daytona Beach, FL is here to make the process straightforward. Dr. David Jacobsen has been certifying commercial drivers for over 40 years — that's experience you can count on.

We offer CDL physicals for new and returning drivers, as well as DOT drug testing services if you need both handled in one place.

Book your exam at /book or call (386) 226-0011) to schedule. OneCare CDL is appointment-based — reach out today to lock in your time.