DOT Physicals

The FMCSA—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a complete physical exam for anyone applying for a Commercial driver’s License (CDL) in the state of Texas for a large commercial vehicle. The DOT physical helps determine if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a CMV. A medical certificate is valid for two years, and after expiration, another physical is needed to maintain your license. Also, a certificate may not be valid for the full 24 months if you have a condition that needs monitoring, like high blood pressure. Southwest Urgent Care provides comprehensive DOT physical walk-in service seven days a week. Our providers follow specific guidelines of the FMCSA to ensure that commercial drivers are in satisfactory health condition to work. Book your appointment now or stop by at your convenience for your next DOT physical exam!

What Is Involved in a DOT Physicals Exam?

During the DOT physical exam, a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) will check your vitals, review your medical history, including use of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and perform a hands-on physical examination, including:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Blood pressure and pulse rate
• Urinalysis (for conditions such as diabetes)
• Mouth and throat (for breathing or swallowing problems)
• Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
• Lungs and chest (for abnormal breathing and respiratory impairment)
• Extremities
• Nervous system (for impaired equilibrium, ataxia, and more)
• Hernias
• Back and spine

Southwest Urgent Care maintains current, comprehensive knowledge of DOT regulations. In view of the fact that DOT physicals call for a particular protocol, the patient should have everything they need before arriving for the physicals.

Who Must Have a DOT Physical Exam?

Passing a DOT physical examination is mandated by the FMCSA for CMV drivers to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license. You need to undergo DOT physicals if you are: A motor vehicle driver for interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight of over 10,000 pounds. The driver of a motor vehicle carrying more than 15 people Transporter of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to have a sign or placard.

Whether you are an individual or a company needing DOT-related medical services for your employees, Southwest Urgent Care can help you manage it. Request our DOT Physical program to keep working and growing your business.

Southwest Urgent Care also offers DOT drug testing and screening, applicant testing, random, post-accident, breath or saliva alcohol testing, and other services.