DOT Exams

for commercial drivers licenses
Call 617-591-4660

CHA provides DOT physical exams to people from across the Boston region.

Our doctors are listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). This means they are trained, tested, and certified to perform exams for people with a commercial driver's license (CDL) who may drive in interstate commerce. Call 617-591-4660 today.

What you need to know

Federal regulations require anyone applying for a CDL or holding a CDL to pass a Department of Transportation exam that follows the regulations and guidelines of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (dot.gov). These standards also apply to other commercial drivers who operate a vehicle with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more - including non-CDL holders (hoisting/hydraulic operators, box truck drivers, commercial bus drivers, limousine drivers, and others).

This exam will certify you can safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Once you pass the exam, you have 24 months before you must retake it, unless you have certain health problems, like high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea. In these cases, you will have to retake the exam sooner.

Payment

DOT physicals are not covered up front by insurance and will require direct payment for your visit (cash or credit card).

What to Expect During the Exam

During a DOT exam, our providers will check your blood pressure, do a vision and hearing test, review your medical history, and perform a hands-on exam to check your:

Eyes (including a vision test)
Ears (including a hearing test)
Heart
Lungs (breathing)
Back/Spine
Arm/Legs (range-of-motion, strength and reflexes)
Hernias
Overall Wellbeing
A urinalysis is also part of the exam. This is not a drug test. It looks for blood, sugar, or protein in the urine.

What to Bring to the Exam

Make sure you bring the following documents and items to your appointment for your DOT physical:

Photo ID; Current Drivers Licence
Medical records
List of medications, including strength and dosage, for both prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Eyeglasses
Hearing aids
Copy of your most recent stress test (for heart conditions)
Copy of your latest sleep test result (for sleep apnea)
Contact information, including names, phone numbers, and fax numbers for all your doctors

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