DOT Physical

@Moose1958

 

You have to go to an approved examiner under the new rules. Click the link below. You also can use the FMCSA website to find approved CDL schools. I paid $125 for my physical.

FMCSA National Registry

DO NOT use anyone who is not on the registry. Your state could revoke your CDL because of it. A lot of places still advertise that they do DOT physicals, but they aren’t on the list. #### dmv recommended me to one who wasn’t on the list but I knew better.

 

After finding an examiner on the registry make contact and ask them if they allow "walk-ins". Before Covid, this was not a serious issue. Today I honestly don't know. I think the examiner's contact phone number is in the registry!

 

Just do an internet search for "CDL DOT medical exam". There is a list of approved clinics/providers. It may even be on the FMCSA website. Whether walk-ins are OK usually depends on the particular clinic and how busy they are. Cost is maybe in the $100 range, I can't remember. Thankfully, at the clinics I have used the long form can be filled-out using your phone. My handwriting is so bad, especially if I have to write very much I don't know how anyone reads it. When I've checked-in the receptionist sends me a text, click on the link, check yes/no and type out the details and the form is completed and readable. ALWAYS check the date, names, etc of the Doc or nurse at the end. Twice I've had them enter today's date at their certificate number, the expiration date of the medical car, or something similar. It's very easy to get corrected if you catch it before you walk out. If you have to come back later and have it corrected, essentially you have to retake the exam. I think I had the State detect a mistake after I sent my form in with the self-certification. Don't forget to do the self-certification process or your new medical card isn't in the system and it's like driving without a medical card.

 

Well, you could use one of those "walk in clinics" but I would strongly not recommend it. If the FMCSA wants drivers to be physically examined every two years or sooner, then they should see to it that all medical examiners must be on the National Registry list. The physician I use is on that list and she has attended seminars on the DOT/CDL medical. I'm proud to be a driver and I know how important the trucking industry is to this country. The examination she gives me is very comprehensive and includes a few things that are not on the form. I feel that I should be as physically fit as possible for my own safety and that of the public. My exam takes at least 30 minutes and costs $110. In short, get an m.d. thats on the list and you will be fine. Stay healthy and be safe.