The DOT physical is a medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for people who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and are employed as commercial vehicle drivers. The DOT physical is required to ensure that commercial drivers are physically and mentally fit to drive and to protect public safety. The following are the new DOT physical requirements for 2023:

• Vision Test: CDL drivers must have a minimum 20/40 visual acuity in both eyes. This can include corrected vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

• Hearing Test: The examiner will check the drivers hearing.

• Blood Pressure Check: In order to pass the DOT physical, a drivers blood pressure must be below 140/90.

• Medical History: The certified medical professional will ask questions about the drivers medical history and examine certain areas of the body.

• Diagnoses: Certain diagnoses, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, narcolepsy, epilepsy, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, loss of limb, and substance abuse disorder, may disqualify a driver from passing the DOT physical.

The DOT physical is required for those who transport hazardous materials, operate vehicles designed to carry 15+ people, are employed to operate vehicles carrying more than eight passengers, and operate vehicles with gross weights of more than 10,000 pounds. The DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months, and the medical examiner may issue a medical examiners certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.