No Appointment Necessary. Just stop in. We'll do a speedy, thorough exam so you can get back on the road.
Dr. Richardson and Dr. Fowler are Certified Medical Examiners for the Department of Transportation (DOT), serving Tuscaloosa and Northport. They are nationally certified to perform DOT physicals for individuals or companies that require a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
- 205-345-2009
What do I need for a DOT physical exam?
Things To Prepare For Your Appointment
- Make sure to continue taking your prescribed medications as usual.
- Wear loose clothing for the physical exam.
- Don’t use the restroom just before your appointment. You will need to give a small urine sample for a kidney screen. This is NOT for a drug test unless your employer has specifically ordered a drug test along with your exam.
Things You Must Bring To Your Appointment
- Your valid driver’s license and /or other photo ID.
- Eye glasses or contact lenses if needed.
- List of medications
How Long Is A DOT Medical Card Good For?
- 2 years – If you meet all the FMCSA DOT Regulations for Commercial Driver Fitness.
- A limited time, usually 1 year or 6 months, if periodic monitoring is required for certain medical conditions.
- A limited time, usually a 1 to 3 month window, if you have a recently diagnosed condition that you are working with your primary care doctor to get under control.
- Disqualified. A medical condition or medication may cause your medical card to be disqualified until the disqualifying conditions are rectified.
Do I need to bring the DOT Physical form with me?
No. The DOT doctor will have the forms that are needed.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
No, drug testing is not part of a DOT physical exam. Be aware that if you have been sent by your company for a DOT physical, they may request – in addition – that a drug screen is done. The drug test is an additional cost.
What is the DOT physical urine test used for?
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Below is a list of the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or re-certification. (This list is not all-inclusive)
Vision:
Your vision must be 20/40 in at least one eye or you will need a vision exemption. You may use vision correction (glasses or contact lenses) to meet the standards.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is not disqualifying. However diabetes that requires the driver to use insulin is Disqualifying unless the driver has a Federal Diabetes Exemption. If you have any complications from diabetes (example: renal, cardiovascular or neurological concerns), you will need a clearance letter from the appropriate specialist.
Cardiovascular Disease:
If you have a history of a heart attack, angina or are post-PCI (angioplasty with a stent): DOT requires you to have an exercise stress test every 2 years. You will need to bring a copy of your stress test results to the exam. If any of the above has occurred in the past year, a copy of your most recent Echocardiogram is also required.
History of Cardiac Bypass Surgery (CABG)
You must provide the results of your last Stress Test (AKA Exercise Tolerance Test or ETT) since having Bypass and your most recent ECHO (heart ultrasound test).
For more information visit The Federal Motor Carrier Administration Website at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/