DOT Physical Exam - CDL License

If you drive trucks, buses or any commercial vehicle, you need a current DOT (Department of Transportation) physical. Without that certificate you can't get or renew your CDL license, and companies can't put you behind the wheel. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud we do the exam with no appointment, in Spanish, and with your certificate ready the same day, so you don't lose hours of work or have to go to another clinic.

What's included?

• Medical history review: conditions, surgeries, medications and habits
• Eyesight: each eye must reach 20/40, glasses allowed, and your side vision is checked too
• Hearing test: forced-whisper test or audiometry
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Urinalysis to check for glucose, protein or blood (this is not a drug test)
• Full physical exam: heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, limbs and nervous system
• DOT medical certificate (Medical Examiner's Certificate) the same day if you pass

Who needs a DOT physical?

• Drivers with a Class A, B or C CDL
• Anyone driving vehicles over 10,001 lbs in interstate commerce
• Bus drivers or vehicles carrying more than 8 or 15 passengers
• Drivers transporting placarded hazardous materials
• Drivers renewing an expiring certificate

What should I bring?

• A valid driver's license
• Your glasses or contacts and, if you wear them, your hearing aids
• A list of your medications with name and dose
• With diabetes, hypertension, a heart condition or sleep apnea: your most recent labs, current prescription or CPAP usage report
• Your company's form, if your employer requires one

How long is the DOT certificate valid?

The certificate is usually valid for 2 years. If you have a condition that needs monitoring, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, the examiner may issue it for 1 year, 6 months or 3 months. In those cases we explain what you need to improve to get the full term at your next exam.

Conditions that can affect the result

• High blood pressure: up to 139/89 gets a 2-year certificate; 140/90 to 159/99 gets 1 year; higher may require treatment before passing
• Diabetes: if you use insulin you need your treating doctor's form (MCSA-5870) dated within 45 days
• Sleep apnea: proof of CPAP compliance may be requested
• Vision or hearing problems not corrected with glasses or hearing aids
• Recent heart conditions, epilepsy or certain medications

Having one of these conditions doesn't mean you'll fail: come with your paperwork and we'll guide you. We can also treat your blood pressure or diabetes at the same clinic so you pass next time.

What is the visit like?

1. You walk in without an appointment, check in and fill out the DOT health questionnaire.
2. We take your vital signs, urine sample and vision and hearing tests.
3. The examiner performs the physical and reviews your history and medications.
4. If you pass, you receive your printed medical certificate the same day.
5. Give a copy to your employer and, in Texas, to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to keep your CDL active.

Certified medical examiner

By law, a DOT physical is only valid when performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) National Registry. Call us before your visit to confirm the examiner's availability that day and avoid a wasted trip.

DOT physical vs. drug test

The DOT physical does not include a drug test. Many companies require it separately at hiring or at random: we do that here too, see our drug and alcohol testing. If you need both, we do them in the same visit.

DOT physical at a Hispanic clinic near you

If you're looking for a DOT physical in Houston with no appointment, in Spanish and at an affordable price, we're near you in southeast Houston (Bellfort / Hobby area, minutes from I-45 and the 610 Loop), Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM. Read our DOT exam guide for truck drivers too.