DOT Physical Virginia Beach

A DOT physical is a comprehensive medical exam for commercial drivers. It includes a health history review, vision and hearing tests, a vital signs check (blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight), a urinalysis, and a thorough physical examination. Therefore, the goal is to confirm you can safely operate a commercial vehicle for long periods.

Key components of the exam

• Health history: Detailed review of past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and symptoms.
• Vision: Tested for acuity (20/40 or better) and peripheral vision (70 degrees).
• Hearing: Must hear a “forced whisper” from 5 feet away.
• Vitals: Blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight measured.
• Urinalysis: Checks for glucose, protein, blood, and hydration indicators.
• Physical exam: Covers eyes, ears, mouth, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, and neurological reflexes.
• Gait & balance: Assessment of walking pattern and physical stability.

What the examiner is evaluating

• Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.
• Medications: Ensuring prescriptions don’t impair driving.
• Safety: Overall physical and mental ability to handle the demands of driving a commercial vehicle.

After the exam

• If you pass, you get a medical certificate, typically valid for up to 24 months.
• However, if you don’t meet standards, the examiner can discuss exemptions or ways to improve the condition.

You may fail a DOT physical for uncontrolled high blood pressure, vision or hearing loss beyond limits, poorly managed diabetes, untreated sleep apnea, certain heart or respiratory diseases, neurological conditions (epilepsy, narcolepsy, stroke), or severe mental health issues that impair driving. In addition, missing required documentation can delay certification.

Key disqualifying factors

Cardiovascular

• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), recent heart attack/surgery, severe arrhythmias

Vision

• Not meeting 20/40 vision in each eye
• Inability to see red, green, or amber
• Lack of 70° peripheral vision

Hearing

• Inability to meet hearing requirements (including the forced-whisper standard)

Diabetes

• Poorly managed blood sugar; high A1C (over 10% is a concern)
• Insulin-dependent diabetes without proper management or documentation when required

Sleep apnea

• Untreated or unmanaged sleep apnea
• Missing CPAP compliance records when applicable

Neurological

• Epilepsy, narcolepsy, history of stroke or seizure

Mental health & medications

• Severe mental health conditions that affect driving ability
• Medications that impair driving safety (alertness/reaction time)

Other common issues

• Incomplete paperwork: Missing required medical documentation (for example, CPAP records).

A DOT physical urine test screens for medical issues like diabetes, kidney problems, and hydration. Specifically, it checks markers like glucose and protein. As a result, the examiner can identify issues that may require follow-up.

What the urine test checks for

Medical markers

• Glucose: Can indicate diabetes or blood sugar issues.
• Protein: May signal kidney disease or urinary tract infections.
• Blood: Can point to kidney stones or other urinary tract problems.
• Ketones: Suggests uncontrolled diabetes or dehydration.
• pH & specific gravity: Checks hydration and general balance.

The goal is to help ensure drivers don’t have underlying health issues that could impair safe driving. Therefore, abnormal results may require follow-up.

If you fail a DOT physical, you are not immediately permanently disqualified. In many cases, you can retake it after addressing the underlying issue. First, request a summary of findings. Then, correct concerns like blood pressure, diabetes management, or sleep apnea documentation.

Step-by-step guide

1) Understand the reason for failure

• Request the examiner’s documentation.
• Identify what needs to be corrected.

2) Address the medical issue

• Get treatment and stabilization.
• Obtain any required clearance letters.

3) Retake the physical

• Return once the issue is corrected.
• Be honest and bring documentation.

4) Avoid mistakes

• Do not “doctor shop.”
• Do not misrepresent medical history.

Only if they are listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Therefore, even qualified clinicians must have the correct certification to issue a DOT medical card.

How to check

• Ask your doctor if they are on the FMCSA National Registry.
• Search the National Registry to confirm.

Who can perform DOT physicals?

• MD, DO, DC, PA, APN (if certified)

DOT physicals are often paid by an employer for hired drivers. However, owner-operators or drivers getting the exam before hiring typically pay out-of-pocket.

Payment details

• Many companies cover or reimburse the cost.
• Independent drivers usually pay directly.
• HSA/FSA may be usable in many cases.

DOT physicals are typically not covered because they are fitness-for-duty exams required for employment, not treatment for illness or injury. Therefore, they are usually out-of-pocket unless an employer pays.

Why it’s usually out-of-pocket

• It is a job requirement, not medical treatment.
• Occupational exam billing is often not reimbursed.

Potential exceptions

• Employer coverage or reimbursement.
• HSA/FSA funds may be used.

After passing, you receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (medical card), often valid up to two years. Next, provide a copy to your employer and follow your state DMV process if required. Finally, schedule your next exam before the certificate expires.

Next steps

• Keep your medical card with you while driving.
• Give a copy to your employer.
• Follow your DMV submission process if applicable.
• Book your renewal before expiration.

If you receive a short-term card (for example, 3–12 months), follow up with your personal doctor and keep documentation current.