Question 1

What is a DOT Physical Exam?

Accepted Answer

An FMCSA health compliance check. A DOT physical exam is a federally mandated health assessment required by the FMCSA to ensure commercial drivers (CDL holders) can safely operate heavy vehicles. The exam evaluates your physical and mental fitness through a review of your medical history, vision and hearing tests, a blood pressure check, and a urinalysis to detect underlying conditions like diabetes.

Question 2

Does the Department of Transportation Physical Exam need to be administered in the state I work in?

Accepted Answer

No. You can receive a DOT physical in any state, regardless of where you live or work. However, the exam must be performed by a provider listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). DOT Express in Las Vegas is fully certified to provide physicals for both Nevada residents and interstate drivers passing through.

Question 3

How long is my DOT Medical Certificate valid for?

Accepted Answer

A DOT medical card is typically valid for 24 months. However, if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, the examiner may issue a shorter certificate (e.g., 1 year, 3 months, or 1 month) to ensure regular monitoring of your health.

Question 4

Can You Keep Your CDL Without a CDL Medical Card?

Accepted Answer

No. To maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License, you must have a current medical certification on file with the DMV. If your medical card expires or becomes invalid, the DMV will automatically downgrade your CDL to a non-commercial license, usually within 60 days of notification.

Question 5

Do I get a CDL Medical Card after I pass the DOT physical exam?

Accepted Answer

There is no official CDL Medical Card. But there are cards and certificates given to patients as proof of successful completion for employers or officials. After successful completion of your DOT physical exam your are given a CDL Medical card with DOT Express contact information and your physical exam's status. If you have questions about what information is provided give us a call at (702) 840-7899 or message us with our online chat (located at the bottom right corner of our webpage).

Question 6

Does the DOT Exam include a urine test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is a urinalysis, not a drug test. The urine sample is used to check for protein, blood, and glucose levels to screen for kidney issues or undiagnosed diabetes. If your employer requires a DOT Drug Test (which screens for controlled substances), that is a separate service that we also provide at our Las Vegas clinic.

Question 7

Who provides the DOT medical certificate?

Accepted Answer

The certificate is provided by a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) who has completed federal training and is listed on the National Registry. At DOT Express, our lead examiner is a certified professional dedicated to keeping commercial drivers compliant with all FMCSA standards.

Question 8

Where can I follow up with my results of a DOT exam?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t a mandated follow up to a DOT physical exam. At DOT Express, you will have the option to check your results in blood pressure management and sugar levels (for those at risk for diabetes). You can call to receive your health management status or you can login to your patient portal located HERE.

Question 9

What are the CDL physical / DOT physical requirements?

Accepted Answer

To pass the exam, you must meet several key FMCSA standards:
Vision: At least 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without glasses) and 70° peripheral vision.
Hearing: Ability to hear a "forced whisper" from 5 feet away.
Blood Pressure: Ideally below 140/90; readings above 160/100 may limit certification length.
Medical History: No disqualifying conditions like uncontrolled epilepsy or certain respiratory disorders.

Question 10

How fast is an "Express" DOT physical at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in 15-minute DOT physicals for drivers who book an appointment. Because we are a dedicated DOT clinic, you won't experience the long wait times often found at general urgent care or occupational health centers.

Question 11

Do you have parking for bobtails or large trucks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our clinic at 4385 N. Pecos Rd has on-site oversized parking designed for bobtails, commercial trucks, and RVs. You won't have to worry about finding street parking or navigating a tight lot.

Question 12

What happens if I fail my DOT physical at DOT Express?

Accepted Answer

At DOT Express, our goal is to keep you on the road. We offer free retakes for drivers who need to manage temporary issues, like high blood pressure. We provide a fair, measured approach to FMCSA standards and will work with you to ensure you meet all health requirements for your CDL medical card.

Question 13

Is my CDL medical card automatically sent to the DMV?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the 2026 National Registry II rules, we electronically transmit your results to the FMCSA/DMV by midnight of the next day.

CDL Medical Exam Questions Las Vegas