Need a DOT physical today? Palm Coast Family Practice performs same-day DOT medical exams seven days a week. Walk in, get certified, and get back on the road — most exams finish in under an hour.
A DOT physical — formally the Commercial Driver Medical Examination — is a health screening required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for most commercial drivers. Its purpose is straightforward: make sure you are physically capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle.
When you pass, you receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC, Form MCSA-5876) — often called your “medical card” — valid for up to 24 months.
Federal rules require a DOT physical if you:
Many employers also require DOT physicals for drivers who fall outside these federal minimums, such as intrastate drivers in Florida or employees operating heavy equipment.
Our Certified Medical Examiner will complete the full FMCSA screening:
The examiner uses federal standards to determine whether you can be certified. Here’s a plain-English summary of the big ones:
Drivers who don’t meet distance-vision or monocular-vision standards may qualify through the FMCSA Vision Exemption Program.
You must either:
| Reading | Certification length |
|---|---|
| Less than 140/90 | Up to 2 years |
| 140–159 / 90–99 (Stage 1) | 1 year |
| 160–179 / 100–109 (Stage 2) | One-time 3-month cert to get controlled, then 1 year |
| 180+ / 110+ (Stage 3) | Disqualified until controlled; 6-month cert once stable |
If your BP is elevated at the visit, we’ll re-check it later in the appointment — a significant number of drivers “white-coat” on the first reading.
Sleep apnea is not an automatic disqualifier. If you’ve been diagnosed and use a CPAP, bring your compliance data — typically the device must be used at least 4 hours per night on 70% of nights over the last 30 days. Drivers with strong adherence are generally certified for 1 year.
Come prepared and you’ll be out the door faster:
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them. You’ll fail the vision portion if you forget.
Plan on 30–60 minutes in the office. A straightforward exam with no complicating conditions typically runs around 30 minutes. Add time if additional testing (audiometry, repeat BP checks, document review) is needed.
Three easy ways to book:
Office hours: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Up to 24 months (2 years) if you meet all federal standards at the time of your exam. Drivers with certain conditions — high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea — may receive shorter certifications of 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
No. The urinalysis included in the DOT physical screens for protein, blood, and sugar — it is not a drug test. DOT drug screens are separate and are ordered by your employer. We can perform DOT drug testing at the same visit if your employer requests it.
Often, yes — but the certification length depends on your reading. Stage 1 hypertension (140–159/90–99) typically results in a 1-year certification. Higher readings may require a short-term certification while you get it under control. If you take BP medication, take it as normal the day of your exam.
Yes. Since 2018, insulin-treated drivers can be certified without a federal exemption, provided the treating clinician completes Form MCSA-5870 attesting to stable control. Bring that form to your exam.
We’ll explain exactly which standard wasn’t met and what needs to happen before re-testing. In many cases the issue is correctable — uncontrolled blood pressure, a medication adjustment, missing specialist paperwork — and we can re-certify you at a follow-up visit. In some cases, an FMCSA exemption program may apply.
No. Fasting is not required for a DOT physical.
Caffeine can elevate blood pressure readings. If your BP tends to run high, consider skipping the morning coffee until after your exam.
Protein, blood, glucose, and specific gravity. These screen for conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and dehydration. It is not a drug screen.
No. If your employer is requiring a “physical” that isn’t strictly DOT, a standard pre-employment physical is likely what you need.
Yes. The same FMCSA standards apply to most commercial driving roles, including CDL renewals and school bus operators. Bring the specific form your employer requires.
Walk into Palm Coast Family Practice at 9 Pine Cone Dr., Suite 102 — or call (386) 445-6191. We’re open seven days a week and welcome commercial drivers from Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Ormond Beach, and throughout the surrounding area.