If you’re a commercial driver, maintaining your DOT (Department of Transportation) certification is essential to staying on the road. At Skare Spine and Performance, we provide efficient, comprehensive, and hassle-free DOT physicals to ensure you meet all necessary health requirements. With new DOT physical requirements coming in 2025, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about DOT physicals, including who needs one, what the exam consists of, and how you can get yours done easily at Skare Spine and Performance.
What is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a comprehensive health checkup required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency under the DOT.
Its purpose is to ensure that commercial drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of safely handling the demands of operating large vehicles like trucks and buses. These jobs often involve long hours, physical endurance, and sharp focus, so the DOT physical confirms that drivers can meet these challenges without compromising safety.
When you pass a DOT physical, you receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), commonly called a DOT medical card. This certificate is essential for maintaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and is typically valid for two years.
However, if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your certificate might be issued for a shorter period, requiring more frequent exams.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
Not every driver needs a DOT physical, but if you operate a commercial motor vehicle, it’s likely a requirement.
Here’s who needs to get one:
- Drivers of heavy vehicles: If you drive a vehicle with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more, you need a DOT physical.
- Passenger carriers: If your vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers—or you’re paid to carry more than eight—you’re required to have one.
- Hazardous materials transporters: If you haul hazardous materials that require your vehicle to be placarded, a DOT physical is mandatory.
- CDL holders: If your job requires a commercial driver’s license and involves crossing state lines with a vehicle rated at 10,000 pounds or more, you’ll need this exam.
In essence, if your work involves operating a large commercial vehicle or transporting passengers or hazardous materials, the FMCSA requires you to pass a DOT physical to ensure you meet their health standards.
What Does a DOT Physical Consist Of?
The DOT physical is thorough and designed to evaluate your overall health and ability to drive safely.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
- Medical History Review: The examiner will ask about your health background—past surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, and any symptoms that might affect driving. Bring a complete list of your current medications and any relevant medical records.
- Physical Examination: The doctor checks multiple areas of your body, including:
- Eyes, ears, mouth, and throat
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen and spine
- Arms, legs, and joints
- Neurological system (reflexes, balance, coordination)
- Vision Test: You need at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without glasses/contacts), a 70-degree field of vision, and the ability to distinguish colors.
- Hearing Test: You must hear a “forced whisper” from five feet away, with or without hearing aids.
- Blood Pressure and Pulse: Your blood pressure should be 140/90 or lower to pass without restrictions. Higher readings might lead to a shorter-term certificate or additional monitoring.
- Urinalysis: A urine sample screens for underlying conditions like diabetes or kidney problems. (Note: This isn’t a drug test, though your employer might require one separately.)
If the examiner notices signs of conditions like sleep apnea (e.g., excessive daytime sleepiness), they may recommend additional testing. The goal is to catch any issues that could impair your driving.
How to Get a DOT Physical at Skare Spine and Performance
At Skare Spine and Performance, we make the DOT physical process quick and convenient. Here’s how to schedule your exam:
- Book an Appointment – Call our clinic or schedule online to choose a time that fits your schedule.
- Bring the Necessary Documentation – Be prepared with a valid driver’s license, a list of current medications, and any medical records related to chronic conditions.
- Complete the Exam – The process typically takes about 30-45 minutes. We ensure a thorough yet efficient examination so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
- Receive Your DOT Medical Card – If you meet all requirements, you’ll receive your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), which is valid for up to two years.
DOT Updates in 2026
One of the biggest changes for 2026 has nothing to do with what happens during the exam itself. It's what happens after. Under the new National Registry II (NRII) system that went live in June 2025, your certified medical examiner now submits your DOT physical results electronically to the FMCSA's National Registry by the next calendar day.
From there, FMCSA transmits that information directly to your state's driver licensing agency, which updates your CDL record automatically. That means no more taking a paper medical card to the DMV yourself. Your medical certification status now lives on your motor vehicle record, and the whole process is handled digitally behind the scenes.
The rollout hasn't been perfectly smooth. A handful of states are still catching up with the electronic system, and there have been occasional delays between when a medical examiner submits results and when they actually show up on a driver's record. Because of that, the FMCSA has been issuing temporary waivers that allow drivers to carry a paper copy of their Medical Examiner's Certificate as backup documentation for up to 60 days after the exam.
Even if your state is fully online with NRII, it's still a smart move to hold on to your paper copy until you've confirmed that your medical status has been updated on your CDL record.
Blood Pressure Updates
The blood pressure thresholds themselves haven't changed for 2026, but how they're being evaluated has. Medical examiners are taking a more thorough approach and looking beyond just the single reading they get on exam day.
They're now considering your blood pressure history, how consistent you've been with medications, and your overall cardiovascular risk profile. If you've been getting by with borderline numbers or relying on last-minute adjustments before your exam, that approach may not fly the way it used to.
Drivers with fluctuating or borderline Stage 2 readings may face shorter certification periods or be asked to provide additional documentation from their treating physician showing sustained blood pressure management.
The bottom line is that consistent, year-round blood pressure control matters more than ever. If you know your numbers tend to run high, start working on it well before your next DOT physical rather than hoping for a good day at the clinic.
What If You Don’t Pass?
Failing a DOT physical isn’t the end of the road. Many disqualifying conditions can be managed.
For example:
- High Blood Pressure: You might get a temporary card and time to lower it.
- Diabetes: Extra documentation or more frequent exams could keep you compliant.
- Vision/Hearing Issues: Exemptions might be available through the FMCSA.
Why Choose Skare Spine and Performance for Your DOT Physical?
- Certified Medical Examiners – Dr. Nate Skare is fully certified and experienced in performing DOT physicals.
- Fast and Convenient Appointments – We respect your time and get you back on the road quickly.
- Conveniently Located – Skare Spine and Performance is located in the River Center Plaza, next to the Driver and Vehicles Services Office, which routinely performs CDL applications and testing.
- Comprehensive and Personalized Care – We offer additional services like chiropractic care, rehab, and manual therapy to maintain your health.
- Up-to-Date with FMCSA Regulations – We ensure compliance with the latest DOT physical requirements, including the 2025 updates.
Schedule Your DOT Physical Today
Don’t wait until the last minute—stay ahead of DOT regulations and ensure your certification remains valid. Book your DOT physical with Skare Spine and Performance today by calling 507-200-0449 or booking online.
Let us help you stay compliant, healthy, and on the road safely!
Nate Skare
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