Commercial drivers in Richardson, Plano, and across the North Dallas area are required by federal law to pass a DOT physical exam before operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). At Make You Well in Richardson, our certified medical examiners are listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry and are qualified to conduct DOT physical exams and issue DOT medical cards.
Whether you are due for your first DOT physical or your renewal, we offer walk-in availability and scheduled appointments to fit your schedule. Call us at (972) 234-3299 or book online.
A DOT physical is a federally mandated health examination required for all commercial motor vehicle operators. It is designed to determine whether a driver is medically fit to operate a CMV safely. The exam evaluates multiple areas of physical health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular function, neurological condition, and general fitness for duty.
DOT physicals must be completed by a medical examiner who is certified by the FMCSA and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Federal regulations require a DOT physical for drivers who operate:
This includes CDL truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial motor vehicle operators across Texas and beyond.
What Does a DOT Physical Include?
The DOT physical exam at Make You Well covers all required areas per FMCSA guidelines. The certified medical examiner evaluates each driver in the following categories:
Vision
Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are permitted.
Hearing
Drivers must be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of 5 feet or less, with or without a hearing aid. This is equivalent to an average hearing loss of less than 40 dB in the better ear.
Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate
The examiner will measure blood pressure and pulse rate to screen for hypertension and irregular heartbeats. To qualify for a standard two-year medical card, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or lower is required. Readings above this level may result in a shorter certification period (e.g., 1 year or 3 months) while the condition is managed. The use of prescription medication to manage blood pressure is permitted.
Urinalysis
A urine sample is collected to screen for underlying medical conditions by checking for the presence of protein, blood, and glucose (sugar). Finding sugar in the urine may indicate underlying or uncontrolled diabetes and requires further evaluation. Note: This urinalysis is a medical screening tool and is separate from a DOT drug test. Use of Schedule I controlled substances, amphetamines, narcotics, or habit-forming drugs is not permitted.
Physical Examination
The certified medical examiner uses these findings, along with the driver’s self-reported health history, to determine whether the driver meets all FMCSA medical standards.
A DOT medical certificate is generally valid for up to 24 months for healthy drivers. Drivers with certain chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are limited to a maximum validation period of 12 months or less, at the discretion of the certified medical examiner.
To help your visit run smoothly, please bring the following to your appointment:
Completing the FMCSA health history questionnaire before your visit can also help save time during your visit.
Make You Well in Richardson offers both walk-in and scheduled DOT physical appointments to accommodate your schedule. Our clinic is conveniently located to serve commercial drivers throughout Richardson, Plano, Dallas, Garland, Murphy, and the greater North Dallas area.
To schedule a DOT physical or ask about the exam process, call us at (972) 234-3299 or book an appointment online.
A DOT physical is a federally required medical examination for commercial motor vehicle drivers. It is administered by a certified medical examiner registered with the FMCSA and evaluates a driver’s physical fitness to operate a CMV safely.
A DOT physical at Make You Well Richardson typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your individual health history and documentation.
Walk-in availability is offered during clinic hours. Scheduling an appointment in advance can help reduce your wait time. Call (972) 234-3299 or book online.
Please call our Richardson clinic at (972) 234-3299 for current pricing information.
A DOT medical certificate is typically valid for up to 24 months. Drivers with managed chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, receive a maximum certification period of 12 months or less, as determined by the medical examiner.
Drivers who manage health conditions with medication may still be eligible to meet FMCSA requirements. The certified medical examiner will review your health history, current medications, and lab results as part of the exam. Outcomes are based on individual findings and are determined solely by the examiner.
If the medical examiner determines that a driver does not currently meet FMCSA standards, they may provide guidance on steps that could support future eligibility. In some circumstances, an exemption process through the FMCSA may be available.
Yes. Our medical examiners are listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, as required by federal law.
Yes. DOT physicals are required for any driver subject to FMCSA regulations, including bus drivers and operators of qualifying vehicles that do not require a CDL.