Services
DOT Physicals in Bakersfield and Delano
Commercial drivers need a current DOT medical certificate to stay on the road. Our clinics perform DOT physical exams for drivers and employers across Kern County.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a DOT physical for most drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, including drivers of vehicles over 10,000 pounds, vehicles that carry hazardous materials requiring placards, and vehicles designed to carry passengers for hire.
The exam must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. When you pass, you receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate showing you are medically qualified to drive.
What the Exam Includes
Health History
You complete the driver health history section of the FMCSA exam form, and the examiner reviews it with you.
Vision and Hearing
Drivers need at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, and must pass a hearing test.
Blood Pressure and Urinalysis
Blood pressure and pulse are checked, and a urine sample is tested for signs of underlying conditions. This urinalysis is not a drug test.
Physical Exam
A head-to-toe exam covering heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities and neurological function.
What to Bring
- Your driver's license
- Glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids you use while driving
- A list of your current medications and doses
- Recent records for any ongoing condition, such as a CPAP compliance report for sleep apnea or a clearance letter after a heart procedure
- If you take insulin, the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) completed by your treating provider
How Long Your Certificate Lasts
A DOT medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months. The examiner may issue a shorter certificate, such as one year, when a condition like high blood pressure needs monitoring.
Commercial driver's license holders must also give their medical certificate information to their state licensing agency to keep their CDL current.
Employers: Set Up DOT Physicals for Your Drivers
We can handle DOT physicals alongside pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, so new drivers get cleared in one visit.