Please bring your valid driver's license, your current Medical Examiner's Certificate (if you are renewing), eyeglasses or contacts if you wear them for driving, and a list of your current medications. If you have conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea, please bring your recent CPAP logs or a clearance letter from your specialist.

A standard Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) is valid for a maximum of 2 years for healthy drivers. If you have a manageable health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, the examiner may issue a 1-year, 6-month, or 3-month certificate so your condition can be monitored.

A standard DOT physical includes a urinalysis, but this specific test checks for kidney function, blood sugar, and protein levels—it is not a drug screen. However, many employers choose to schedule a separate DOT pre-employment drug test at the exact same time as the physical.

If you do not meet the FMCSA physical qualifications, the medical examiner will discuss the specific reasons with you. In many cases, drivers are temporarily disqualified until a condition (like high blood pressure) is brought under control with medication, at which point you can be re-evaluated to get your card.