DOT Physicals for Commercial Drivers in Katy, TX

Who needs a DOT physical

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires most commercial motor vehicle drivers to pass a DOT physical. This includes many CDL holders and other drivers who operate large or heavy vehicles, carry passengers or transport hazardous materials. Your employer or your CDL requirements will tell you if you need one.

You need a DOT physical when you first qualify to drive, and again before your current medical certificate expires. A medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months. The examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period if a health condition needs closer monitoring.

Who performs the exam

A DOT physical must be done by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Dr. Javier Sosa is a certified DOT medical examiner registered with the FMCSA. Our staff speaks English and Spanish.

What the exam includes

The exam follows the federal Medical Examination Report form. Before the exam, you fill out a health history section. The examiner reviews it with you and then checks the following:

• Vision. Federal standards require at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses, and an adequate field of vision.
• Hearing. The examiner checks if you can hear a forced whisper at a set distance, or uses a hearing test.
• Blood pressure and pulse. Your blood pressure reading can affect how long your certificate is valid.
• Urinalysis. A urine sample is checked for signs of health problems such as blood sugar or kidney issues. This is separate from a drug test.
• Physical exam. The examiner checks your general health, including your heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, joints and nervous system.

If you pass, you receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Keep a copy for your records and follow your employer's instructions and Texas CDL requirements for submitting it.

What to bring

• Your driver's license
• A list of all medications you take, including the dose
• Your glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids, if you use them
• Records for any ongoing condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea or a past surgery
• If you use a CPAP machine, a recent report showing how often you use it
• Your insurance card, if you plan to use insurance

Bringing records for any ongoing condition helps the examiner make a decision during your visit. Without them, the examiner may need more information before issuing a certificate.

If you have a health condition

Many drivers with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea can still be certified. The examiner looks at how well the condition is controlled and whether it affects safe driving. In some cases the certificate is issued for a shorter period so the condition can be checked again sooner. If you have questions about a specific condition, ask the examiner during your visit.

After the exam

If you meet the federal standards, the examiner completes your Medical Examiner's Certificate. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the vision standard, the certificate will note that you must wear them while driving. The same applies to hearing aids.

If the examiner needs more information, such as records from a specialist or results of a recent test, you may be asked to bring them back before a certificate is issued. If you do not meet a standard, the examiner will explain the reason and what options may be available.

Write down the expiration date on your certificate. Schedule your next DOT physical a few weeks before it expires so you have time to gather any records you need.

Drug and alcohol testing

A DOT drug test is a separate requirement from the DOT physical. Your employer will tell you if you need one. Woodlands Primary Healthcare also offers drug and alcohol screening and other work-related exams. You can combine a DOT physical with pre-employment screening in one appointment.

How to book in Katy

Our Katy clinic is at 2715 N Mason Rd in Katy, TX. To schedule a DOT physical, use the Book Appointment button at the top of this page, call (281) 466-4644, use the Book Now button in the site menu or chat with our bilingual assistant. For directions and clinic details, see our Katy location page. For questions about accepted plans, see our insurance page.