DOT Physical Miami & Surfside, FL
Same-day FMCSA-compliant DOT physical exams at TrufaMED Urgent Care. Walk in, complete your exam, leave with your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) in hand. Open 7 days, 8 AM to 10 PM.
FMCSA-Required Exam for Commercial Drivers.
A DOT physical — also called a Department of Transportation medical examination — is a federally mandated health evaluation required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under 49 CFR Part 391.41. The exam confirms the driver meets minimum physical, mental, and emotional standards to safely operate a commercial vehicle on public highways.
You are required to hold a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) if you operate a vehicle that meets any of these criteria: gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, transports more than 8 passengers (including driver) for compensation, transports more than 15 passengers (including driver) regardless of compensation, or transports hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.
What the DOT physical covers
- Vision test (Snellen chart, distant and peripheral vision in each eye and combined)
- Hearing test (forced whisper at 5 feet or audiometric exam)
- Blood pressure and pulse measurement
- Urinalysis (protein, blood, sugar, specific gravity)
- Comprehensive physical examination (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, abdominal)
- Detailed medical history review including current medications
- Mental, nervous, organic disease, and substance abuse screening
What you receive
If you pass, you receive your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC, Form MCSA-5876) on the same visit. The certificate is typically valid for up to 24 months — or shorter (3, 6, or 12 months) if you have a managed condition such as well-controlled hypertension or diabetes that requires periodic re-evaluation. Your exam result is also electronically uploaded to the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners within 24 hours of your visit.
DOT Physical at TrufaMED
Come Prepared. Leave Certified.
Bring these items to your DOT physical so we can complete the exam efficiently in a single visit. Missing items can delay your MEC issuance — if you forget anything, we can usually accommodate, but coming prepared shortens your visit.
Photo ID
Driver’s license or government-issued photo identification.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
If you wear corrective lenses for driving, bring them. Vision is tested with whatever correction you normally use behind the wheel.
Hearing Aids
Bring your hearing aids if you use them. Hearing is tested with your normal correction.
Current Medication List
Bring a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including doses.
Specialist Letters (if applicable)
If you have a managed condition (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiac history), bring a current treating-specialist clearance letter.
CPAP Compliance Report (if applicable)
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, bring at least 90 days of CPAP compliance data showing >4 hours nightly use on >70% of nights.
Diabetes Records (if applicable)
If you have diabetes, bring most recent HbA1c results and a current medication list. Insulin-treated diabetics require additional FMCSA paperwork.
Cardiac Clearance (if applicable)
If you have a history of heart attack, bypass, stenting, pacemaker, or heart failure, bring the clearance letter from your cardiologist.
Conditions That May Affect Your Certification.
Many drivers worry that an existing health condition will disqualify them from DOT certification. The truth is that most managed conditions are compatible with full DOT certification — the FMCSA standard is whether a condition is well-controlled and does not impair your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Drivers with controlled hypertension (Stage 1) typically receive a 1-year certificate. Stage 2 hypertension requires treatment and a 3-month certification, with re-certification possible once controlled. Stage 3 (severe, uncontrolled) is disqualifying until brought under control.
Diabetes
Diabetes that is diet- or oral-medication-controlled is generally not disqualifying. Insulin-treated diabetes requires the FMCSA Diabetes Assessment Form completed by your endocrinologist and follows the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) protocol.
Sleep Apnea
Diagnosed sleep apnea is not automatically disqualifying. You must demonstrate compliance with treatment (typically CPAP use >4 hours/night on >70% of nights). Suspected but undiagnosed sleep apnea may require a sleep study before certification.
Cardiovascular Conditions
History of heart attack, bypass, stenting, or pacemaker requires a cardiologist clearance letter and may require shorter certification intervals (1 year or less). Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) are disqualifying.
Vision and Hearing
Distant visual acuity must be at least 20/40 in each eye separately and 20/40 with both eyes (with or without correction). Field of vision must be at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye. Hearing requirements: must perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet, or pass an audiometric exam.
If You Are Disqualified
A disqualification is not always permanent. Many drivers who are initially disqualified can return to full certification once a condition is treated, controlled, or further evaluated.
Your TrufaMED examiner will explain exactly which condition flagged the disqualification, what evidence is needed to clear it, and the timeline. We can often schedule an immediate follow-up exam once you have the required clearance letters.
Disqualifications can also be appealed through the FMCSA Medical Review Board process. We will provide you with detailed documentation of your exam to support an appeal if you choose to file one.
Combine Your DOT Physical with Other Required Tests.
Many drivers need additional pre-employment, random, or post-incident screenings beyond the DOT physical itself. We can complete these in the same visit so you do not need to make multiple trips.
DOT Drug Screen (5-Panel)
Federally compliant urine drug test for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP. Required for pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing.
Pre-Employment Physicals
Comprehensive pre-employment physical for non-CMV positions in compliance with company-specific standards.
Breath Alcohol Test
DOT-compliant breath alcohol screening for safety-sensitive transportation positions.
School Bus Driver Exam
Florida-specific school bus driver physical examination and certification.
Forklift / OSHA Physicals
OSHA-compliant evaluations for forklift operators, respirator wearers, and other regulated occupational categories.
Annual Medical Surveillance
Annual occupational health surveillance for hazardous-material handlers, asbestos workers, and other regulated workforces.
DOT Physical Frequently Asked Questions.
How long does a DOT physical take?
How much does a DOT physical cost?
How long is my DOT certificate valid?
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
What disqualifies you from a DOT physical?
Do you upload my exam to the FMCSA National Registry?
What if I fail my DOT physical?
Can I get a DOT physical and drug screen at the same visit?
Walk In Today. Drive Tomorrow.
Our examiners are available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 10 PM at TrufaMED Urgent Care, 9445 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL. Most DOT physicals complete in under 30 minutes with same-day MEC issuance.
DOT physical examinations at TrufaMED Urgent Care are conducted in compliance with 49 CFR Part 391.41 and FMCSA medical examiner standards. Exam results and Medical Examiner’s Certificates are uploaded to the FMCSA National Registry within 24 hours. Joint Commission accredited facility. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.
