​What to expect for your exam

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• First, schedule your appointment here. If your company is organizing your DOT physical, please follow the email sent from your organization or RoadSafe DOT.

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• Next, you will then receive a confirmation email with a link to 3bexam, our secure DOT exam platform. Please ensure you enter your information correctly. (as it appears on your drivers license). 

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• Once completed, you will now have access to our secure (HIPAA-compliant) online portal and may begin the driver history portion of the DOT physical form. Please ensure this has been completed and release section is signed before your exam time.                                      

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The day of the exam​​​​​

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• Your DOT medical examiner will arrive at your requested location and set up for the exam. (There is no undressing or gown required for DOT physical)

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• Please have your valid & unexpired driver's license ready. You can also upload a copy through your online portal access. ​​​                                                                                            

• If you have a history of a chronic condition or significant medical event such as:

  • diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease (such as coronary heart disease, coronary artery stents, cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, heart attack, cardiac arrest, congenital heart disease, sleep disorders and/or neurological conditions such as seizure disorder, epilepsy, stroke, TIA, Parkinson's, dementia, Alzheimer's or current tremor you will need to bring in your most recent provider or specialist clinical note for review. It is also a good idea to get a clearance letter from your provider or specialist. Here is an example clearance letter here

 

• You will need to provide a list of your current medications as well as the name and contact number of the doctor(s) who prescribed them. If you take a newly prescribed medication and/or medication for pain, psychiatric condition, attention deficit disorder, sleep disorder, or smoking cessation, you will need to have your primary provider complete the Driver Medication Form.

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• If you have sleep apnea, you will need to provide your compliance report form within the last 30 days prior to your scheduled DOT physical. If you have been told you may have sleep apnea, it is recommended you have a sleep evaluation with a Sleep Medicine Specialist.

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• If you have high blood pressure (or take medications for high blood pressure), please make sure to avoid any caffeine, energy drinks, tobacco, or other stimulants, as these may raise your pressure. If you take blood pressure medication, please remember to take it at least one hour before an exam or as you normally take it. If your blood pressure is greater than 140 on top and/or greater than 90 on the bottom, a repeat check will be performed. If still elevated, you may be required to have a follow-up with your primary care provider or be evaluated for your blood pressure prior to certification. A determination pending status or limited certification may be provided which is at the discretion of the medical examiner. 

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What's included in the exam?​

• History & Physical - we review your personal and family history to ensure there are no current or potential future health issues that should be addressed.

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• Vision Test:  Make sure to bring your eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.

 

• Hearing Test:  If you use any hearing aids, please bring them with you.

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• Urine Test: Please come ready to provide a urine specimen. We specifically check for pH, blood, hydration, and protein.

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• Drug Test: Although we do not require drug testing for routine FMSCA DOT physicals, we do reserve the right to request a drug test in the event of clinical suspicion. It will be the responsibility of the driver to complete this chain of custody (COC) drug test within 45 days of determination pending status. Here is a list of organizations that perform COC drug testing: Quest (select Urine - Federally mandated) or AFC Urgent Care.

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• For all new CDL hires, the employer must send the employee for a chain of custody drug test and receive a negative drug test result before allowing the employee to operate a commercial vehicle.​

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How long does the exam last?

• Each exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes. So it pays to be prepared for your exam.

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At the end of the exam​

• Upon successful completion, meeting FMCSA standards, and payment of your DOT examination, a certificate will be issued. DOT medical certification expirations may vary from driver to driver based on health history.