DOT Physicals: Who Can Do One, and How Often?

Quick answer: A DOT physical must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (49 CFR 391.43), with limited exceptions. Most commercial drivers must be examined and certified at least every 24 months, while some must go every 12 months or sooner (49 CFR 391.45). Dr. Luke Audirsch Chiropractic in Cabot offers DOT physical exams with FMCSA-certified medical examiners.

Who can perform a DOT physical?

Federal rules say the exam “must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.” The rule looks at that listing. There are two exceptions:

• A licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist may perform the part of the exam covering visual acuity, field of vision and the ability to recognize colors.
• A certified VA medical examiner may perform exams only for veteran operators.

The rule also says what examiners must know. They must be knowledgeable about the physical and mental demands of operating a commercial motor vehicle, and proficient in the medical protocols the exam requires.

Can a chiropractor do a DOT physical?

Section 391.43 turns on the National Registry listing, not on a line about one profession. Our office’s DOT exams are done by FMCSA-certified medical examiners. If you want to confirm anything about your examiner before you book, ask when you call.

How often do I need a DOT physical?

Section 391.45 lists who must be examined and certified. In practice, it comes down to this:

Who	When an exam and certification are required
A person who has not been examined and certified	Must be examined and certified
Most drivers	If not examined and certified during the preceding 24 months
Drivers authorized only within an exempt intracity zone	If not examined during the preceding 12 months
Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes certified under 391.46	If not examined during the preceding 12 months
Drivers certified under the vision standards in 391.44	If not examined during the preceding 12 months
Drivers whose ability to do normal duties has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease	Must be examined and certified
On or after June 23, 2025, a person found not physically qualified under 391.43(g)(3)	Must be examined and certified

Check the date of your last exam and book ahead of it.

What happens during the exam?

The results are recorded on the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875. When it is done, the examiner must date and sign the report and provide their full name, office address and telephone number.

For any driver who must see a National Registry examiner, the examiner must also send a results form (MCSA-5850) to FMCSA electronically by midnight of the next calendar day. The rule covers three possible results:

• Qualified. If you won’t be operating a commercial motor vehicle that requires a CDL or a commercial learner’s permit, and you are found physically qualified, the examiner completes a certificate and gives you the original. An employing motor carrier can request a copy. If you do drive with a CDL, ask what you will receive and what your employer needs.
• Not qualified. On or after June 23, 2025, if the examiner finds you are not physically qualified, they must tell you, and that information is reported to FMCSA. All medical examiner’s certificates previously issued to you are then no longer valid.
• Pending. If the examiner needs more information or further testing, they must tell you that it needs to be provided or completed within 45 days, and the pending status is reported to FMCSA.

The rule also requires the examiner’s office to keep the report and a copy of any certificate on file for at least 3 years from the exam date.

What should I bring?

• A valid driver’s license
• Any required medical records or documentation
• A list of current medications
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them

If you are treated for diabetes or a vision condition covered by the rules above, bring whatever your treating provider has given you. Call first if you aren’t sure what applies.

What if a car wreck affects my ability to drive?

Section 391.45(g) requires an exam for any driver whose ability to perform normal duties “has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease.” So a wreck that keeps you from doing your job can matter for your certification, not only for your claim.

If you hold a CDL and were hurt in a wreck, tell the office. Dr. Luke provides car wreck and whiplash care as well as DOT physical exams. Read about back pain after a wreck and the SR-1 accident report due within 30 days if that is where you are.

What about chiropractic care for drivers?

If you have neck or back complaints, the office offers chiropractic adjustments in the same place. One reviewer used the office for both. “Thank you so much for offering the DOT exam. And thank you for helping me with my back and shoulder pain,” wrote Steve Stinnett in a Google review.

Tell your examiner about any treatment you are getting. It belongs in your medical history.

Why book your DOT physical with Dr. Luke in Cabot?

“I went to see him for a DOT physical. He was very thorough, knowledgeable and treated me with the utmost respect,” wrote Luke Green in a Google review. The office offers flexible appointment times, so you lose as little time as possible.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Get hours and directions for the Cabot office, then call or text (501) 605-6660 or contact the office.