DOT Exams for Garbage Truck Drivers | CDL Medical Card – Chirohouse Clinic
Your CDL Matters — Make Sure You’re Compliant
If you drive a garbage truck for a living, you know how important it is to keep your CDL valid and up to date. A key part of staying compliant is passing your DOT physical exam, required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
At Chirohouse Clinic, we make the process quick, respectful, and stress-free — so you can stay focused on keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe.
Why Garbage Truck Drivers Need a DOT Exam
Under FMCSA rules, any commercial driver operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs. must have a valid DOT medical card. Garbage trucks easily exceed this weight, so whether you work for a city, county, or private waste company, you must have a current exam to drive legally.
Your DOT exam confirms that you’re healthy and fit to operate heavy equipment safely — protecting you, your co-workers, and the community.
What to Expect at Your DOT Exam
Here’s what happens when you come to Chirohouse Clinic for your DOT physical:
✅ Consultation: We review your medical history, medications, and any past surgeries or conditions.
✅ Vision & Hearing Test: You’ll need at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without glasses) and the ability to hear a whispered voice from five feet away.
✅ Blood Pressure & Heart Rate: Controlled high blood pressure is usually okay, but it must be within FMCSA guidelines.
✅ Urinalysis: Checks for health conditions like diabetes (this is not a drug test).
✅ Physical Exam: A general check of your musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular health.
If you meet the requirements, you’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) — commonly known as your DOT medical card — which is usually valid for 24 months.
Tips for Garbage Truck Drivers Before Your DOT Exam
🚛 Bring your driver’s license and your current medical card if you’re renewing.
🚛 Bring a list of current medications with dosages.
🚛 If you use a CPAP for sleep apnea, bring 90 days of compliance data.
🚛 Bring glasses or hearing aids if you need them to drive.
🚛 If you have a heart condition or other serious health issue, bring a letter from your specialist stating that you’re cleared to work.
Why Garbage Truck Drivers Choose Chirohouse Clinic
✅ Certified Medical Examiner on the FMCSA Registry
✅ Fast, efficient appointments — early morning slots available
✅ Driver-focused, respectful care
✅ Convenient location serving Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee, and the south metro
✅ Accurate paperwork and same-day results
📞 Schedule Your DOT Exam Today
Don’t risk driving with an expired medical card. We make staying compliant easy and stress-free — so you can focus on doing your job and supporting our community.
Call (952) 855-1230 or book your DOT exam online here — let’s keep you certified and on the road!