What You Need to Know About DOT Physical Exams in Minnesota

May 20

Stay Compliant, Stay on the Road – with Chirohouse Clinic

If you drive a commercial vehicle for a living, you know how important your DOT physical exam is. Required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this exam ensures you're medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely. At Chirohouse Clinic, we make the process fast, respectful, and stress-free—so you can stay focused on the road ahead.

What Is a DOT Physical Exam?

A DOT physical is a federally mandated health checkup that evaluates whether a driver meets the physical and mental requirements for safely operating a CMV. It includes a full medical history review, physical examination, and basic diagnostic tests.

Once completed, and if you meet all qualifications, you’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), also known as a DOT medical card, which is typically valid for up to 24 months.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

You're required to take a DOT physical if you:

Operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs.
Transport hazardous materials that require a placard
Are paid to operate a vehicle designed to carry more than 8 passengers
Drive a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers (regardless of pay)

What Happens During the Exam?

At Chirohouse Clinic, your DOT physical will include:

Medical History Review: We’ll ask about medications, surgeries, chronic conditions, and prior injuries.
Vision Test: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Hearing Test: Drivers must be able to perceive a forced whisper from five feet away in at least one ear.
Blood Pressure & Heart Rate Check: Elevated blood pressure is not always disqualifying, especially if controlled.
Urinalysis: This checks for medical conditions like diabetes or kidney issues (not a drug test).
Physical Exam: A head-to-toe evaluation, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular checks.

Common Conditions That May Require Documentation

Having a health condition doesn’t automatically mean disqualification. The FMCSA allows many issues to be certified with proper management and documentation, such as:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Diabetes
Sleep Apnea (with CPAP use)
Vision/Hearing Loss (with corrective devices)
Heart Conditions (with specialist clearance)

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To streamline your DOT exam, please bring:

Your valid driver's license
A list of all current medications with dosages and prescribing doctor info
Any specialist letters (e.g., cardiologist, neurologist)
Your CPAP compliance data (at least 90 days) if you have sleep apnea
Your corrective lenses or hearing aids, if required for driving
Your previous DOT card, if renewing your certification

Why Choose Chirohouse Clinic for Your DOT Physical?

At Chirohouse Clinic in Prior Lake, we offer:

✅ Certified Medical Examiner on the FMCSA National Registry
✅ Efficient Appointments and early-morning availability
✅ Fast, Accurate Paperwork Submission
✅ A respectful, driver-friendly environment
✅ Competitive pricing

We understand your time is valuable, and we’re committed to making the exam experience as simple and stress-free as possible.

FAQs

How long is the DOT physical good for?

Typically 2 years, unless you have a condition requiring more frequent monitoring (e.g. high BP, sleep apnea).

Do I need a drug test as part of my DOT physical?

Not by default. The urinalysis checks for medical issues, not drugs. However, your employer may require separate drug screening.

Can I still pass with high blood pressure?

Yes, if it's controlled. You may be certified for a shorter time period (e.g. 1 year).

Can I get a DOT physical without insurance?

Absolutely. DOT exams are self-pay and not typically billed to insurance. At Chirohouse, we offer fair pricing with no surprise fees.

Schedule Your DOT Physical Today

Whether it’s your first exam or time for renewal, Chirohouse Clinic is here to help you stay compliant and stay driving. Located on the Prior Lake/Savage border, we’re easily accessible with early and same-day appointments available.

📞 Call us at (952) 855-1230
📍 Or book online at www.chirohouseclinic.com

Get certified, stay compliant, and keep moving forward — with Chirohouse Clinic.

Dr. Thaddeus Sharikov

Dr. Thaddeus Sharikov, DC is a board-certified chiropractic physician specializing in neurological care. He graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University and has treated over a thousand patients over the past 5 years.

Dr. Sharikov’s personal passion is spinal neurology. It often reveals the root cause of a wide variety of symptoms and pain. Finding and correcting areas where the nervous system is not functioning well is the most rewarding part of the job!

He deeply cares about our Greater Twin Cities Area in which all people achieve their full potential for health and well-being across their lifespan. Dr. Sharikov works extremely hard to be trusted by patients, to be a creator of positive change and to save our community - one person at a time.

In an ever-changing world, Dr. Sharikov is constantly researching tools and applications to bring the most cutting-edge and effective healthcare to his patients. He makes it a priority to include education into the patient’s journey to a pain free life with no limitations.

In his free time, Dr. Sharikov enjoys spending time with his smoking hot wife Julie, toddler Josephine and future Baby L. He loves exploring the Carver County Trails, traveling, and ministry work worldwide through his family’s non-profit organization.

http://www.chirohouseclinic.com