Find DOT physical exams
in Palo Alto, CA

DOT Exam FAQs

• Where can I get a DOT exam in Palo Alto?

  In general, DOT exams will be available at Palo Alto-area urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care doctor offices, and some chiropractic offices. Just be cautious of who you schedule yours with as online DOT certified providers are able to perform a DOT exam. While walk-in appointments are typically available, booking a visit online will reduce your wait time and ensure you get a physical and get on the road as quickly and easily as possible
  

• Can I make a same-day appointment for a DOT exam in Palo Alto?

  Same-day and next-day appointments for physical exams can easily be booked directly through Solv. Simply search for Palo Alto-area doctors, find a provider, and book an appointment for a DOT physical as soon as today.

• How can I book a DOT physical in Palo Alto?

  If you are looking for a DOT physical in Palo Alto, Solv can help you book an appointment. Simply search for Palo Alto-area providers, find a provider, and book the most convenient time for you. Be sure to include “DOT physical exam” as your reason for visit.

• How do I find top-rated, certified DOT exam providers?

  Solv gathers reviews, ratings, and other data on Palo Alto-area physicians centers to ensure the clinics provided meet our standards. Search for a DOT physical provider, see what previous patients think, and book a physical with a top-rated doctor today!

• Who should get a DOT exam?

  Drivers operating commercial vehicles across state lines must get a DOT physical if their vehicle weighs more than five tons, is designed to carry 9-15 passengers for compensation, is designed to carry 16+ passengers, or if they are transporting hazardous materials. Drivers must receive a DOT physical every 24 months or as determined by a doctor. The rules for drivers who stay within one state will vary. Check to see if California requires a DOT physical for intrastate driving before booking an appointment.

• What is a DOT physical?

  According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a DOT physical is a medical examination that helps make sure you are medically safe to operate a certified motor vehicle. Because certified motor vehicles generally are larger and more difficult to operate than passenger cars, their professional drivers are held to higher standards to keep everyone on the road as safe as possible.

• How long is a DOT physical good for?

  According to the FMCSA, DOT physicals are typically valid for 24 months. However, if a condition has been identified on your last exam that requires an earlier re-examination time, you may need to be reassessed sooner. For example, according to the AAFP, people who take blood pressure medication must be recertified annually to maintain their standing with the DOT.

• What can disqualify you from a DOT physical?

  According to the FMCSA, the following conditions can disqualify you from a DOT physical: hearing loss, vision loss, epilepsy (seizure disorder), or insulin use. Some prescription medications may also be disqualifying, especially if they are sedating or habit-forming, according to the FMCSA.

• What happens if you fail DOT physical?

  If you fail a DOT physical because of a certain medical condition, you can apply for a medical waiver or an exemption, according to the FMCSA. This may be granted if you can prove that you can still operate a motor vehicle safely, despite the condition. You are also allowed to get a second opinion, according to the eCFR (Code of Federal Regulations).

• Does a DOT physical check for drugs?

  No, the typical DOT physical does not test for drugs. However, professional drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, according to the FMCSA. Also, if your DOT physical is part of a pre-employment process, then your urine will likely be checked for drugs, according to the Code of Federal Regulations.