If you drive a commercial motor vehicle for work, keeping your DOT medical card current is not optional. It is a federal requirement, and letting it lapse can mean time off the road.
MainStreet Family Care in Silver Springs Shores offers DOT physical exams for commercial drivers in Ocala, Marion County, and the broader Central Florida area. Whether you are scheduling through an employer or paying for your DOT physical yourself, our clinic makes the process straightforward.
Walk in any day of the week, or register online to save your spot in line.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
Drivers subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements must pass a DOT physical exam and carry a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also called a DOT medical card. This includes many CDL holders and other commercial motor vehicle drivers who are required to meet FMCSA medical standards.
Most drivers are required to renew their DOT medical card every 24 months. Some drivers may need to renew more often depending on health conditions, medical history, or what the certified medical examiner determines during the exam.
What the DOT Physical Exam Includes
The exam is thorough but straightforward. During your DOT physical, the certified medical examiner may review or complete:
- Your health history.
- Your current medications.
- Any chronic conditions.
- Height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse.
- Vision screening.
- Hearing screening.
- Urinalysis to check for medical concerns such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- A physical exam of the heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities, and neurological system.
If you are cleared, you will receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also called a DOT medical card, that may be valid for up to two years. Some drivers with certain health conditions may receive a shorter certification period.
Vision and Hearing Requirements
Vision and hearing are important parts of the DOT physical.
For vision, drivers generally must be able to see 20/40 or better and meet field of vision requirements. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
For hearing, drivers generally must be able to hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away. If you use hearing aids, bring them to your exam.
How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical
A little preparation can make your visit go more smoothly. Before you come in, bring:
- The official DOT Physical Checklist.
- A valid driver’s license or photo ID.
- A current list of all medications you take, including over the counter medications.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
- Hearing aids if you use them.
- A completed driver health history form, or plan to complete it at the clinic.
- Any recent specialist notes if you have had major health issues.
If you have a health condition that may affect clearance, bring supporting documentation with you.
Examples include:
- Sleep apnea: Bring a CPAP compliance report showing at least 90 days of use.
- Diabetes: Bring your most recent A1C or glucose records.
- High blood pressure or heart conditions: Bring a letter or recent results from your treating specialist.
It is also a good idea to get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated, avoid heavy, salty, or fatty meals before your exam, and limit caffeine or alcohol the day before. These can temporarily affect blood pressure or other results.
Conditions That May Affect DOT Clearance
Certain medical conditions can affect whether a driver is cleared, cleared for a shorter period, or not cleared at the time of the exam.
These may include:
- Uncontrolled or unstable heart conditions.
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders.
- Meniere’s disease.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Vision loss that cannot be corrected.
- Hearing loss that cannot be corrected.
- Use of marijuana, even if prescribed.
- Use of illegal substances.
- Use of oxygen therapy.
- Certain respiratory conditions.
- Protein in urine.
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you cannot pass your DOT physical. What matters is whether the condition is documented, managed, and reviewed by the certified medical examiner. Bring any relevant records so the examiner can make an informed decision.
How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost in Ocala?
The self pay price for a DOT physical at MainStreet Family Care is $100.
That matters for drivers who are scheduling their own DOT physical, renewing a DOT medical card, or paying out of pocket instead of going through an employer. At MainStreet Family Care, the price is listed up front so you know what to expect before your visit.
If you are paying for your DOT physical yourself, you can register online or walk into the clinic.
If your employer is covering the cost, ask them to schedule your exam through their Employer Portal account.
DOT Physicals Do Not Include Drug Testing
This is a common point of confusion. The urinalysis completed during a DOT physical checks for medical concerns only. It is not a DOT drug screen.
Drug and alcohol testing is a separate process with different requirements. If your employer requires DOT drug testing, that service needs to be scheduled separately.
For Employers: Schedule Through the Employer Portal
If you manage commercial drivers and need to coordinate DOT physicals for your team, you can schedule exams through the Employer Portal.
The portal makes it easier to manage authorizations, track visits, and support your drivers without the back and forth.
MainStreet Family Care also offers broader occupational health services for employers, including physicals, drug and alcohol testing, workplace injury care, and other employer health services.
(For Employers) Ready to Get Started?
You can signup today! Simply click the “Sign Up Now” button.
For Step by Step Instructions:
Download the “Create Your Employer Account” PDF
Already Have An Employer Account?
For Employer Account FAQs:
Urgent Care and Adult Primary Care Are Also Available
In addition to occupational health, MainStreet Family Care offers urgent care services at our Silver Springs Shores location for illnesses, minor injuries, and other concerns that cannot wait.
Adult primary care services are also available for patients managing ongoing health needs such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, annual checkups, and more.
Visit MainStreet Family Care for DOT Physicals in Ocala
MainStreet Family Care in Ocala, Florida (Silver Springs Shores) is open 7 days a week, making it easier for drivers to complete DOT physicals without rearranging their entire schedule.
Walk ins are welcome. You can also register online to save your spot in line. Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.
