Frequently Asked Questions – DOT Physical Exam in MA
Have questions about your DOT physical in Massachusetts? Dr. Howard Austrager at our Framingham location and Dr. Patricia Sweder, DNP and Robin Bianchi, NP at our Watertown location have answered the most common questions commercial drivers ask before their exam. If you don’t see your question here, call us at (508) 620-1585 and we’ll be happy to help.
What is a DOT physical exam?
A DOT physical exam is a medical examination required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), vehicles over 10,000 pounds, those with a hoisting engineers license, school bus drivers, school van (7D) drivers and other professions that need a medical card in Massachusetts. The exam ensures that drivers are physically and mentally fit to safely operate a vehicle. It is sometimes called a CDL physical, a CDL medical exam, or a DOT medical exam. Upon passing, you receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate — commonly known as a DOT medical card — which is required to maintain your commercial driver’s license.
How much does a DOT physical cost at Massachusetts DOT Examinations?
Our DOT physical exam is just $90 at both our Framingham and Watertown locations. School bus physicals are $100. This is an all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. Drug testing, if required by your employer, is available for an additional $65 and can be performed with a separate appointment.
Where are your locations?
We have two convenient locations in Eastern Massachusetts:
Framingham: 235 Walnut St, Framingham, MA 01702, served by Dr. Howard Austrager, DC, DACNB. This location is easily accessible from Route 9 with plenty of free parking on site.
Watertown: 69 Howard St, 2nd Floor, Watertown, MA, served by Dr. Patricia Sweder, DNP and Robin Bianchi, NP. This location is convenient for drivers coming from Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, and surrounding communities.
How do I schedule a DOT physical appointment?
You can book your appointment online at massdotexam.com/schedule-an-appointment or call us at (508) 620-1585. Same-day appointments are available when scheduling allows. We strongly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot. We do not currently accept walk-ins, so please call or book online first.
How long does a DOT physical take?
Most DOT physical exams are completed in 20 to 30 minutes. The exact time depends on your individual health history, if the online history was completed prior to your appointment, and whether any additional review is needed. Our offices are fully paperless—all documentation is completed on an iPad—which keeps the process fast and efficient. We respect your time and run our appointments on schedule.
What do I need to bring to my DOT physical?
To ensure your exam goes smoothly, please bring the following:
A complete list of all medications you are currently taking, including dosages.
Your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you use them.
Any medical records or documentation related to ongoing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.
A valid photo ID and your current commercial driver’s license, if applicable.
If you take insulin for diabetes, your physician must complete Federal Diabetes Form 5870 prior to your appointment.
If you take certain medications, your physician may need to complete Medication Form MCSA 5895—call us at 508-620-1585 prior to filling out this form. It is not needed in many cases.
Will I get my DOT medical card the same day?
Yes. In virtually all cases you will receive your laminated DOT medical card the same day as your exam. We can also fax or email your Medical Examination Report directly to your employer at no additional charge. Replacement cards are available.
How often do I need a DOT physical?
Most commercial drivers are required to have a DOT physical every two years. However, if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea, your examiner may issue a certificate valid for a shorter period—such as 12 months—until the condition is well-managed. We offer free text, postcard, and email reminders.
What happens during a DOT physical exam?
Your DOT physical includes the following:
Review of your health history—you will complete a health history form disclosing any medical conditions, surgeries, and medications
Vision test: you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
Hearing test: you must be able to perceive a forced whispered voice from at least five feet away
Blood pressure and pulse check: high blood pressure may result in a shorter certification period
Urinalysis: a urine sample is tested for signs of underlying medical conditions. This is not a drug test
Physical examination: including evaluation of your height, weight, eyes, ears, mouth, throat, cardiovascular system, lungs, abdomen, spine, and neurological function
Review of medications: certain medications require documentation from your treating physician
What conditions can disqualify me from a DOT physical?
Certain medical conditions may disqualify a driver or require additional documentation. These include:
-Insulin-dependent diabetes (a federal exemption is available)
–Uncontrolled high blood pressure
-Certain heart conditions including a history of heart attack, angina, or coronary artery disease -Epilepsy or seizure disorders
-Loss of a limb or significant impairment of hand, arm, foot, or leg function
-Current use of certain controlled substances or medications that impair alertness
-Diagnosed mental disorders that interfere with safe vehicle operation
-Vision that cannot be corrected to at least 20/40 in each eye
If you have a medical condition you are concerned about, call us at (508) 620-1585 before your appointment. Our examiners are experienced with complex medical histories and can often help you understand your options before you come in.
Can I still pass my DOT physical if I take prescription medications?
In most cases, yes. Many commercial drivers successfully pass their DOT physical while taking prescription medications. However, certain medications, particularly those that cause drowsiness, impair judgment, or affect motor function may require a letter from your treating physician confirming that the medication does not interfere with your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. If you are unsure whether your medication could be an issue, call our office before your appointment and we will advise you.
Do you perform DOT physicals for hoisting license applications?
Yes. Both our Framingham and Watertown locations perform DOT physicals for Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer License applications in addition to CDL physicals. The exam requirements are the same, and the cost is $90.
Do you perform school bus driver physicals?
Yes. We perform school bus driver physicals at both locations. If you drive a school bus or 7D vehicle and use insulin, your physician will need to complete an additional form prior to your appointment. We currently perform physicals for Connolly Bus, AA Transportation, Framingham Schools, Weston Schools, WT Holmes, and others.
Do you offer DOT drug and ALCOHOL BREATH testing?
Yes. DOT pre-employment and random drug testing and breath alcohol testing are available at our Framingham location with Dr. Austrager. We are a preferred collection site for Quest Diagnostics. The cost is $55 for the drug test and $45 for the alcohol test, separate from the $90 physical fee.
Do you serve drivers from outside the immediate area?
Absolutely. Drivers come to our Framingham and Watertown locations from across Metrowest and Central and Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, Worcester, Lowell, Natick, Marlborough, Milford, Hopkinton, Westborough, Sudbury, Wellesley, Quincy, Brockton, and beyond. We also have drivers from New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut come for their physicals. Our convenient locations are off Route 9 in Framingham and near the Mass Pike in Watertown make us easily accessible from most of Central and Eastern Massachusetts.
Can you send my results directly to my employer?
Yes. We can fax or email your completed Medical Examination Report and DOT medical card directly to your employer at no additional charge. Simply let us know at your appointment
Still have a question not answered here? We are happy to help. Call us at (508) 620-1585 during office hours or visit our scheduling page to book your appointment online. Our Framingham office is open Monday through Saturday and our Watertown office offers flexible scheduling to accommodate busy drivers. We look forward to getting you certified and back on the road.