What Is a DOT Physical Exam?
A DOT physical (also called a DOT medical exam) is a federally standardized medical evaluation required for anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. It confirms that a driver is medically qualified to safely operate a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle on the road.
Unlike a general physical, a DOT exam must be performed by a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) — it cannot be completed at a standard walk-in clinic or with a primary care physician who isn't NRCME-certified.
The exam includes:
- A review of your medical history
- Vision and hearing screening
- Blood pressure and pulse check
- Urinalysis (a medical screening, separate from any employer drug test)
- A physical exam of the cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems
If you qualify, you'll receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), typically valid for up to 24 months. Drivers with certain monitored conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea) may be certified for a shorter period, such as 3, 6, or 12 months.
Why Drivers Choose Southeast Family Chiropractic
An NRCME-Certified Examiner You Can Trust
Your exam is performed by Dr. Crown H. Hoffman, DC, a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, trained and certified under NRCME and FMCSA guidelines. Chiropractic physicians who complete NRCME certification are fully authorized to perform DOT physicals — the same standard used by any certified MD, DO, NP, or PA.
In and Out in About 15 Minutes
We use simple, easy-to-navigate online software to collect your required medical history before your appointment. That means less time filling out paperwork in our office and more time getting back on the road — most drivers complete their exam within 15 minutes of arriving.
A Comfortable, Home-Like Environment
Skip the crowded urgent care waiting room. Our office offers a calmer, more comfortable setting for your exam — the same personalized care our chiropractic patients already know us for.
Straightforward, Affordable Pricing
Our current rate is $85 per DOT physical exam — among the most affordable options in the Gastonia area. Call ahead to confirm current pricing before your visit.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Proudly Serving Gastonia's Growing Trucking & Logistics Community
Gaston County sits directly along Interstate 85, one of the busiest freight corridors on the East Coast, connecting Atlanta to Richmond, with I-40 and I-485 close by. The area's logistics footprint continues to grow — including a new 462,000-square-foot distribution center under construction off I-85 in Gastonia, alongside existing operations in the corridor. That means more local commercial drivers than ever need fast, convenient access to DOT physicals close to home, without the drive into Charlotte.
Southeast Family Chiropractic is proud to support the drivers who keep Gaston County and the greater Charlotte region moving.
How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID
- Bring a list of current medications and dosages
- Bring corrective lenses or hearing aids, if you use them
- Bring documentation for any monitored conditions (e.g., CPAP compliance data, specialist letters)
- Complete your online health history form before your visit
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
You're generally required to hold a current DOT medical certificate if you operate a commercial motor vehicle that:
This applies to most interstate commercial drivers, as well as many intrastate drivers under North Carolina's "non-excepted intrastate" commerce category. North Carolina CDL holders self-certify their operating category with the NC DMV, and non-excepted drivers must keep a current medical certificate on file.
Certificates are valid for up to 2 years, but drivers with certain monitored health conditions may need to renew more frequently — which means many local drivers are due for a new exam every 3 to 12 months.
DOT Physicals FAQ
Get all the answers you're looking for here — if what you're looking for is not here please reach out to us, we will gladly help you.
Most drivers renew every 2 years. If you have a monitored condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea, your examiner may certify you for a shorter period — as little as 3 months.
Yes. Any provider listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can perform DOT physicals, regardless of whether they are an MD, DO, DC (chiropractor), NP, or PA. Dr. Crown H. Hoffman is NRCME-certified and registered to perform these exams.
A valid photo ID, your current medication list, corrective lenses or hearing aids if applicable, and any documentation related to monitored health conditions.
Most drivers complete their exam in about 15 minutes, especially if they've finished the online health history form beforehand.
Our current rate is $85 per exam. Call our office to confirm current pricing before booking.
Some conditions result in a shorter certification period rather than an outright disqualification, so you can keep working while managing the condition. Dr. Hoffman will walk you through your specific results and any next steps.
Ready to schedule your DOT physical?
Call (704) 810-0448 or book online — most appointments completed in about 15 minutes.
Chiropractic care that grows with your family.
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