Field Dispatch Notes · 11 Guides

DOT Physical Field Guides

Regulation-based articles for CDL drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers. Every guide traces back to a specific FMCSA rule, Cardiovascular Advisory Panel note, or National Registry (NRCME) guidance document, so the numbers you read here match the numbers your medical examiner sees at the exam.

New to the DOT physical? Start with the preparation walkthrough, then spot-check your readiness with the free readiness calculator. Renewing soon? Jump to the medical card renewal guide.

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FEATURED DISPATCH// dot-physical

How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical Exam

Practical steps CDL drivers can take in the 30 days before their DOT physical to improve their chances of a 2-year certificate.

READ DISPATCH 6 MIN READ · Feb 10, 2026

ALL DISPATCHES

dot-physical6 MIN

DOT Blood Pressure Requirements: What CDL Drivers Need to Know

The FMCSA uses four BP stages to determine your cert length. Know the thresholds, 140/90, 160/100, 180/110, before you walk into the exam room.

VIEW DISPATCH Feb 18, 2026

dot-physical7 MIN

BMI and DOT Physicals: What the Weight Guidelines Actually Mean

There's no hard BMI cutoff for CDL drivers, but a BMI over 35 often triggers a sleep apnea screening. Here's what examiners actually look for.

VIEW DISPATCH Feb 24, 2026

dot-physical8 MIN

DOT Physical Vision Requirements: The Complete Guide for CDL Drivers

CDL drivers need 20/40 corrected vision in each eye, a 70° horizontal field of view, and color recognition. Monocular drivers can apply for an exemption.

VIEW DISPATCH Mar 5, 2026

health6 MIN

Diabetes and DOT Physicals: Can You Drive With Diabetes?

Driving with diabetes depends on how you manage it. Diet-controlled and oral-med drivers usually qualify. Insulin users need the FMCSA ITDM exemption.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

regulations8 MIN

DOT Medical Certificate Periods: 2-Year, 1-Year, and 90-Day Explained

Your DOT card length depends on your health. Two years is the standard, but blood pressure and other conditions can shorten it to 1 year or 90 days.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

dot-physical8 MIN

DOT Physical Disqualifying Conditions: What Will Fail You

Some conditions automatically disqualify you from a DOT physical. Others only fail you depending on severity. Know the difference before your exam.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

dot-physical9 MIN

How to Lower Blood Pressure Before Your DOT Physical

High BP is the top reason CDL drivers get short-term certs or fail outright. Here's a realistic 30-day plan to get your numbers where they need to be.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

dot-physical7 MIN

How Much Does a DOT Physical Cost in 2026?

DOT physical costs range from $60 to $150 depending on where you go. Here's what drives the price and how to avoid overpaying.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

dot-physical8 MIN

CDL Medical Card Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Renewing your CDL medical card takes less than an hour if you know what to bring. Here's the complete process from finding an examiner to updating your DMV.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026

dot-physical9 MIN

5 Reasons Drivers Fail DOT Physicals (And How to Fix Them)

High blood pressure, sleep apnea, vision problems, diabetes complications, and certain medications are behind most DOT physical failures. Here's what to know.

VIEW DISPATCH Apr 4, 2026