DOT Physicals in the Dubuque Area: What to Expect and What to Bring
If your job depends on your license, your DOT physical shouldn't be a hassle. For a lot of drivers, it's a once-every-two-years errand that gets squeezed in between loads — so the last thing you need is a long wait, a confusing form, or a return trip because you forgot a piece of paper.
At Burds Family Practice, we do these exams the way we'd want them done for our own families: on time, explained plainly, and handled by a certified medical examiner. Here's exactly what to know before you come in.
Who needs a DOT physical?
If you drive commercially, you probably do. That includes most CDL holders and certain non-CDL commercial operations. If you're not sure whether your role requires one, your employer's safety manager will know — and you're welcome to call us and ask.
The exam has to be performed by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Not every clinic has one on staff. We do, which is part of why local drivers and employers come to us instead of driving out of the metro.
What actually happens during the exam
A DOT physical is a focused check that you're medically fit to operate safely. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes:
Vision — measured with or without glasses or contacts, plus a check of your field of vision and color recognition
Hearing — a basic check to confirm you can hear well enough to drive safely
Blood pressure and pulse
A urine screen — this checks for things like protein or sugar as a health screen; it is not a drug test
A physical exam — heart, lungs, abdomen, reflexes, and a review of your health history
Most drivers walk out with a medical certificate good for up to 24 months. If you have a condition we want to keep an eye on — say, blood pressure that's a little high — the examiner may issue a shorter certificate so we can recheck sooner. That's not a punishment; it's how we keep you certified and on the road.
What to bring
This is where a little prep saves you a second trip. Please bring:
A photo ID
A list of your current medications — names, doses, and who prescribes them
Your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if you use them
Paperwork for any managed conditions, such as:
Diabetes: recent blood sugar or A1c results
Heart conditions: a note or records from your cardiologist
Sleep apnea: your CPAP compliance report
Vision or hearing: any specialist forms you've been given
Any prior FMCSA exemption or variance paperwork, if you have one
If you're managing a health condition, the more current your records, the smoother the visit. When a driver shows up with the right paperwork, we can usually certify same-day.
A word on drug and alcohol testing
The DOT physical and DOT drug/alcohol testing are two different things, though employers often schedule them together. If your company needs both, we can coordinate that in one visit so your driver isn't making two trips. Employers, that's worth a conversation — we'll get to that below.
Local drivers, local clinic
We're a family practice in the Peosta, Dyersville, and Dubuque area, which means you're not just a name on a certificate. If your physical turns up something worth a closer look, you're already sitting in a clinic that can help you sort it out — often the same day — instead of sending you off to start over somewhere else.
Ready to schedule? Call Burds Family Practice at (563) 588-6659, or send us a message to request an appointment. Fleet or multiple drivers? See our full occupational health services for employers — we'll set up a schedule that works around your operation.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a DOT physical good for?
Up to 24 months. If you have a health condition we want to monitor, your examiner may issue a certificate for a shorter period.
Is the DOT physical a drug test?
No. The urine screen during a DOT physical checks for health markers, not drugs. Drug and alcohol testing is separate, though it can often be done at the same appointment.
What should I bring to my DOT physical?
A photo ID, a list of your current medications, your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if you use them, and records for any managed conditions like diabetes, heart issues, or sleep apnea.
Do I need an appointment?
We recommend booking ahead so we can have your certified medical examiner ready and get you in and out quickly. Call (563) 588-6659 or send us a message to schedule.