What to Bring to a DOT Physical
A document-by-document DOT physical checklist for medications, CPAP use, diabetes, vision, hearing, and ongoing medical care.
The fastest DOT physical is not the one with the shortest examination. It is the one where the driver arrives with complete information and the Medical Examiner does not have to pause the decision while waiting for a record.
Use this checklist before a DOT physical in Lake City or anywhere else. The examiner decides which documents are necessary for an individual driver.
Bring these items to every examination
- A driver's license or other government-issued photo ID
- A complete list of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dose and frequency
- Glasses or contact lenses worn for driving
- Hearing aids used while driving
- Relevant records for active medical conditions, recent procedures, or specialist care
- Contact information for the clinicians managing ongoing conditions
Complete the driver information and health-history section of Form MCSA-5875 accurately. A “yes” answer does not automatically mean disqualification; it tells the examiner what needs to be reviewed.
If you take prescription medication
Do not stop medication to change an exam finding unless the clinician who prescribed it directs you to do so. Bring the medication name, dose, reason it was prescribed, and prescriber's contact information.
When the examiner needs more detail, FMCSA provides the optional CMV Driver Medication Form MCSA-5895. The prescribing clinician completes it. Call BioSpine before the appointment if you were previously told to bring this form.
If you use CPAP
Bring the machine report or compliance information requested by your examiner or treating sleep clinician. The useful report should identify the period covered and actual usage—not simply show that a machine was purchased.
Do not guess which date range is needed. Call the office before the exam so you can download the right report from the device, app, equipment company, or sleep clinic.
If you have diabetes
Bring a current medication list and the records your treating clinician uses to monitor the condition. Drivers treated with insulin need Form MCSA-5870 completed by the treating clinician. The DOT examination must begin within 45 days of that clinician's signature.
FMCSA also publishes optional Form MCSA-5872 for non-insulin-treated diabetes when the Medical Examiner requests additional information.
If you use the alternative vision standard
An ophthalmologist or optometrist completes Form MCSA-5871. The DOT examination must begin within 45 days of the eye professional's signature.
Bring the glasses or contacts used while driving even if you also bring an eye-clinic report.
If you have heart, neurological, hearing, or other ongoing care
Bring recent information that explains the diagnosis, treatment, stability, medications, and any work or driving restrictions. The exact record depends on the condition. A general note that only says “cleared” may not answer the questions the federal examination requires.
Call before asking a specialist to prepare a letter. BioSpine can tell you what information the Medical Examiner needs, but the treating clinician remains responsible for that clinician's findings and recommendations.
Documents do not guarantee certification
Complete records help the examiner make a timely decision; they do not guarantee a particular result or a two-year certificate. The decision must follow the current federal standards and the findings on the day of the exam.
All current forms are linked in BioSpine's official DOT paperwork section.
Lake City appointment requests
Call 843-713-0669 or request an appointment online. Select “DOT physical” and share your deadline. Bring the actual medical documents to 214 John Street rather than sending private health information through the website.