Department of Transportation Examination

The Medix Ankeny location works with trucking companies in Iowa and across the U.S. to ensure safety by performing Department of Transportation (DOT) examinations.

Understanding Medix DOT Examinations

A DOT examination is a physical exam that is required for drivers who need certification under DOT standards to ensure safety on America’s roads. These examinations are completed by a certified medical examiner.

The components of a DOT examination typically include a:

Urine Test

A urine test to check for sugars, proteins, or blood.

Vision Test

A vision test to ensure the driver meets the minimum visual standards set by the DOT, this test would include visual acuity, peripheral vision, and color vision to assess the driver’s ability to adequately see and safely drive and to react to road signals, signs, and hazards.

Hearing Test

A hearing test to determine the driver’s ability to adequately hear when driving. This test may be a voice test or may include audiometry.

Health History Review

A health history review with the provider to review the driver’s recent and past medical history, medications, and other ongoing treatments that may impact the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle or the driving public’s safety.

Physical Exam

A physical examination to assess the driver’s physical condition. The physical examination would include measurements of height, weight, neck circumference, blood pressure, and pulse. The provider performs a thorough physical examination to include multiple body systems that may impact a driver’s safety.

After the physical examination, if the driver meets the DOT certification criteria, the provider gives the driver a DOT card for up to two years. If further information or procedures are required before certification, the examination may be placed on hold while the information or results are obtained. A driver who does not meet the DOT standards would not be given a certification.

If drivers would like to save time, they can fill out this form before their visit and bring it with them to their exam. The driver’s signature will be completed at the exam.

DOT Exam Resources

Our goal at Medix is to ensure that drivers are medically safe. If you would like to learn more about DOT exams, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FAQ website is a great resource.

Medix providers recognize that the DOT examination may be the driver’s primary point of contact with a healthcare provider, so Medix providers may use this opportunity to provide preventive medicine information to drivers.

We understand that you may have additional questions. If you would like to learn more about DOT exams or other Medix services, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Book a DOT Exam Today

All Medix providers are DOT Certified Medical Examiners and can assist you at our Ankeny location. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.