DOT Physical Exam in Houston | CDL License

The DOT physical is the medical exam required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to drive a commercial vehicle in the United States. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Lawndale it is performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry (NRCME); ask at the front desk for the registry number to verify it. You leave with your Medical Examiner's Certificate (form MCSA-5876) the same day, no appointment needed, in Spanish or English.

Who needs a DOT physical?

You need one if you drive a vehicle over 10,001 lb in interstate commerce, a bus with 16 or more passengers, or you haul hazardous materials (HAZMAT). It applies when you get your CDL for the first time and every time your medical certificate is renewed. Many companies also require it for intrastate drivers in Texas.

What does the DOT exam check?

1. Vision: at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses, and a 70-degree field of vision per eye.
2. Hearing: hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away, with or without a hearing aid.
3. Blood pressure and pulse: under 140/90 gives a 2-year certificate; 140/90 to 159/99 gives 1 year; 160/100 to 179/109 gives a one-time 3-month certificate while it is brought under control.
4. Urinalysis: glucose, protein and blood. It is not a drug test; your employer orders that separately, and we can do it during the same visit if you need it.
5. Physical exam and history: heart, lungs, abdomen, hernias, reflexes, spine, current medications and past surgeries.

The full exam takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What should I bring?

• Photo ID and your current driver's license
• Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
• List of medications with doses
• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or heart problems: your latest results or a letter from your doctor. This avoids a second visit.

How much does a DOT physical cost in Houston?

The DOT physical includes the full exam, the urinalysis and the MCSA-5876 certificate. Ask for the price when you arrive or call us at (832) 530-4188: direct payment by cash or card, no insurance needed. Many trucking companies reimburse the cost.

How long is the DOT medical certificate valid?

Up to 2 years. With controlled high blood pressure or non-insulin diabetes it is usually 1 year. Renew at least 2 weeks before it expires so you don't lose work days. Since June 23, 2025, certified examiners submit results electronically to the FMCSA National Registry, which forwards them to Texas DPS, so in most cases you no longer need to hand in the paper card.

What if I don't pass?

Very high blood pressure, vision below 20/40 or insulin-treated diabetes do not mean a permanent "no". We explain which document or treatment you need and when to come back. If you use insulin, the FMCSA accepts form MCSA-5870 completed by your treating doctor, and with it you can be certified for up to 1 year.

Why choose Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Lawndale?

We are a Hispanic and Latino clinic in Houston: we care for you 100% in Spanish, with no appointment needed and no insurance needed. Find a medical center near you at 7040 Lawndale St # B, Houston, TX 77023, open Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM. Our team treats every patient with respect, time and clear explanations.

Insurance and payment

We do not work with health insurance: we offer affordable, transparent self-pay pricing and accept cash and cards. Ask us about the cost of your service before your visit.

Areas we serve

We care for patients across the East End of Houston and nearby areas: Eastwood, Segundo Barrio, Magnolia Park, Forest Hill, Gulfgate, Idylwild and Manchester, and welcome patients from across the greater Houston, TX metro area.