Maybe you played sports in school or had to undergo some type of physical exam in your lifetime. A DOT or department of transportation physical, has some key differences to a regular physical. Don’t worry, MedPhysicals Plus is here to help you! The + denotes that the quality of service you receive surpasses that of the competition. We are here to address any concerns that you might have. We don’t want you to be alone this Valentine’s Day, so please feel free to visit any of our five offices located throughout the state of Alaska with any questions you may have!
| Category | DOT Physicals | Non-DOT Physicals |
| Purpose | To ensure commercial drivers are physically capable of safely operating commercial vehicles. | Varies; generally for employment or personal health, not specifically for commercial driving. |
| Requirements | Set by FMCSA: vision, hearing, blood pressure, and no disqualifying medical conditions. | Varies by employer or organization; no standardized federal requirements. |
| Frequency | Typically every 24 months, but can vary based on health status. | Determined by the employer or specific purpose of the physical. It may be yearly or once. |
| Applicability | Required for drivers operating vehicles with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds, hazardous materials, or 15+ passengers. | Depends on employer requirements or individual needs; not limited to drivers. |
| Regulatory Authority | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). | No specific federal authority; varies by employer or organization. |
| Components of Examination | Standardized: medical history, physical exam, vision and hearing tests, urine test for kidney function. | Non-standardized; may include similar components but varies widely. |
Recently updated in 2024, medical standards are constantly being reassessed to meet the needs of a modern workforce. Visit https://medphysicalsplus.com/dot-services/ or call us at (907) 561-7587 to further learn the difference.