DOT Physical Exam - CDL License

The DOT physical at Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Hammerly is the medical exam the Department of Transportation requires for people who drive trucks and other commercial vehicles. If you're getting or renewing your CDL in Houston, we handle it in Spring Branch with every step explained in Spanish and English.

What does the DOT physical check?

• Health history: you fill out the FMCSA questionnaire on illnesses, surgeries and medications, and the medical team reviews it with you.
• Vision: reading letters at a distance with and without glasses, side vision and telling traffic-light colors apart.
• Hearing: whether you can hear a soft voice from a set distance, or with your hearing aids if you use them.
• Blood pressure and pulse: one of the factors that weighs most on your certificate.
• Urine: a simple sample checked for sugar, protein and blood, which can flag kidney problems or diabetes.
• Physical exam: heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, joints and reflexes.

What should you bring so you don't have to come back?

Bring your driver's license and your glasses or contacts. If you use hearing aids, wear them. Write down the names and doses of all your medications. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or a heart condition, bring your latest results or a letter from your provider showing it's under control: that keeps your evaluation from being left on hold.

Does diabetes or high blood pressure keep you off the road?

A chronic condition doesn't disqualify you on its own. What's evaluated is whether it's under control. When your readings are borderline, the certificate can be written for less time, which simply means an earlier recheck. If your blood pressure runs high that day, the medical team explains your options; many drivers tighten their control through our chronic conditions visits before the next renewal.

In what order does the DOT exam happen?

1. You show your license and complete your part of the form.
2. Our staff checks vision, hearing and blood pressure and collects the urine sample.
3. The medical team does the physical exam and reviews your documents.
4. If you meet the requirements, you receive your medical certificate to turn in with your paperwork.

If your company also requires a drug test, ask whether you can do it during the same visit.

We're open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday, so you can come by after your route.