If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are in the process of obtaining one, a DOT physical exam in Indianapolis is not optional — it is a federal requirement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all commercial drivers undergo a medical examination to confirm they are physically and mentally fit to safely operate large vehicles on public roads.
At Servant Express Care, located at 2346 S Lynhurst Drive in Indianapolis, IN, we provide FMCSA-compliant DOT physical exams performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry. Whether you are a new CDL applicant or a veteran driver due for your two-year renewal, this guide covers everything you need to know before you walk through our doors.
A DOT physical exam — officially called a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examination — is a standardized health assessment required for anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. This includes drivers of trucks, buses, and other large vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds.
The exam is designed to confirm that a driver does not have any physical or mental condition that would impair their ability to safely control a commercial vehicle. It is not the same as a routine wellness visit. The evaluation follows strict federal guidelines and must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner registered with the FMCSA National Registry.
A medical certificate — commonly called a DOT medical card — is issued to drivers who pass. This card must be kept on your person while driving and must be renewed every 24 months, though some conditions may require more frequent renewals of 12 months or less.
You are required to carry a valid DOT medical certificate if you operate a commercial motor vehicle that meets any of the following criteria:
If you drive any of these vehicle types in and around Indianapolis — whether for a freight company, a bus service, a construction firm, or as an owner-operator — you need to complete a DOT physical exam and keep your medical card current.
The FMCSA sets out a specific list of assessments that every DOT physical must cover. At Servant Express Care, our certified medical examiner conducts all of the following:
You must have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. You must also have a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye and the ability to recognize colors on traffic signals.
You must be able to perceive a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
Blood pressure is one of the most common disqualifiers. A reading of 140/90 or below generally qualifies a driver for a two-year certificate. Higher readings may result in a shorter certification period or a temporary disqualification pending treatment.
A urine sample is collected to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. This is not a drug test — drug screening is a separate process.
The examiner conducts a full head-to-toe assessment, including evaluation of the eyes, ears, mouth, throat, cardiovascular system, lungs, abdomen, neurological function, extremities, and spine.
You will complete a detailed medical history form disclosing any existing conditions, medications, surgeries, or hospitalizations. Honesty here is essential — withholding information can result in disqualification or legal consequences.
Not all health conditions automatically disqualify a CDL driver. Many conditions are manageable, and our examiner will review your case individually. However, the FMCSA does identify several conditions that may affect certification:
Stage 1 hypertension (140–159/90–99) typically results in a one-year certificate. Stage 2 (160–179/100–109) results in a three-month certificate with treatment required before renewal. Stage 3 (180+/110+) is an automatic disqualification until controlled.
Insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) requires an FMCSA exemption. Non-insulin-treated diabetes is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is a disqualifying condition. Drivers with a confirmed diagnosis who are compliant with CPAP therapy may still qualify.
Corrective lenses and hearing aids are permitted; federal exemptions exist for some severe cases.
Generally disqualifying unless seizure-free for a specified period without medication.
Heart disease, arrhythmias, and recent cardiac events are evaluated case by case.
If you have any of these conditions, come prepared with documentation from your treating physician and any current medication lists. Our examiner will review the full picture before making a determination.
Being prepared speeds up the process and helps avoid delays or follow-up visits. Bring the following to your appointment at Servant Express Care:
Arriving prepared means our examiner can complete your evaluation efficiently and issue your medical certificate the same day in most cases.
The standard DOT medical certificate is valid for 24 months (two years). However, if you have certain health conditions — such as controlled hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea — your examiner may issue a certificate valid for a shorter period: 12 months, six months, or three months, depending on the condition and its management.
You must renew your DOT physical before your current certificate expires. Driving with an expired medical card is a federal violation and can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and jeopardized employment.
We recommend booking your renewal appointment at least four to six weeks before your card expires to allow time for any follow-up testing or specialist documentation that may be needed.
Our examiner is listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners — a requirement for any DOT physical to be federally valid. Always verify your examiner’s registry status before your appointment.
For drivers who pass, we issue your DOT medical certificate the same day. No waiting days for paperwork.
We are located at 2346 S Lynhurst Drive, Suite E107 & D201, Indianapolis, IN 46241 — easily accessible from major routes serving the greater Indianapolis metro area.
We work with transportation companies, logistics firms, and fleet operators across Indianapolis to manage DOT compliance for their drivers. Contact Us to discuss group scheduling and employer accounts.
A current DOT medical certificate is not just a legal requirement — it is your proof that you are fit to operate safely and keep your livelihood moving. Do not let an expired card put your CDL or your job at risk.
Servant Express Care is accepting new patients and walk-in DOT physicals. Schedule your exam online or call us directly at (317) 688-8160. We are open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.