DOT & CDL Physicals
Certified DOT medical exams for commercial drivers — walk-in 7 days a week, most completed in 30 minutes. Leave with your medical card the same day.
Medically reviewed by Jacob Silberstein, MD, FMCSA-certified examiner at Sage Urgent Care. Last updated May 2026.
What is a DOT physical? A DOT physical exam — also called a CDL medical exam or FMCSA medical examination — is a federally-required health screening for anyone who drives a commercial vehicle requiring a CDL. It must be performed by a licensed medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. Passing the exam issues a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876), valid for up to two years.
Near Berkeley Heights, NJ: Sage Urgent Care at 369 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 offers walk-in DOT physicals 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. No appointment needed. Most exams are completed in 30–45 minutes and drivers leave with their medical card the same day.
DOT Physical Exams in Berkeley Heights, NJ
If you drive a commercial vehicle — a truck, bus, school van, or any vehicle requiring a CDL — federal law requires you to pass a DOT physical exam every two years (or more often, depending on your medical history). At Sage Urgent Care in Berkeley Heights, our certified examiners can complete your exam, walk you through the results, and issue your medical card the same day.
We're listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, which means your DOT medical card from us is valid in all 50 states and accepted by any employer or licensing agency. We see new drivers, returning drivers, and drivers with complex medical histories every week.
What Does a DOT Physical Exam Include?
The DOT exam evaluates whether a driver is medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle safely, using standards set by 49 CFR Part 391.41. Our 30–45 minute exam covers:
- Medical history review — current medications, past surgeries, chronic conditions, and any concerns
- Vision test — 20/40 acuity in each eye (with correction OK), peripheral vision, and color recognition
- Hearing test — must hear a forced whisper at 5 feet in at least one ear (with or without a hearing aid)
- Blood pressure and pulse — Stage 1 (140–159/90–99) allows 1-year card; Stage 3 (≥180/110) is disqualifying until treated
- Urinalysis — for protein, blood, and glucose (not a drug test; that is separate)
- Physical exam — heart, lungs, abdomen, extremities, neurological, and musculoskeletal
- Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) — issued same day if you pass
What Do You Need to Bring to a DOT Physical?
Required for your visit
- Driver's license or government-issued photo ID
- Current medication list with names, dosages, and prescribing doctor (a phone photo of your medication bottles works)
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them while driving
- Hearing aids, if you use them
- CPAP compliance data, if you have sleep apnea (a 90-day download from your machine)
- Specialist letters or recent test results if you have heart disease, diabetes, seizure disorder, or any chronic condition that might affect driving
- Most recent A1C if you have diabetes
If you're missing some of these, you can usually still complete the exam — but we may need to issue a temporary card or ask you to return with documentation, which can delay things. Coming prepared saves time.
Can You Pass a DOT Physical With a Chronic Medical Condition?
Many drivers with managed health conditions still qualify for a full 2-year certificate. The key is documentation. Here is what FMCSA standards say about the most common conditions:
High blood pressure: Drivers with stage 1 hypertension (systolic 140–159 or diastolic 90–99) typically receive 1-year certifications. With higher readings, you may need treatment first or receive a 3- or 6-month card. Bring your medication list.
Diabetes: Drivers on oral medications generally pass without issue if A1C is in good range. Insulin-using drivers can also be certified — federal rules changed in 2018 to allow this — but require additional documentation from your treating physician.
Sleep apnea: Diagnosed sleep apnea doesn't disqualify you, but you'll need to show CPAP compliance data (typically 90 days, with at least 70% of nights showing 4+ hours of use).
Heart conditions: Most drivers with treated heart disease can be certified, but federal rules require a clearance letter from your cardiologist.
DOT Physical FAQs
Quick answers about DOT physicals and certification.
Self-pay DOT physicals at Sage Urgent Care typically range from $90–$120, depending on whether additional testing is required. Some employers cover the cost — bring documentation if your employer is paying. We accept most major credit cards and HSA/FSA cards.
No — DOT exams are walk-in. We recommend coming in earlier in the day so we can complete any additional testing if needed (urinalysis, vision, etc.). Call (908) 363-0378 if you want to confirm a certified examiner is on duty.
Most DOT physicals are completed in 30–45 minutes, including paperwork, vision and hearing testing, urinalysis, vital signs, and the physical exam itself. You'll leave with your medical certificate the same day if you pass.
Yes — DOT physicals at Sage are conducted only by examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, as required by federal law. Your medical certificate will be valid in all 50 states.
Bring (1) your driver's license or government-issued photo ID, (2) a complete list of all medications you take with dosages, (3) glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, (4) hearing aids if you use them, and (5) any specialist letters if you have a heart condition, diabetes, or sleep apnea. If you've had any recent surgeries, bring documentation of clearance to drive.
Yes — many drivers with controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea pass DOT physicals and receive valid medical certificates (sometimes 1-year instead of 2-year cards). The key is documentation of treatment and good control. Bring records from your treating doctor.
In most cases, yes. Walk in any day during business hours (8 AM–8 PM) and we'll get you in. To minimize wait, come in mid-morning or early afternoon when wait times are typically shortest.
DOT medical certificates are typically valid for up to 2 years. Drivers with certain conditions (controlled high blood pressure, diabetes on insulin, etc.) may receive shorter-duration certificates (3 months to 1 year) and need to renew more frequently.
No. The urinalysis included in a DOT physical tests for protein, glucose, and blood — it is a general health screening, not a drug test. DOT drug testing (urine screen for substances including THC, opioids, cocaine, and amphetamines) is a separate program administered by your employer under 49 CFR Part 382. The two tests are distinct requirements.
If you don't meet certification standards, the examiner will not issue a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Depending on the reason, you may receive a temporary deferral — giving you time to obtain additional records or treat an underlying condition — or a disqualification. Many drivers treat the issue and pass on a follow-up visit. You are not permanently barred. Call us at (908) 363-0378 to discuss your situation before your visit.
Yes — "DOT physical," "CDL physical," "CDL medical exam," and "FMCSA medical examination" all refer to the same federally-required exam. The terms are used interchangeably. The exam is required for drivers who hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or who operate vehicles above certain weight or passenger thresholds, regardless of whether the driver personally holds a CDL.
Need your DOT card today?
Walk in any day from 8 AM to 8 PM. Most drivers are in and out in 30–45 minutes with their medical certificate in hand.
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Walk-In Urgent Care Serving Union County, NJ
Sage Urgent Care provides walk-in medical care for Berkeley Heights, Summit, New Providence, Murray Hill, Chatham, Springfield, Mountainside, Watchung, Stirling, Gillette, Warren, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Millburn, Short Hills, and surrounding Union County, Somerset County, and Morris County communities. Walk in 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM — no appointment needed.