The Exam Steps, Vision and Hearing Standards and How Long Your Medical Card Lasts, for Commercial Drivers Near O’Hare
Des Plaines, IL · Updated October 2026
Serving Des Plaines and the northwest suburbs, including Park Ridge, Rosemont, Mount Prospect, Niles and Elk Grove Village, at 1645 S River Rd, Suite 14, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome. (708) 412-4040 · info@zorahmedical.com · book a visit.
Quick answer: A DOT physical must be done by an examiner on FMCSA’s National Registry. It covers your health history, vision (20/40 in each eye), hearing, blood pressure, a urinalysis and a physical exam. Bring your license, glasses or hearing aids, a medication list and records for ongoing conditions. If you pass, your medical card lasts up to 24 months, and it expires at midnight on its date with no grace period.
Who Needs a DOT Physical
Commercial drivers covered by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules must pass a DOT physical to get or keep their medical certification. The exam has to be done by a licensed medical examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. That can be a medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse or chiropractor.
What’s Checked
Before the exam, you fill out the driver health history on FMCSA’s Medical Examination Report form (MCSA-5875). It asks about surgeries, medications and conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, seizures, sleep disorders and breathing problems. Then the examiner checks:
| Check | Federal standard |
|---|---|
| Vision | At least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts; at least 70 degrees of side vision in each eye; able to recognize red, green and amber signals |
| Hearing | Hear a forced whisper at 5 feet in the better ear, or pass an audiometer test, with or without a hearing aid |
| Blood pressure and pulse | Measured sitting; high readings can mean a shorter certificate |
| Urinalysis | Checks specific gravity, protein, blood and sugar |
| Physical exam | Heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, limbs and nervous system |
What to Bring
- Your driver’s license
- Glasses, contacts or hearing aids you use while driving
- A list of your medications, with doses
- Records for ongoing conditions, such as recent notes for heart disease, sleep apnea or diabetes
- If you use insulin, the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) from your treating clinician, completed within 45 days of the exam
How Long the Card Lasts
If you pass, the examiner completes your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876). It’s valid for up to 24 months. The examiner can issue a shorter certificate to keep an eye on a condition such as high blood pressure. Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes or who qualify under the alternative vision standard are certified for no more than 12 months. The certificate expires at midnight on the date written on it, with no grace period, so book your renewal before it runs out.
Common Conditions That Need Planning
Blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and heart conditions are the most common reasons drivers get a shorter card or need extra paperwork. Getting them under control before your exam helps. Ongoing cardiovascular health care and chronic disease management keep your records current, and our posts on heart disease risk factors and prediabetes explain what to watch.
Drivers Near O’Hare
Des Plaines sits next to O’Hare and the trucking and logistics corridor around it. Before booking a DOT physical near O’Hare, confirm the examiner is listed on the FMCSA National Registry. If you also need a routine checkup, an annual physical is a separate visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can perform a DOT physical?
A licensed medical examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, such as an MD, DO, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse or chiropractor.
How long is a DOT medical card good for?
Up to 24 months. The examiner can issue a shorter card to monitor a condition, and some drivers, such as those with insulin-treated diabetes, are limited to 12 months.
What should I bring to a DOT physical?
Your driver’s license, any glasses, contacts or hearing aids you drive with, a medication list, records for ongoing conditions and, if you use insulin, form MCSA-5870 from your clinician.
What is the vision requirement for a DOT physical?
At least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction, at least 70 degrees of side vision in each eye and the ability to recognize red, green and amber signals.
Is the DOT physical a drug test?
The exam’s urinalysis checks specific gravity, protein, blood and sugar. DOT drug testing is a separate process, usually arranged through your employer.
Can I drive with an expired DOT medical card?
No. The certificate expires at midnight on the date written on it, with no grace period, so book your renewal early.
Can I pass with high blood pressure?
Often, but the examiner may issue a shorter certificate so your blood pressure can be checked again. Bring records if you’re being treated.
How do I book?
Book online or call (708) 412-4040. The clinic is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome.
Find Out Whether You’re Ready for Your DOT Physical
Passing comes down to your paperwork, your vision and hearing and how well ongoing conditions are managed, not luck on exam day. Book online or call (708) 412-4040, or walk in Monday through Saturday. Still have questions? Reach out directly.
1645 S River Rd, Suite 14, Des Plaines, IL 60018 · (708) 412-4040 · info@zorahmedical.com · Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
This article is general health information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
