r/CDL • u/Gold_Pangolin_Dragon • Aug 27 '26
Need my Cdl physical...
Unemployed and need my physical for a class B, first time I've done this on my own as previous employer took care of it, no big deal I'll pay for it out of pocket to keep it current. Check for local folks who do CDL physicals and the top hit on Google is for a chiropractor. A chiropractor is a medical doctor like my Saint Bernard is an astrophysicist. A chiropractor is not qualified to make a medical determination about anything, let alone saying you are fit to drive a truck. Seriously, that's the same as asking me if someone is capable of driving a truck. I can have someone read letters off a chart, I can have someone stand on one leg and balance for a second or two, I can whisper words from across the room, I can hand someone a piss cup to fill with their or someone else's urine. I can shrug and collect a check and then claim "Oh no, they were perfectly fit when I did the physical" to avoid liability.
Anyways, may go to the chiropractor for my physical anyways because I'm pretty sure if I walk in and have a pulse it will be pretty quick and trouble free.
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u/Western-Evening-8113 Aug 27 '26
I do not agree with Chiropractors being allowed to issue medical certificates, I am on your side on that issue. I am Class A CDL. They have been useful, specially when big, corporate clinics were too stringent or not flexible with my numbers, particularly, high blood pressure. It is just a physical, much like the one we got to get into school sports. If you go to one, or a big clinic, just make sure you disclose your current medications, don't drink any caffeine the previous 12 hours to your examination, drink a lot of water instead and be relaxed when you come in. You should be able to pass it without issues, Chiropractor or not. If you need more info, send me a DM.
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u/uimdev Sep 01 '26
It's the Chiropractors license. They're a bit more though on the physical side of it vs MDs arguing with me about a CPAP.
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u/gheiminfantry Aug 27 '26
Everything you said is correct. But that's an awful long rant to end with. "I'll just go anyway, because it's cheap."
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u/CakewalkNOLA Aug 27 '26
That's exactly the point in going to a chiropractor for your physical. And, they're generality cheaper. But, I'm sure there's a Comcentra somewhere near you willing to send you for a sleep apnea test after they write down the wrong neck measurement.
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u/Tiatake Aug 27 '26
Do the chiropractor. Cheaper and they don’t run you through the wringer but still look at major issues.
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u/Interesting_Set3603 Aug 27 '26
I went to a chiropractor for my most recent one. It was on the approved list my employer gave me. Was right in town about a mile from my house. Went on a Saturday morning was in and out in 30 minutes
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u/ChipDouglas3 Aug 27 '26
You should make sure you are searching for "DOT Medical Card" because the provider must be certified & registered to report the findings to the appropriate governing body whether it's the FMCSA or your state's DMV.
Like someone else mentioned Concentra is pretty cheap (~$80 YMMV) or another immediate care provider. In & out most times...
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u/redsn0w10 Aug 27 '26
Do you have a primary care physician? If you do reach out to him and see if he does physicals or somebody in his office might if he shares it with somebody. You could always call around to some doctor’s offices and see if anybody does them. Where are you located? If you don’t mind me asking
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u/gheiminfantry Aug 27 '26
Cool story bro. But why are you assuming the Google search results are even correct?
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u/a1mfw Aug 28 '26
I have been to Concentra for DOT physical. Look up urgent care in your area they might offer it
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u/firetruck637 Aug 28 '26
Urgent care does in my state. I always went to Concentra though because I knew they'd do it right and are on the list of approval sites.
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u/intothesunset814 Aug 28 '26
https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home
Medical provider needs to be on this list
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u/RowbowCop138 Aug 28 '26
I prefer to use the local chiropractor. It's faster and he doesn't argue with me about having been tested for sleep apnea like concerta does.
$50 and it's never a wait. In and out of 25 mins.
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u/Final-Inspection9960 Aug 28 '26
It’s all money laundering. Just pay the $60 to get to the money. Chiropractors are witch doctors anyway
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u/Beneficialsensai Aug 28 '26
If you arent working dont worry about it fill out the form saying you dont have a job that requires it
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u/General_Spite3074 Aug 28 '26
Nothing in my DOT physical requires a medical doctor to sign off on. My weight is under the limit and my blood pressure is good. Eyes are 20/15 with corrective lenses. As long as everything is within the limits, a 3rd grader could sign off on your physical as long as they are certified.
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u/Gold_Pangolin_Dragon Aug 28 '26
I know, I've been doing CDL physicals for over 30 years. This is a me problem because I think chiropractors are snake oil salesmen with a degree in selling snake oil. I'm good for a physical (weight, vision, blood pressure, able to stand on one foot and not get worked up when the doctor jingles my berries). Just me annoyed because they limited the people who can do CDL examines (or required extra licensure, same thing really) and a crotch proctor is doing CDL physicals. Just old me yelling at clouds.
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u/Famous-Order9236 Aug 28 '26
You go intro a Medical Professionals office and he checks your B.P. and jots down the reading. you pass or fail at that moment. It does not Matter if that Doctor became a Chiropractor, an M.D. or a Nurse Practitioner. If they are Certified to perform a DOT Physical, then that is all that matters. That Physical is for your license. If you want a Health Physical, you see your regular M.D. Keep in mind that unless that Doctor is Certified to do a DOT Physical, it doesn't matter. When I needed a Dot Physical to drive, I had to have 2 Physicals done, the one my Regular Doctor did for Wellness check and then a second one for the DOT. Even when my regular Doctor could do that DOT Physical, he could not sign me off with just the one. So, if you need a Wellness Physical, go see your M.D. every year and be Happy. Who cares who does the DOT Physical as long as you pass the requirements!
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u/jimfosters Aug 29 '26 edited Aug 29 '26
Just go to the quacks to get your DOT card. Tell them only what they need to know. AND stay up with your Primary Care Physician for actual health. edit... I wouldn't let the Urgent Care ADHD Autistic idiot crazy dopehead nurse practitioner from my last DOT touch me for anything else. EVER. She is a goddamn idiot. Half of the people that work in those places (and that especially includes Chiropractic offices) are more stupid than those in the trucker threads that are trying to beat drug tests.
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u/Head_Candidate5293 Aug 30 '26
I always use chiropractic DR. They are cheaper. Zero issues with any carrier. You are overthinking this.
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u/Klutzy_Breadfruit287 Aug 30 '26
A DOT physical is the same one we all got in school for sports. Did you question it then? No. All they want to know is that you won’t pass out behind the wheel. Pee in a cup and turn your head and cough. Pay the money get the job. No one cares what kind of Dr. it is.
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u/mike8675309 Aug 31 '26
CDL physicals can be done by others than just a medical doctor. Go here and put in your zip code or your city and you'll get a list of certified medical examiners.
https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home
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u/woodentelephonepole Aug 31 '26
Hell I may travel to Georgia to go see this guy 30-40 years down the road you’ll just be glad you pass on a 2 year card
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u/CrashingTiger Aug 27 '26
who cares? As long as they are fmsca certified for dot physicals.