A CDL physical is the same exam as a DOT physical – the two terms are used interchangeably. It is the federally required medical exam that commercial driver’s license holders must pass to stay qualified to drive. Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre performs CDL physicals in St. Peters, MO with a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
If you hold a CDL or are working toward one, you will need this exam. This page clears up the CDL-versus-DOT question, explains who needs one, and covers how long your medical certificate lasts.
What is a CDL physical?
A CDL physical is the medical examination that commercial driver’s license holders are required to pass in order to drive commercially. It confirms that a driver meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s medical standards for safely operating a commercial vehicle.
When you pass, you receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate – your medical card – which must be kept current and, in most cases, submitted to your state licensing agency to keep your CDL valid.
Is a CDL physical the same as a DOT physical?
Yes. “CDL physical” and “DOT physical” refer to the same exam. The difference is only in the wording drivers use – some call it a CDL physical because it is tied to their license, others call it a DOT physical after the Department of Transportation. The exam, the standards, and the certificate are identical.
So if an employer asks for a “DOT physical” and your school or licensing paperwork says “CDL physical,” there is nothing to sort out – they are the same thing. You do not need two separate exams.
Who needs a CDL physical?
Anyone who holds or is applying for a commercial driver’s license generally needs to pass this exam and maintain a current medical card. It applies whether you drive a tractor-trailer, a bus, a dump truck, or another commercial vehicle that requires a CDL.
Even some non-CDL commercial drivers are required to have a DOT medical card depending on the vehicle and type of driving. If you are unsure whether the requirement applies to you, your employer or motor carrier can confirm what your role requires.
What does the CDL physical involve?
The CDL physical checks the areas most relevant to safe driving: vision, hearing, blood pressure, and a urinalysis, along with a health-history review and a general physical exam. Most drivers finish in about 30 minutes.
For a full breakdown of each part of the exam, what the requirements are, and a checklist of what to bring, see our guide on DOT physical requirements and what to expect – it applies to CDL physicals in exactly the same way.
How long is a CDL medical certificate good for?
A CDL medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months. If you have a condition that needs monitoring – high blood pressure being the most common – the examiner may issue a card for a shorter period so it can be rechecked sooner.
Keep track of your certificate’s expiration date and renew before it lapses. Driving on an expired medical card can jeopardize your CDL, so most drivers schedule their next exam a few weeks ahead of the deadline.
CDL physicals in St. Peters, MO
Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre has served St. Peters and St. Charles County since 1995, and we perform CDL and DOT physicals with a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. We know drivers need this done efficiently, and we aim to get you scheduled and certified without a long wait.
We are located at 331 Jungermann Road in St. Peters, serving drivers from O’Fallon, St. Charles, Dardenne Prairie, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and across the St. Louis metro. Call (636) 928-5588 or request an appointment online. You can also see our main DOT physical exams page.
Frequently asked questions about CDL physicals
Is a CDL physical and a DOT physical the same thing?
Yes. They are two names for the same federally required medical exam. Some drivers say “CDL physical” because it is tied to their license and others say “DOT physical,” but the exam, the standards, and the resulting medical card are identical.
How often do I need a CDL physical?
At least every 24 months, and sooner if your medical card was issued for a shorter period because a condition is being monitored. Keep an eye on your certificate’s expiration date and renew before it lapses to avoid interrupting your CDL.
What happens to my CDL if my medical card expires?
Driving on an expired medical card can put your CDL in a downgraded or inactive status, which may keep you off the road until it is resolved. That is why drivers usually schedule the renewal exam ahead of the expiration date rather than waiting until the last day.
Can I get my CDL physical at a chiropractic office?
Yes, as long as the examiner is a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry. The certificate is the same as one from any other qualified provider, and our exams are performed by a certified examiner on the registry.
Do I need a CDL physical for a non-CDL commercial vehicle?
Sometimes. Certain commercial drivers who do not hold a CDL are still required to carry a DOT medical card, depending on the vehicle and type of driving. Your employer or motor carrier can confirm whether the requirement applies to your specific situation.
Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Crosby Wiemann, DC, President, Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre. Read Dr. Crosby’s full bio.
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical or regulatory advice. FMCSA requirements can change; a certified medical examiner will apply the current standards to your individual situation.
