If it is your first time visiting your doctor, you’ll complete paperwork about your personal and family health history, as well as any medications you may be taking and symptoms you may be having. A nurse or medical assistant may weigh you and check your blood pressure. When the doctor comes into your exam room, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss symptoms and ask any questions you may have. You may then be submitted to a series of tests that screen for diseases or systemic complications. Finally, your doctor may provide lifestyle recommendations for healthy living and also encourage you to update your vaccinations.

Your doctor may recommend making certain changes to your lifestyle habits following your exam. For example, you may be encouraged to exercise more, eat more healthfully, get more sleep, reduce your stress, or even begin taking certain vitamins, supplements or medications.

• A history of alcoholism
• Recreational drug use
• Some prescription drugs
• Systemic conditions (diabetes, heart disease)
• A history of seizures
• Loss of limb, or other physical impairments

The Department of Transportation requires that your physical be administered by a licensed medical examiner. During the [city] DOT exam, your doctor will evaluate your eyesight and peripheral vision, as well as your hearing and blood pressure. He or she will also review your medical history, any physical impairment you may have, and your use of prescription and non-prescription drugs.

Your doctor will provide you with a medical examiner’s certificate that may be good for a period of up to 24 months. After the certificate expires, you must undergo another physical to maintain your license. Keep in mind that your certificate may not be valid for the full 24 months if your medical examiner determines you to have a condition in need of monitoring.