Tips For DOT Physical

At Chiro Stop we do
DOT Physical Exams and
DOT Drug Alcohol Testing.

Quick, accurate, and hassle free.

No appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome, or
call 801-972-2332 to guarantee a time that works for you.

Parking for 135 trucks at Sapp Bros. I 80 Truck Stop, in Salt Lake City, Utah.


DOT Doctor

Your DOT doctor at Sapp Bros. truck stop is Dr. Kenn Seals. Most drivers just call him “Doc”.

He’s been here at Sapp Bros. truck stop, in Salt Lake City,  working with commercial drivers for more than seven years so he understands the importance of you passing your DOT physical exam for your CDL.

Our goal at Chiro Stop is twofold: To support you in protecting your livelihood, and to help you with improved lifestyle choices for your health and for your life.

We do our best to help you prepare for your DOT physical exam and make your CDL medical certification as hassle free as possible.


DOT Physical Exam: Things to Plan in Advance:

If you have a medical condition you’re going to need some paperwork:

  • Diabetic Condition – Bring a list of medications and name of  prescribing doctor.
  • High Blood Pressure - Bring a list of medications and name of prescribing doctor.
  • Heart Condition – If you’ve had a heart attack or cardiovascular disease, you’ll need to bring a copy of your last stress test.
  • Sleep Apnea – Bring a copy of your latest sleep test results, if you have one.
  • Medications – List all the prescription medicines you take, including strength and dosage. If you regularly take over-the counter medications, such as antacids or allergy pills, list them, too.
  • Contact information – Have names and phone numbers of your doctors in case you need to call and have them fax missing information.


DOT Physical Exam: Things To Do to Manage Your Blood Pressure:

  • Make sure you don’t run out of your prescribed blood-pressure medication.
  • Remember to take your  medication on schedule. If you forget, most doctors recommend taking your medication as soon as possible.
  • If you’re significantly late taking your medication, tell the doctor conducting the DOT physical you forgot to take your regular medication. If your blood pressure is too high, ask to have it rechecked later that day – or even the following day.
  • Cutting back on caffeine and nicotine can help improve your blood pressure.
  • Reducing the amount of salty foods you eat and avoiding adding salt to your food can also help to lower your blood pressure.
  • The week before your DOT physical exam, cut back on coffee, sodas, energy drinks, potato chops, etc, and don’t add salt to your food. Also reduce your use of nicotine as much as possible. Doing this can help lower your blood pressure reading.


The Day of the DOT Physical Exam:

  • Remember to bring the medical records you’ve prepared in advance, including your list of medications.
  • Remember to bring eye glasses (it’s surprising how many people forget this).
  • Drink water. Come with a need to pee.


Getting Past ‘White Coat’ Syndrome:

  • First off, we understand that this is a very real concern for some drivers.
  • Secondly, we work with drivers all day long. We understand that passing your DOT physical exam is important to your continued career and your livelihood, and we’re here to do everything we can to help you.
  • Lastly, we work in a truck stop and you won’t find a white coat in our facility.


Frequently Asked Questions:

CDL and Health Related Articles:

High Blood Pressure: Commercial Driver Risk?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Commercial Driver Risk?


Questions or Comments:

If you have a question about the DOT physical requirements, please leave it in the space below. Doctor Kenn will answer it as soon as possible. Visit this web page again soon to see our response. Your comments are also welcome.

54 ResponsesLeave one →

  1. Trucker Doc

     /  February 14, 2012

    @Susan
    Well it appears the gestational diabetes is brought about with the pregnancy and is not a disfunction of the insulin producing organs of the body. And the glyburide at 5 mg is not an issue as far as the treatment and any bearing on the DOT examination.
    I would only question being pregnant and driving for 11 hours a day with no exercise, which is highly recommended for the treatment of the gestation diabetes and keeps you in good physical condition during your pregnancy. Other than that, there is nothing that would throw a red flag in the DOT examination.
    Thanks for the question. Trucker Doc

  2. Susan

     /  February 13, 2012

    I have a question for ya. I’ve been reading the questions and responses on being a diabetic type 1 & 2 and the high blood pressure among other health concerns. My question is what about having gestational diabetes and being 13 weeks pregnant? Will being pregnant and having gestational diabetes hinder from passing the physical? The medications being taken are prenatal pills and glyburide 5mg twice a day. I’d be interested in your opinion on this topic. Thanks for your time. Susan

  3. Trucker Doc

     /  January 21, 2012

    @Tim
    Blood sugar levels will be found positive at 140 and above, indicating diabetes.
    You should have your blood sugar under control before you go in for your examination.

    As a type 2 diabetic your physical will be held to one year at a time, so it can be monitored by the DOT examining doctor. The weight loss is a good thing, just try to increase your physical levels and you should be able to get it well under control.
    Thanks for the questions. Trucker Doc.

  4. Is there a certain level my blood sugar needs to be below to pass the physical. Right now my BSL is at 210 I’ve lost 30 lbs of weight with in the 1yr. so what more is needed

Leave a Reply

  • Chiro Stop
    801-972-2332

    Call for appointment time

    Walk-ins welcome

    Please ask questions here

  • DOT Doctor

    Welcome Commercial Drivers!

    Kenn Seals here at Chiro Stop. Most drivers just call me "Doc". I've been here at Sapp Bros. truck stop working with commercial drivers for more than seven years so I understand the importance of the DOT Physical exam for your livelihood and the importance of your health for your life.

    We do our best to make the DOT Physical exam as hassle free as possible for you, and make it as simple as these 3 steps:

    Step 1: Brief Health History

    DOT Physical exam health history

    Step 2: Medical Examination

    DOT Physical exam blood pressure

    Step 3: Complete Long Form and Medical Card

    DOT Physical long form

    We trust you'll find answers to your questions here. Visit this site often for updates on ways to stay healthy and tips to prepare for your next DOT Physical.
    Be well! Doc Kenn.

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  • Amenities at Sapp Bros. T.S.

    Sapp Bros. - ATM, Burger King, Chiropractic, Dentist, DOT Physicals, Idleaire, Laundry Room, Load Board, Private Bathtubs, Private Showers, Restaurant 24-hour, Parking for 135 trucks, Service & Lube, Sinclair Fuel, Theatre / TV Lounge, UPS & Fedex Dropbox, Wireless Internet

  • What Drivers Are Saying

    "I'm an OTR driver and know that I can get fuel, park my truck and have my DOT medical card recertified, right here at the truck-stop. What a life and time saver, walkin and 'get r done' Thanks for being here for us Doc." - Bret L., OTR driver Wisconsin

    "I'm a local driver, I can grab a quick bite to eat and get my DOT medical card all right here at Sapp Brothers truck-stop. Plenty convenient for me." - Dane S., Salt Lake City area