Gabriella and Rod were absolutely great. I needed stitches but they did everything in their power to avoid it, and got me all patched up without it which I am super grateful for. They are very helpful and very good at what they do.
Occupational Health Services
DOT Physical & CDL Medical Exam in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich, IL
DOT Physicals Exam
Open daily
Walk-Ins welcome
Fast and convenient
Walk-In or Book Appointment:
Buffalo Grove » Lake Zurich »
Get your DOT physical at Vitality Urgent Care in Buffalo Grove or Lake Zurich. Walk in any time we are open, and a medical examiner certified by the federal government does your exam in about 30 to 60 minutes.
| DOT Physical at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Walk in | Any time we are open, or book online |
| Time | About 30 to 60 minutes |
| Payment | Pay at your visit, or we bill your employer |
| Examiners | Certified on the FMCSA National Registry |
| Card lasts | Up to 24 months |
| Your results | Sent to a federal database, then to your state |
| Locations | Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich, Illinois |
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a health exam for commercial drivers. It shows you are healthy enough to drive a truck, bus, or other large work vehicle safely. People also call it a CDL physical or a DOT medical exam.
The rules come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Only examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry are allowed to do this exam.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
You need a DOT physical if you drive a commercial vehicle across state lines, and many in-state jobs require one too. This usually includes drivers of:
- Trucks or trailers that weigh more than 10,000 pounds
- Vans or buses that carry 9 or more people, including the driver, for pay
- Buses that carry 16 or more people, including the driver
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials that need warning signs
This includes CDL holders, people applying for a commercial learner’s permit, and many drivers of work trucks who do not have a CDL. Your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State can tell you if your job needs one.
What Happens During a DOT Physical?
Your DOT physical has four simple parts.
- Health questions. You fill out a form about your health, past surgeries, and medications. Your examiner goes over it with you.
- Vision and hearing. We check how well you see and hear.
- Blood pressure and urine. We check your blood pressure and pulse, and test a urine sample for signs of health problems like diabetes.
- Physical exam. Your examiner checks your eyes, ears, throat, heart, lungs, belly, back, arms, legs, and reflexes.
| Test | What you need to pass |
|---|---|
| Vision | See at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. See to the sides well, and tell red, green, and yellow traffic lights apart. |
| Hearing | Hear a loud whisper from 5 feet away in at least one ear, with or without a hearing aid. |
| Blood pressure | Checked at every exam. If it is high, you may get a shorter card or need to come back. |
| Urine test | Checks for sugar, protein, and blood as signs of health problems. |
What to Bring to Your DOT Physical
Every driver
- Your driver’s license
- A list of all your medications, with how much and how often you take them
- Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids you use when driving
- Your current DOT medical card, if you are renewing
If you have a health condition
| If you have | Bring this |
|---|---|
| Diabetes treated with insulin | Form MCSA-5870, filled out by your diabetes doctor within 45 days before your exam |
| Diabetes without insulin | Your latest A1C blood test result |
| High blood pressure | Your medication list and any recent readings |
| Sleep apnea | A recent usage report from your CPAP machine |
| Heart problems, a stent, or a past heart attack | Recent records from your heart doctor or primary doctor, if you have them |
| Seizures, stroke, or a brain injury | Your treatment records and a note from your doctor, if you have one |
| Good vision in only one eye | Form MCSA-5871, filled out by your eye doctor within 45 days before your exam |
| Medications that can make you sleepy | A note from the doctor who prescribes them is helpful |
Records help your examiner decide during your visit. If something is missing, you are not automatically turned down, but your card may wait until the records arrive.
What Happens to Your Results?
Your DOT physical results now go into a federal database, and the government sends them to your state for you. This rule, called National Registry II, started on June 23, 2025.
- You finish your exam.
If you pass, you get a paper copy of your medical card before you leave. - We send your results to the federal database.
Your examiner enters your results into the FMCSA National Registry. Federal rules say this must be done by midnight the next day. - FMCSA sends your results to your state.
If you have a CDL or a learner’s permit, FMCSA sends your results to your state’s driver’s license office. In Illinois, that is the Secretary of State. - Your state updates your driving record.
Your medical card status is added to your commercial driving record. - Your employer and police can see it.
Employers and roadside inspectors check your driving record to confirm your medical card is current.
What changed: Before this rule, CDL drivers had to bring their paper medical card to the state themselves. Now it happens electronically.
Keep your paper copy. It helps if your driving record has not updated yet.
Licensed in another state? A few states are still switching to the new system. If your license is from one of them, you may still need to give your paper card to your state. FMCSA keeps the current list on the National Registry website.
No CDL? The electronic system is only for CDL and learner’s permit holders. If you drive a work vehicle without a CDL, your paper medical card is your proof. Carry it, and give a copy to your employer.
How Long Is a DOT Medical Card Good For?
A DOT medical card lasts up to 24 months. If a health condition needs to be checked again sooner, your examiner may give you a card for a shorter time, such as one year. We tell you your card’s end date before you leave.
DOT Medical Card Renewal
Renewing your DOT medical card means getting a new DOT physical. It is the same exam as your first one. Come in a few weeks before your card expires. If your card runs out, your state can take away your CDL privileges until you get a new one.
Can You Fail a DOT Physical?
Yes, but most drivers pass, and many who do not pass right away can fix the problem and come back. Here is what can happen:
- You pass. You get a card for up to 24 months.
- You pass with a shorter card. A condition needs to be checked again sooner.
- Your decision is on hold. Your examiner needs more records before deciding.
- You do not pass today. Your examiner explains why and what you can do, like getting treatment and coming back.
Common reasons drivers do not pass, and what fixes them
| Reason | What usually fixes it |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Treatment and a few controlled readings. Many drivers get a one year card while it comes down. |
| Vision below 20/40 | Glasses or contacts that bring you to 20/40. You must wear them while driving. |
| Hearing below the standard | A hearing aid. You must wear it while driving. |
| Sleep apnea not being treated | Use your CPAP and bring the usage report. |
| Diabetes with insulin | Form MCSA-5870 from your diabetes doctor, dated within 45 days. |
| Heart problems | Records from your heart doctor showing you are stable. |
| Recent seizure or stroke | A waiting period set by federal rules, then records from your doctor. |
| Medications that cause drowsiness | A note from your prescriber saying you can drive safely. |
Blood pressure and your DOT card
Blood pressure is the most common reason a driver gets a shorter card. Federal guidance for medical examiners is:
| Your reading | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Below 140/90 | Full card, up to 24 months |
| 140 to 159 over 90 to 99 | One year card, then recheck |
| 160 to 179 over 100 to 109 | One time card for 3 months to get treated, then recheck |
| 180/110 or higher | No card until your pressure is controlled |
Tip: skip coffee and energy drinks for a few hours before your exam, and take your blood pressure medicine as usual. Your examiner can recheck your pressure during the visit.
Getting Your First DOT Physical
New to trucking? You need a DOT physical before you apply for your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Bring your driver’s license and medication list. If you pass, we send your results to the federal database, and you can take your paper card to the Secretary of State when you apply for your permit. Students at local CDL schools can walk in any time we are open.
Why Drivers Choose Vitality
| What matters | Vitality Urgent Care | Many chains and hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Certified examiner on site | Every hour we are open, both clinics | Often only some days or locations, call ahead |
| Walk in | Any time, 365 days a year | Walk in, but may wait behind sick patients |
| Your card | Paper copy in hand, plus results sent to your state | Varies |
| Extra fees | None | Facility fees at hospital owned clinics |
| Who examines you | Nurse practitioners you can look up by name on the FMCSA registry | Unnamed staff |
Cost and Payment
A DOT physical at Vitality costs $95, with no facility fees. You can pay at your visit, or we can bill your employer if your company has an account with us. We do not bill health insurance for DOT physicals.
Our Certified Medical Examiners
Every DOT physical at Vitality is done by a medical examiner certified by FMCSA. You can look up any of our examiners by number on the FMCSA National Registry.
| Examiner | Role | Registry number | Certified since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodion Levin | Family Nurse Practitioner | 5931818355 | June 29, 2016 |
| Luiza Kofler | Family Nurse Practitioner | 8057433987 | January 30, 2024 |
| Katie Kim | Family Nurse Practitioner | 1860190914 | December 20, 2024 |
| Sabeena Faiz | Family Nurse Practitioner | 1770538784 |
July 17, 2014
|
| Mark Figueroa | Family Nurse Practitioner | 9730396987 | January 13, 2025 |
| Bianca Cartagena | Family Nurse Practitioner | 8020668225 | January 28, 2026 |
| Lisa Kovtun | Family Nurse Practitioner | 4517676582 | October 10, 2025 |
DOT Physicals in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich
Both Vitality clinics offer walk-in DOT physicals 365 days a year. Drivers come to us from Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, and Wauconda.
| Buffalo Grove | Lake Zurich |
|---|---|
| 56 W Dundee Rd Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 224.601.5001 Get directions |
480 S Rand Rd Lake Zurich, IL 60047 847.350.1291 Get directions |
| Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 4 PM |
DOT Physicals for Employers and Fleets
We set up employer accounts for DOT physicals, pre-employment exams, and TB testing. Your drivers walk in, and we bill your company directly. Fill out the short form below, and our team will contact you. See all occupational health services.
Employer Account Request Form
Sources
- FMSCA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
- FMCSA: DOT Medical Exam and Commercial Motor Vehicle Certification
- Federal rules for driver physical exams (49 CFR Part 391, Subpart E)
- FMCSA National Registry II: how results reach your state
Medically reviewed by Rodion Levin, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner. Last updated September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
DOT Exam FAQ
What is a DOT physical?
A DOT physical is a health exam for commercial drivers. It shows you are healthy enough to drive a truck, bus, or other large work vehicle safely. It is also called a CDL physical or DOT medical exam.
Can I walk in for a DOT physical?
Yes. Walk in at our Buffalo Grove or Lake Zurich clinic any time we are open. No appointment is needed, but you can book online to save your spot.
How long does a DOT physical take?
Most DOT physicals take 30 to 60 minutes. Bringing your medication list and health records helps your visit go faster.
How long is a DOT medical card good for?
A DOT medical card lasts up to 24 months. Your examiner may give you a shorter card, such as one year, if a health condition needs to be checked again sooner.
What should I bring to my DOT physical?
Bring your driver's license, a list of your medications, and your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids. If you have a health condition, bring recent records. Drivers who use insulin need Form MCSA-5870 filled out by their diabetes doctor.
What happens if I do not pass my DOT physical?
Your examiner will tell you why and what to do next. You may get a shorter card, need to bring more records, or come back after treatment. Your examiner makes the final decision.
Do I need a sleep study for a DOT physical?
No. Federal rules do not require a sleep study for every driver. If you already use a CPAP machine, bring a recent usage report from it.
Where do my DOT physical results go?
Your examiner sends your results to the FMCSA National Registry, a federal database, by midnight the next day. If you hold a CDL or learner's permit, FMCSA then sends your results to your state, which adds them to your driving record.
Do I still need to take my medical card to the Secretary of State?
Not in most cases. Since June 23, 2025, FMCSA sends CDL and learner's permit results to your state for you. Keep your paper copy in case your driving record has not updated yet.
When should I renew my DOT medical card?
Come in a few weeks before your card expires. If your medical card runs out, your state can take away your CDL privileges until you get a new one.
Walk-In or Book Appointment:
Buffalo Grove » Lake Zurich »
I cannot say enough good things about the company. I was pretty sick and decided to go to an urgent care. Vitality urgent care came in my search and I decided to bring the service home instead of going to an urgent care for the same price. I hate going somewhere in traffics, looking for parking and sitting in crowded rooms being exposed to other germs. The gentlemen that answer the phone asked me few questions about my symptoms. He gave me a two-hour window during which they arrived. The provider was friendly, super personal and interacted well with my entire family during the visit. They conducted both Strep and Flu test in my living room. Frankly, could not ask for better service.
