Valley Truckers Exam Center (VTEC) is proud to serve Ripon, Stockton, Manteca, Modesto, Turlock, and surrounding areas. We’re a FMCSA/DOT Certified Facility for DOT physicals, and our aim is to get you back on the road quickly and hassle-free.
VTEC Hours of Operation
- Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch)
- *Exams are only performed Monday through Thursday
VTEC Contact Information
- Phone: (209) 599-6807
- Address: 1550 W. Colony Road, Suite B. Ripon, CA 95366 (map here)
- You can also send us an email, or fill out our simple online form.
Payment Options
- We accept MasterCard, Visa or cash for payment options
- We do not process insurance claims but we will be happy to provide you with an invoice to submit to your insurance company
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical exam is required for all CMV drivers under FMCSA regulations. Its purpose is to ensure that commercial drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to safely operate a CMV in all types of conditions. You need a DOT physical (and the resulting DOT medical card) to obtain a CDL.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
You need a DOT physical at least every two years if you:
- Transport hazardous materials that require a hazmat placard
- Are paid to operate a motor vehicle that carries more than eight passengers
- Operate a motor vehicle that carries more than 15 passengers
- Operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of over 10,000 pounds
What Happens During a DOT Physical?
DOT Physical Exam Requirements
The first thing you’ll do during your physical is fill out a Medical Examination Report Form that covers your health history. If you prefer, you can access the form from FMCSA and fill it out before you arrive for your exam.
Next, you’ll be given a complete physical examination to test your hearing, vision, blood pressure, coordination and reflexes, and other health indicators. Even if you’re not getting a drug screening, you’ll undergo a urinalysis to measure your blood sugar level and other signs of underlying medical conditions.
When the exam is complete and you’re given the green light to continue driving, we’ll report your results electronically to the NRCME, and you’ll receive a copy of your DOT medical card. You will need to mail or deliver your documents to the DMV.
What Do You Need to Bring to a DOT Physical Exam?
If you filled out the Medical Examination Report Form ahead of time, you’ll need to bring it with you to your physical. Other items you may need to bring include:
- Medical records from your regular doctor and any specialists you see
- Your most recent lab results for any medical condition that requires blood draws
- A list of all prescription medications you take, including the dosage and timing
- Auditory or visual aids you need while driving, such as prescription glasses or a hearing aid
Do DOT Physicals Include a Drug Test?
While DOT physical exam requirements don’t include a drug test, your employer may require drug screening. If you need a drug test, we can take care of that during your DOT physical.
VTEC also conducts pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug tests.
How long is a DOT Medical Card Good For?
In general, a DOT Medical Card is valid for 24 months — so you can expect to have a DOT physical at least every two years. In some cases, if you have a medical condition that needs to be monitored, the medical examiner may issue a certificate for less than 24 months.
If you have certain medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you may need a DOT physical exam every year. If you have a very serious medical condition that needs monitoring, such as very high blood pressure, you may need a physical every three months.
What Happens If You Fail a DOT Physical?
DOT physicals determine whether you’re healthy enough to safely drive a CMV. If you have a medical condition that’s manageable, and you can show that you’re under the care of a medical professional, you — like the majority of CMV drivers — should be able to pass the exam and receive a certificate.
Some medical conditions that may disqualify you include:
- Uncorrectable vision or hearing loss
- Poorly managed diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or lung disease
- Epilepsy
- Narcolepsy
- Alcoholism or drug addiction
- Loss of an arm, leg, foot, or hand
If you fail your DOT physical, it won’t necessarily disqualify you from driving. The FMCSA grants exemptions for some conditions, as long as the driver can prove they’re capable of operating a CMV without posing a threat to others. Known as “variances,” these exceptions can be used to exempt CMV drivers with conditions like diabetes and vision or hearing loss.
Why Choose VTEC for Your DOT Physical?
VTEC has served the trucking community in California for almost 40 years, and we’re proud to provide the DOT physical for all types of CMV drivers, including owner operators and both large and small trucking companies. Here’s why trucking companies and drivers across the region come to us for their regular DOT physicals:
- Experience. Dr. Aram Bedikian, the director of VTEC and a certified FMCSA/DOT medical examiner in California, has been serving the community since 1998, focusing primarily on industrial medicine and sports medicine.
- Convenience. We’re a walk-in center, so you can come in any time during our Monday through Thursday hours. We always try to get you in and out within an hour.
- Trucker parking. VTEC is conveniently located right off the highway, with ample trucker parking nearby.
- SAMHSA-certified labs. Our labs are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ensuring accurate processing and fast results.
In addition to providing DOT physicals, VTEC partners with trucking companies and owner operators to handle all of their DOT drug and alcohol testing needs. We also offer a range of other services, including background screening, fingerprinting, and work-related chiropractic care. For more information about DOT physical exams or our other services, don’t hesitate to call us, and we’ll be happy to help.
(209) 599-6807
