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DOT physical vs DOT drug test in NYC

Drivers often ask whether the DOT physical includes a drug test. The short answer: the medical card exam and employer drug testing are different services, even when both are needed for the same job.

A DOT physical for a CDL medical card must be completed by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry. If you qualify, the examiner completes the Medical Examiner's Certificate, also called a DOT medical card.

Nao Medical's standard DOT physical is $135 self-pay. DOT physicals are usually paid directly by the driver, reimbursed by an employer, or handled through fleet billing rather than regular health insurance.

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Bring the records that affect certification Drivers with CPAP, diabetes, blood pressure, cardiac, medication, or specialist follow-up should bring recent records so the examiner can make the safest decision.

What matters before the DOT physical

What the DOT physical includes

Health history review, vision and hearing screening, blood pressure, urinalysis as part of the medical exam, and a physical qualification review.

What drug testing covers

Employer drug testing follows a separate process and is not automatically included in the standard $135 DOT physical.

Why drivers get confused

Both services may be requested during onboarding, renewal, return-to-duty, or fleet compliance, but they answer different questions.

How to avoid a missed requirement

Bring employer instructions and ask whether a DOT drug test, non-DOT drug test, or only the DOT physical is required.

FMCSA, NY DMV, and employer paperwork

New York CDL and CLP holders in non-excepted driving categories need a current USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with DMV. NY DMV states that the medical examiner transmits the certificate and certified status electronically.

Keep the paperwork the examiner gives you until your DMV status, employer file, or fleet system reflects the update. If a required record is missing, the examiner may ask for follow-up before issuing the longest possible certification.

DOT physical locations across New York

Choose the clinic that fits your route, dispatch point, home base, or renewal deadline.

Astoria DOT physical clinic

Queens

Astoria

37-15 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105

$135 DOT physical access for patients in Astoria, Ditmars, East Elmhurst, and nearby Queens neighborhoods.

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Hicksville DOT physical clinic

Long Island

Hicksville

232 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801

$135 DOT physical access for patients in Hicksville, Plainview, Bethpage, and nearby Nassau County communities.

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Jamaica DOT physical clinic

Queens

Jamaica

90-18 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435

$135 DOT physical access for patients in Jamaica, Briarwood, Richmond Hill, and nearby Queens neighborhoods.

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Mineola DOT physical clinic

Long Island

Mineola

135 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY 11501

$135 DOT physical access for patients in Mineola, Garden City, Westbury, and nearby Nassau County communities.

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StuyTown DOT physical clinic

Manhattan

StuyTown

259 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

$135 DOT physical access for patients in StuyTown, East Village, Gramercy, and nearby Manhattan neighborhoods.

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More DOT driver resources

Related driver services

DOT physical overview

Review the full $135 DOT physical service, locations, booking, and CDL medical card overview.

DOT locations near you

Compare active DOT clinics across Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Long Island.

TLC medical exams

Drivers who need TLC, Uber, Lyft, or Empower paperwork can use the dedicated TLC exam care option.

Drug testing

Use the drug-testing service when an employer requires a DOT or non-DOT drug test in addition to the medical exam.

Occupational medicine

Employer groups and fleets can coordinate driver exams, screenings, and compliance workflows.

Pre-employment physicals

Use the pre-employment physical guidance for non-DOT work exams, job-clearance forms, and onboarding needs.

Questions about DOT physicals

The DOT physical includes urinalysis as part of the medical exam, but that is not the same thing as a DOT drug test. Employer drug testing is a separate service unless it is scheduled with the visit.
Yes, when the required drug-testing service is available and scheduled. Tell the clinic or employer that both services are needed.
The standard DOT physical is $135 self-pay. Drug testing is a separate service and may have separate pricing or employer billing.
Urinalysis is part of the medical exam. It is not the same as a regulated DOT drug test for an employer or fleet.
Employers can use Nao Medical's occupational medicine and drug-testing services to coordinate driver exams and testing workflows.

200,000+ 5-star reviews

What patients say about Nao Medical

Verified Patient
(4.9)

The staff explained what I needed for my medical card renewal before the exam started.

Verified Patient
(4.9)

I brought my employer paperwork and medication list, and the visit moved quickly.

Verified Patient
(4.9)

Clear price, easy scheduling, and the team explained what to keep for my records.

Verified Patient
(4.9)

They helped me understand the difference between the DOT physical and employer drug testing.

Verified Patient
(4.9)

The location was convenient for my route and the instructions were straightforward.

Verified Patient
(4.9)

I appreciated knowing what could delay the medical card before I booked.