CDL Drivers
Any driver holding a Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C) is required to maintain a valid FMCSA Medical Certificate. This includes semi trucks, dump trucks, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs.
Need your DOT card renewed — today? Dr. Rob Kelch is an FMCSA-certified Medical Examiner listed on the National Registry. Same-day results, fast turnaround, walk-ins welcome. Don't risk your CDL — get it done right.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial motor vehicle operators to pass a physical exam and carry a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. Without it, you can't legally drive — and your employer can't let you behind the wheel.
DOT physicals must be performed by a certified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Not every doctor qualifies. Dr. Rob Kelch is a certified FMCSA Medical Examiner — your certificate is federally valid and submitted directly to the national database.
Certificates are typically valid for 24 months. Drivers with certain conditions may receive shorter certification periods of 6 or 12 months. Dr. Kelch will review your full health history and let you know exactly where you stand.
FMCSA requires a current Medical Examiner's Certificate for any driver operating a vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce that meets one of the following criteria. If this describes your work, your DOT card is not optional.
Any driver holding a Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C) is required to maintain a valid FMCSA Medical Certificate. This includes semi trucks, dump trucks, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs.
Bus drivers, shuttle operators, and anyone transporting 16 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation must hold a current DOT medical certificate regardless of vehicle weight.
Any driver transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding under federal regulations must have a valid medical certificate — regardless of vehicle size or weight class.
Drivers of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,001 lbs in interstate commerce are subject to FMCSA medical certification requirements.
School bus drivers transporting children to or from school or school-related activities are required to hold valid FMCSA medical certification. Many districts require more frequent renewals than the standard 24 months.
Applying for your CDL for the first time? A DOT physical and FMCSA Medical Certificate is a mandatory step before the Illinois Secretary of State will issue your commercial license. Get it done here in one visit.
Dr. Kelch follows all FMCSA-required examination components. Here's exactly what happens during your visit — no surprises, no delays.
Dr. Kelch reviews your completed FMCSA Medical Examination Report, current medications, and any relevant health history. Bring a complete medication list and records for any ongoing conditions.
Visual acuity must be at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). Peripheral vision, color recognition, and distant vision are all assessed per FMCSA requirements. Bring your glasses or contacts.
You must be able to perceive a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet, with or without hearing aids. Dr. Kelch conducts the required hearing assessment as part of the exam.
Blood pressure and pulse rate are measured and evaluated against FMCSA threshold guidelines. Elevated blood pressure is one of the most common reasons for shorter certification periods — Dr. Kelch will explain your reading and your options.
A urine sample is tested for protein, blood, and glucose to screen for diabetes and kidney conditions. This is not a drug screen — it is a medical assessment only.
A comprehensive physical evaluation covering neurological function, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal condition, respiratory function, and general health. Dr. Kelch's chiropractic background makes him especially thorough on spine and extremity function — relevant for every driver.
Walk in or arrive for your scheduled appointment. You'll complete the FMCSA Medical Examination Report form if you haven't already. Bring your medication list, glasses or contacts if applicable, and any records for ongoing health conditions.
Dr. Kelch walks through every required FMCSA component — vision, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis, and full physical assessment. Most exams take 30–45 minutes. He'll let you know right away if anything needs to be addressed.
If you pass, your Medical Examiner's Certificate is issued on the spot. Dr. Kelch enters your results into the FMCSA National Registry as required by law. You leave with your DOT card in hand — ready to get back on the road.
"I've been getting my DOT card here for three years. In and out in under an hour, no runaround. Dr. Kelch is thorough and explains everything. Best place for DOT physicals in Peoria, hands down."
— Mike D., CDL Driver ★★★★★
No fasting required. Walk-ins welcome.
Schedule Your DOT ExamDr. Kelch is a federally certified Medical Examiner registered with the FMCSA National Registry. Your certificate is legally valid for CDL renewal and employer verification — no questions, no problems at weigh stations.
Most drivers deal with back pain, neck stiffness, or joint issues from long hours behind the wheel. You can combine your DOT physical with a chiropractic adjustment on the same visit — get your certificate and address the pain in one stop.
If elevated blood pressure, a musculoskeletal issue, or another condition caused a failure at another clinic, Dr. Kelch can often treat the underlying problem at Absolute Wellness and get you cleared. Don't give up your CDL without talking to us first.
Walk-ins welcome · Same-day results · FMCSA National Registry certified
Long-haul driving is brutal on the spine. Regular chiropractic adjustments help commercial drivers stay pain-free, mobile, and performing at their best.
Learn More →Lower back pain is the #1 complaint among truck drivers. Dr. Kelch treats the cause — not just the symptoms — with spinal adjustments and targeted decompression therapy.
Learn More →Deep tissue massage to release the muscle tension and tightness that builds up from hours in the cab. Pairs well with chiropractic care for faster recovery.
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