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Last updated April 3, 2025
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
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Hello, I am interested in becoming a provider. I am wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. Thank you for your time.
@ Tenisa H
Go to NRCME and follow the program requirements.
just had my DOT physical by my doctor last week. now my company safety guy is saying I have to use there doctor. they never told me this was a requirement. will this flag the state as to why 2 long forms are filed.
@ Randy
Right now you have a valid medical card. If the new examiner files with the National Registry, then your present card becomes invalid and the new card becomes your valid card. The state will not really care one way or the other.
Where do I get a MEC MCSA-5876 or where do I do this exam? Because FEDEX is asking me for job.
@ William F
Look on the FMCSA national registry and find a Certified Medical Examiner, CME, in your area (stay away from concentra).
The CME will have all the paperwork you will need and do the medical certification examination with you.
Is there any benefit or detriment for an employer wanting to hire a driver by sending the driver for a non-dot physical? The new driver has a valid and current health card, but the employer wants to know if there are any health issues before they hire him.
@ Tom
None that we know of. Possibly for a medical card that has a longer expiration date or for drug testing. Which is not a part of the medical certification examination.
When does a CME have to start using the new FMCSA forms? I just had my recertification done and my medical card says the form expires 12.31.2024. My company is giving me hard time about it but I thought the CME could still use the old forms as long as the long form was the new one. Could you clear this up for me? Thanks.
@ Donnie T
The CME can use the present forms until the end of 24 and the “newest” form expires 3/25, don’t see where there should be a question.
I had some stents put in 4 years ago 2020 I was released from my heart to return to work at that time I have a Dot physical once a year and blood pressure and heart rate has been good every time I recently had my yearly physical and I have never had to get a letter from my heart doctor saying I’m ok to drive because everything has been great when updating my Dot physical. I am taking a new truck driving job with a new company and they require a Dot physical from their Doctors which I had no problem doing and everything was good my blood pressure was normal no problems with my heart but because I had stents put in they want a release from my heart doctor can this doctor fail me with no issues just because I don’t provide a release from my heart doctor if so I would have to pay for another visit to my heart doctor who I only have to see once a year and not scheduled to see for another 6 months I could get a release from doctor based on last visit but this Dot doctor told me that it had to be current. If everything has checks out with my health how can this doctor request I see my heart doctor again and bring them a release document this will cost me out of pocket
@ Charles W
The CME can request any information he/she feels is necessary to support his/her final decision. Your heart doctor should have on-hand a medical release form and should not even have to see you. Check with his office and confirm.
can an employer require CDL driver employees to use a particular medical examiner? Stated a little differently, can an employer prohibit CDL driver employees from using medical examiners other than the one(s) they specify?
@ Ken
Seems to be a very gray area. By law, any medical examiner on the national registry is legal. But, companies have their own rules.
Swell! I used the same guy for years and paid out of pocket. Have a complicated medical history. this year a new policy. where they will pay for using their drug testing CME’s fee and a couple hours labor. So, I don’t like them much. So used my same old guy, passed, and now filed with the DMV. Wili find out today if I still have a job.
@ Ken
Good move, don’t understand what the issue is with companies wanting to control your choices. Good Luck
A little crow might be on the menu for an HQ luncheon. Seems that several years ago, a newly instituted policy of paying for DOT physicals morphed into a restriction to only one CME, which further morphed into requirement to only use that CME. All word of mouth – no written policy. I “fell through the cracks.” So … I continue working and expect a new page to be added to the employee handbook. Kinda funny unless you are in the middle of it. Ha!
@ Ken
Ha!!! 👍
If I get a new medical card and provide it to my employer, but it is not filed with the state, is my old med cert still valid until it expires?
@ Ian
If you have a class A cdl, then your new card was input to the national registry and voids your old card. Lesser class cdl are state registered only. You will need to confirm with your local DLD.
I noticed you commented that a ClassA driver must wait 1 year to drive after a stroke. Is that a law? regulation? If so, can you please send me the law or regulation? I have only seen recommendations from 2009 but nothing other than treating on a case by case basis.
@ Dasha D
Pg. 160 of The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. (As of 2015 is no longer in use). With the newest version of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, the recommendations are the same. Individuals are more likely to have a stroke/seizure within the first year, thus the waiting period. It’s more about the ‘high risk factors’ that would fall back on the CME and the dangers of a driver having a seizure while driving.
Can my job make me go to a certain place to get med card. I was gonna go Doc i used last time
@ Clay
They can’t make you do anything, but if it is company policy, then you may not be working for them. You could ask to see the company’s written policy which mandate you see their examiner.
How long after you take your dot physical must you take your paper work to dmv
@ Steve R
ASAP, the sooner you get it in the faster it gets into your state data-base, which avoids problems further down the line.
in nov of 2023 i had a very minor brain bleed. it was caused by an avm. my 2 nuerosurgeons both said im safe to drive. med exam. says 1 year, my 2nd opinion exam cleared me to drive. work wont accept 2nd opinion. 2nd opinion doc was doc that work used to use. I DIDNT HAVE A STROKE!!! . what are my options?
@ Paul T. E
Class cdl makes the biggest difference. Class A, you need to have your neurosurgeons write a letter indicating you had a mild bleed and not a stroke. Lesser class cdl’s you will fall under the states regulations, not federal. The devil will be in the details from the neurosurgeons.
both neuros allready wrote a letter saying that and that i am safe to drive commercial vehicle. cdl doc says 1 year automaticly but the new guidelines that took effect on 1/1/24, dont say that. they say treat on case by case basis, and consult with neuro. i have a class b w/ passenger and air brakes
@ Paul T. E
Class b cdl, falls under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl. You are being held to a class A standard and not your states guidelines and regulations. Check with your local DLD and confirm their requirements for your situation.
i got my card a yr ago ago, now to renew im told need phyciatric analysis due to going to hospital for help on threatening my life more than 2 yrs ago how is this possible as i obtained last yrs no problems what is the law here
@ ann
Not a law, just a DOT/FMCSA guideline to operate by. It’s is up to the CME to determine his/here needs to make a final decision on your physical, mental, and emotional state before clearing you for a medical card. One CME’s interpretation of the guidelines may differ from another. Your new medical examiner is requesting additional information to aid in his decision making process.
Question: what is the max measurement on an Aneurysm of the aorta for 18wheeler qualifications?
@ Sherry
DOT/FMCSA: anything greater than 5 cm is not recommended for certification. Anything less is a one year medical certification and requires a valid ultrasound to confirm its limited expansion.
I have a valid dot medical card that expires in 11/25. I got it back in November 2023. Recently, I’ve been going thru a lot of stress and just eating whatever I want. No working out. I wanted to get a weekend job so now they want me to get a new dot medical card( new company) but I happen to not be in the best shape. I checked my blood pressure and it was kinda high. I know i got to work out again and stop eating crap. But my question is, if I go for the second job and go for the new dot card and fail it? What will happen with my dot card that I passed back in November 2023 that’s good? I’m thinking of not taking the new job cause because I don’t want to fail the new physical and then I lose my good medical card and can’t work.
Is it best to just get in better shape before I take another physical? I don’t want to lose my good dot card and can’t work.
Thank you
@ James
If you do a new physical right now and fail, it voids your present medical card. Best to get in better shape before taking a new medical cert examination.
Hello.
How long after my medical card expires am i allowed grace period to renew?
@ Jerry
There is no official grace period. Some states are running behind, but federal DOT/FMCSA has no grace period.
My husband had a very mild stroke a week ago and is doing great now, his DOT expires next month what will he have to do to get his DOT renewed?
@ Julia
If he is a class A interstate driver, he has a one year waiting period before he is eligible to do another DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. If he is a lesser class cdl holder, he falls under the state guidelines and variances. You would need to confirm with your local DLD.
Thank you so very much for the information and your time
Can my employer ask me to mark a certain line on the DOT long form ? I just done a DOT physical on 11/21/23 it’s the typical 2 year deal. It’s 11/ 27/23 and my safety department wants me to do another one due to a past ailment I had.
@ Paige
If you knowingly leave out information on your medical intake and do not disclose the information to the examiner, then there is a problem. Should you have an accident and they run your license and medical card only to find this fact out, your license was not valid and you have been driving on it. For a class A cdl, this is really important. Lesser class cdl’s are under your states guidelines and regulations. They can be less stringent.
If I have a condition that requires an annual physical such as hypertension due to temporary weight gain but have lost weight and am not taking any medication for it, why do I still need to be seen annually?
@ C W
DOT/FMCSA ask if there is a ‘history of’ and then the CME has to follow the regulations surrounding that condition. History of high blood pressure is a renewal of once a year.
My Arizona dot physical expires in thirty days if take the physical this week and fail can I try again next week
@ Erikson T
Yes.
Does my company have a right to the medical history forms if I passed the DOT physical since it’s private and protected health info? I have a copy of DOT phys certificate
@ Bonnie B
If your records are in the HR department of the company, then it should not be an issue. A copy of your medical card should be sufficient. Ask to see their request in writing from the HR department.
My employer contacted the Medical examiner that issued my one year Medical card and asked him to rescind the 1 year card. They asked him to send me for a sleep study and gave him the option to give me a 3 or 6 month card. When I spoke to the department that handles our cdl medical cards. They said that the medical examiner did this. Is this something that employers do? Contact Dr’s and request changes?
@ Fanny T
Not that we are aware of. Your employer must feel that you have a case of OSA and want to help.
Do you still have 1 year to renew your medical card before your CDL is permanently down graded
@ Truman
Since your cdl is a state issued document, the best answer will come from your local DLD.
I have a passenger endorsement (CDL) to drive the church bus, I don’t get paid to do this, do I still need a medical card?
@ Emory E
Confirm this with your local drivers license department (DLD). Most States require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl.
I sold my truck that I needed a CDL for. I’m not ready to completely give up my CDL. There are no immediate plans to operate a CDL truck, but you never know. Can I put it on hold ?
@ Damian P M
That’s a question for your local DLD.
I am under Dr care along with workers comp for over 2 yrs and still under care and the state of MD took my CDL CLASS A license and issued me a regular license. My entire career of 20 yrs is over . I am getting ready for maybe another surgery on the same foot that I injured over 2 yrs ago. Any ideas? thanks Paul
@ Paul
First check with your local DLD and explain the situation. They should have a process for you to follow, when you are ready to return to work.
If I did not pass my dot inspection and I work for a company. And they did not give me any tickets just a paper to give yo my company. Will I have to pay any fees . For the things that did not get pass.
@ Bre
You need to talk with all parties involved. They should guide you through their process.
My employer was notified the day my doctor prescribed me some medication. My employer notated the medication still let me work. No accidents or injuries. Come to find out I wasn’t supposed to be taking the medication my doctor took me off the medication. Sent a letter to employers. Employer didn’t believe me. Sent me to decertify but didn’t drug test me. I still have 16 months left on my valid card. Since then I gained a few pounds and now it’s from the medication to a sleep study. Can they do that
@ James R
Who is they? Were you re-examined by a CME and if so did you pass?
my medical card expired in nevada only 2 weeks can i get it renewd an sent it to c d l office
@ vincent r
Yes, and do it quickly.
Can my employer force me to be re evaluated through their doctor and deny me a right to a second opinion and my own doctor? They say I can go however they will not honor the results.
@ john d
That’s a company issue. You should ask to see this policy in writing in the HR department now the company. Otherwise it’s a legal issue and you would need to seek legal council.
Is it permissable for my employer to mandate that, as a condition of my continued employment, I visit a specific provider to renew my med cert? Can they terminate my employment if I use a provider of my own choosing and self-pay? This has not been their policy in previous years, but I was just instructed to cancel my existing appointment and schedule with their selected provider. Also, that provider happens to practice in a state other than the one where I obtained my CDL, so I question whether that is permissable.
@ Jamie
That would be a company policy and should be found in writing in the Human Resources Department of the company. For legal permissibility, you would need to speak with legal counsel.
Does the DOT Certificate need to have the living address of the driver or can they have a PoBox as their address?
@ Vanessa C
Always best for the drivers license and medical card have the same address.
I received a notification through the mail about my MEC being voided in 30 days because of the provider not conducting the exam and being taken off the registry. I no Longer live in the state they sent they letter to. They sent it to an old address. Does it still apply to the state I live in? Will my CDL still be affected?
@ John
Your medical card is a federal medical examination and the provider has to be on the national registry. It does not matter which state you are in. Was your medical examiner on the registry at the time of your medical exam, if so then your card should still be good. If not, then you will need a new medical examination and get it turned into your drivers license department.
I. Lost my Dot . Medical. Card. And. Long. Form.,And. The. Company. I. Obtained it from. Last. Yr closed down. So I. Cannot. Reach them…How. do I. Go about. Getting. Another. One ? ,, The. Long one . And the. Medical. Card
@ Duane. H
If you remember where you got the last DOT medical certification examination done, then you could contact them. If not, you may need to have a new medical done.
If you’re a owner operator can a company you lease to make you use a specific doctor or facility?
@ Dre
They may request, but as far as we know, they can not MAKE you do anything. You have freedom of choice. If they make an issue over it, do you really want to work for such a company?
I have a cdl test tomorrow but my dot card is destroyed I only have pieces of it however will my Medical Examination Report Form work with the little piece of the medical dot card I have left
@ Corey D
Possibly, next time take a picture of your medical card on your phone.
Is a photo of your medical card on your phone acceptable at a dot inspection
@ Michael McN
That is only a maybe. Best to carry a paper copy if at all possible.
Do my employers can request from me to surrender to them my MCSA-5876 wallet size card at the end of my employment with them if they paid for my DOT medical exam as a prerequisite to be employed by them even though mine was less than 30 days old. If so, can I still use the one that I got 30 days prior to the last one? Do I have to pay for the total amount of the exam in order to get a copy from that MEDICAL EXAMINER. Do I lose my rights under HIPAA law if my employer does not wants to let me keep my MCSA-5876 wallet size card.
@ Jesse D
This stuff is getting out of hand. Employer wants a new physical, but pays for it so he owns the medical card. WT*. If you give them the medical card, then you will need to do a whole new physical. That is because this new one was input to the federal registry and canceled your old card.
Does the State of New Jersey require a “Medical MVR”? Our drivers have their medical certificate and we have their MVR’s on file. What and how do I obtain a “Medical MVR” that I am being asked?
@ Sharon E
This is a state related question and will be best answered by your states DLD. We do Federal, states vary from each other.
On the Medical Examiner Certificate, how would the ME know when to check off the box ….with any applicable State variances (which will only be valid for intrastate operations), and, with knowledge of the driving duties……? I went in to the DMV, my CDL reads RSTN K on the bottom left. The ME checked off…with any applicable State variances…box. When I went to the DMV they stated the Dr. didn’t check the right box. What am I missing?
@ EC
Each state is different. In our state, if you fail the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination but pass for the states intra-state only, then the state issues you the K restriction. Best to check with your local DLD for guidance on this situation.
my driver got a physical done on 11/2/22 the dr that did the exam was removed from the national registry on 12/28/22. is his physical no good or is that only if he would have gotten it after 12/28/22?
@ Donna D
The drivers medical card should be good. His medical card would be invalid had he gotten after 12/28/22.
I have a CDL A in Pennsylvania for 25+ years last time I used the license was for driving a school bus back in 1996 and I had my medical card after I quit driving school bus my jobs after that were for non driving jobs I let my medical card expire but license stayed as CDL A now I’m looking for driving jobs but am I going to have a problem cause I don’t have a current medical card or can I get it when hired
@ Todd
You will need a valid medical card for your class A. May need to check with the DLD to confirm you still have a valid cdl.
I have a current Class A CDL with a valid health card. If I obtain my passenger endorsement to drive a bus and pass all these tests do I need to retake my D.O.T. medical certification in Minnesota? The job isn’t a children’s school bus, but rather, a passenger bus.
Also, it is unlikely, but, if I flunk either the written or driver’s test with a bus, is my Class A CDL no more?
@ Brian J N
Your medical card will still be good and it should not effect your cdl if you were to fail the bus tests. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
I am currently restricted from commercial driving under a work comp claim and need to renew my dot medical card. Can I still take the dot physical?
@ Mike
For a class A cdl, no. Once released from your WC situation, then you can renew your medical card.
I have applied to drive school bus. The prospective employer says they need a copy of the long form of the DOT exam. I paid for the exam and will not be re-imbursed. Is the company entitled to the long form or is that a HIPAA violation?
@ Ken S
Most companies need a copy of your medical long form. If it is part of their HR requirements, ask to see it in writing, if you have questions.
Can a company force you to go to a certain clinic for a dot medical physical renewal? My company says they will not accept a dot medical card from any other place but their chosen clinic.
@ Scot
They can demand it, but you can choose whether you really want to work for a company like this.
When a cdl holder needs to renew their dot physical to keep their medical card current and legal and employer doesn’t send to a specific medical office or pay for the test a d just want to see the renewed medical, it is unclear that If dr pass the exam and renew it for 2 years, who do they give the results of urinalysis too? What seems to be the understanding is that a dot physical to renew medical is NOT a drug test but it is right?
@ Mo H
The DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination and urinalysis is NOT a drug screen. It is to determine if the driver has blood, sugar, or protein in his urine. These are early warning signs of other possible issues. All drug screening is done by request of the company and the company pays for the test.
My brother took a DOT Physical Exam in Ohio – said he failed because of high Blood Pressure . He will have to wait 3 Months . Can he get a 2nd opinion or does he have to wait ?
@ Rock F L
He can go for a second opinion anytime he wishes.
Renewing a CDL medical card. Can your employer force you to go to occupational health at the hospital for you medical recertification even if you pay for your recertification yourself?
I have 2 Non CDL drivers working for our company in Indiana. We require that all driver’s are self certified and non excepted interstate.
I have most the information on this site but I failed to find anything strictly related to Non CDL drivers.
Their recent Motor Vehicle Report indicates that they are not certified by the state.
What needs to be done in order to accomplish this? Please and thank you
@ Sheri
This is something that either the drivers or you can get to your states drivers license department.
If I obtain a Medical Certificate as a basic driver, and it is marked at the bottom right “no” for CLP/CDL applicant holder, do I need to get a new Medical Certificate when I obtain a CDL if my previous one is still valid?
@ AJ
Yes. Non cld holders are not as strict on examination as cdl holders.
what happens if the medical provider does not enter physical into the portal? are there fines and penalties? also does the address on the license have to match my long form?
@ teri
All CME’s must enter your physical into the national data base. They do not have to enter the information into the states data base, that is up to you to do.
Address’s can be different.
I have kidney stone and still have nitrates, blood, and protein in my urine, can these disqualify me in a dot physical?
@ Damienne
It is going to raise questions with the CME and he will ask for additional information from your physicians.
Im 20 I just got my commercial learners permit and in school. I had to go get a physical done and my examiner said that I could only get the intrastate one but By the time I finish school I will be 21 how do I change my cdl from intrastate to interstate? will I have to get another physical
@ ty
Usually, intra-state is issued by the state not the examiner. Check with your local DLD for guidance on this issue.
Hello
How long is the Clinic required to keep a copy of my DOT Physical Exam if I lose my copy , will the doctors office have the original copy and for how long
Thank You
@ Bill
For medical records, doctors are to hold for 7 years. He should have the originals.
I just got my dot med card renewed had my physical and passed for 2 years ect and am still working. I have possibly found a better job but they want to send me to their doctor for a dot physical again to get employed. I have put on a few pounds over the holidays, what if Their doctor fails me over the weight? Some others have said that will be my new med card. So basically I’m talking a risk trying to get a better job ? Is this true? If so I should just stay were I’m at why take the risk? I’m hoping this isn’t true . ?
@ Chris l
If you take a new DOT physical and fail, it over-rides your existing medical card. Weight is not a big issue unless it is creating new problems. We never understood why companies do this. Then when they pay for it, you don’t get copies of the forms, they keep them. ???
Holding cdl in Delaware currently not employed and will not drive for 2 years going to school do I have to take a urine test for my medical certificate?
@ Machell c
For a class A cdl, during the medical certification examination. A urine test is performed to check for blood, sugar, and protein, nothing else. It is not a drug screen.
If I have a current passed medical card and a new job requires me to do another DOT physical and I fail that one. Which one counts. It’s like you going to different doctors, some pass you, some fail you. So which one really goes on your record.
@ Samuel P
Which ever was last reported to the DOT/FMCSA National Registry.
Since the medical card is so large, like 3 x 5, how are folks carrying it on their person? I was thinking that the card had to be carried for the first 15 days only. Am I wrong on that?
@ Ronald W
The 15 day carry rule was a dream of the DOT/FMCSA. It has not come to this point yet. Still need to have your hard copy medical card available at all time while driving.
Can I hold 2 medical cards my part time job requires me to take the physical for a medical card I have one still good can’t I just use the one
@ Joe
You can not have two medical cards. Which ever examination that was done last will cancel the other.
does a cot physical have a grace period
@ carl
At the federal level, NO.
I was on workers comp after a dump truck accident from Sept 2020 to October 2022, so I didn’t renew my dot physical and now I got to its been almost 3 yrs I could renew it with dmv last month. My question is can I still renew it and upgrade from my D back to a class A cause I was on comp and could not work???
@ Art
This will have to be answered by your local drivers license department (DLD).
I took a dot Physical today and one of the questions said have I used substance in the last 2 years. I put Yes now they are saying I can’t be hired. Is this going to follow me everywhere making me unemployable as a driver? I have a Class A license and was taking another test because the “almost” employer made me take another physical because my former employer wouldn’t release my current one which is still valid. I just got started…I just need to know if my career is over before it even begins!
@ Renise W
Not sure about the hiring process since it has nothing to do with a CME. There is no reason that you should have any real issues if you are no longer using substance. At the most a CME should request additional supporting medical documentation. Once that is completed, there should be no problems, unless you continue to use said substance.
A friend had a TIA, also know as a mini strokes. The cdl clinic said he has to wait a year to qualify for a new med certificate. IS that true? He marked it on is application form. if it is true, how does he get cleared?? where does he go to to check the status of his med cert?
@ Mark
If your friend is a class A cdl holder, then he has a one year waiting period, then clearance from his physicians. If he is a lesser class cdl holder, then he will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Your question would then be best answered by your local DLD.
Does a copy of my Medical Card on my phone satisfy the Reg?? Or do we have to have a physical copy in possession.
@ Richard L B
Best to have a physical copy available is the DOT officer want to see it. But the photo on your phone is a great backup, if needed.
I went for a physical for a school bus company the examiner measured my neck and gave me a 3 month card I have my current card for another 8 months he said I needed a sleep apnea test he didn’t give me the 3 month card they sent it to the school bus company I decided not to work for the school bus company and just left it alone I went for my new physical and passed mentioned to my examiner he said no worries that they can’t make you get a sleep apnea test only suggest am I good
@ Tony
You are good.
I had right shoulder surgery all most two weeks ago. They had to shave my shoulder bone down. I still have my med card. But my sfaty risk management is saying bye law. I have to get a new one. Is that true
@ John
Your safety manager is correct.
how long after your medical card expires in Texas before they downgrade your CDL?
and what are requirements to reinstate
@ Kristi
This will need to be answered by your local drivers license department, not federal DOT/FMCSA.
I have an employee that lost her DOT card she recieved a couple of months ago from a previous employer. She was sent to have another test done, and didn’t pass because of blood in the urine. She was then sent to her PCP to get checked. She then found her DOT card from months ago. Can she use that DOT that she thought was lost?
@ LaShawn
If she failed the examination and it was not put into the national registry as a fail, then her old card is still good. If the examination was input as a fail, then her old card is invalid.
Is driver allowed to operate a CMV if his current medical card has expired, he has a new one but it is currently submitting by DMV?
@ Uliana
If he has a valid medical card in his possession, then he is good. But make sure it gets registered with the state DLD.
Do you need a medical examination card for a driver over the age of 35 for a truck that’s Wt./Sts./Lgth. is 8460
@ Rhandi
Does the vehicle get used in the process of commerce, making money. If so, most state require a medical card. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
Our new manager has decided to force all company CDL holders to have a CDL physical preformed at the office headquarters by a doctor of their choosing. They want everyone on the same date. Is this legal? Can they force you to use a doctor not of my choosing?
@ Brandon
If it is the companies written policy, then it’s the company’s choice.
It also seems that if the company is paying for your physical, then you have no rights to copies of the long form, especially if you leave the company and go elsewhere.
I got my dot through my job and I’m starting a business and I need my dot number how do I find that
@ Curtis R
You need to check with your local/state DOT for guidance on this issue.
I took and passed my DOT physical test a few months ago for my old job. I’m currently trying to apply for my CDL Permit and the DMV said that I needed DOT Physical. Is the one I recently received valid?
@ Causwell C
Your present medical card is valid. It sounds like the state DMV needs a copy of your medical card to update their system.
My brother was issued an infraction from a highway patrol officer in Kansas for not having a medical card. He was driving as an employee of a rent to own company. His employer said the officer acted in error and is advising him to continue to drive the CMV while he gets the paperwork to the court to have the ticket expunged. I think if he has any situation while continuing his job, he will have more issues since there is a open ticket under his record and he continues to drive. The employer has assured him it is not required. Who is ultimately responsible here and do you think he should refuse to drive until the ticket is resolved?
@ kathy
Most states require a valid medical card to operate any cmv that is used to produce commerce/make money. Best to check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for clarity.
I took a dot Physical today and one of the questiom said have i used substance in the last 2 years i put Yes now there saying i need a SAP but i dnt have a employer i took the dot physical my self to enroll into trsucking school wat do i do now
@ Landoo
You are not a class A driver and should not be held to a class A cdl standard. You will be later, once you start driving. Right now you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Go get a second opinion by an examiner that understands the difference between state and federal regs.
If my dot card expired today how long do I have before my license is brought down a class ?
@ Darell
Since DOT/FMCSA has extended your grace period to the middle of October, you have time to get it done now.
Otherwise check with your local DLD.
My 2 year DOT card expires on September 25th, 2022. I have an important prior obligation that would cause me to be out of town on that date, if I do not get my medical card in time do I have a grace period? Or will it still expire ?
@ Brad
You could get it done now, or use the grace period from DOT/FMCSA until the middle of October.
I’m out of country and my medical card expires in November.
What happens if I don’t get back until then, do they have any exceptions if you are out of country?
Note: my cdl is valid for couple more years.
@ Zemarak J
In most cases all you need do is get your medical certification card done and get it to your local DLD. Most state have a policy that allows for a few days late. Confirm with your local DLD.
I currently live in one state but still have a driver’s license from another state. Once I get a new license I will have a different Driver’s License Number and Issuing State than what my Medical Examiner’s Certificate says. Does that information need to be updated, or is it still valid?
@ Timothy
It is usually best if all the paperwork is the same. But that being said, most officers understand and will accept the differences. So your card would still be valid. An idea would be to take a picture of your old drivers license on your phone so you can substantiate the difference. Then when you renew your medical card it will all match.
I have a current Med card that doesn’t expire til Feb 2024. I went to do a new med card for a new job. I found out I am diabetic, so my new med card is pending til can get it under control. Does my valid med card (the 2 year card) does it automatically become invalid now?
@ Tony
If you were given a new, short – 90 day medical card, then your old/2 year card is now invalid.
My license and DOT physical expired while I was out of Country. Now I’m back. Can I get a DOT physical without a valid license? My MVA may try to downgrade me to non CDL upon renewing my license. That would mean doing the whole class A testing again.
@ Adam S
Get the medical certification done and go straight to your local drivers license department to renew your cdl.Don’t delay, do it today.
Im on subtexts and my dot card expired now they wont pass me again what can i do i need my job i dont take a high fkse my doctor sent paper work that says im safe to drive if there a way around rhis or is it case by case ?
@ Chris
We know of no such medication as subtext. Please clarify.
How many times can a CDL driver be issued a 3 month card due to health problems? There are several that are running for us with 3 month certifications, and have been for a while. I have read that they are given the three months to correct their medical conditions or they lose their driving privileges, but I can not find the FMCSA reg to back that up. Any help would be appreciated.
@ Chris
A 3 month medical card is issued one time for a driver to get his medical condition under control, usually high blood pressure. An ongoing medical condition, other than HBP, may receive a 3 month card as a means to monitor the driver and his condition. The CME is looking for ongoing improvement with the driver until he/she can issue a one year card. It is odd though to issue multiple 3 month cards to multiple drivers. ???
I had a car accident and came out with a severe brain injury last year, my doctor had to sign a paper saying I wasn’t able to drive at that time, and faxed it to the dmv, is there a time limit on that? Does it expire? Or will I need another examination? My doctor wouldn’t help me get disability the last almost two years, but then yet told me I wasnt able to drive. Is my next step to go back to her and resign a new set of papers?
@ Katelyn H
Best to check with your local drivers license department for guidance on this situation.
Do you have to do a sleep study just for being overweight? I’ve never had any issues with my blood pressure, I’m not a diabetic, and my neck circumference is normal. I don’t have any health issues. I’m just overweight.
@ AZ
No, DOT/FMCSA has no mandated sleep study for overweight people.
I went to Concentra for a DOT physical at the time I had a 2-year medical card the doctor at Concentra downgraded my medical card to a 90-day medical card saying that I have to have a sleep apnea test. The company did not hire me can I have a second opinion from my original medical provider who gave me the 2-year card.
@ Waddell
Go get a second opinion. Seems like some of the ‘Doc in a box’ facilities have a conflict of interest with a sleep study facility.
Can you enter a DOT certification if the driver only as a Puerto Rico license? If you can…how do you do it??
@ Kaye
Since PR is a US territory and not a state, we do not believe there is a way to enter it into the DOT/FMCSA data base. The driver would need to get the needed information back to PR, where the license is registered. Also, the class cdl will be a factor to be considered.
My cdl is inactive due to my dot medical card expiring. I just went and got my medical card renewed. What do I need to do in order to get my cdl active again?
I’m currently in Missouri but my cdl is out of North Carolina. Is there a number to call or do I have to go to North Carolina to reinstate my driving privileges?
@ Jay
You should be able to find contact information for NC online. Contact them and follow their process to get your cdl re-activated.
Can a medical practice withhold a new copy of your medical examiners certificate (long form) if you lost your old one? I’m trying to hire a new driver and his previous employer uses The Company Clinic to do their DOT physicals. The Company Clinic said they can only give the long form to the employer because they paid for the exam.
@ Matt
It seems to be some kind of BS game these companies want to play. We don’t have a solid answer for you. If the driver has a valid medical card, then he is good, but your need for a hard copy of his long form is the main question. You might have him take a new medical cert exam elsewhere, then you get a copy of the long form.
If I drive a vehicle that doesn’t require a CDL license am I required to have a medical card? I was stopped today for the first time in over 25 years of driving my personal work truck and was issued a warning for not having a medical card, a fire extinguisher and not having DOT numbers on my truck. Again I have been driving this type of vehicle, a F350 Box truck for over 25 years and never had the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety stop me.
@ Andrew S
In most states, any vehicle that is being used for commerce, requires the driver to have a valid medical card. Some states are only now starting to target the small business owners and their vehicles/drivers.
So I have the right address on my driver’s license and it’s right in the system. But the address on my dot physical is incorrect. They said they can’t change the address unless I pay the fee and retake it. I just got my cdl less then 6 months ago. My job wants the proper address on my physical. Is it true that I have to retake it. Why can’t I just request a address change
@ Vincent
The doctors office should work with you, there is no reason for a full retake of the examination for a simple address change. May be a service charge for office staff time.
I moved and my address is now different than what is on my certificate do I need update my certificate with a new address and how do I do that?
@ Shonna J
You should not have to do anything at the moment. Just change it when you do your new medical card.
How old do you have to be to have a medical card and drive from state to state?
@ Karen N
Depends on the class of license you have.
I recently took my CDL, I took the alcohol and drug test, I have my medical card valid until 2023, I want to know if I have to retake the exam for the FMCSA
@ Eric
If you have a valid cdl, a valid medical card, and you passed the drug and alcohol testing, then you are done as far as we can tell. There is no FMCSA testing for you.
Can a driver operate a commercial motor vehicle in NC while using oxygen from an oxygen tank?
@ Mike T
Depends on the class cdl you carry. Less than a class A, you will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Then you need to check with your states drivers license department.
I had a 3 month card for sleep apnea. I just went and got a new physical done and the dr gave me a 2 year card. My work called and and said it’s invalid and they need a copy of the sleep apnea results. Are they allowed to do this?
@ CJ
Your new medical card is valid and the information was input to the national registry. What the company is doing is the question and can only be answered by the HR department of the company.
“The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination.”
What is included in the information that the medical examiner reports to the National Registry?
How secure is this information and how is this information used?
@ Deanne
Basic information, pass, fail, holding for more info, name, lic. number. No medical information to the registry. Doctor must maintain a hard copy in his filing system for 7 years.
Is a DOT exam required when renting a truck for a single day use in Washington state? The truck is a 16 foot stakebed with a 6,000lb payload.
@ Lisa
That would be a state related issue. Best to check with your local drivers license department for confirmation.
My uncles CDL was downgraded due to expired medical card. He holds a Texas DL. But currently living in Arkansas with me because of this. Can he visit a medical examiner in Arkansas to get his medical card and his license reinstated?
@ Natalie S
Yes
I am a US citizen living in Spain but I need a DOT medical exam before I start my job in the US and I won’t arrive in the US enough in advance to do it there. Is there an exam I can do here that will meet the requirments of a DOT medical exam?
@ Stephanie S
Not that we are aware of.
I have a CDL medical card but just a class D license what am I allowed to drive as far as weight limits and such for instance a single axle box truck licensed for gvw of 26000 pounds the truck itself empty weighs 16100 and am I allowed to travel intrastate with out an actual CDL and just having a CDL medical card
@ Kevin
The reason for the medical card, in your case, is because the vehicle you drive is being used for commerce, to make money. You can go any where and drive anything that a class D license allows.
Can my new company send me for a complete CDL PHYSICAL and pay for it even if my job does not require a CDL LICENSE , and they don’t have any trucks over 2,6001 lbs
@ Dan
In most states it is required to have a medical certification examination/card to operate any vehicle that is used in commerce. Any can be a standard car, pickup, van, etc. Make sure the CME know you do not have a cdl, so you will fall under the states guidelines and variances, not federal guidelines for cdl class A.
I drive a dump truck for a county in Kansas I am exempt to have a medical card can I drive out of state
@ Jesse
All depends on the class cdl you hold.
Living in Tennessee. If my cdl has been downgraded due to my diabetes being outside the legal range. I’ve been told by a person that worked for the DMV, I have 5 years from the date of the down grade to present a valid medical card to prevent me from having to be retested. Is that correct??
@ Bob
Since all cdl’s are state issued, your question is going to be best answered by your states drivers license department.
My medical card expired on February 7, 2022. Is there a grace period being I am in a disaster area from Hurricane Ida
@ Jessica C
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the most appropriate answer to this question.
If I get a new license from another state with new license number can I call and get it updated or do I need to get another physical or is my original still good
@ Joseph c
Your original should still be good, but make a copy of your old license to provide proof for any DOT officer. Best to try and get the card and license to match. Not sure if a CME will just update information without a new medical examination, it is doubtful.
I currently have a two year Fed Card. My new employer is requiring a DOT physical.
I took the physical today and the doctor is requesting additional medical paperwork before they will approve it.
What if I can’t get the information or decide not to take the job.
Does it effect my current Fed Med Card Status that is still in effect?
Or will I need to go get anther one from a different CME?
@ Charles
If the most recent medical examiner did not input your information to the DOT/FMCSA registry, then your old cards still valid.
I have been denied a 2 year d.o.t certification for the past 2 years due to a history of high blood pressure I have been off all meds for 2 years and have had good blood pressure but the d.o.t doctor still won’t give a 2 year certification it’s only a 1 year. The doctor tells me that I can’t get a 2 year certification because I had had history of high blood pressure. The blood pressure was never 2 high to be denied a certification. Can I contact someone and have it changed to a 2 year or am I gonna be stuck with a 1 year certification for the rest of my life?
@ Robert B
Since it is a DOT/FMCSA regulation, then it will be one year until the fed makes it otherwise. You could bring your issue to the awareness of the DOT/FMCSA and see what they have to say about it.
How early can I reneew my dot physical
@ Robert
You can renew at anytime before your present medical card expires.
If I lose my original dot card can I carry a copy or do I need to get a new one
@ Jeremie
A legible copy will do.
The DOT Doctor issued me a 1 year card because of sleep apnea. He looked over my info again when I left. Know they have called me back because he now wants to give me a 3 months card. My job managers said I shouldn’t go back because he has already sign off on the year card. What to do?
@ L Chase
Follow the managers recommendation. CME’s should make their decisions based on original finds, not after the fact.
That’s what I was thinking. Thanks for the input.
I just received my new medical exam card today. My company said a photo copy is not good enough they want the long form to. If I don’t provide it I will be terminated. This form has my personal information that is none of there business. Is this indeed a back door hippa violation? Tank you…
@ William C
This is always a tough question to answer and we recommend you speak with legal council.
Can my girlfriend drop off my medical card paperwork info at the desk office for me
@ Marco
You will need to confirm this with your local drivers license department.
If my last name changed since my medical certificate was completed, do I need a new certificate issued under my new last name?
@ Eric
In most cases it no big deal. But if you changed your name on your drivers license, it could be an issue with a DOT officer.
When a driver turns 70, how long do they have to get their first required physical?
@ Sue L
Could you please clarify your question. Thanks
I have a class A endorsement. Because of a back injury I am on disability but exercising and trying to get back to a normal status, health wise. I worked up to the last day my medical card was valid then had the work done on my back. I very much want to return to work but if I loose my endorsements I will be unable to do do. Is there anything I can do to protect my cell until I can get my medical card?
@ Robert
Get in touch with your local drivers license department and explain your situation. They should be able to guide you through their process.
I have my 3 month permit, but i have to have a sleep study, can I still go to school and train before my permit ends?
@ Keire T
Yes.
I smoked while I was in Jamaica not realizing that I needed a dot physical for my cdl permit. I went and failed my drug test. Will I be able to go get another test? I am not a habitual Marijuana smoker so I didn’t think any thing of it when I went for my physical until I failed.
@ J
You failed the drug screen, not a DOT urinalysis, which does not test for marijuana. You can retest once it is out of your system.
Hello, today I passed Dot Medical Exam and I got permission for one year because during the exam my blood pressure was 143/99. But my blood pressure is always normal, perhaps during examination it was white coat syndrome. Is it possible to get 2 year medical card after a year if I have normal blood pressure? Because I heard that you need to get medical exam every year if your blood pressure was high once.
@ Salu
It will depend on the examiner. DOT/FMCSA is using an odd wording on this issue. It will ask if you have ‘ever’ had high blood pressure. Your best bet would be to have your primary doctor check your blood pressure. If it is normal and there is no need for blood pressure medication, then have him/her write a note stating so.
Can I get a second opinion on my cdl physical and pay for that one my self just got one done today I’d like to get another one done is that possible
@ Mike
Why? if you passed, your information went into the national registry. Yes, you can go for a second opinion, but there should be a valid reason. Otherwise it looks like you are ‘doc shopping’.
Does a employer have the right to tell you what Dr to use for a DOT Phys.?
If the employee goes to a certified DOT Phys on the reg. and is willing to pay out of pocket, can the employer deny this?
@ Jason
Everything depends on the companies written policy.
I have a updated S endorsement DOT for school bus and I also have a class A endorsement too.I have to do another DOT for this new a Co with my class A for any reason if my physical doesn’t go well will it effect my S endorsement?
@ Cedric
If your medical does not go well, then it will effect your class A. That is a federal DOT/FMCSA issue. Your S endorsement is a state issue and has its own set of rules and regulations. Check with your local drivers license department for clarification.
Can an individual have his medical certificate declined if he or she doesn’t speak English?
@ Miles A
Short answer, Yes. According to the DOT/FMCSA, a driver must be able to communicate in english, both to the examiner and to DOT.
I don’t have a current medical card as it expired 2 months ago. I haven’t been driving for 6 months. But I’m thinking of going back. The status of my CDL is eligible, and it says I don’t have any requirements to drive. Does this mean I can drive without getting a new medical card? Just would like to know before I go to my company and ask them to put me back on the road.
@ Stephanie
Your cdl is state issued, so the state is not requiring an update yet. If you are stopped by the DOT, Federal, they will want a valid medical card and if not present may shut you down right where you are. Best bet, get a new medical card, get it into the state and go from there.
I have an employee who is 19 years old. His position requires him to drive a truck across state lines that weighs 11,000 lbs, is he required to be 21 years old? He will not have a CDL license.
@ Lauren
Each state is different. Most states require a valid medical card to operate any vehicle that is used in commerce. That does not require a cdl. If he has a valid drivers license and a medical card, he should be fine. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
My company only has a few vehicles meeting the requirements of a CMV (over 10,001 pounds). However they require all drivers to obtain a DOT medical card as a condition of employment. If I have a valid drivers license but cannot obtain a card due to some disability, can my employer fire me or refuse to hire a person because they cannot obtain a card?
@ Doug
Every state has different guidelines and variances. Your need for a medical card without a cdl now falls under the states guidelines and not Federal DOT/FMCSA. Go for the medical card, but make sure the examiner understands that you are not a cdl holder and that you are under the states guidelines and regulations. In some states, you can fail the medical certification, but the states variances allow you to drive and they issue the restrictions on the medical card.
My company threatens drivers into giving them our long form and our certificate is it legal for them to force the long form and them pass it on to a third party company for filing?
@ Chris c
You always retain the originals and the company gets a copy only.
Is it legal for a company to ask for the long-form from a driver to accompany the medical certificate? Or is the medical certificate sufficient?
@ Jan R
You could provide a copy of the long form. The original stays with the CME and the driver is provided with a copy. Then the driver can provide a copy to the company, as long as the driver still has a copy of the long form. Legal? talk with a lawyer.
If I already have a 2 yr medical card and get a new prescription medication from my doctor, do I need to get a new medical card?
@ Shylo M C
All depends on what the medications are and what they are being prescribed for.
if you have epelepsy and been seizure free for 5 years and need a d.o.t. card without a cdl license to get a waiver or exemption are there any restrictions and what are they?
@ Tony
Because you are not a cdl holder, then you must inform the CME giving you the examination that you fall under the states guidelines, regulations and variances. If he does not know the difference, then go somewhere else.
Do you have to inform a doctor at a hospital that your a CDL holder and have a medical certificate? Can they prescribe opiates for severe pain?
@ James
Doctors at a hospital have no idea about DOT/FMCSA medical certification cards. But if you are prescribed an opiate do to pain, you instantly invalidate your medical card. Any situation, illness or injury which removes a driver from behind the wheel, as a class A driver, would require a new medical card to determine fitness for duty before returning to driving.
I had surgery to repair a cut flexor tendon on my middle finger. After the surgery the tendon re ruptured. The finger doesn’t bend at the middle knuckle or top knuckle. I am able to do all the things I need to do. Will this disqualify me from passing a physical if my grip strength is around 80 lbs?
@ Dave
It should not be a reason to disqualify you. The CME may want some additional information, but if you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you should be good to go.
What if I’m on medical leave and my physical card expires before I’m able to return to work? If I don’t get a medical card they down grade my license.
@ Barry
For a class A driver, you cannot pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination while out on sick leave. Contact your states drivers license department and explain your situation. They should guide you through their process without down grading your license.
My dad just got notified his cdl is cancelled, he sent in a letter stating he was under Drs care so he couldn’t get his physical before it expired but they cancelled it anyway.. he had knee and a hip replacement over the last 5 months. Any help on how to navigate this so he can get his license active again. He still isn’t cleaners form his surgeon to go back to work. Thanks!!
@ Jennifer M
His cdl is state issued and he would need to talk to your states drivers license department. Explain the situation, they should guide you through their process. In most cases all he would need to do is get a new medical certification card and show the state a copy. Then they would re-instate his cdl.
I am a contractor leased onto a major carrier, I recently had my annual dot physical and passed with a 2 year card, the compliance department for “said” company asked my terminal manager to ask me about a prescription I had listed on my prior DOT physical and if I was still taking the medication currently (even though I told the medical examiner I was not on that medication any longer. Does “said”company have the legal rite to ask or question my medical information? I was told by my manager that I need to hand write a note stating I am no longer taking the medication signed and dated…. This feels very wrong to me in many ways.what recourse if any do I have to “said” company?
@ Jason L
It appears that the company is looking out for possible risk factors. Because they have to answer to insurance companies, carriers and the likes of which you may be unaware of, they are just covering their butts. Easiest thing, write the note, it’s going into your file thats all. If you feel that they are requesting information outside of those perimeters, then you could talk to legal counsel.
Thank you, yes I wrote the note and sent it in to the compliance department, I’m sure it’s a possible “need to know” for some sort of insurance risk on there part as I’m a contractor o/o and not an employee of the company, I guess my real issue was the fact that that department passed my sensitive information down to the terminal level which is wrong to me. Thank you for your reply
What is the definition of recertification? If someone currently has a 2-year certificate, and goes to have it renewed before it expires, would this be considered a recertification? Or, does recertification only refer to exams performed where the certificate was not issued, due to a medical condition (ie vision, blood pressure, etc), and is returning to have another exam because the condition is now improved?
Handbook states: A one-time, three-month medical certificate is granted in two cases: where the driver has a BP that is equivalent to Stage 2 hypertension, or a driver that was certified with Stage 1 hypertension has not achieved a BP less than or equal to 140/90 at recertification. This three-month certificate is a one-time issuance for the recertification period and is not intended to mean once in the driver’s lifetime.
In this statement, what is the definition of recertification?
@ Sean
Recertification occurs each time you go in for a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Whether you do the examination early or on time, the information is entered into the federal database and begins a new certification time frame.
Hi, my employer requires me & co-workers to do DOT physical every two years even though the company vehicles we drive have GVWR under 10,000 pounds AND we do not engage in any interstate commerce. We know what they’re doing is wrong and we’ve been complaining for years about this but company continues to subject us to it.
Is there a way to get them to cease & desist? What is best way to go about this?
@ Ray
Each state is different. Most states require a medical card, if you are driving any company vehicle that is used for commerce. ex: yard maintenance, auto parts delivery, job estimation, etc. So confirm with your state drivers license department, they should be able to guide you from there.
What if you forgot about a medication and forgot to list it
@ Joe
You forgot? Not much you can do about it now, unless you want to go back to the examiner and explain your situation.
I just had a 90 day card because of my blood pressure. That is now good but my A1c is now 10.7. Can I get another 90 card since it’s not for the same problem
@ Bill
DOT/FMCSA is a one time 90 day card for high blood pressure. The examiner may do another 90 due to a separate situation, maybe.
I had a DOTFMCSA physical with a bogus examiner and failed. Do I have to reveal this in a new physical exam? Who are all the people who are allowed to see the reasons for failure given?
Will the new examiner be able to see my answers on the invalid physical questionnaire? This was a Non-cdl job. One of the reasons given for failure was I said I am prescribed Norco. It turns out that it was an invalid examiner but a real substance abuse counselor, was that legit?
Also, have an impairment in one eye, 20/20 in other eye(wear corrective lenses)and he put down that I have monocular vision, was that right?
@ AllMessedUp
If your examiner was truly bogus, then no information was placed on the national registry. Let your real CME know that this is for a non-cdl license and you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Then you should be fine.
If I have DOT medical card and it does not run out for 6 months and my new employer makes me go for a new one and if I don’t pass does that void out the old card?
@ Mark
Yes, if the new medical examination findings are recorded on the FMCSA registry, your old card is invalid.
Hello,
When this law started drivers born before a set date were grandfathered in that they didn’t need to have the DOT exam. Is this still the law and if so what is the date? Our business is in New York State.
Thank you
@ Sarah M
The old chauffeurs license were grandfathered in. You need to confirm the medical card requirements with your local drivers license department.
My husband lost his TX CDL this past year due to not renewing his DOT physical in time. We now live in KY and he was forced to downgrade with an online renewal because his licenses had expired and we could not get a hold of the DPS office to release his license to the state of KY. What should he do to get his CDL back and valid for KY? KY says we have to get TX to release it.
@ Carissa
Since cdl’s are state issued and not federal, you will need to work with the states drivers license department. Find out from TX. what is needed to release his cdl for KY. Not sure of TX procedures. Since he lost his cdl privileges in TX, they will be the ones that hold you up.
I am a Canadian citizen and my license just expired… I need a medical done, i have the form from Canada is this something that can be done in the USA
@ Bret
We believe so, but check with the examiner first.
I’m going to be in Europe for at least two years. How will I get a medical certificate? I don’t want my license to expire because I don’t have a medical. I won’t need to be driving a truck in Europe but I will when I return home.
@ Jack
First, check and explain your situation to your local drivers license department, they should be able to guide you from there. Another option might be to get a fresh new medical card now, have it registered and hope to be home within the two year time frame.
I have completed my medical exam and received my cdl permit. On the questionnaire, I listed that I had used illegal substances within the last 2 years. The question was answered honestly, as I currently do not use illegal substances and am confident I would pass a drug screening of any kind. However, because I answered that question with a yes, the company that was hiring me cannot take me on as a driver. A few of the other companies around have all basically said something similar. I feel like I’m being punished for being honest here.
Can I take another medical exam with a different certified examiner and apply to a different company?
@ Kevin F
Does this mean you are going to avoid the truth on this issue?
Yes, get another examiner on your own and apply to another company. You are correct, you are punished for being honest. Ethically and for my safety, and yours, don’t smoke weed or doing any illegal drugs as a licensed CDL driver! Having represented driver’s in vehicular homicide cases since the 1990’s, you are mandated by federal law, while operating a vehicle requiring a CDL, to submit to a chemical test. Any jurisdiction can force you to submit to said test even over any objections. Be careful if you take allergy medications that cause drowsiness as you will certainly be imprisoned for the lives that you take in a collision.
MY PHYSICAL EXAMINER CLEARED ME FOR A CARD.. BUT ISSUED ME A 90 DAY CARD . TOLD ME I NEEDED TO GET A STRESS TEST ,, RETURN WITH THE RESULTS AND I WOULD GET A 1 YEAR CARD. I SCHEDULED THE TEST ,, TOOK THE TEST AND GOT THE RESULTS .. I RETURNED TO THE EXAMINERS OFC WITH THE STRESS TEST RESULTS WELL WITHIN THE 90 DAY CARD EXPIRATION , AS I WAS TOLD .. THE RECEPTIONIST TOLD ME, I HAD TO RESCHEDULE ANOTHER PHYSICAL AND TAKE ANOTHER PHYSICAL AND PAY ANOTHER EXAM FEE !!! BY FMCSA / DOT REGULATIONS SHOULD I HAVE THE WHOLE 90 DAYS TO RETURN THE RESULTS ??
@ HARRY J
FMCSA requires a new examination once the driver has been issued a medical card. Some offices feel this to be a bit of oversight and others don’t.
If the examiner feels that there may be additional risk factors since he issued your last medical card, then he can require a new medical examination.
My Texas CDL “A” Licence was downgraded for failure to submit my new DOT Card in time. I moved to NJ and want get a NJ CDL “A” licence. Will I be able to get the NJ License Class “A “if I show my new DOT card? and current Texas Class “A” (Not expired just downgraded)Or do I have to go back to Texas to show them my card then upgrade My CDL back to an “A” then go to NJ to get the NJ CDL “A”
@ Dean
If your A cdl is current and your medical card is current, then you should be able to transfer over. But, confirm this with NJ driver license department. Each state being different does not help.
The federal statutes require States to allow said transfer so you are good to go!. If you value your CDL, act like it and get things do on time.
I have been a CME for less than a year. I recently had a client who needed DOT physical who will be driving a van, intrastate/no passengers. She does not have CDL license. She is a well-controlled diabetic ON insulin. No previous exams. I told her she could apply for exemption for diabetic on insulin but had to “fail” her due to insulin use and she could return to DMV for advice. (Georgia) Is this correct? She said she wished she hadn’t told that she was on insulin. I have not have this come up before. Recommendations? Thank you.
@ Sherry
If the driver is not a class A driver then he falls under your states guidelines and variances. Your state may not require a insulin waiver.
You were correct to send the driver back to DMV for guidance, and you should be aware of the states requirements as well as DOT/FMCSA.
Does the address on your Medical Examiners Wallet Card, legally have to match your Drivers License address?
@ Tamara K
Should not be an issue. DOT officers may have a different opinion, since most states want you to have a drivers license that states where you actually live.
If I am employed in Iowa but live in Wisconsin which state do I send my DOT physical to?
@ Elley S
In the state that your CDL is issued. If your license is issued in Wis., then Wis. gets the copy.
If my employee is pulled over in a company vehicle by DOT and does not have his Medical Examiner Card on him, is that considered a violation against the company, driver or possibly both?
@ Michele C
This is a DOT question, FMCSA has nothing to do with these issues. Our experience with this has been that it is a violation for both. But, confirm with your local DOT.
I am a DOT medical examiner. I have a new patient who has a CDL but also has new-onset diabetes requiring insulin. He was just diagnosed within the past 3 wks – sugar still not controlled. Is there any DOT paperwork I need to file to inactivate his CDL until he is controlled?
Thank you!
@ David R
If he is a class A driver, then his medical card is no longer valid with a new diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes.
His cdl is a state issued license and the state needs to be notified.
I recently went for a pre employment dot physical and the doctor gave me 3 months because my weight I’m 5’11 280. She said I need a sleep test now and mind you I’m young …30 years old… I go to the gym and I am in good health with big bones . I currently work and I have a 2 year card the company in with now and it’s certified . I don’t plan on certifying the new card because then it’s void . Not sure what to do here , I don’t care if I get the new job now but I don’t want the get a sleep test god forbid it comes back bad then I need a cpap in my house and I’m now registered in the system. Not sure what to do , just ignore the 3 months card and maybe loose 20 pounds and my BMI would be fine …. need advice
@ Mike
Go get a second opinion from another CME. The DOT/FMCSA does not mandate a sleep study unless there are a multitude of signs and symptoms. Sounds like there is a conflict of interest with the facility you just went to.
I work for a company, in Ks. that leases box trucks & trailers to other companies for their use. These vehicles are always empty when I take them to the customer. Some transfers are across state line, but as before, they are always empty. We are not allowed to put any type of freight in these vehicles.
Do I need to have a DOT medical card?
@ DJ
Most states would require a valid medical card because the vehicles are ultimately being used to produce commerce. But confirm this with your states drivers license department to make sure, one way or the other.
I am currently working for a spotting firm. I have a CDL but I do not have a medical card due to Dialysis. The company that I work for is telling me that it is ok to shuttle loads between facilities that are about 1.5 miles apart on a public roadway. Other companies would not hire me because I did not have a medical card. Do I need a medical card to shuttle loaded trailers between facilities in Illinois?
@ Stephen T C
You are a intra-state only driver and you fall under the states guidelines and regulations. Check with your local drivers license depart for their guidelines. You may have to fail a DOT medical examination, then take the results to the state so they can issue an intra-state only certificate/restriction.
If your on dialysis and you run intrastate only, can you then get a dot medical card?
@ Marcus
Since you will be driving intra-state only, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Talk with your states drivers license department for guidance regarding your question. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
I am a small business owner in PA. I have a 2005 Chevy box truck (4,890 unlaiden weight 12,000 GVWR) that several guys use to transport boxes & inventory for my business several times a year within 5 miles. Two of my guys also travel with it into OH 5 days/ year. What are my DOT and medical card requirements? I cannot be a master of all knowledge, so your input is very much appreciated.
@ Dee
Most state require that a driver driving any vehicle that is used for commerce must have a valid medical card. Not so much a cdl, but a medical card. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm.
I have a class b from Florida and my med. Card expired. Does anyone know if I can still drive a regular automobile with the cdl?
@ Jojo
Best to check with Florida drivers license department. Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
I have stents they make me take a stress test every year before They will give me a dot physical is this required by cmv
@ Marcus
DOT/FMCSA require a stress test every two years and your physicals are good for one year at the time.
MY PHYSICAL EXAMINER REQUIRED ME TO HAVE A STRESS TEST
AND GAVE ME A 90 DAY CARD ..
BY FMCSA /DOT REGULATIONS ,, DO I HAVE 90 DAYS TO GET THE STRESS TEST AND RETURN TO GIVE THEM THEM RESULTS IN ORDER TO GET A 1 YEAR CARD ??
@ Harry J
See above. BTW, All caps is like yelling at folks
I have white coat syndrome and my blood pressure was one point too high for a two year card this year. doctor gave me a one year card and said I had to get a two next time or I could not drive for a whole year. basically saying if I don’t get a two year I’m not going to be able drive again. is this true are can you get a year over and over again. I live in Texas.
@ Jerry H
NO, this statement is incorrect. You should be able to reduce your blood pressure enough to get a two year card, without taking bp meds. And if for some reason your blood pressure remains high, then blood pressure medications may be needed. Lots of drivers receive one year cards year after year. But if you do pull your bp down without medications, you’re good for two years.
I currently work for a company in Washington State that is considered Interstate. I have a Class “B” designation on my license but do not have a current medical DOT physical. I do drive a company vehicle but it is under 10,000 lbs. My question is am I required to have a current DOT physical card?
@ Cory
Each state is different for medical card requirements. You are a class B driver and fall under the states guidelines and variances. Best to check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer.
I hold a class B DOT license with passenger and school bus endorsements and hold a medical examiners cert card in the state of FL. My license is interstate. I was currently certified for 2 years in May 2020 before this instance. I was off on FMLA for a single instance of vertigo. After fulfilling the requirements along with letters of clearance to return to work, I went for re-cert appointment. I provided a certified med list, signature clearance letters as requested and passed all aspects of testing. However the clinic refuses to release my CDL/med cert card to me so I can return to work. They will not talk to me or give me a reason for withholding my card and I cant get any straight answers. The company I work for owns the clinic where I have to be recertified. I do not know what to do as I feel my rights are being violated. Can they withhold without cause or explanation while I lose wages?
@ Rebecca B
Try going to the company and asking ‘what’s the holdup?’. If no answer, go to the HR department and ask the same question, and if it is some policy issue, ask to see it in writing.
The same thing is happening to me and I dont know what to do. I have a class A and had a bout of depression and took a few weeks off. When I returned to work I updated my meds like I was told so I listed my depression meds which disqualified me and after 4 months of jumping through hoops the drug testing company now says they wont talk to me till 6 months is up,minimal.
I took my DOT Medical Exam a year and a half ago and still have another 5-6 months before it expires. I am also getting ready to test for my permit again because I couldn’t get through the schooling in time before the last permit expired (Covid and family issues made it almost imposable). On the form it says that I’m taking medication for Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder, but I haven’t needed/used the medication in over half a year. Do I have to get a new Medical Exam done before I take my permit test so it shows that I’m not taking medication anymore?
@ David
You would need a medical release form from your prescribing doctors indicating you are no longer using your prescribed meds. And you will want a medical release stating that you no longer need the meds. If you have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification exam done, the CME will need these releases.
can a driver over 70 get a 2 year medical card, or just a 1 year?
@ Rick B
DOT/FMCSA does not have a specific age that becomes a question. If the CME feels as if your physical, mental, or emotional/psychological state should be checked more frequently, then it is up to the CME to place the limitation on the time frame of the medical card.
@ Rick B
DOT/FMCSA do not have a specific age that requires a one year medical card. If the CME feels that they would like to monitor your physical, mental, and psychological/emotional well being, then it is the CME’s choice. not DOT/FMCSA.
I live in Massachusetts. I’m 71 years old. Had a heart attack 4 years ago so I have to redo DOT physical every year. Since then, have never had any problems passing the stress tests or any previous DOT physicals. Just had a recent stress test which I passed with flying colors and went to my cardiologist and got her letter of approval that I was in “excellent” health and could continue working and receiving my DOT physical certification with no restrictions. Went yesterday, 12/4/20 and passed my physical with no problems or restrictions. Just for your info, I’m 5’10”, 190#, neck 15″, BP 125 over 80 and no current health problems at all. When the doctor made out the medical card, she said I could only have it now for 6 months as opposed to the previous 1 year. When I asked why, she first said because I was over the age of 70. When I reminded her that I was over the age of 70 last year when I received my medical card for the 1 year period, she then said it was because I was not presently working. If fact, I was just laid off from my driving job on 11/30/20 (4 days previously). She insisted that because I wasn’t working, and over 70, I could only have it for the 6-month period. The only reason I went to have it renewed was to keep my CDL as I now have to look for a new job, but didn’t feel right that I seemed to have been shortchanged on this issue. Is this a DOT requirement or was this just her opinion and am I bound by it?
@ James E
It is not a DOT/FMCSA requirement, so it is the CME’s opinion, based on their understanding of the FMCSA’s guidelines. You could go for a second opinion with a different CME.
In NJ the age restriction only applies to school bus drivers. Drivers 70-74 are required to get an additional exam once a year by an MD or DO drivers over 75 must get the additional exam every six months, which the employer keeps on file and must be produced when the bus company has its inspection. I would check with your local DMV to see if Massachusetts has the same rule. Otherwise there is no reason why you would not receive a one year cert. . Two years if you’re not on any medications and have clearance from your cardiologist, then its up to the examiners discretion for 1 or 2 years. check your state rules and regulations and find a new examiner.
@ Mary M B
Based on the history of this driver, he will only receive a one year medical card. Not due to age but his cardiology issue.
If a driver with an amputation has changed CDL status to excepted interstate to avoid having to get a medical card however new employer is mandating that the driver gets a DOT Card and employer mandates that driver meets DOT medical standards for the medical card- does this driver need SPE? This is in a state without any intrastate variances. Thanks
@ Walter
Class A interstate drivers would need a waiver from the DOT/FMCSA to pass the medical certification examination. Drivers that are intra-state only will fall under the states variances and guidelines. Usually you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA (federal level) examination, but then take the results back to the state and they issue the cdl for intra-state only. Check with your local drivers license department for confirmation since each state has differing guidelines and variances.
I have two questions. One is do I need a DOT card if I will be driving a fire truck in NC. Two if I do need one can I get a DOT card with an A1C of 9 %
@ Tammy
Question one would need to be answered by your local drivers license department. Question two would depend on the class license you are required to maintain to perform the job. You are a diabetic and should be monitoring your condition very closely.
are there any recent extensions on medical cardsor is it stii the end of october
@ ann s
The grace period for the FMCSA waiver has been extended to October 31 OR December 31, 2020, depending on expiration date of current medical card. See our blog post for more info COVID-19 Grace Period for CDL Medical Certificates.
Are you as a cdl b driver required when taking your dot physical to lift 75 lbs. in the state of delaware?
@ jack R s
CDL’s are state issued and will be best answered by your states drivers license department.
if you have Hazmat and you get pulled over in a DOT inspection at one company and you drive for another company.do you have to report that you were inspected at the other company?
If I have a cdl in one state can I renew my medical card in a different state
@ James
Yes
Will a picture of my medical card, license, registration, etc. work for a DOT stop?
@ Joe
We are not DOT, so your best bet is to ask a DOT officer
I understand it is the driver’s responsibility to submit MER and MEC forms to the DMV. I also know an employee can be given a citation for driving out of class if driving a commercial vehicle after his MEC expires.
It is also my understanding that even if the employee passes his DMV Physical before the MEC expires and gets a new Cert, if he (or the Dr.) does not then submit said Cert to the DMV as required, he can STILL be cited for driving out of class.
My question is, What is the EMPLOYER’S responsibility with regard to the submission of the MER-MEC forms as required? If it’s the employee’s responsibility, can the company be cited (or sued) for allowing an employee to drive a commercial vehicle with a current but non-submitted MEC? (this question is assuming the employee has advised it is/was done, and I have no way to check)
@ Angela
Your question is more a legal situation and not so much DOT/FMCSA.
I’ve been driving a school bus for years and now have developed diabetes. My A1C was above the qualified limit and now my DOT Physical card is expired. The medical examiner gave me 45 days to get it down to an acceptable percentage. I was not able to do that. I missed the acceptable limit by less than 1%. Have I lost my endorsements and my CDL altogether now?
@ James S
If you are not a class A driver then you would fall under your states variances and not DOT/FMCSA guidelines. Check with your local drivers license department regarding your situation.
I was involved in an accident no fault of my own. Im still under Doctor s care my medical card is about to expire can I get a extension on it till I get well.
If I have a DOT exam that requires additional information to be provided, after the physical, etc. is completed, before the certification can be given, what is the correct date to apply to the certification, the date the physical was completed or the date that all additional information was available?
If my employer paid for my CDL and I change jobs, can the medical provider give me copy of my long form without the previous employers permission:
@ monica m
Different policies all over the US. Ask the doctors office for a copy. If they give it to you, great. If not, then you know the companies policy.
I used to have a cdl but I had to do downgrade, I have an valid dot medical exam that will expire only next year, and now I’m trying to get my cdl in Texas but I obtained my dot medical exam in illinois , can I use the Illinois medical exam in texas or do I need to get a new medical exam issued by a doctor in texas?
@ Cristian N
Your medical card is valid through out the US so it should work in TX.
I’ve worked for the railroad for the past 3 years and haven’t driven in that long as well. my medical card expired on September of 2017, I’m unsure how PA works but how hard would it be for me to get my CDL back if I went and got a new medical card from a doctor? Hopefully someone can help with this question Thanks in advance!
@ Mike G
First contact your states drivers license department to determine what steps need to be taken.
I have an employee whose DOT medical card expires on July 24th, 2020. He went for a physical on July 14th and did not pass. The doctor I spoke to told me she submitted his disqualification to the state. The driver claims his original card is still good until July 24th, 2020. This is not what the doctor told me. Who is correct?
@ Christina
New medical card over-rides the old medical card and his old medical card is now invalid, the CME/doctor is correct.
My med card expires in September 19,2020 I recently was offered a job and the employer sent me to get a new dot physical and the cme gave me a 3 month med card because she wants me to take a sleep apnea test I haven’t added the 3 month card on my license yet can I go to another cme and get a new physical done and get another opinion and add the new card the new cme gives me? Also I won’t be taking that job but I wanted to know if I can just go get a med card at another facility anyway to prevent from Adding the 3 month card the company local cme gave to me please help?
@ Roberto p
Go for the second opinion. The new medical card will override the 3 month card, if the findings are different.
Does the name on the DOT med card have to match the name on the CDL? I have a driver John Smith (name on his CDL), but goes by the first name Sonny. If his med card reads Sonny Smith, is that legal or do I need to have it revised?
@ Sandi
It makes life easier for the driver, DOT inspectors, and highway patrol if the names on the cdl and medical card are the same.
Thank you!
Question. If an employee is driving a water truck With air brakes on company property only, do they need a dot card?
@ Mandy
If the driver is nota cdl holder, then in this case, he probably does not need a DOT medical card. If he moves onto state and federal roads, then he would.
I have a medical card and I just got a new one from different employer, my first card is still valid until 02/2022 and the second until 06/18/2022 do I have to report to the secretary of state about the second?
@ Ricardo R
Your most recent medical card has been reported to the DOT/FMCSA data base and invalidates your 2/22 medical card. It would be best to report the new medical card to the state. By doing so you avoid any questions regarding which card is valid or not.
I am moving from MO to TN. I have had a CDL for 20 years, but have not had to carry a med card due to always working for a Gov agency. When I switch states, will I be able to keep my CDL without a card? I am not going to be driving any commercial vehicles unless I am hired by a Gov agency again.
@ A Hey
Your cdl is a state related issue. You need to check with TN. to determine their requirements for valid medical cards and maintaining a valid cdl.
I have a medical card registered and valid, but new employer wants new physical. I have a regular irregular heart rhythm and the examiner wants a echocardiogram. So he put me on a pending statues .Meanwhile another employer can use current valid physical card. Is this allowed?
@ Gary
Yes, if the information has not been sent into the DOT/FMCSA registry data base, your valid medical card should still be good.
If I change my tier from interstate to intrastate do I need a fed med card to keep all the endorsements on my CDL?
@ Terry K
Your cdl and all your endorsements are state issued and fall under the states variances, check with your state drivers license department for your best answer. Also, when you do need a new medical card, make sure your explain to the examiner that you are intra-state only.
we have an employee who has lost his CDL due to a couple of DUI’s. it is unlikely that he will be getting his CDL back anytime soon, does he still need to have a current Medical Certificate?
Even if he is not required to have the med cert, would it be a good idea for us to require it, as he may still be operating equipment such as a backhoe, digger, skid-steer, etc.?
@ Bob G
Each state is different, most states require a medical card if the driver is going to be operating a vehicle for commerce. If your driver is going to be driving a company vehicle towing a backhoe or other piece of equipment, then the state may require a valid medical card, even though it is not a cdl. Check with your state for their requirements.
Hey i had few questions i had seizure back in early 2018 i was wondering i would i be able get dot med card and if i passed. Would i be able just go to my local rmv and get my CDL back or go thru testing and schooling again? And im on meds by the way haven’t had anything happen to me in 2 half years
@ Chris t
The seizure episode is going to raise questions, but with proper documentation and supporting evidence from your treating physicians, you may be able to obtain a medical card. Your cdl is state issued and the state operate on its own set of rules and variances. Check with your state regarding your cdl.
With the carvana virus do we still need to get DOT med cards the doctors office are infected with the virus. Or is there existent on the medical card
@Robert
FMCSA has put in place a grace period for expired or expiring medical cards. Check the information at the link to see if you qualify for the grace period.
Are there any grace periods in place for medical cards during covid 19 pandemic?
@ William
US congress has proposals in progress regarding possible extensions for medical cards, but have not put the extensions in place at this time. DOT officers may still be operating on the present rules which means that a medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. We would all expect that extensions will be allowed, but not as of this time.
Update March 24: FMCSA has issued a Notice and a Waiver allowing a grace period for expired medical cards during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Can a CMV driver have 2 valid DOT medical cards at the same time? What DOT regulation speaks to this?
@ Mary
The FMCSA and National registry can only support one medical card at the time. The drivers most recently registered medical card is the only valid DOT medical certification card.
I recently moved from n.y. To Massachusetts I just received a letter from RMV mass. Saying my driving privileges have been suspended. Saying I violation In n.y. .
I looked into it and went on the n.y. Website dmv. My license has been suspended because my cal medical certification has expired.
When I moved to Massachusetts I had my physical exam in time time frame it was due…, I’m confused Massachusetts and n.y. Have not exchanged my information.. I didn’t think it was up to me to do anything since I’m registered and legal in this state now..when I got my exam I asked the doctor do I need to do anything he said not a thing… so now I sit with no driving privileges , I always do the right thing always.. has anyone had this issue ?
@ Bill
If you have a valid medical card, then all you should need to do is make sure that the state your drivers license is issued from has a recent copy of your medical card on file. Covid disruption is running rampant in all states at the moment. Your state issued drivers license is the only one who needs your copy of the new medical card. If you change state licenses then the new state will need a copy too.
Does a DOT employee re-hired within 6 months need all paperwork completed again or can the paperwork within the last 6 months be used?
I have not used my CDL in 2 years and not sure when I will…my dot physical expires in 2 days…. if not driving do I need a new one…just need to know if I need to hurry down
@ Ron
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid cdl.
Can I go get my husband medical card for him
@ Stacy
Are you just picking up the medical card following his examination? Otherwise no.
I am out of work on workers comp I received a letter from the DMV claiming they are going to down grade my CDL because my medical Card has expired do I need to get a new one now or wait to get the doctors clearing toI be able to get my CDL back
@ Carlos
You will need to be fully released without restrictions or limitations before you can get a new medical card. You might trying to explain to the DMV your situation and let them guide you from there.
I was in driving school while moving and my medical card has my new address but the cdl does not they are both in the same state. Will I get penalized for that by DOT?
@ NQuari W
It will work fine. At some point and time you may want to have both with the correct address.
@ NQuari W
Not a big issue and at some point you will want to have both with the same address.
My dot medical card expires on 2/25/20. The doctor said that I can’t drive the bus on that day because it’s expired. My boss says I can until 12:00 midnight. Who is right here? I live in Minnesota.
@ Sharon S
Card expires at 12:00 midnight of the 25th. You are legal until then.
I have a thoracic aortic aneurysm that measures 4.2 mm. Ive had it for several years and have been keep track of it and it has not grown in size. Can i get a school bus medical card?
@ Bonnie W
The medical examiner will want supporting documentation and you are applying for a school bus driver medical card. Explain to the examiner that you fall under the states variances and not FMCSA guidelines and regulations.
My DOT medical expires 03/22/20 so I just went and got it renew today 02/17/20 but when I go to self certified myself on the DMV page in CT it says that I’m not certified and that it expired on 01/22/20 but why? Did I had to renew my Medical 60 days before the expiration date? I need help with this please and thank you
@ Luis
You should be fine. Get with your local drivers license department and ask more questions. Especially as to how or why your medical card expired in January of 2020. Your new medical card should bring you up to date.
I’m confused! I manage vehicles requiring drivers to have the FMCSA DOT Medical Card only. I have a driver who is expiring who called to get an appointment to complete his physical, however his appointment is a week after his present card expires. The Doctor he made the appointment with told him not to worry DOT Medical Cards carry a two week grace period after they expire and he will be in before then. I’ve never heard of this they usually expire on the last date on the certificate, so my question is has there been a change? Is there such a grace period?
@ Steve
It may be an issue where the CME knows that the state registry process is 2 weeks behind, but there is no grace period. If your driver is stopped by a DOT officer with a out of date medical card, he may be sited.
I got a question for everyone my for card expires in three months. When I go back to renew it. Do I have to take a drug test again ????
@ Wayne B
Drug testing is done with the employers request only. DOT medical examiners do a urine testing for blood, sugar and protein.
I have a work related injury that will keep me home approx. 2 weeks past my med. card exp. date. My card expires on 02/22/20 I will not be able to be cleared to go back to work until the 1st week of March.I live in TX. How long of a grace period do I have to renew my med. cert. because of a temp. med. problem before they downgrade my license?
@ Gary
Each state is different. Check with TX. DLD and explain your situation. It may only require a new medical card, once you have been released, without limitations or restrictions, from your doctors. But confirm with TX.
I have my CDL (issued in TN). I no longer have any use for it… how easy is it to go from a CDL to a regular drivers license? What do I need to do in order to make this change?
@ Corey K
It is no big issue. Check with your local drivers license department and explain what you want to do. They will guide you from there.
I am a motor coach operator and my medical card expires 4/2020. My question is, if i am not working for a motor coach company can i go for a dot medical on my own so my license don’t be downgraded?
@ Luis
Absolutely.
Thank you very much. Happy Holidays.
@ Luis
Thank You, you and your family have Happy Holidays also.
If I prefer to get my dot physical done with my personal dr but my company wants me to go to their dr. Can I get approval from my dr. And then go to their dr. If their dr doesn’t approve me can I file the first test without losing my cdl. ?
@ Tom
If your doctor is a federally registered CME, then he can do the examination and put your results into the FMCSA data base. If the company want you to go to their doctor, his decision can over-ride your doctors input. The company doctor is not going to accept a letter of approval from another CME. Do the company doctor first and get his results. If you need a second opinion, then go to your doctor.
That is NOT what my Atty advised. Just the opposite in fact. My Atty advised going to another DOT Certified Dr. BEFORE going to your Company Dr. If your Company Dr. doesn’t issue you a DOT Card, but the 1st Dr. did, your Company DR. could have some explaining to do to the State Board of Medicine. The company my work uses, called Concentra, has allegedly been Sued on behalf of thousands of people for Workers Comp related problems. If any big company worth a Billion Dollars can make more money from what it’s Sued for than it has to pay out IF it’s caught, why wouldn’t it? And any Contractor for the place you work for is NOT being paid by you to protect your best interest. I would, and have, rather take my Atty with me to a Physical my job depends on, that trust a company that is being paid by my employer.
@ Jimmie D B
You and your attorney have a pretty clear picture on this issue.
Do non-CDL need a medical exam if they drive CMV in the state of California?
@ Kristin
Check with California drivers license department for your best answer.
does my current address and my drivers license address have to match to get my recert. I live at a different address as my current drivers license addressand I want the recert paperwork to be correct.
@ Dee M
Most states require you to update correct address as soon as possible. For DOT officers, it makes life much easier.
I have a valid DOT Medical card that doesn’t expire until 7-20-21. It was issued in ohio. I live in michigan. I already submitted that card to my company’s HR and the Secretary of State shortly after i got it. today out of the blue my supervisor told me that HR is demanding I get a new DOt card from michigan at Concentra. This card is good in all 50 states correct? I told him as much and then right away he said he was going to tell HR that i refused to comply. I got pissed and said if they fired me then im going to sue! So i came here and then happen to see there are issues with Michigan not recognizing exams by Chiropractors yet i never got any such notice from the Secretary of State. What are my options and how screwed am i?
@ Chance
There are a few states that the medical profession have a strong-hold in. First check with your local drivers license department to determine if DLD accepted your valid medical card from Ohio. If they did, then question HR at the company.
Okay I have a question. For non CDL Interstate drivers where a medical card is required… If a driver has a medical card from one state but moves to another state and is issued another non CDL license, does that driver have to take another physical with the new license information? Again this is non CDL (10,001 – 26,000) interstate traffic.
@ Deborah H
Confirm this with your states drivers license department, but we believe he would require a new medical card to coincide with the new drivers license.
After my DOT physical my employer said she wanted the original copy of the Med Card. The doctor said they print them out there is no original as it’s all done on the computer, is this acceptable for my employer? Can I give them a copy? Can I also photo copy the med card so I have a copy for myself? Do I have the physicians office print me out a few copies?
@ Rusty
You keep the original copy signed by the medical examiner and give the company a copy.
I have my DOT med card from my full time employer. My part time employers now wants me to get a new physical. They will then give me a new DOT med card. Does this make my first invalid? Do I have to carry both?
@ Rusty
One valid medical card is all that’s needed. If you have a second examination, it will invalidate your present card once it’s entered into the FMCSA data base.
I am out on workmans comp and my fed med card is going to expire and I went in for my dot physical and the doctor would not approve until I am back to work is there an exemption from this until back to work
@ Rich
No, DOT does not have an exemption for this situation. Check with your state drivers license department for guidance to maintain your cdl while waiting to get a new medical card.
On October 24th I renewed my Physical Exam at Company Clinic 2 weeks before the one I have om file with CA DMV . It’s been 2 days since the one on file expired will I be cited even if I have a valid phycial card with me.
@ Gus s
You are CA. and they will suspend your drivers license until they have a valid copy of your new medical card.
How long can you go without a medical card before your cdl can’t be reinstated?
@ Niko N
Different states have different requirements. Check with your states drivers license department for your best answer.
I had a driver sited even though they had a valid MEC, It was not filed in the state of CA and not only was he cited, it resulted in a CHP audit of his location and the other location in CA.
@ Deborah H
You gotta love California. If the medical card is not on file with the state, then the drivers license is suspended and the DOT has a hay day.
I was off from work due to an eye surgery During that time my card expired I was released by a specialist with no restrictions,, and then took and passed my DOT physical. The Dr said I would be issued my card after my eye Dr provided all medical records and lab work related to the surgery (?) This would take up to 15 days as they were coming from another city and were already archived off their site. I needed to get back to work and after they told me the exam was good for 45 days I asked for a 30 day card which they issued. Last week they called and said the paperwork was in and I needed a whole new exam. Full charge of course They said they can only issue one card for one exam. This is a paperwork thing not a physical thing. Are they correct?
@ Terence
According to the FMCSA guidelines, yes. New cards are only issued following a new examination. The examiners should have provided you with this information prior to the first examination.
My name is Dr. Anthony Acierno, I am a medical examiner in PA. I recently had a request to perform medical exams for medical certification for drivers with a Mexican class C drivers license.
I have yet to perform these exams or to certify any of these drivers. They are here legally, they all have valid unexpired Class C Mexican drivers licenses and are employed by a small local landscaping company.
My questions are: 1) Can I a perform DOT examines to medically certify these drivers, 2) If so, Can I enter their Mexican drivers license on the exam form, the medical certificate and on the Registry’s web site?
@ Dr. Anthony Acierno
You can perform the examination, but you do not need to to input the certification data to the registry. FMCSA examinations were designed for the class A drivers. Your states drivers license department has state guidelines and variances, so check with your state as to what, if any, information is needed by the state.
My car expired oct 11 2019 I’m renewing on October 30 will my license be down graded CDL class c
@ Michael John d
Check with your state drivers license department for the correct answer to this question.
Hello I am a technician for a company that does drug testing, and DOT physicals. I am also a CMT, and my boss is wanting to expand her DOT physicals to include Push, Pull, Lift so that she may get more business opportunities. I have had extensive training with my massage training that also included clinical assessment, and stretching. So what I am needing to know is what certifications, and requirements would we need to achieve Push, Pull, Lift status in our business.
@ Lee A
Push, pull, lift capabilities are more for an employers requirement not FMCSA. You need to check with your state regulators to be in compliance with state law. FMCSA request basic capabilities to perform the duties of a commercial driver, bending, stooping, ranges of motion in limbs and spine, without restrictions or limitation.
Can a driver get a second opinion if he fails a medical certification exam
@ Gabe
Yes, you have the right to a second opinion if you feel the first opinion is incorrect.
My wife passed away on August 15th and Ive been away from work. Im getting ready to go back to work-Oct 2nd. My Company is saying i need to get a recertification of my DOT card- Is this a DOT regulation?
@ Craig C
If your reason for missing work was the death of your wife and not some other personal medical issues, then it’s a company request, not a FMCSA requirement.
Do I need to update the address on my medical card when I move?
@ Christian
It is always best if the drivers license and medical card address’s match.
Is it my employers responsibility to give me ample notice before scheduling me to drive a CMV so as to give me opportunity to obtain proper sleep before reporting for duty
@ Matthew C
It would seem to be the responsible thing to do. Maybe a legal issue.
I was just stopped at a scale and they checked my Med Cert, it is expired and the wrote a ticket but not to me, to my employer…why would they cite my employer?
@ Todd B
The company should be responsible for confirming that a drivers is properly documented before putting him/her in a truck.
have heart bypass surgery and stents in 2007 perform stress test in oct 2018 and renewed dot in 2018 do I had to re do the stress every year or every 2 years
@cHARLES s
New stress test every two years.
I have a current med card, but the new company wants a new med card. The DR wants me to follow up with my primary dr about blood pressure before they will issue my new card. does this make my current med card expire? r can I still use it?
@ Debbie P
If a new DOT physical was performed and reported to the FMCSA data base, then you would be functioning on a new medical card. If they did a blood pressure and did not complete a new DOT medical certification examination, then you are still operating on your old medical card.
Are you required to retake a dot physical if you get dehydrated and fall over?
@ Stephen
FMCSA requires a new DOT physical for any issue that effects the drivers abilities.
My company pays for our dot physicals and because they do they say they have access to DOT physical long form. They make copies and send them to regional safety manager. He then put me out of service pending investigation. He says I lied on long form in order to pass physical. My dot doctor says I didn’t lie and has never heard of such a situation.
@ Gary I
You have the right to request a copy of the documentation being used in his investigation. Talk to your HR department.
We have a debate here in my group about the expiration of the D.O.T. card. Let say the card shows 08/29/19. Is it valid thru to 23:59:59 / 12:59:59pm of that day?
@ Aloha
Yes.
Hi, I cannot find any medical or physical requirement individuals who drive passenger cars for pay within a state or crossing state lines (uber, lyft, chauffer, taxi, etc.). Where can information on Licensing, physicals or medical examinations and use of cars/automobiles be found for the state of Kansas and Missouri?
Do the physicals or medical exams only apply to individual with CDL’s? They also meet the following, yes?
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
• If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
• If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
• If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
• If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
• Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
• Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
@ Will H
Start with your local DLD and let them explain your states rules. Each state is different and may have different requirements.
if company cme wants sleep apena test done based on being male/over 50 and 17.25 neck size. Can you go to another cme for second opinion.
@ Bob
Absolutely.
My NJ company was just informed by NJ State Troopers that our 12500 lb. truck needs the dot registration. And I, as the driver, require the medical card. They feel they are exempt (too cheap). What is my liability when they tell me to make deliveries? Is the violation mine or their’s, or both?
@ Mike
If the company is not going to comply with the state DOT, then the violations will be for both, most likely. One, because you are aware of the issue. And two, because the company neglects to follow the rules and guidelines of the DOT.
If you was given a determination pending and your old medical card expires a week later. Can you still drive with those 45 days?
@ Eddie M N
If the CME gave you a determination pending card, then that is your medical card at the moment. Make sure you move forward with the CME’s request for further information. At the end of the present cards expiration you will be without a valid medical card.
I Am an MEAA and have been notified of an error in a submitted MCSA-5875. How do I go about editing this. (use of corrective lenses)?
I haven’t found any method through FAQs. Calling the National number for the FMCSA at the bottom of the web site has a recording that doesn’t provide me an option but to call the field office, and the field office suggests I call the national number.
I’m a non Cdl driver, my medical card is one day over do. What is the grace period before I get told I can’t drive until it’s updated
@ Oscar E
There is no grace period, if you are stopped you will be sited.
I am having a terrible time getting information on renewing my hearing waiver from the FMCSA, No information is listed anywhere such as went to submit the necessary documents before the current waiver expires. Communication with them is non existent. Does it take my home state Senator to get involved to get answers??
@ William K J
It may. also check with your state DLD and ask if they can help you out.
I have had a passenger endorsement before with my previous employer. Let the endorsement go with my new job. I still have my Class A Cdl . How do I go about getting that endorsement added back to my license.
NC Cdl driver
@ James C
Check with NC cdl department for the correct procedures to get the endorsements again.
Do I have to have my long form physical with me at all time. even if I am a local driver? will a DOT officer ask me for my long form? this is for the state of MI.
@ David
A valid medical card is all that is required by the federal government.
Is the DOT “medical card” the certificate the physician gives you at the end of the DOT physical? Or is it a plastic card that comes in the mail?
@ Dylan
It’s now the paper certificate you received at the end of the examination. Big and ugly.
I started a new job, and was required to get a new physical.( I had already gotten a renewed physical a month or so before that was good for a year with a my last employer.) The “ new. “ physical was more stringent and at first I failed, but was able to go back in two weeks and passed with only 3 months card. My question is : does the new 3 month card , disannul my prior 1 year card?
@ S w
Yes, if reported to the FMCSA registry by the examiner.
I passed a 1 year exam but the company I’m hoping to work for says they only hire people who can pass with a 2 year expiration. Can I try to take the test again at another location and will the new tester see that I recently had a test done elsewhere?
@ William L
Everything depends on the reasoning for the first one year card. But you can request a second opinion examination at anytime you like.
Would a women need to get a new card if her name changes by marriage?
@ Doug S
DOT would like to have a matching drivers license and medical card.
The district we drive for has taken over the bus transportation. So we are going from private to public sector. They are only accepting us to have school bus physicals. Will that make the Dot medical card that I have invalid? I have another job that requires me to have a DOT medical card and I’m afraid it will cancel it out.
@ Kim D
There should not be any issues with the different physicals. DOT medicals are registered with the federal DOT.
I am a retired school bus driver that work part time for after school program driving a bus. My medical card is expiring so I went to get a new one. Everything was good (pressure hearing sugar etc) had my sleep compliance report with me as well. Doctor asked me why I had a cane and I told her I had bad knees and my hit was bothering me. She asked me if I could climb up and down in a tractor truck and climb on top to put a tarp over a load and crawl under it to hook up a trailer. I said no so she said she had to fail me. I didn’t know that there is only one dot physical. She said bus drivers are required to do that know and I couldn’t do that. I told her I’m not license to drive tractor trailer I only have passenger endorsement. Has cdl certification changed. Driving 14 years never heard this before. Please help she also said I needed to be able to lift 70 lbs. I am obese but I always have been
@ Shirley P
Your examiner is holding you to DOT/FMCSA guidelines, which were established for class A – long haul drivers. You do not fall under those guidelines, as a school bus driver, you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Get an opinion from an examiner that understands your states guidelines, not just FMCSA guidelines.
Have a new hire with a 30 day conditional med card. Does he have to go back to the same examiner that issued the 30 day conditional or can he go to another certified examiner?
@ Michael
He can go to another CME if he chooses.
Does DOT require stress test if you have been cleared by your heart dr
@ Ron
In most cases yes a new stress test every two years is requested by DOT/FMCSA guidelines.
Is the long part of the form 5875 private medical information, can an employer require a copy as a condition of continued employment?
@ Richard
It may be a company policy, so check with the HR department and ask to see the written policy regarding this issue.
If your medical card expires will you get points on license?
@ Oscar
You need to check with your local DLD, most states just want a valid medical card to replace the expired one.
Upon completion of my DOT physical, does the DOT require that I send the long form (Form 5875-Medical Examination report form) in to them, or just the short form (Form 5876-Medical Examiners Certificate)?
@ Ron
Your examing doctors office will report to the federal DOT. You may need to send a copy of your new valid medical card to your local DOT. Check with your states DLD.
I have been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and taking prednisone 10 mg a day, can I still qualified for medical card.
@ Ron L
If the condition does not limit your abilities, without restrictions, then you should be fine. If all else is within normal limits.
IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD ON RENEWING A CDL MEDICAL CARD AND HOW LONG IS THAT GRACE PERIOD.
@ GAY
NO GRACE PERIOD…..
I went and got my DOT in another state and the dr office said they would fax it.. looked as if they did.. 3 months later down graded do to no dot card… what now ??
@ Robert
Take a copy of your medical card into your DLD and see what the policy is to have your cdl re-instated.
Check your state. However you can not drive until you update the new card. Texas cans down grade you to a class C if you go over a period of time without updating the med card
Is their a grace the get your medical card reinstated and CDL reinstated
@ Alice T
Check with your states DLD for the reinstatement question.
I have a TEXAS CDL and my Medical card expires IN A WEEK. I can’t afford the fee right now , can I get an extension or is there a grace period ?
@ Mark L
Beg or borrow, but there is no extension or grace period.
On a DOT eye exam if I get 3 out of 5 letters correct on the 20/40 line is that considered passing with 20/40 -2 vision
@ Paul P
No. 20/40 means you can read the entire line.
Recently I heard that Kansas schools are no longer requiring DOT physicals for Bus drivers. Maybe I mis heard that they no longer require qualified physicians, in that the personal physicians can perform the DOT physical.
@ LH
Check with your local drivers license department for the answer.
Not really sure what to do, went for me DOT medical card. Passed all tests, drug, vision, hearing, physical etc… the woman giving me my exam tells me she is putting me in “pending” and that I need to get a note from my doc saying that a prescription medicine I am on does not cause me any side effects that would impair my driving. So i go to my doctor to get that note and my prescribing doctor says to me… doctors dont do that. He says well i can tell her that I asked you if the medicine has any side effects that impair your driving and that you said no but as far as giving her a note, thats not up to a doctor. He tells me thats the DMV’s job…. ugh…. what can I do if I cant get my doctor to write the note…. cause he dont want to get involved.
@ Deanna
Talk to the DOT examiner, they should have a simple medical release form for your doctor to sign. Your MD thinks that he is assuming some type of risk, which he is not. DMV has nothing to do with this issue.
My husband had a cbag 8 years ago. He has had a stress test every year since then, the last 4 months ago. We usually take a letter from his cardiologist stating he is clear to work from a cardiac standpoint, with the results. This year we forgot the letter and only had the results which were normal. The doctor refused to give him a card because he did not have and echocardiogram as well. The regs we find have no mention of an echocardiogram unless you are within 3 months post OP from cbag. But still 4 hours later after being at doctor no card until he has an echo. We are so tired of all the hoops and it is costing us a fortune both from missed trips, tests, and doctor bills. The doctor dmsays she goes by some book, but federal motor carriers doesn’t list it as a requirement, so where is she getting her info. Nothing I find lists it. Help please.
@ Jessica H
ECG is not required by the FMCSA, only medical release form from your doctors and a most recent stress test, within the past year. If the DOT examiner is a certified cardiologist, then maybe they see something else that raises questions. If not, then this examiner does not fully understand the FMCSA guidelines and is operating under some ASSUMED perimeters.
can a driver drive a commercial vehicle rated under 26000 with air brakes without a cdl as long as he has a medical card
@ Michael C
Your best answer to your question is going to come from your local drivers license department.
The company that I work for has a medical director that is licensed in the state of Indiana.
Counting myself, there are 3 men who are above 60 who have to get a physical every year.
Apparently according to company policy this doctor can overrule or disregard the results and findings of the DOT certified doctor who gives us our physical.
This is what’s happening, last year Ike took and passed his DOT Physical and the company doctor said no, its not good for a year it’s only good for three months. So Ike went in 3 months and passed again only to be told the same thing again. This happened 3 times one after another.
That doctor did the same thing to me only 1 time.
This year, he set Randy back to just 3 months and demanded to see Randy’s medical records which Randy willingly provided along with letters from his personal doctors verifying that Randy been on his medications long term under their care and was monitored closely and stable.
None of this mattered to that doctor. He made a trip down to our center and permanently revoked Randy’s driving privileges.
This may cost him his job.
Finally, that doctor has once again reduced my DOT certification to just 6 months and he’s asked to speak with my personal physician about my medications.
I gave permission for him to speak with her and she wrote a letter indicating that I am stable with no problems.
Is this ethical or even legal? This company doctor is not even licensed to practice medicine in the state where we work!
If our company has a stricter standard than DOT standards shouldn’t it be written, measurable, and the same for all employees?
Can you please tell if this is permissible under DOT standards and guidelines?
Anything will help.
Many thanks.
@Paul SN
Unless the company doctor is Federally certified as a DOT medical examiner, then he is not able/by law to override a CME’s final findings. What is the company policy regarding this situation? It does not sound right and unless it is in the company policy somewhere it is unethical and wrong.
I have a a1c of 10.5 am dont the rules say i can get a three month card?
@ William
No. The CME makes the decision based on the findings. And a a1c of 10.5 would warrant serious medical evaluation. No CME would issue a medical card with those numbers.
Can the doctors office that preformed my dot physical refuse to give me a copy of the long form?
@ Terra H
By law the cme’s office should have provided you with a copy of the examination at the time of payment.
if a dot medical card expires, who is responsible for scheduling and having the drivers dot medical card updated? Is a company liable if the driver is allowed to operate with an expired dot medical card?
@ David w
We suspect the company would be liable for allowing such a situation. But check with an attorney friend.
We are a small manufacturing plant in Kansas and we have only a 1/2 ton Chevy truck and a midsize van that we ‘go to town’ maybe once or twice per week to pick up supplies such as Sam’s. We have a few drivers that have been approved by our insurance company to drive on behalf of the company and we don’t drive across the country with a large semi or anything like that, and each of our vehicles are under 10,000 pounds. The maximum distance to drive maybe about 20 miles (one way) My question is: do these drivers have to have a DOT exam?
@ Becky N
Check with your state DLD. Some states require valid medical cards for drivers driving a vehicle that is being used for commerce.
I currently have a dot health certificate ,it expires in early may of this year , I am scheduled for surgery near the end of march , what do I do about renewing my health card , my doctor tells me 2 months healing time ,for two rather large hernias. can I get a waiver to renew until at least I am healed properly/
@ Michael B
There is no waiver through FMCSA/DOT. You may want to check with your local DLD and see if they need anything special form you to maintain your CDL.
If a driver possesses a Puerto Rican CDL, can he/she get a DOT physical and be issued a medical certification card? Or, does that driver have to get a United States CDL before he/she can participate in the required physical and receive the updated Medical Certificate.
@ James E. F Jr.
Considering that Puerto Rico is an extended U.S. territory, we would do the physical and issue a valid medical certification card. But, if you want to make absolutely certain, check with FMCSA.
Are dot requirements racist? BMI charts are same for everyone but people of Scottish decent tend to be thicker. I know I’m over weight but to put me on the same scale as say a Frenchman fo height to weight ratio seems absurd. My bones are thicker. In grade school to calculate BMI we used wrist size and it adjusted the scale. I was always given extra weight because I’m built like a Mack truck. I bench press 315 and can easily leg press 800lbs. But because I weigh 265 and have an 18 inch neck every doctor requires an expensive sleep study. I’ve seen people twice as fat as me get a 2 year card because they have no muscle under their fat and just so happen to have a thinner neck.
Why aren’t doctors required to measure our muscle mass before deeming us morbidly obese when I spend 3-4 hours in the gym a day?
@ Kevin
That’s a good idea. Some CME’s have a very full understanding of a drivers life and build. Some want to interpret the guidelines in the facilities favor.
If you have risk factors for sleep apnea, I would understand requiring a sleep study….once. It is unreasonable for you have to get one at every exam. A lot of CMEs have totally misinterpreted the sleep apnea “guideline.”
Yes, I am a CME.
I recently submitted my new and updated Florida CDL Medical Self-Certification card and it is currently in a pending status. I Noticed that i selected Advance Practice Nurse vice Physician Assistant. How can i correct this error? Thank you.
@ Kelvin S
Check with the state drivers license department and ask them which route to take.
I have a valid health card but it wasn’t posted at the DMV with in 18 months. It’s up to date and doesn’t expire till 2020. They took my CDL’s and down grated me to regular license. Is that right?
@ Cory
It’s a state thing not DOT/FMCSA. Talk with your local DLD and see what can be done to correct the issue.
Did you submit the medical card to the DMV yourself?
The examiners submit the results to the feds, but it is the driver’s responsibility to get the new card to the state.
If for some reason my medical card wasn’t sent to DMV and they suspended my CDLs does that also suspend like my class c part of my driver’s license or would it just be I can’t drive a truck?
@ Jason W
Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Can I have a diffrent mailing address on my DOT Physical or does it have to be the same as my driver license??
@ Jennifer
It is not uncommon for this to happen, but a simple explanation to any one asking should be sufficient.
Does unprescribed Armodafinil-Artvigil 200mg disqualify me? My reason for taking Armodafinil was to study for my EMT school.
@ Jennifer R
It’s going to raise questions, and you have no supporting documentation. Depending on the class license you are testing for will determine the depth of the examination and drug screening you will receive.
I had a candidate come in for a physical today and was stating that the new expiration date should go off of his old card, however we were always told to do it by the date of the patient’s physical. Do you happen to know an answer to this?
@ Kelly
Date of examination is the correct date.
If you have a current medical card, and apply for a new job, and fail the drug screen during the physical for the new job. Will that invalidate your current medical card?
@ David
No, but maybe it should. ?
If I work for a carrier and they require a ekg to get a medical card, if I am unable to obtain one and that carrier does not issue me a medical card, if I obtain another Dot physical and pass will it be acceptable to get certified to drive for another carrier? I realize company policy is different for every company.
@ Vicky
Yes, a new medical card would allow you to drive.
I have a current California Medical Card that is soon up for renewal, Jan of 2019 to be exact. I have developed cataracts that will keep me from passing the medical exam for renewal, causing my medical card to expire. Is there an extension that can be granted? How long after my Medical Card expires will my license and or medical card renewal process be affected? Thanks for the feed back
@ Brandon
California cancels your drivers license at midnight of the expiration date. And in most cases reinstate your cdl with new valid medical certificate.
You could also check with the Calif. DLD and ask about an extension.
Privately, I obtained a 1 year medical certificate.
Subsequently, I was employed by a carrier that issued me a 3 month medical certificate.
I no longer am employed by such employer, and the medical certificate it issued me me has since expired.
Is the 9 months remaining on my initial (privately obtained) one year medical certificate valid?
Or, did the issuance of my 3 month medical certificate issued by my former employer invalidate my initial (privately obtained) one year medical certificate?
@ Cameron O
The issuing of the 3 month card invalidated the one year card.
I work at an insurance defense law firm. We are trying to figure out how to obtain a Plaintiff’s Wisconsin DOT physical examination medical records. Should the request (with signed Authorization) be sent to the DOT somewhere or to the doctor’s office who did the exams? At this point, I don’t even know which doctors he used or where he had them done.
@ Cindy D
You would request, with a patient’s signature authorization attached, from the examining doctor. His information is on the medical card and the long form that the drivers should have copies of.
I am retired, not a CMV operator, never was. A friend of mine runs a small manufacturing company. Most of his product is shipped (when needed) via “Commercial Trucking”. There are times when a customer may need an item ASAP; he (business owner) has asked me in the past and I agreed if I am available to jump in either their pickup, trailer or not or a small rental truck – small box truck – and deliver the product. If I’m available, I do it – enjoy the road trips.
Q. Do I need to get the DOT “Medical Card”?
Q. Does the business need to get a DOT number and put it on the side of their pickup?
Q. If they went a truck, is the DOT number required?
Again; they usually, are not in the business of transporting goods but at times this may come up.
Thank you
@ John P L
Most states require any vehicle that is being used for commerce have DOT numbers and the driver needs a valid medical card. Check with your state drivers license department to confirm or deny.
I recently was offered a job that requires a DOT to drive a company vehicle (non-cdl). After being denied the first certificate because of the vision requirements but receiving a certificate from the second examiner because of letter from Ophthalmologist stating I was qualified to drive. Can the company still deny me employment even though I have passed all the required pre-employment screening? The examiner who passed me stated that they recently changed the FMSCA forms that added the vision changes. The changes added the vision criteria, which allowed me to be examined by my personal eye doctor but the company is still saying I did not pass even though I have a certificate!
@ Tim O
The CME is correct, he can use your eye doctors test results. According to the FMCSA guidelines.
I had kidney cancer and the kidney removed. now i,ve been diagnosed with hodgkins disease. i’m on short term disability right now. in your opinion will I be able to keep my medical certification?
@ Ken
At present your medical certificate is invalid. Once you are fully recovered and released without restrictions, you will need a new DOT medical certificate. With proper documentation from your doctors, you may be cleared to return to driving.
Is there a form available for employers to use if they are accepting a new employee’s existing Fed Med Certification? Does an employer need to contact the MRO to confirm the certification, or is locating the MRO on the federal site enough verification/confirmation?
@ Sandy J
Employers can check the federal registry for a certified CME and a valid medical certificate should be all they need.
I WORK FOR A PHYSICIAN AND I BELIEVE IN MAKING SURE WE ARE FOLLOWING ALL DOT GUIDELINES, I INFORMED HIM THE NEW MEDICAL CARDS THAT THE DRIVERS KEEP ON THEIR PERSON WHILE DRIVING ARE GIVEN AFTER WE ENTER THEIR INFORMATION, ONLINE, WHAT IF HE CONTINUES TO GIVE JUST A PRINTED OUT FORMAT INSTEAD OF THE ONE GIVEN AFTER THE DRIVERS INFORMATION IS ENTERED, I JUST WANT TO BE SURE THAT I AM IN NO WAY LIABLE SINCE I CONTINUE TO QUESTION WHY THEY DO INSTEAD OF ALLOWING ME TO DO IT THE WAY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REQUIRES.
@ Confused
A good question and either is correct. Just make sure the printed forms that he is issuing are the correct OMB forms.
What is the cut off for aortic aneurysms in Pennsylvania with a note from cardiologist note saying driving was not restricted?
@ ANN
Check with your local DLD for the best answer from your state.
We recently had a DMV reject a renewed Medical Certificate because the date in the VERY TOP right corner of the MCSA 5876 form states “Expiration Date 8/31/2018”. Is a new form available?
@ Kevin
There has been a big mix-up with FMCSA. Short answer is yes there is a new form. Long answer is FMCSA made the subject changes and made it mandatory to use the new forms all in a 24 hour period, and they-FMCSA-still have not gotten the dates correct.
Can an employer require you to get a CMV medical card if you dont even drive a CMV????
@ John
If it is part of the company policy that you have a medical card, then yes. The medical card may not be for driving a CMV, but possibly for driving a company car or pickup truck.
I just renewed my cdl in oklahoma.the lady informed me that after jan.2019 anyone with a cdl will have to have a medical card no matter where they drive.there is no longer gonna be an exemption.so the way I took it was if you have a cdl you gonna have to have a medical card also
Can I use my 2 year DOT Certification from when I had another state license if I have a new license in another state now?
@ Thelma K
DOT may have questions due to the fact that the present medical card does not reflect the same drivers license. A simple explanation may do the trick though.
Is driving only in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area considered interstate (federal) or intrastate (state)? Which certificate would a person need?
@ nl
It would be considered interstate driving. Which certificate would be determined by the class license you have or are going to test for. Check with your local DLD for their requirements.
If I am not driving for my company anymore, but want to keep my cdl, do I need to renew my medical card?
@ Brad
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain the cdl. Each state is different, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
Can I take my DOT physical 5-6 mouths early due to leaving the country?
@ Pete B
Yes
Do you need the medical card if you only have a CDL permit?
@ Kristen
The would be a state requirement, so check with your local DLD to find out.
When someone is given a 3 month DOT MEC card, do they have to undergo a whole new physical (provided that it is performed before the 90 days are up) to get a longer card? Or can they just provide the necessary documentation or lowered BP in office and get a new card? What is the FMCSA rule on this?
@Leigh
It is our understanding that a complete physical is be done for the purpose of re-certifying. Some offices may simply accept the new documentation, but they should be performing a new physical at the time.
In Virginia, Do you have to have your medical DOT Card in your possession when operating your personal vehicle?
@ Ronald M
In most cases the state requires that you carry your medical card with you at all times. Check with your local DLD for confirmation though.
The company I currently work for wants us to only use their doctors for physicals. If I ask for their doctors national registry number before I do a physical can they deny giving it to me to check it out?
@ Henry
You can ask and they should answer. Or you can check the FMCSA registry for the doctor, by name and state.
Can a NON-CDL driver get a dot medical card if they are on methadone maintenance and have a letter from the prescribing doctor saying they are safe to operate a cmv? I’m looking to drive a pickup truck with small trailer under 26000lbs gvwr that has a mc# and will be driving interstate.
@ LJ
It will take proper documentation and the medical examiners knowledge of your states requirements for your class license.
I have a DOT card that doesn’t expire until mid 2019, I got hired at a new company and they had me redo my DOT physical and drug screen for a new DOT card, does that make my previous card invalid, am I no longer able to carry it? (I have two weeks left for my current company until I start my new job.)
Good question I have trying to find out myself and can’t get an answer
If you don’t complete the physical and it’s reported incomplete what happens then? Is that the same as being marked as failed?
@ William C
Incomplete examinations are not reported to FMCSA/DOT.
@ Zachary M
New examination has been reported to the Fed and the state, old card should be invalid.
My husband was changing jobs and of course had to go to their Doctor for Dot physical even though he just got a 2 yr card. Their Dr said he needed to bring in a result sheet from an at home test he did 5 years ago. Which he did and his score was AH=10 which showed he had a sleep apnea but it was considered under the scoring for a mild case, if I am understanding the guidelines and he had lost at least 20 lbs since then. He is 53 yrs old 6′ 9″ and weighs 293 so his BMI is right close to the 33 which if he lost a few lbs he would be under it. Their Dr said he needs to do a full sleep study. The Dot regs state if it is a moderate to severe case he would need to control the apnea. He already did the at home one so why won’t he pass him? He could have not said anything about the test he had done back then but he is an honest man and our DOT Dr said it was mild so I am confused. Am I miss understanding the guidelines? He now had to take another job and of course we don’t have the insurance to pay for a full one there is no way we can afford the $1800 cobra from his previous job. Thank god he has his 2 yr already but he wants to work for this Fortune 500 company. Is there anything we can do like talk to one of their other Drs or what?
2 Jean
FMCSA has guidelines and regulations. They can be over read. Go elsewhere for a second opinion.
Can I carry a photo of my med card or do I need to have the paper copy on me?
@ Alli
Best advise is to do both.
When the CDL driver presents his Med Cert card, must the employer verify that the Medical Examiner is a registered examiner?
@ Sally S
Not really, but it’s a good idea to confirm that the examiner is on the registry, otherwise your certificate is invalid.
I have been driving with Landstar for a few years- now I have my own corporation( i.e. my own DOT/MC). I got my DOT Medical certification about 6 months ago- Will I need to re-do it? ( I assume no because I will be driving under my own corporation and no longer Landstar hence my policies apply, as the medical/physical is valid for 24 months, correct?
@ Harry G
Correct, good luck
When is a driver certified under Federal Regulations and when they are certified with State Variances?
@ Justin
All class A drivers fall under the FMCSA rules and regulations. Most states have adopted the FMCSA examination standards, but have milder rules and regs. The examiner should know both the states and the FMCSA regulations so he can make the appropriate decision.
During DOT physical blood sugar level was elevated. No history of diabetes. Blood pressure fine, eye exam 2 months prior no problems. No insulin or medication as this is first time diagnosis. Understand that I need to look into this and take necessary steps for my health but need to work. Is there a temporary medical card I can obtain while sorting this out? They denied my medical card and my current card expires 7/8/2018.
@ Casey VanC
This falls under the CME’s discretion. He must weigh the facts and consider the safety risk and then decide if you do or do not get a short card.
Hi Casey,
Depends how high it was elevated.My husband’s A1C was 11.7(he was on metformin for type II) (needs to be under 10,preferably around 5)They gave him a 3 month card.I read about a supplement called Berberine.I mentioned it to his primary and she just blew me off.I purchased Berberine GlucoDefense from drwhitaker.com and in 10 weeks it brought his A1C down to 9.1.They gave him a 1 year card.Year is almost up so going back soon.To your good health…
What does it mean if the paper they hand you says denied first card?
My husband is out of state & did just get his DOT physical done. He wanted to mail/ fax it to a DMV in the state resides in. I called and they said he HAS to be present when he goes to the DMV to renew his license. Is there any way he can get around this? He would have to make a special trip home and is 12 hours away.
@
The question would be best answered by your local DMV.
@ Mariah
The best answer will come from your local DMV.
If I have a valid medical card for 2 years, can my employer request an updated card every 6 months?
@ Christine R S
If it is in the companies written policy and they are willing to pay for it, then yes.
My husband has flat feet, will he be able to pass the dot physical
@ Danielle K.
Unless it inhibits his ability to safely operate a cmv, then he should do fine, if all else is within normal limits.
A company required me to get a Physical even though I had a current medcard valid for another year. The clinic would not give me a copy of my new 2 year medcard because they said the employer had instructed them not to give me a copy of my medcard and that I would have to get a copy from my new employer. Is this legal? Is there a DOT regulation that covers this? I was told by another driver that the company does that to keep you from getting a free physical on them if you decide not to go to work for them.
@ Denise
It is not FMCSA here, this is a company policy that you are dealing with. Ask to see the written policy from the HR department.
The medical examiner is required by law to give the driver a copy of the medical card – no charge
The driver can ask for a copy of the long form medical form however the medical examiner can charge $$ for it.
The medical examiner cannot give the employer a copy of the long form medical form unless the driver signs a consent form authorizing the medical examiner to release a copy.
§391.43 Medical examination; certificate of physical examination.
(g) Upon completion of the medical examination required by this subpart:
(1) The medical examiner must date and sign the Medical Examination Report and provide his or her full name, office address, and telephone number on the Report.
(2)(i) Before June 22, 2021, if the medical examiner finds that the person examined is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with §391.41(b), he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who requests it.
(ii) On or after June 22, 2021, if the medical examiner identifies that the person examined will not be operating a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license or a commercial learner’s permit and finds that the driver is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with §391.41(b), he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who requests it.
Can a medical examiner refuse to perform an exam if the driver has an expired driver’s license, ie, not a valid source of identification.
@ Latasha S
If you need to have a medical certification card to obtain your drivers license, then your identification/expired drivers license should be accepted. Some states will not accept a new medical card without a valid drivers license. Check with your states drivers license department to make the final determination.
What if I have a expired Dot medical certificate in failed the random drug test from the company I work will it still show up on my DOT record if not valid
@ E
Probably not.
Random drug tests are not attached to your DOT record (CDL, Medical Card or PSP).
Your employer is required by law to give that information to any future employer that asks along with SAP information.
Yes. A valid license is required to get a physical.
We have a situation where an existing employee went to our company’s designated physician for his physical in order to renew his CDL license and the physician did not clear him. He decided to go to another physician at a non designated location to get the physical and that doctor cleared him to get his CDL. Both physicians are listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. What is the company’s liability if the driver is involved in an accident causing harm to himself or others and we chose to let him work as a driver because a 2nd physician cleared him?
@ Angela
CDL or medical certification card? 1. Why was he unqualified at the first examiner and then cleared by the second opinion examiner. The first examiner put the information into the FMCSA website as unqualified, but the second examiner put the information on the FMCSA website as passed. You need to know why he failed the first examination. If it was a ligament question by the CME, then you should follow his recommendation. If it was a second opinion because the first examiner failed your driver on a technicality, then you can follow the second CME’s findings. The risk falls on two parties, the examiners in question and you to have all the information available to determine if your driver is a safety risk.
@Angela – request a copy of the long form medical from both doctors and find out the reason. That will determine your liability should he have an accident.
If I live in PA. Is it legal to get medical card from a different state
@ Bruce
Yes.
Is there any age guideline? We had two 18 year old prospect employees from out of state. They do not have CDL however are required to have a DOT med card to drive any DOT registered vehicle. I was told by the cert med examiner that under 21 they have I be DL licensed in the same state as their m d card. Is that true?
@ Shirley
No. Medical cards are federal and can be used in any state.
Hello I have a CDL class B.I do not use it for my job,it just something i have.I admitted to smoking marijuana in the past on my MCSA -5875.I told the doctor i tried it for pain.I passed the physical,and he gave me my card My question is will the DOT make me take a drug test.Also i work for The US Postal service,will they alert them to this.Thank you for your help Patrick
@ Patrick
DOT will not request a drug screen and it is highly unlikely that your work would be notified.
@Patrick. The DOT will not request a drug test but your employer could find out. All they have to do is ask for a copy of your long form medical and your answers to questions will be seen. What the post office does with the info will be up to them.
I’ve recently went for a pre employment dot physical and passed everything and received my dot card valid for 2 years, an couple days later I’ve recieved a call from the employer saying that I’m not cleared didn’t complete physical when I’ve completed everything they’ve ask me to do. Is that legal for them to do that to me, is there anybody I can speak to about this situation. I feel I f I wasn’t cleared for my physical why give me a dot card valid for 2 years?
@ Quintin
If you have a valid medical card in your possession, then you are good to go. Can’t answer the company policy question for you.
Yes it is legal. No one HAS TO hire you. What you got was just a lie from the potential employer. They use excuses including medical, background or license “issue” to gently deny employment to applicants. You have a new 2yr medical card. Start applying to other places.
My Medical Certificate expired more than 2 years ago. I recently moved to Arizona from California, I need to get an Arizona License. A doctors receptionist has told me in Arizona I only have 1 year to renew my Medical Certificate to avoid all new testing for a Commercial License. I’m not sure this is correct, if so, should I get my DOT Physical and first send it to California to get reinstated before going to Arizona Motor Vehicle ? And is there a limit on how long you can have be without a current Medical Certificate on file ? I realize my commercial part of my license would be non-valid during this period.
@Harold
You’ll need to check with California DMV. Most likely they have downgraded your license. Only they can tell you the process and if they will reinstate a CDL.
Each state has their own regulations and process, so Arizona may be different from California.
I have a copy of my medical certificate and currently trying to get hired. The company I applied to ran a MVR on me and are saying that my medical certificate isn’t showing up on the MVR. How am I able to get it on there?
@ Tiffany
Go to your local drivers license department and have them include your medical certificate in your file.
My medical card expires in one month was given three month card but have been working on no and is down to passing do I need a doctor’s letter to go back to get new card this is by company request their doctors in Arkansas I can go to my state and get a new physical at any registered for clinic but did not take meds to lower no just excercised and ate better
@ Mario Alberto G
The note from your primary will be very helpful to the examiner. The CME will, most likely, will ask for one anyway.
Currently we have one of our drivers whose medical exam expired last week. We understand that his CDL is not valid due to this and will be able to go back to work until he goes in for a new medical exam. His CDL was obtain in Mexico, however it is the international CDL (Licencia Federal) which is valid to drive Mexico, United States, and Canada. My question is, can he go in and get the CDL required medical exam done here or sense his licence is from Mexico does it have to be taken over there? He goes through scale houses and they run his licence and gets cleared every time after they check his medical paper. Would his licence be valid if his licence is from Mexico but his medical exam is from our local certified doctor?
@Alesa
He just needs a valid DOT medical certificate to continue driving, even on a Mexican license.
I drive a school bus what are the laws for having medical card on You while driving? Do you have to have the card it self on you when driving? I drive in Missouri.
@ Wendy
FMCSA requires any driver be able to produce his or her medical card upon request, at all times.
What information is provided to the national registry by your medical examiner after completing your exam?
@ J T
FMCSA can request the entire examination form if they choose. The registry only request very basic information and pass/fail or holding status.
I went for my CDL medical certificate today my blood pressure was 141/80 doctor gave me 3 months certificate to see my doctor go on meds to get it down. never had high blood pressure. have gained 20 lbs not exercising. Question is if i get weight down and work out get blood pressure down without medication will I get my 2 year certificate. Do I have to go back to same doctor didn’t care for him may have had something to do with high reading
@ John
Yes you can go for a second opinion from any FMCSA medical examiner. Get the blood pressure down without meds and you should be OK. Be aware that you may be asked about the 90 card at the next examination. The examiner may hold you to a year to monitor your progress, for a while.
Does a DOT physical exam for a non CDL driver include a drug screen?
@Zack
The DOT physical exam does not include a drug screen. However your company may request a drug screen as a separate test but this is not usually the case.
My spouse passed his entire DOT medical exam several days ago. However, the medical examiner with held his card stating that he must take their referral to a sleep study clinic. He has no established medical diagnosis or history of respiratory dysfunction, but she said his neck is 17 inches and that she can withhold his card. Myself & others have looked for established DOT regulations on withholding medical cards for sleep apnea, but I don’t see 1 single regulation. What I see is that the U.S. DOT scrapped all plans for requiring it and that it was only a proposal to begin with. Also, sleep screenings are not in the company handbook, so can he be forced to do it? We asked them to show us the regulation but they just keep saying is a new 18 month old DOT law. is that true, if so why can’t I find the law? Please, just a simple yes or know about it being DOT mandated. Thanks so much!
@Janie
There is no mandatory sleep apnea testing required by FMCSA. There were no new rulings or regulations regarding mandatory OSA testing. OSA should have a multitude of marked symptoms for testing to be requested by a CME. Go get a second opinion somewhere else. There may be a conflict of interest in this situation.
Can you obtain a medical card while on disability, just to keep your license current, and from being downgraded? Thank you for your time.
@ Leigh
No, if you can’t pass the DOT examination at the time you take it then you don’t have a valid medical card. Go to your local drivers license department and explain your situation, they should have a solution to the issue for you.
I am trying to gain clarity about whether or not drivers for my organization need to have a DOT medical card. We drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County and have been given different information from different sources. Our drivers pick up from public schools daily and transport those kids to our Club. The only other driving our drivers do is on field trips, transporting our Club members to and from other locations. Is a med card required for this?
@ Emily
You should check with your local drivers license department for the best answer. Your drivers would not fall under FMCSA guidelines.
ive been off work for 8 months with a herniated disc in neck i went on state disability for 8 months for anxiety i couldnt push heavy trash cans around i drive a garbage truck i couldnt perform my job physical part labor i had no problem driving truck anyway im better now my question is my dot certification is good for 7 more months but my company says they require me to recertify my medical card do they have that right to make me re dot certification and do i have to go to there doctor if so? or is my med card still good i took no disqualifying medications at all
@Terry
FMCSA requires that any condition or illness that takes you from behind the wheel, demands a new medical examination. Because you do not drive interstate and are a local driver, all you need is a new medical certificate. Have no idea what your company policy is regarding where you have your physical done. Check with them first.
I have temporary drivers who fill in, do they need to have a medical card? In New Jeresey
I had bypass surgery in 2009 and stents . I take plavix & captopril & metaprolol for bp are these medicines disqualifiers.
I need to get my medical card renewed I have sugar diabetes. I do not take insulin but I do take medication, can I still renew my medical card if my sugar diabetes is not normal. If I have to wait for test results and my medical card that I now have will expire before I get the results how can I keep my CDL license and not lose them until my results are final. If you can please contact me back with whatever information you can give me. Thanks Tom Delk
If a driver stops driving and goes into another field (private business) and fails a breathalyzer (Non DOT), Will that show up on their record if they decide to go back to driving?
From my understanding of the new FMCSA Rules, yes, if you fail a breathalyzer test administered by a law enforcement officer (ie; DUI/OUI) in any setting it will appear on your record. If it was a failed alcohol screen at a pre-employment or random drug/alcohol screen and not law enforcement related I’d suggest not mentioning you worked there…
So if a driver goes out on a personal medical leave (current medical card is good) do they have to get a new DOT physical to driver a commercial truck? I have read a few posts on this but wanted to see if what I read was right.
“If a driver goes out on a medical leave of absence and that medical leave of absence would disqualify him form operating a CMV, then when he wants to return to duty, he is required to get reexamined for his medical DOT.”
Does that mean only if his medical leave of absence would have disqualified the driver from operating a CMV?
@Bill
Yes – the rules read as you stated “If a driver goes out on a medical leave of absence and that medical leave of absence would disqualify him form operating a CMV, then when he wants to return to duty, he is required to get reexamined for his medical DOT.”
Medical leave disqualifies a driver.
If you have your class B cdl but necer did the DOT physical are there any restrictions when it comes to driving a bus or are city employees exempt from taking the physical?
@Debra
Only your local drivers license department can give you a definitive answer, so you’ll need to ask them.
My health clinic won’t re-print my dot form. Is there any legal action to correct this? I could really use this form for my next job instead of having to move weeks early to do the physical. etc. is it legal for them to refuse to reprint a dot form?
Good Afternoon, My question is I have a WV class A CDL w/hazmat and tanker endorsements, My WV DOT physical expires 9-Jan-18 ( which was for 2 years ) and My license expires 2-Nov-2020,I am currently working for a contracting Co. for the DOD in Afghanistan and I wont be coming back to the states till after my DOT Phys. expires. I currently took a Fit For Duty which I take every year Dubai ( Which is good till 13-Mar-2018 ) I have a complete copy of my last FFD on PDF Will the state of WV except this and I have another FFD coming up again before 13-Mar-18. Will the state of WV accept a physical ( FFD ) from Dubai
@Darrell
Contact your drivers license department in WV with this information so they can make a record of this information on your CDL.
I work for a utility. I am out of work due to a fracture in my arm. My CDl expired on 9-3-17. My company physician stated she will sign my Dot card when I get back to work which should be next week. Will I have to retake the written and driving test all over again? I am being told I may have 45 days from the expired Cdl until I would have to retest. I am from PA. Thanks
I received a piece of paper saying I passed my DOT from my primary physician. Where or when do I receive my paper card in case I am pulled over? Is there a way or site I can look up my status?
@Michael
You must have forms MCSA-5875 & MCSA-5876 completed by an FMCSA certified medical examiner for your DOT physical.
Then submit the medical certificate to your local drivers license department to be filed with your drivers license.
I am on anticonvulsant med (Lamictal XR, 150 MG) due to a head injury 2 years ago, My neurologist is not sure if its seizures or migraines variant. But i did research and both have issues either with dizziness, memory loss, cognitive issues or even paroxysmal episodes of prolonged visual auras, So the DOT physician at this time still will not pass me, So is there a difference between being approved because of taking med for seizures or migraines variant? And if I go off the med, when can I be able to get a DOT physical card again.?
Im confused as one Dr. says it should be fine to drive CDL if the anticonvulsant med is used for Migraines variant, but another says they both have occurrences that can cause issues while driving CMV because if I miss a dose or have side affects of the med or condition while under control of a CMV. So which is correct.
if my medical card expired 9-7-17, is there a grace period to get a new one,, i am 8 days past.. did not get mailer notice….tks
@David
No grace period.
Depending on your state, each state takes a different amount of time to downgrade your license. In all cases you cannot drive legally with an expired medical card.
I had back surgey 8 weeks ago my doctor released me to go back to work. Company said I have to now take a back to work physical. Is that right?
@Harold
Yes.
Do I need a dot physical if I am a mechanic and only test drive a truck within 25 miles of the shop I work for
@Andrew
Yes.
If my Dot license expired will it cause me to get 2 points In MD
Long story short, over the summer I trained as a bus driver. They paid for the DOT exam. While waiting for the summer to end, I decided I would rather drive am 18 wheeler than a bunch of children. I went up to the Via Christi clinic that it was done at to request my long form and they told me they couldn’t since it is property of the school bus company.
I live in Kansas, so I’m not sire if that makes a difference or not but, from what I’ve seen the clinic is supposed to give it if I request since it is MY medical records.
Any answers you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
@Brandon
Correct, it is your medical record and they should have given you a copy of your long form and medical certificate.
If they still refuse to give it to me, what should I do then?
@Brandon
If it is the company policy there’s not much you can do.
You should have received a copy when you had your physical done. Don’t know what else to tell you.
Make sure you get all the documentation next time you have a physical.
Apparently, occupational health is different and since it was paid for by the company they own the rights. Figure I’d update this as I go with new information and status.
This happened to me and all I did was call the trucking company that sent me for the exam and asked if I could get a copy of the long form. They called the Medical exam office and gave them permission. I was able to get it with no problems.
If you bought it it’s yours, If they bought it it’s there’s … I pay for all my exams now
I live in Missouri and took my class A CDL permit test and passed. I called to set up my DOT Physical on my own and wanted to know how long does it take to get the Medical Card so when I go to the license bureau to get my permit I can have it on file at the same time or does the paperwork from passing the Physical count? I was trying to get thos out of the way before attending driving school because it is a lot cheaper if I do it on my own.
Thank You
@Shawn
Yes, it should count. Take your paperwork / medical card to your local drivers license department to keep on file with your CDL.
As a child I had seizures and was on medication. I went off the medication at age 10. I have not had a seizure since the age of four. I am now 22 years old. I went for my medical exam and passed. Recently I was put on some medication and my primary doctor needed to sign that this would not affect me getting a CDL. He signed the form and I gave it to the medical examiner. Apparently the medication I was recently put on is also used to treat seizures. I was not put on this medication to treat seizures, it is for something else. I have a letter from the doctor stating this medication is not being used to treat seizures. However because I have a history of seizures from my childhood and now take seizure meds, the medical examiner denied my med card. I have been seizure free since the age of four and off seizure meds that were being used to actually treat my seizures since the age of ten. I have documentation of all of this also. Shouldn’t I be able to obtain my med card in this case? Thank You
@Maverick
Yes, with proper documentation from your doctor, and the medical examiner understanding these conditions, you should be able to pass a medical examination, all things considered.
I am a school bus driver in new jersey. I had to stop driving for now because of back pain. My medical examiners certificate has expired. DMV downgraded me to class D. When my back is healed (about 6 months), can I get my class B with air brakes and PS endorsements back without taking written and road test again.
@Robert
You’ll need to ask your local drivers license department for their answer.
hey if i don’t report my new dot physical to dmv because i got it for 3 months. and my old one is good for 2 years will my new job find out about it
@Gabriel
A new DOT exam overrides any previous exam, and it is updated in the FMCSA database, which is linked to your local DLD.
I had a required for my work a DMV/DOT exam, done on July 10th, did not pass re: Hypertension,
(the facility did not give me any documentation, just said you flunked…..I am currently on BP meds, and see my Dr regularly, went to my Dr. on July 20th, he signed a medical clearance stating I was cleared for performing the essentials functions of my required duties, thus listing those. Dr. also stated i am being treated and the treatment has been shown to be effective and stable. The DOT examiner stated, that Dr.s clearance didn’t matter..it was DOT’s exam that counted…..Now, my deadline for my renewal was up July 28th….What next?
Thank you
John H
@JH
Yes, it is up to the CME not your doctor to qualify you. On medication your BP must be below 140/90 to qualify for 1 year.
Hello i had a back surgery (scoliosis) when i was 12. Can i still pass the exam or will that be a problem for me?
@Jose
As long as you are fully functional and can carry out the duties of a CMV operator you should be fine.
Do I need to carry my prescription medications bottles with me when I’m driving my personal vehicle? I have a CDL, I live in Maryland.
@Jim
No, unless they are of a narcotic nature.
What is the exact regulation that states that a medical certificate expires at midnight of expiration date? My employer seems convinced that there is a 45 day grace period and I know better, but can’t find the actual regulation to show him.
@Bob
You are absolutely correct! If there’s going to be a problem then the driver suffers a license downgrade, not the boss, and the points go against the driver. It’s the driver’s responsibility to have a current medical card on file with their driver’s license, so make sure you take care of yours.
Ma company workin the state of Connecticut, as per usual the company had us all go to a dr in conn, been to the same place for the third time, new doc this year waited 3 hours failed me! Says I need an apnea test. Never failed. Gave me a 3 months card did that wrong RMV had to get an override! It has taken me 2 weeks to months to see my primary care, referral to Pulmonogist took 8 weeks, sleep study done finally! Passed! But they have 2 weeks to get results to primary and Pulmologist! My card is going to expire on July 19!! I don’t drive I am a Superintendent on a job and it’s a requirement! Why in the hell would DOT give you a time frame that’s impossible to meet? With the medical insurance industry the way it is right now! As soon as I got a referral to pulmonogist I called everywhere in and out of network most of these doctors are taking appointments 4-6 months from now never mind getting tested and the rest!! What do we all do???
Is there a way to get an extension on your physcial
@Philip
No.
What is the CFR number under FMCSA that refer to DOT physicals explaining if a driver receives a physical performed prior to the expiration of their current physical, their old physical is now void and the Company, by law, have to go with the results of the new one.
@Jill
With the new forms and online database with FMCSA, a new exam overrides any previous exam.
I lost my medical certification over 2 years ago due to a back surgery and going through physical therapy. I’m wanting to go back to work. How do I get my certification back? Does the surgeon that did my surgery need to do anything?
@MCH
Get a medical release form from your surgeon with a release to return to work, and any restrictions.
My question is I just got my medical exam in May I got stopped by Pa DOT I have on my license that I need hearing aids to drive my new Medical card States that I don’t need hearing aids to drive anymore does the Medical Card override the older DL
@ Steven P S Sr
We would ask the state drivers license department to issue you a new driver license without the hearing aid requirement. Not sure if FMCSA regulations override a states requirements.
One of my clients said that during their recent DOT Audit, the Special Audit Inspector requested whether or not they had looked up the number of the physical provider on their driver’s medical card to insure he/she was legal and listed on the Federal Registry.
I was unaware that DOT is looking at that, but love the fact they are. What type of verification document is DOT looking for to prove the Employer went through this process?
National registry number on a medical card is how an Auditor can verify if the Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor, etc, has gone through the proper certification required to conduct a DOT physical.
I have a For due but I’m under workman comp.My question is ,is there a grace periodtoget it done if so how long.
@DeAndra
No grace period on expired medical cards. If you have a medical issue, talk directly with your local drivers license department to see what they can do for your license.
If you are placed on Determination Pending, are you required to see the same medical examiner that completed the original exam? What if that examiner is off the day you return?
@Lynn
You have to return to the same medical examiner’s office, because that’s where the “pending” paperwork is that needs to be completed, not necessarily the same examiner.
i need a DOT PHYSICAL EXAM BUT I DONOT DRIVE I NEED IT FOR MY iso fILE CAN I STILL GET ONE WITHOUT A LICENSE
I am currently expecting a child and it’s time to renew my physical and medical dot card to maintain my cdl. Can this interfere with results? Is there around it if not? Anyway to postpone loss of my license until I can pass the test after baby is born. My baby will be born the same month that my testing is due. I’m having surgery for birth. I don’t want to loose my cdl I worked too hard and lost a lot to get them.
@Dominique
Medical certification and cdl license are two totally different things. Just speak with someone at your local drivers license department to explain your situation, which should be apparent, and they should guide you through their process.
I live in AZ BUT I am going to Texas in a few days, if I get a dot exam in Texas would it be valid in AZ.
@Shane
Yes, a DOT exam done by an FMCSA certified medical examiner is valid nationwide.
Is there any other purpose for the determination pending status (pg. 4 DOT) other than for the Dr. Office where the DOT is being completed logging that status and holding onto the paperwork pending return after further evaluation?
@Amanda
There is no other purpose for “pending” status. Determination Pending is used when a medical examiner examines a driver and needs more information to make a qualification decision. Using this category provides the doctors office with up to 45 days to collect the information needed to make a qualification decision.
What happens if the driver does not come back with the needed info within those 45 days? Will that exam be null and void? or how is it reported to FMCSA? Thanks
@aschraer
It’s an automatic disqualifier. That exam is not null and void. FMCSA automatically disqualifies you. So you need to make sure you get a new medical examination completed.
I just moved to Maryland from Virginia and I tranfered my CDL Class A license over. I have a valid DOT medical card I just got 2 months ago and it has the Virginia address on it. Do I have to go get a new exam done or is my current DOT medical okay.
@David
Your current medical card is still valid. Maybe keep a copy of your Virginia drivers license in case anyone asks, so they match.
I have a class c license not a cdl. I operate a bread truck that is under 26000 pounds In the state of Illinois. Do I need to pass a physical and maintain a medical card?
@Todd
Yes. Anytime you drive for commercial purposes, e.g. bread truck, lawn services, etc, you need a valid medical card.
How long does the medical examiner have to post the information online?
@Christine
Currently you have until the end of the following month to report results. As of 6/22/2018 this will change to midnight local time of the day following the exam.
If I passed the DOT physical and the only thing that was needed was a current stress test, which i have obtained and passed. The clinic where I did the first DOT physical is now saying I have to complete another physical before they will issue me my regular DOT card. Is this true?
@Lon
Each clinic is different, the FMCSA has no say in this issue.
If the examiner held your results in “pending” status in order to receive the stress test results then the clinic just needs to complete that medical examination.
If the examiner gave you a new medical card, then the clinic has to complete a whole new medical examination form and a new medical certificate which supersedes the previous one. The examiner may chose to repeat the entire physical exam or not depending on the time-frame between exams.
I live in Michigan and was wondering if the company does not pay for the D.O.T medical physical does the driver have a legal obligation to give them the medical long form or just the medical card only?
The employer wants a copy of the long form. The complete medical questionnaire and the doctors exam to keep in my file , They are telling me this is a Federal regulation. Is this true? Do they get a copy? I thought my medical history and the doctors exam was covered by HIPPA. And I only had to give the employer a copy of my medical certificate.
The employer wants a copy of the long form. The complete medical questionnaire and the doctors exam to keep in my file , They are telling me this is a Federal regulation. Is this true? Do they get a copy? I thought my medical history and the doctors exam was covered by HIPPA. And I only had to give the employer a copy of my medical certificate. Do you have an answer to Mark’s question. I find myself in the similar situation. This does not seem to be ethical.
@ Mark & Heavy
If they have a HIPAA compliance policy in place, then they can ask for it, and you can ask to see their HIPAA policy in writing.
No policy in place, then you decide.
does a yard switcher need a CDL
@Tony
This is not a medical question. You need to confirm this license question with your local drivers license department.
Depends on if the switcher operates on a public roadway. Keep in mind that some businesses that allows traffic to come and go as they please could be considered a “public roadway”. If your particular company has a gated facility then a CDL isn’t required. However, a company can still require a switcher to obtain a cdl if they choose to do so.
do you have to get your DOT physical in the state where your license is ussued
@Shelley
No, you can get your DOT physical done by any certified medical examiner anywhere in the U.S.
This is definite for an “interstate” medical card.
If you are getting an “intrastate only” medical, it may be better to find a medical examiner in your state who understands your state variances, which may vary from other states.
We have an employee who has developed a medical condition which precludes her from operating a CMV. While we have removed her from CMV operating duties and will not reinstate her CMV driving duties until her medical condition is corrected and a new medical card has been obtained, is she required to notify the State to report her current status?
Thank you.
@David
Each state is a little different, so this question would be best answered by your states drivers license department.
@David
Each state is a little different, so this question would be best answered by your states drivers license department.
If her current medical card expires in the mean time, DMV will automatically suspend her drivers license so it’s best to be proactive and inform them of the circumstances in the interim.
I will be starting dialysis soon can i be disqualified from getting a dot medical certification card?
@Melvin
Much depends on the class driver you are.
If you are driving Intra-state only, then you will fall into the states variances.
If you are a class A driver, then you will be disqualified as an interstate driver.
Check with your local drivers license department to verify your position. Good luck
We provide DOT physicals at our office. If a driver’s address changes before their medical card expires are they required to obtain a new medical card with their new address?
Thank you for your time.
I went Friday to follow up on blood pressure recheck they fail me aren’t they required to give you at least a 90 day card to give you time to go to dr.Then
I went to a certified .Dr at another dot clinic they passed me then I turn to department of motor vehicles get registered for my license then find out today the first one turned in as failure what do I do now?
@Jim
It looks like the DOT thinks that you are doc shopping.
If the second CME put your data into the FMCSA data base as passed, then you should be OK.
Check with your local drivers license department to confirm that you have a pass now on their records.
In the state of West Virginia how long can a dot physical be expired before you have to retake the CDL test after you have been down graded.
@Jesse
Can’t help you here. The doctors answer medical certification questions only.
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department to take care of your CDL issues.
If I get denied my DOT card at one clinic can I go to a different clinic to obtain a new DOT? Can I keep trying different DOT clinics until I get a DOT?
@Cristian
Depending on what the health issue is that you’ve been denied, you may be entitled to a second opinion.
No you cannot keep trying – “doctor shopping” will get you in trouble.
Just find out what the health issue is, and get it taken care of.
What is doc. shopping and what kind of trouble can you get in to IF you get caught ?
@Lou
“Doc shopping” is when a driver goes to different medical examiners to try to get around being disqualified for a health condition that should disqualify you.
All results of medical examinations are submitted by the examiner to FMCSA’s online database. Multiple submissions that indicate “doc shopping” will likely disqualify you, resulting in your drivers license being suspended.
Are Pennsylvania employers required go pay employees to renew their medical card if it is required you have a valid card to drive their vehicles? I cannot seem to find the documentation. Any help is appreciated!
If a driver was issued a 3 month DOT certificate, when that 3 month card is up and the driver goes back to the doctor doesn’t he need to have a complete physical again?
@Mary Ann
Yes, he needs a complete physical.
I recently renewed my medical card but forgot to notify the DMV. Is there any way to keep my CDL if I have proof my medical Card did not expire?
@Jonathan
You need to contact your drivers license department asap and find out what the status of your license is. Each state treats this process differently, so just contact the DMV and make sure it is taken care of.
If I drive a Trash truck with air Brakesin the state of Mo. do I need to have a current DOT card?
@John
Anytime you drive for commercial purposes you need a medical card.
Just for everybody’s info: Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Now I noticed that your answer is yes, but when I called they claim I don’t own those records
that my company does and they wont give them to me. (I just changed jobs and the physical isn’t a month old)
I was givin the runaround for 3 days trying to get a copy, so I called one of their other locations and they said sure come on down.
My question is isn’t this like medical records? I mean if that was the case nobody could ever get any medical records that they’re insurance paid for. I guess I’m just dealing with morons at that one location.
@George
You hit that nail on the head. Good for sticking to your guns and getting the correct answers. The long forms are yours and there are some companies that feel they paid for it, it’s theirs. Bullhockeys!
My boyfriend is having this problem as well. The doctors office won’t give him his medical examination report because they say he needs authorization from his old company. Can they not give it to him? What should we do and how can we get his medical examination report?
I got a defibrillator back in 2015 its been 1 year an no shock can I go back over the road.Thank You
@Terry
Class A interstate driver with a defib unit is not going to fly with the FMCSA. Their guidelines state that you could drive intra-state but not OTR.
in Missouri my card expires feb 18th. is there a grace period before I get down graded or loose my cdl?
I would do it ASAP, but I have seen drivers get their license downgraded because of this
and it may vary in each state. These drivers just went down to the DMV and showed them they had their med card and they fixed it there. So even if you do get downgraded it may not mean
you have to re take all the tests to get your cdl back.
Just don’t play with this stuff, call the states numbers they have on the sheet they sent you.. Its all more about revenue than safety anyway. The roads prove that.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate form # MCSA-5676 has the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Expiration date of 02-28-2017. The question is does the examination expire the first minute of 02-28-2017 or is it good for the entire date of 02-28-2017.
@Billie
It’s good the whole day until 11:59:59pm.
How often must I self certify in Kentucky
@Keith
Kentucky CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements
My husband had a cardiac stent about eight years ago two years ago the dot dr ordered acardiolyte stress test it was good it cost 4000 dollars they say he needs one every two years his cardiologist says he doesn’t need it because he is doing so well with no problems and his insurance will not cover it because he has had no problems now it will cost over 5000 our dr is not one to order a test like that if not needed if dot wants these drivers to have such expensive test done then the government should pay for it when a cardiologist says there is absolutely no reason to have one that should be it
Hi, and thanks in advance. I live in California and have intrastate only on my license. Can I see a Dr that is not on the National Federal registry for my upcoming Dot physical?
@Rick
Not positive on this one. Check with your local drivers license department and ask them, they should know the answer.
All Physician who issue DOT Medical exams fall under the FMCSA guidelines and still have to be on the National Registry.
If my medical card is suspended due to blood pressure then I get it under control where I pass will I have to retake my CDL test?
@Rob
Once you have your blood pressure under control, you can re-take your medical certification examination. In most states, once you have a new valid medical certificate available, your cdl goes back into effect. That being said though you want to check with your local drivers license department to confirm that this is true in your case.
Hello, November of last year I went to my companies recommended doctor to renew my dot physical which is Concentra. Concentra’s doctor said I needed to take a sleep apnea test. I didn’t agree with that decision and wanted a second opinion. I went to another doctor that is on the DOT registry list, and he approved me with a two year medical card. Now my company is saying that they are not recognizing the second doctor’s approval because of the first doctor’s recommendations for the sleep apnea test, and that I can not work untill I take the test. Is this legal? If the state of Maryland excepted my new DOT card why my company not excepting. Is there a way I can fight this, Thanks
@Dyrell
No. Your issue may be a company policy, but you have the right to go to any NRCME registered DOT doctor.
Your last medical card examination is what is on the national registry. So it sounds like an issue with your company, not FMCSA. If the company states that they want you to comply with the first doctor, have them pay for the sleep study and go from there. If they demand it, they pay for it.
Otherwise your last DOT medical card is still valid for two years.
Thanks Trucker Doc’s for your response. Yes they are giving me a hard time. I’m an O/O without health insurance and they are saying they will not pay for the sleep apnea test. With your knowledge in this field, do you know of anything that will help me to resolve this with this company? I cannot see how this would be policy for them or any other company for that matter, however if it is in fact their policy, can this be over ruled?
I really enjoy working for the company that I’ve been loyal to for so long, starting there as a dispatcher and then working my way up to become O/O. If I can possibly come to a resolve or reason with them, I feel that would be in my best interest.
Also, would you recommend taking legal action against them if they continue to refuse to not accept my current valid DOT registration card?
Thank You Very Much for your time,
@Dyrell
As an O/O you would be considered a private contractor and thus you have the right to use any NRCME registered CME for your DOT medical certification examination. We do not think, unless the company has a written policy in place, that they have the right to over-rule a certified medical examiners findings. So check with HR in the company and see what policies they have in this regards.
Hi I was in the same situation today got a 2 year card but dnt hve the long form with it and so had take exam again and Dr said couldn’t pass me due to sleep study I’ve took exam couple times 90 day to 1 yr bk in November received 2 yrs cause the meds for blood pressure was wkn none of them mentioned nothing about sleep study wht should I do in this situation?
@Joseph
Go get a second opinion somewhere else.
I provided the trucking company I work for my medical certificate. They now state that they also require the 4 page Medical Examination Report. Do they have a right to this? Isn’t this HIPAA info?
@Chris
If they have a HIPAA compliance policy in place, then they can ask for it, and you can ask to see there HIPAA policy in writing.
No policy in place, then you decide.
Can the top copy of the DOT card be separated from the bottom?
@Antonio
If it is a two part copy, then we believe so.
I have a clinic that’s stating they’re correct in dating the determination page of the long form, and medical card with the date before the exam, i.e., exam date 12/21/16, expiration date 12/20/2018. They say that’s how they learned from their DOT physical classes before the new physicals came out last year. We are an Interstate carrier and follow federal guidelines. We have a 3rd party record keeper and I know they would not accept in into their system if the dates didn’t match. Is there an answer in the FMSCR regarding dates matching? Obviously, if they’d obtained 3/6 month cards, I’ve seen them go by the days but this is a 2-year card/physical, thank you.
@Natalie
Weird??? But in reality the examiner can make the expiration date anything they want, as long as it does not exceed the two year mark.
I renewed my DOT card in August 2016. I applied for a position with a company in December. They sent me to have a new DOT physical at the clinic they use. This doctor refused to certify me until I brought in a 90 day sleep apnea analysis from a pulmonologist. Which I cannot do since I’m unemployed. So I did not get the job. Can I continue to apply for jobs with a different company using my current DOT card?
@Andy
If the last examiner did not complete a new DOT physical exam for you, then your previous medical card is still valid. You could confirm this with your local drivers license department that they have a valid medical card on file.
I’m Ralph I’ve been under a doctor’s for pain in my back and knees, I’ve been taking Oxymorphone 20mg. And Oxycodone 15mg twice a day. I’ve have had several drug test ( pre employment,random) And have passed all of them. Has the law changed.
@Ralph
No. As long as you have a written prescription from your doctor, then the drug screens can be negative once the MRO has evidence that you are using the meds as prescribed.
Hello, I have a ny license but wanted to ask you if I can get a dot physical in Missouri. Will they let me take the physical or denied me due to having a ny license?
@Nick
You can get your DOT physical in any state, and the medical card will be valid as long as the medical examiner is on the FMCSA national registry.
I’m having trouble finding work due to a lack of prior work experience. If I let my class A downgrade for 6 months to a year will I need to retest?
@Tom
Only your local drivers license department can answer this question.
Each state treats this process differently.
If California has no variances in the MEC from the Federal standards, does that mean that all Doctors performing exams in California be on the national Registry, regardless of whether a driver is Intrastate only commerce?
I am at issue with both the DMV and the first Doctor I went to for renewing my MEC. DMV turned it down because said doctor is not on the National Registry and even though I do only intrastate commerce, because the back of my DL shows no restriction of interstate, DMV says Doctor must be on National list. I went to a second Doctor on National Registry, but first Dr. says he is in compliance and will not refund my money…..headed to DMV tomorrow with all new forms from second doctor…we will see what they say this time.
The DMV is technically correct. If your license is not specifically restricted to intrastate I can understand why they would deny the first exam you had done. Any CME that is not on the National Registry cannot mark on the exam or certificate that the physical was done to federal standards. The FMCSA requires any CME performing interstate exams to be on the National Registry.
Also, this is a good time to note that it is the driver’s responsibility to know if the CME is on the National Registry. These rules have been changing over the last 2 years as to the training requirements for CME’s. If you do not ever plan on driving interstate it might be a good time to ask your local DMV about having the intrastate restriction and if that changes who is allowed to perform your exams in your particular state. Whether or not it is required to use a CME on the Registry, it is always a good idea too because that particular examiner has proven to the federal government they are willing to stay up to date on FMCSA regulations, which all states have to meet as a minimum anyway. Good luck to you.
Dr. B
DOT Certified Medical Examiner
Hello i had my cdl class b for almost 20 years i recently was not driving a truck so when i renewed my license they downgraded to regular license the lady at dmv said i have 1 year to get medical card and they will automatically reinstate cdl.i was wondering if this is true? From new jersey question is my license was downgraded can i have it automatically reinstated before a year is up? Thank you
@Billy
The process differs from state to state.
So the lady at the dmv would have told you what their process is. Your local drivers license department is the one to confirm this.
My husband has been a cdl A driver for years. Never had a problem getting his medical card. He applied for a new job and they sent him to their doctor (his medical card exp 4/17). He scored a 11 on the sleep apnea and 15 is the limit. The doctor will not approve him. The doctor said he needs to be a 10. This is a huge opportunity for our family. Can a doctor not give him a medical card even though he is within the guidelines?
@Jen
Try getting a second opinion somewhere else. Your numbers look good, so not sure why the examiner is being overly cautious, unless there are other issues. But the second opinion may be the best route.
Husband is type 1 diabetic. He had an interview today and got the job. However, after further research, we are worried his diabetes will prevent him from being hired after all his background checks come in. Is this true?
@Sabrina
Way more detail is needed here to determine if we are the right ones to try an answer this question. Like what type of job, doing what type of work?
In the State of North Carolina, do you have to have your CDL license to drive a 15 passenger Van?
When I first got my CDL and medical card, I was a resident of the state of Indiana. I have since moved to Kentucky, and have transferred my cdl, but my medical card still has my indiana license and license number on it. Do I have to get a new medical card in KY and have it, or can I still use the one with the IN license since it’s in the KY DMV system?
I have self certified before and faxed my card and form but had to update so I faxed my medical card and form to DMV. Are drivers required to self certify every time as well or just fax the updated card and long form? Connecticut CDL holder.
If someone gets a 3 or 6 month card due to a medical reason does that person need to have a whole new physical before the card expires?
@Susan
Yes. And the new forms make it this way.
I work for the city of Chattanooga Tennessee and went for my dot physical and the dr measured my neck and recommend a sleep study within four weeks so ive never had or been diagnosed with sleep problems so try to set up a sleep study and was told the dr had to order it amd he couldnt order it so they made me go to another dr to get the sleep test orderd and he givee.a ninety day card and had tje sleep study and said i had a mild case of sleep apnea and only had 8 episodes on the first srudy then 0 on the second and had a week before my vard ran out so he refused to give me a card till i was on tje machine for thrity days so did he have the right to recommend tje sleep study and refuse to give me.a.card or temp card til the 30 daus was up on my machine
@Joey
Your examiner is following the guidelines ‘to the letter’, so it is totally up to him as to how he wants to handle the medical card distribution.
FMCSA wants a 30 day readout of 70% compliance for at least 4 hours a day before issuing a one year medical card. So yes he has the right to do what he did, based on his reading of the FMCSA guidelines.
My cdl clas A was issued in the estate of florida i just found out that my cdl license was disqualified for not up dating my renew medical card am in the state of indiana can i go to any DMV in i diana and show that my medical card is uptodate and can they be able to take the disqualification off my license and put it up to date?
State of fl gave me.ticket for driver after alabama supend my lic said I did not have med card on file and I have my med card right there that I had just got four mos early can they do that
@Theophis
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department to sort this out.
My cdl license was disqualified for not updating my medical card in the state of Florida can I go to any state and get medical form updated or do I have to be in Florida to get it updated and what are the fines I have to pay
I live in Mississippi and is there a grace period for adding my new health card to my cdl’s?
@Terry
No grace period, and you cannot drive on an expired medical card. Each state has a different process as far as downgrading or suspending your drivers license so contact your local drivers license department as soon as possible to take care of this.
Boyfriend was let go from his job of 7 years. He tested positive for marijuana on a random drug scree. They sent him to SAP course which he began immediately. After 4-5 sessions with his Counselor, she did a SWAB test on him in her office and came back negative. He told her he was going to schedule the appointment to retest for work so he could get back on road as it had already been 7 weeks. He took urine test at work and it came back positive. He contacted both the SAP & Counselor and was advised that there was nothing they could do for him he would have to take the program again and was let go from his job.
Can you offer any suggestions or advice on what the next step is to get him back on the road?
@Karin
Depending on the length of time he has been a user will depend on the length of time the THC takes to get out of the system. Best bet is to continue not using and retest in a few weeks. You can request a DOT standard urine screen with the results going just to you to make sure you’re ready to test negative on the next pre-employment drug screen.
I recently misplaced my Medical card for DOT I have my long form, I am having trouble getting in touch with the place where I had it completed. Can I drive with my long form until I can get the card replaced.
@Kris
Yes, just be aware that the long form is a copy of your medical history. In most cases that is not an issue, but try to get a copy of your medical certificate anyway.
Question. Is there any way a cdl driver can be “grandfathered” in from needing a valid medical card?
@Chris
You would need to check with your state drivers license department for this question. It’s a state thing not a federal thing.
I had a dot card from my truck school. Upon my graduation I received a temporary license because my was not in my state. I got hire that next week by my company which I had to take another physical and my temporary license no. is on this card. So what do I need to do to get my present license no. now. Do I need to get a new medical card if I have my temporary license no. On it
@Antonio
Keep your old temporary drivers license, it matches your medical card.
Then when you have your new CDL license you might ask the original CME to change it or wait until you go for your next medical examination and have them issue the medical certificate with the new license numbers.
Do i need to have an DOT physical before taking a my CDL class A permit in Ohio?
Can my employer say my current medical card isnt valid. They trying to be racist and fire me for not having a medical card when I did have a valid medical card. They saying I was hurt and disabled when i wasnt and they telling unemployment that I lost job for losing medical card. If i was injured wouldnt they have to sent me to a doctor to know if i was disqualified? Thanks mike
@Mike
If you were injured and there is supporting information, then your medical card went invalid at the time of the injury.
If there is no supporting information of an injury, then you may want to talk to a workers-comp attorney.
Is it my employers responsibility to notify me that my medical card is or is soon to be expired?
@Rick
No. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure his/her medical card is kept current. It is also the driver’s responsibility to make sure their local drivers license department has a current medical card on file with their driver’s license.
I am going to trucking school and i have question about shunts…. i have had a shunt since i was four months old, and i am 43 now…. I have never had epileptic ceisures… only the one convulsion at 4 moths old… they removed the cyst i had at 4 months old… i havent had a problem in almost 29 years… will this disqualify me for a CDL… ive been driving regularly for 24 years without any problems… i want to know what i can do to pass the dot physical
@Noel
Get a medical release form from your primary doctor explaining your situation and you should be fine. The CME may want some additional information, but over-all you should be OK if everything else works out.
If a medical card has expired, does an interstate CDL driver have 45 to 60 days to get it renewed? The driver is based in TX but drivers interstate.
@Kathleen
You may not drive on an expired medical card.
You’ll need to check with your local drivers license department in TX to determine their process and timeframe for renewal. Each state is different.
I have an offer to drive a lease tractor tractor from Florida to Maryland for a person who wants to transport their own personal property. Does this make the haul into a “PRIVATE CARRIER – NOT FOR HIRE” situation, or simply a personal haul involving a tractor trailer loaded to max.
I have a valid CDL-A to operate the lease company vehicle. The guy wanting to transport his property intends to rent a vehicle for about 1 week and return it. Do I also need a current DOT MEDICAL CARD as well?
It is not interstate commerce. It is not a commercial for hire carrier. This is a person who wants to transport their personal items and property which will fit into a tractor trailer van to about 80,000 pounds and is NOT hazardous materials. Just general commodity items. They want to go to a truck rental place to rent a tractor trailer for about 1 week, then return it.
They do not have a CDL or want to dive it. I would be the hired paid driver to operate that tractor trailer from Florida to Maryland and back.
Hence – the Hours of Service rules would not apply?
The DOT medical card would not be required?
Only a valid CDL-A license needed?
@ Florida Delivery
We suspect a valid medical card and valid CDL is all you will need.
And you would be best served to confirm the HOS and other requirements of a ‘not for hire’ vehicle with the DOT.
Our company has a couple F-550 pick up trucks which require a class D but NOT CDL. Do we need a medical card or not?
@Jim
Vehicles used for commerce, in most states, require a medical card, even if a class D license.
My dot physical expires tomorrow. I was just wondering what the grace period is on getting it renewed.
@Raymond
You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
The timeframe to DMV to downgrade your license differs from state to state. Just get your new medical card to DMV asap.
I moved from PA to CA and am attempting to transfer my CDL. For some reason, the DMV is not willing to accept my med card and long form because they are the old style. I read that they should still be acceptable. I have over a year left on the current card so I would hate to the spend the money on a new exam. Any advice?
@Brian
CA did not accept the older Federal forms – they had their own form DL51 which you don’t have. This is why there is a problem. Now CA is using the new Federal forms.
So, yes, it seems the only way around this is to get a new exam.
If my current medical card does not expire for six months, but I have taken a DOT physical for a new job, will not passing the physical effect my current card?
@Michael
Yes. The FMCSA database is updated, and the new physical overrides the previous.
Hi, I recently got a CDL and my Med Card on my own 1 month ago and it was good for 1 year. I got hired by a new company and they made me go retake my Med Exam again. This time my Blood pressure was little high 148/98 I have white coat syndrome and only would issue a 3 month card. Anyways am I still now stuck with the 3 month card?
@Jr
Yes, the new information would have been put into the FMCSA database and overrides your previous medical certificate.
Work on getting your BP down below 140/90 and you should be OK.
For white coat syndrome see our article – Blood Pressure Tips during the DOT Physical Exam.
I have a question My husband works for an oil company and drives a work truck that has dot numbers on the side does he need a dot physical. is a regular truck not a tractor.
@Pam
Yes, anyone driving for commercial purposes needs a medical card.
However he should tell the examining doctor the type of driving he is doing.
my card 3 month card expires next week…i was giving 3 months cause i was told i didnt have 70 percent compliance of 3 months..this was told to me from concentra…im still short of the 3 months…can i go to another dot doctor or do i have to go back to concentra..
@Mikey
You are welcome to go to any one who is on the NRCME registry.
Make sure beforehand that you can show that are in compliance.
but im gonna be short of compliance…can they give me another 3month card…
@Mikey
No.
Is there a grace period from the time your medical card expires to the time to renew it?
I’ve heard you have a 30 day grace period, is this true?
BRC
I’m wanting to know the same thing
No. Your medical card must be valid in order to drive
i am a non cdl driver been with co over two years will i have to do a drug screen for health card renewel
@Scott
Drug screens are done at the companies request.
Do the Medical Certificates expire on the actual expiration date listed on the card, or the day AFTER?
@C
It expires at midnight, at the end of the day of the expiration date.
I have a question. I drive in washington state. I lost total vision in one eye awhile ago. I have a waiver letting me drive in the state. Do they make a form so I can go out of state? And where would I get it? Thanks
@Michael
If you are looking to driver CDL interstate, then you need a vision waiver from the FMCSA/Federal DOT office. See FMCSA Vision Exemption Program.
I drive a school bus, My license says P-if CMV,School buses interstate. When I got my med card in April I told the doctor I had sleep apnea and he gave me my card for one year, until April 2017. My school just had their annual physical and I wrote down I have sleep apnea, the doctor temporarily disqualified me until I provide some cpap usage and a letter from a doctor. I don’t have good medical ins and cant afford to get the information asap. I called the Texas DPS and they said that my med cert did not have to be on file with them. And the girl at the office who just did my physical said that they do not upload information to the DPS. Can I still use my card that’s good till 2017? I was upfront with both doctors with the same info. I have a good card in my pocket but this last doctor is wanting info that I cant get to him in a timely manner. I am so confused with what this doctors office is telling me and the Tx DPS and still having this good med card.. Please help!
@Liz
Since this not a federal issue you should check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say about this.
For the CME all you need is a printout of your cpap unit showing a 70% or better usage over the last thirty days. And a medical release form from your primary doctor.
I work for DOT doing medical runs. When I was first hired they paid for my physical, now it has been two years and had a physical today and was told I had to pay the 110.00. Is this correct?
@Glenda
DOT medical card is the driver’s responsibility. Some companies may pay for or reimburse but that’s up to the company.
How do I get new address on medical card. Med card still valid for another year.
@David
No need at this time, but you could go back to the original card issuer and have them change the address if you feel the need. Otherwise just wait for the next medical card examination and do the correct address then.
Is medical examiner required to give a driver a copy of his or hers dot long form for his or hers physical. Even if the company paid for it
@Dean
Yes.
Can a physician who has the proper certification, and a nurse in the clinic do a DOT via telemedicine?
@Bob
I would say not. Sounds risky to me to do such a thing.
Check with the FMCSA and see what they have to say about this question.
The DOT medical certificate for a non CDL drivers needs to be reported to the DMV?
@Debbie
Each state has different requirements, so check with your local drivers license department for the answer.
CT medical cards- Some Doctors are checking off both boxes for the interstate or the intrastate question. Is this acceptable as the doctors are refusing to check off just one box. They are telling us that by checking off both boxes the driver can drive in CT and interstate throughout the country.
Thank you.
@Stan
Seem redundant to me. But FMCSA is looking for one or the other.
If they just check interstate for a class A, that is all they need to do.
By checking the intrastate box they may be limiting you to the states regulations. That is what the state variances box is for. Check with the state drivers license department for a solid state related questions.
DoT DOC
My husband has a CDLA in Pennsylvania. We have been living outside of the US for 2 years and his DOT medical card expired while we were out of the US. His CDL has now been downgraded and we have been told that he has to start over from a permit! We just got back to the US and I am freaking out. Is it possible to be granted an exemption since we were out of the US? Any info would be appreciated.
@Natalie
Your question pertains to a drivers license. Only your state drivers license department can help you with this.
Our focus is helping drivers qualify for a medical card for driving commercially.
In Oct 2015 I had a random drug screening and it came up positive for methadone . I was taken out of my truck . The testing company contacted me asking if I had a prescription for it and if so to prove it to them with a letter from my prescribing doctor, so I did that the same day and the next day I was aloud back in my truck. In Feb 2016 I had to renew my dot card and had a drug screening done and 4 days later and put on medical leave due to methadone. So when was methadone made a absolute disqualifying drug? And does my company have the right to not let me detox from it and keep my job?
@Darren
Methadone has always been a disqualifier if it is being taken as a drug replacement medication.
The company has it’s own policy and you would need to check with them about the opportunity to detox.
Methadone taken in the place of an opiate will always get you disqualified. It can be used at times for other purposes and still needs a doctor prescription along with medical release form and an explanation as to why the meds are being taken.
How old do you need to be to get a DOT medical card? I am a diesel mechanic and I am 20 years old sometimes I have to drive vehicles that are over 10,000 GVW that require a medical card to drive, can I obtain one or do you need to be over 21? I live in Massachusetts
@John
Interstate drivers must be 21 years of age. Intra-state only CDL 18, but confirm with your local drivers license department.
My husband just got his medical examination. The doctor told him that he only carries the MCSA-5876 form with him in his truck. Did they do away with the small medical card?
@Sandy
Yes, that’s correct. The new form MCSA-5876 cannot be reduced to wallet size, so find a safe place to carry the original form.
Some CMEs are making a tri-fold size to fit in a wallet.
Then why does my letter state that when you copy your wallet card please enlarge the copy to 5 inches by 7 inches?
@Sandy
So the copy DMV has on file is very legible.
Our company rents commercial trucks from time to time on a short term basis that are over 10,001 GVWR. Do the employees that drive the trucks have to have a medical examiner’s card?
@Lorrie
If the trucks are used for commerce, then medical cards are needed.
I started a dot physical and it is pending right now… my question is can I go to another location and start over again? or would that location have tell me the same?
@Clay
Whatever in pending in one place has been reported to FMCSA and will still place you in a pending position any place else you want to go.
My husband went for his cdl medical exam and dr found issue with his feet that he has had for years and already been cleared for but its been so long he has no documents.His cdl medical expires in two weeks and he doesn’t have dr appointment till after cdl medical expires so how long does he have to do this after his card expires
@Melanie
Some states may give you a bit of time beyond the end date of the medical certificate. By law your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. You could go to the drivers license department and explain your situation, they may have a better answer regarding your dilemma.
During my physical, the CME found sugar in my urine and I was given a 3-month card. I followed up a few days later with my own doctor, and there was no sugar in my urine, but my blood sugar was still high. She prescribed medication and dietary changes to decrease it. My employer does not recognize a 3-month card and has demoted me to the pay of a non-CDL yard truck operator until I get a full-length DOT card. This decreases my pay by $5 per hour, and limits me to a 4-5 day work-week, rather than a 5-6 day week. Is it within the law for my employer to not recognize the 3-month card?
@Erick
Not unless it is some type of company policy. Ask to see the written policy that says this, otherwise you are being taken for a ride.
A valid 3 month medical card to get your condition under control is a valid medical card until it expires.
Can I get a DOT card now even though i do not have a job offer from a company that says it’s a requirement?
@Stefon
Yes.
Hello
my husbands drives a con ed truck with one eye and has been medically cleared and has been driving with one eye. This year he was sent for medical and was cleared again but was told by his job he is unable to drive the truck anymore.
can someone tell me if that is against the law as they are stating it is a DOT issue, supposedly there are stating that DOT stated he can not drive. How is that so when he has been driving over a year medically cleared with the job and now they are stating otherwise.
Please advise
@Angel
Most states and the fed want a vision waiver for the driver to pass a new medical certificate. If he drives in state only, then you need to check with your local drivers license department to determine he needs to continue driving. Also, get a medical release form from the doctor explaining the situation. If he is going to driver interstate he will need a vision waiver from the FMCSA.
Hello. I am a CDL driver and have a few questions for the Doctor. I have been a Commercial Truck Driver for the past 16 plus yrs. I was presently diagnosed with Epilepsy. Then type of Epilepsy I have is. Cortical Irritability fully on my left side of my brain and partially on the right side of my brain. This causes men to have “Silent Seizures”. That is what my Physician has told me, and the EEG have confirmed. My questions are basically 1) Do I qualify to maintain or am I eligible to get a DOT medical card in the state of North Carolina, and 2) How do I keep my CDL
Enforced if I’m unable to get my medical card yet at this time? Thank you in advance for your time.
@Darryl
As an OTR driver with a class A license, you would need to go through the FMCSA to acquire a waiver to drive.
Now as an intra-state driver only, you would fall under the states variances and would be limited to what the state of North Carolina rules and regulation say you could do. Best bet is check with your local drivers license department and see what recommendation they offer.
I was put on pending determination 06/10. I got the necessary paperwork to pass the DOT physical, so the doc signed off on a new card 06/16. They wrote its expiration date 06/16/2017. My employer is saying the expiration date is supposed to be a year from the original exam date, 06/10. The office I had my physical at disagrees, and says the written expiration date 06/16/2017 is correct. Which is correct? Do you have a link for proof? I tried to look on the FMCSA site.
@Victoria
The office that did your physical is correct.
Your employer is looking at the way the old forms were done.
Since the new MCSA-5875/76 forms, the date is from the date the exam is completed. “Pending” is not completed.
First off I was denied because I’m on subutex. But now I just learned that the dmv got rid of medical cards for class d drivers, I drive a maintenance truck under 20,001 lbs. All you need now is to pass the dot physical but can you do that while being on medication even tho you don’t need your medical card. I can’t get any answers on this.
@Josh
Most states are requiring a valid medical certificate, no matter what class license, if you are operating a vehicle that is used for commerce. So what you need is a valid medical certificate to do your job.
I had a failed pre employment drug screen a couple years ago for so I stopped driving truck, dumb mistake but a it happened. Now I’ve been offered a job with fed ex to drive a non cdl local package delivery truck. I did have to take a dot physical and drug screen which I passed and I was cleared for a 2yr cert. Since I’m not driving a truck needing a cdl am I legal to drive for fed ex in their trucks in CA?
My medical card expired. I want to know do i just have to get a new medical card or do i have to take a refresher course on my cdl all over again? I havent been driving i have been in another line of work but now i want to use my cdl
I want to know as well. I was also out of the country when mine expired last year
I have been driving for two years with my company. when my last med. card expired they sent me to the Concentra medical office to get a new card, at first the Dr. said I would get my card when they got a release letter for my medication, then I was denied because of a meningioma, which the examining doctor didn’t know anything about, but instead of getting my Yale neurosurgeon’s information to ask him, she searched with her higher ups until they found a reason to deny my card. I also believe that she was prejudiced against me for some reason, as she left a message on my phone saying she forgot to talk to me about it, which isn’t true, and before I got her call saying I was denied she told me that she would only give me a one year card because the medication I’ve had for years – and now that I have her report I see she wrote “alcoholism” ! on the bottom, which she has no evidence of, we are tested regularly for drugs and alcohol, sometime when you walk into the office in the morning, they say “stick this in your mouth” for an alcohol test. She has lost my job for me because my company does not accept a second opinion unless I go before the FMCSA and risk everything with a lengthy “appeals” process. I have tried to fight it through my company’s med. dept and sent them a paper I found online saying my condition does not disqualify me.
P.S. I need to get a card soon so I can start looking for another job.
@Alan
To begin with, all you really needed was a note from your neurologist explaining the situation and a medical release form from him.
The CME should have taken all of the available information before making a final decision.
Not sure about the company stand unless it is some type of company policy.
You, as an individual, have the right to pursue a second opinion. So at this point get all of the available information from your neurologist and primary health care provider together before going for a new DOT examination. Get medical release forms signed by both doctors indicating that they understand the requirements of a CMV operator and you should be in good shape.
You will probably be on a one year card due to the potential progressive level of this condition, but at least you will be doing what you like to do. Good Luck.
Does my employer have the right to have copy of the long form from my DOT Physical? If so, do they need my permission to receive this information from the DOT physician?
@Helen
In most cases all the company really needs is a copy of the medical certificate. If they request a copy of the long form, then you can ask to see the the company policy that protects your person information. And yes you would need to provide a signed release to the doctor for him to release your information to anyone.
Do I have a certain time to get my dot card renewed after it expires?
@Jeff
You cannot drive on an expired card.
At some stage drivers license department will downgrade or suspend your license if your medical card is not current. Each state treats this process in their own way.
My DOT medical card expired 4 months ago and my job is still making me drive along with other. I keep bring it up to there attention and they keep ignoring the facts. what can i do about this?
@Natalie
It is the driver’s responsibility to have a current medical card on file with their drivers license for their state.
Drivers usually pay for their DOT physical exam. Some companies may pay up front for the exam or reimburse you.
If you get stopped by a traffic officer for some reason, and they find you don’t have a medical card, the traffic fine may be in the hundreds of dollars.
I’ve had blood clots in the past twenty years and I’m on blood thinner and have my blood checked monthly will this effect me getting a DOT physical
@Tom
It is going to raise a lot of questions, especially on the potential safety issues. Try getting a medical release form from your prescribing doctor before you go for the examination. That will help the examiner make the best and safest decisions.
I Have been issued two – two year cards and have been working most recently for two years for the same company.. When I went to a local Medical center that my company uses, I was examined and denied a card. The doctor went so far as to call me up on the road and tell me that not only wouldn’t they issue a card, but that my current card was now also invalid. I was on my way back from Canada at the time.
I contacted the company’s main medical team, in a separate medical company, and they are trying to help me. Some facts: 1 Nothing about my medical condition has changed at all since my last two cards were issued.2 I am a very healthy 60 year old male with, as my GP put it ” the blood pressure of a 25 year old”. 3 The examining Dr found a technicality that allows them to deny my card, but refused to even consider (so far) the opinion of my attending physician, who is a top surgeon in the field at Yale New Haven.
Having talked with my company’s medical group, they said they would review everything and try to consult with the examining doctor (who I don’t think will budge for unknown reasons) and then consider getting me examined by someone else. They are saying this would be problematic of course. I feel like I’ve won the anti lottery because of this Doctor’s unwillingness to look at the report from my doctor. I don’t want to appeal to the FMCSA because if I get an exemption, I will not be able to go to Canada, which is crucial to my job.
Any advice would be appreciated..
@Alan
You gave us lots of data, but nothing specific about what condition/technicality that we can try to answer other than to go somewhere else and get a second opinion.
Hello, sorry, I guess I’m worried about info online. It’s a meningioma, which the examining doctor didn’t know anything about, but instead of getting my Yale neurosugeon’s information to ask him, she searched with her higher ups until they found a reason to deny my card. I also believe that she was prejudiced against me for some reason, as she left a message on my phone saying she forgot to talk to me about it, which isn’t true, and before I got her call saying I was denied she told me that she would only give me a one year card because of a medication I’ve had for years – and now that I have her report I see she wrote “alcoholism” ! on the bottom, which she has no evidence of, we are tested regularly for drugs and alcohol, sometime when you walk into the office in the morning, they say “stick this in your mouth” for an alcohol test. She has single handedly lost my job for me because my company does not accept a second opinion unless I go before the FMCSA and risk everything with a lengthy “appeals” process.
P.S. I need to get a card soon so I can start looking for another job.
I live in california. I have never had any commercial driving incidents. I learned the old school way. From my Grandfather in an old cabover on private farms. Never needed to drive on public roads. I was 18 and left the business. 30 years later i apply for a retail job part time and have been there 2 years now. I have been through the DOT physical and all has been good. Now that California has a mandated 3 day inspection, log book check, fmcsa, etc….my supervisors are stacking paperwork in front of me to be completed that myself and others dont even know what it means. They say check yes. They dont even know what it means. Vehicle checklists i get. A driving test….i had that signed off when i took the test. Subject to fmcsa, sensitive 49 code? I drive paper towels and toys down the street 2 blocks, a total of 10 miles a week in a single axle cargo truck. I like to know what i am signing and this baffles me because no one at work seems to know anything and going online hasnt helped at all. Does anyone have a simple explanation in laymans terms what this all means?
If a person is given a 3 month card for blood pressure, do they have to have another complete exam done to get an extension?
@Shari
There is no extension. You get a one time 90 day card to get your situation under control. If it is not under control at the end of the 90 days, then you are disqualified until it is below 140/90. As far as a complete new test, it will fall to the decision of the examining facility or the CME, but most likely yes.
I need to transport a truck from Florida to Maryland, but I currently hold a Intrastate restriction on my Class B CDL . Can I get a temp waiver to allow me to drive interstate .
@Mario
DOTPhysicalDoctors focuses on medical card related questions.
You’ll need to ask this to your local drivers license department.
I am a Medical Examiner.
One of the companies we contract with pays for the examination of their drivers. We have some drivers requesting copies of their long form when they change employers. Can the company legally deny us the ability to supply the driver a copy of the long form? Do we as examiners have the legal right to deny a copy to the driver based on the fact the company paid for the exam?
@Connie
The driver should have received a copy of his long form and medical certificate at the finish of the original examination.
You can supply a copy of the long form to the driver if he asks for it.
The long form is not the property of the company, so you can give the driver a copy.
I just moved to Florida. I have a NY class B license my dot card expires in July can I get my license before then with out getting a Florida dot card?
@Deborah
As long as you have a valid medical card from any CME in any state, then you are good to go and get your new drivers license. Some states are a little picky about how much time you still have on your medical card before issuing a new license. Check with the Fla. drivers license department and confirm what you need before starting the process.
i have a WI CDL class B and my Fed Med is expired. now Im in NJ for some time. Can i do my dot examination in NJ or i will have to go to wi to do it ?
@Adriana
A federal medical card is valid nationwide and you can go to any certified medical examiner nationwide to get a DOT physical.
I live in Michigan and I had a defibrillator put in about three ago and I have my cdl class B with P and S endorsement to drive school bus. Went to go get my dot physical and got told no because of defib. Only going to drive intrastate and my cardiologist gave a written permission that their was no problem to drive school bus. So what is the problem. Defib has never went off. If the cardiologist says it in how can the dot doctor say no. Thanks
Hi I am trying to get DOT for FedEx driver position Non CDL passed everything expect I take anti seizure meds. Haven’t had one in over 7 years got my PCP to signed a release form
Clearing me to driver by the medical examiner wouldn’t clear it what can I do?
@Charlie
You will fall under state variances with your driving and the CME needs to know that. He is doing an examination for a cdl/interstate driver and you do not fit into that category. So check with your state drivers license department and see what you need to have to pass for the state side of the medical certificate.
If I only drive 185 miles a day do i need a dot examination
@Ronald
If you a driving a vehicle for commerce, more than likely your state requires it. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm that.
@Mark
You need to let the examiner know that you fall under state rules and variances and not federal rules and guidelines. There is a lot of confusion right now with this issue and most of the CME do interstate drivers and do not understand the state guidelines. Talk with your local drivers license department and see what they can tell you before going for your medical certificate examination. Also have your doctor fill out a medical release form for you before going for the DOT examination.
My DOT Medical Card is expired. I live in New Jersey. I am currently working for a company where i do not drive a Commercial Vehicle, so i am not going to get a medical card at this time. How long do i have to get another DOT medical card, to get my CDL back, with out having to take the Driving test over again?
@Gustavo
Your need to check with NJ drivers license department. Each state treats this process differently.
Should NON CDL licensed individuals required under the new law to obtain a medical card for driving be included in the FMCSA Random Drug Pool as opposed to the PHMSA that they are currently in?
@Tammy
I don’t believe that FMCSA is requiring you to be in the drug testing pool. If you are attached to one system, then there should be no need for another system. Check with your safety department or your compliance director to confirm that though.
I have a CDL for the state of California my DOT physical is coming up soon if I let it expire for a few years can I still obtain my CDL if I decide to take the physical or do I need to take the written and the driving test again?
@Gilbert
This is a question for CA DLD. Every State treats this process differently.
Valid CDL in the state of NH, medical card will expire before I can get a Dr’s appt. (Need clearance from cardiologist prior to dot physical)
I know not to drive my tractor trailer, any other known issues for this situation? Any penalties for letting medical card expire? Any known problems with sending in medical card lot?
Any help is appreciated.
If you are due for a physical for your CDL is there a grace period from the expiration date?
@Ellen
No. You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
You may go and get your new physical any time.
Your CDL may be suspended or downgraded. Each State treats this process slightly differently.
I am going to be driving a 26ft Penske rental truck full of band gear in the US and Canada for 5 weeks. I have a class D license. Do I need to have a DOT medical card?
@Frank
You need to check with Penske to confirm your needs. You may need a medical certificate to drive, but not sure about a rental. So check with Penske.
if someone is on a temporary work visa can they get a DOT card?
@Lovie DA
DOT card / medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle?
Check with the local drivers license department for final confirmation on this issue.
I received a letter from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency stating that there is no record of my CDL medical found and thus they were going to cancel my newly issued CDL Permit. I did have the DOT medical and showed the Alabama DMV my DOT medical card (with no restrictions) in order to be allowed to take my CDL exams. Is it possible the medical information was not yet entered into the Feds DOT system when AL later checked? How soon do CMEs have to enter your medical info into the system after the exam?
@Sg
FMCSA would like to have all test results in by the end of each day, but have allowed up to thirty days for the information input. With the new DOT physicals going live on April 20, 2016 the CMEs are required to input all test results with in 24 hours.
I am a driver in NY and in 2014, I was out on Compensation for 100 days because I hurt my right ankle. the company has over 100 vehicles and trucks. On my return to work. I was asked to get a Physician letter from the Doctor taking care of me on compensation that I would be OK to go back to work.I did!
Does the company have to by law send me for another DOT physical before I drive one of their vehicles?
@Steve
It’s an FMCSA thing. Any situation that takes a healthy driver from behind the wheel for any period of time is required to have a new medical examination to determine medical fitness for duty. So it is not the company but the FMCSA that is making the requirement.
If a driver has failed 2 dot physicals does he have to wait for a third
@Travis
All depends on why he failed the first two times.
Is there a difference in the medical registry between Interstate Drivers and Intrastate Drivers (certified physicians) ? Are intrastate Drivers required to obtain their physical via a certified physician or may they still use their own physicians?
@ Raymond
Depending on the class and the state regulations regarding those class licenses will determine who can do your physical. Check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say. Since each state is different and the requirements are different, then you really need to check with your state DLD.
I had a physical and a ME card given to me when I started with a company last March….but, I already had a ME card from a previous company that is good through 2017…. But, I just received a notice from MVA stating that my card expired on 3/14/16…. Can u explain this to me?
@ Davar
Your last medical certificate over rides your previous card and was reported to your state, so the state is using the most recent information that they have available.
I have a very urgent question. I’m in idaho and a school bus driver. I have been taking methadone for a couple of years now. I got hired while on it with a note from my doctor saying I was ok to drive a bus. Just a couple weeks ago I was in a n accident which wasn’t my fault. I’m on workmans comp due to whip lash. I went to the doctor and she told me that she was turning me in and my medical card revoked and start an investigation. What happens now? What can I do to keep my card and probably my job?
@ Angela
Just make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining the reasoning behind the present usage of the medications that you are using. You are out on a workers compensation issue and your medical card is void because you are presently unfit for duty. When you are fully healed and recovered and the doctor releases you to return to work, then get your medical release form from your prescribing doctor with the explanation of your properly prescribed meds. The CME needs to understand why you take what you take and what type of driver you are. With all the proper documentation in hand the CME can make a better informed decision.
If my medical card expires on 1-16-16 is it valid through midnight of the 16th?
@ Brett W.
Yes.
i have a driver that was fired 3 mos ago. He is now going back to work, the company wants him to go take a DOT physical. His card is still good, does the company have this right?
@ Mike
It may be a company policy, so if it is, then yes they have the right to make that request and they may even pay for it since it is their request.
What if my medical long form exam date doesn’t match new medical certificate date, do I need to get the long form to mimic the new certificate date?
@Tommy
Both the long form and the medical certificate should match, so go back to the examiner and have them correct the issue.
@ Tommy
Long form is supposed to match medical certificate, otherwise the DOT is going to ask questions and suspect falsification.
Are all DOT Safety Sensitive employees required to take a DOT exam, both CDL and Non-CDL holders?
I have my CDL and my medical examiners certificate. The certificate has a box marked on it that state CDL and the no box is checked. Do I have to have another medical examine so that the new certificate can be mark CDL yes?
@Paulette
Most of the new cards have an intra-state only-yes/no and a cdl -yes/no. So make sure which box is checked. If you run interstate then the intra-state only should be marked no and your cdl box should be marked yes. If that is not marked correctly, then you want to return to the examiners office and have it corrected. You don’t need a new examination, just have the card fixed to match your job.
My hsbnd has his CDL’s & medical card. He has type 2 diabetes – controlled by diet & medication (non-insulin) Trulicy & Metfomin. We can’t seem to get a correct answer as to what the acceptable rqrmnt’s are for the A1C readings in order to keep a medical card / cdls. We have been told by a Dr performing the medical card examines that it is 6.5 – the speicallist my hsbnd see’s is telling him 10.0. What is the correct total in order to pass & keep CDL’s ?
@Rebecca
No sugar in the urine, which means that the sugar levels are under control. CME’s do not need to do A1c’s, only determine if there is glycosuria.
The medical release from your doctor should explain that the condition is under control and how that control is being met.
The FMCSA Diabetes Exemption program originally came out with a requirement for A1c levels be between 7.0 and 10.0. This may still be a requirement for starting on the program for federally regulated drivers who are on insulin. One could assume that if one is above 10.0, a doctor could disqualify a driver and say they need to go on insulin, and then withhold their medical card.
If you are put on pending status with a medical examiner, do I have the right to go to a another medical examiner for a second opinion and not have to return to the first ?
How many day grace period do I have once my D.o.t. med card expires?
@jbrown007
Medical cards become invalid at midnight of the expiration date. There really is no grace period. You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
Depending in the State, after a period of time your license may be suspended or downgraded.
My medical certificate expires July 14 . Which day I can no longer operate commercial Vehicle July 13 , July 14 or July 15
@Mario
You cannot drive after midnight on July 14. That’s means no driving at 12:01am on July 15.
@Robin
Yes, if you disagree with the first examiner about something, then you have the right to go else where for as second opinion.
Thank you! That was my question also, lol. Thank you for answering!
What is the dot blood pressure reading for rehire and new hire
I have a car with a DOT number that i use for personal use as well. Does my girlfriend need a DOT medcard if she is driving it for personal use?
@Robert
Each state will be different on this issue. Check with your local drivers license department on this for a confirmation or denial with this question.
I was told I need a sleep test done by a company but did end up working but they only gave my a three month card but my new jib sent me for a dot physical an I got a 2year card do I still need to get a sleep test
@Eric
Nope.
I quit truck driving 2012. My medical card expired 2013. My driving license will expire February 2016. if I decide I want to drive a truck at a later date do I have to get a medical card before my license expires in February or can I just wait till I want to start truck driving again? I live in south Carolina.
@James
If you have not checked your drivers license lately, you may be driving on an invalid license already. Most states are requiring that you maintain a valid medical card to maintain a valid license. So check with the drivers license department first and let them tell you what you need to maintain your CDL.
Is the employer required to submit the DOT Physical to the State of Texas in order for an employee to keep their Class A license valid? Or is it the driver’s responsibility?
@Evan
Drivers responsibility. Some companies may do it for you, but it’s your cdl, not theirs. So the final responsibility falls to the driver.
I am a driver with a valid DOT medical card, but the FMCSA announces a 120-day grace to have the new format for 2016. Do I need to pay again my medical examination even though mine is valid for almost 10 more months?
@Juan
No, if you have a valid medical card, you are good to go.
The 120 day grace period is for the medical examiners to shift to the new forms. FMCSA wanted to get the forms out by last 12/22/15, but they were unable to get their stuff together, so they are now letting the NRCME doctors ease from the old forms to the new ones.
If I had a cdl and thay was suspended and I was driving for a company and thay gave me a dot random and I failed it does it go against me
@Jermayar
Just within the company as far as we know.
Andrew l. out of Colorado springs has a fake dot card his wife gave him a card but he can’t pass a dot physical how can u stop this
@ Bobby
If he is ever stopped by the DOT, he will be road side disqualified on the spot. DOT and the highway patrol do routine checks with the examiner to determine that the CME is on the NRCME registry. If you feel that the driver is unsafe, then let a highway patrolman know about it.
I have a torn labrum in my shoulder and a bulging disk in my neck from a workplace injury. I am at work but the orthopedic doctor has given me a work restriction not to lift more than 20 pounds and not to lift above the shoulders. The note from the orthopedic doctor actually states “OK to drive. OK to operate forklift.”
I went to renew my medical card today (expires in 2 weeks) and the physician said that she could not perform the physical until those work restrictions are lifted and that my current medical card is invalid while those restrictions are in place.
Is this true? And will my class A CDL (South Dakota) be downgraded when my card expires?
@Justin
Yes, any injury that took you from behind the wheel requires a new DOT physical to return to work.
Also, you must be able to perform the duties of a CMV operator before you will be classed as fit for duty. Y
ou might try getting a copy of your personal job description from work and take that in with you on the follow-up examination. Medical release in hand from your doctor too.
i have had sleep apnea for a number of years, this pass year i had another sleep study done for cdl. how oftne do i need to get sleep study done. ask doctor at time of phyisal and she was not sure looked everywhere for answer and can not find out
@Dan
Mostly what you need is a readout of your unit showing good compliance. New sleep studies to show what you already know is a waste of time and money. Not sure where the information you got came from.
I thought a CME (Certified Medical Examiner) will perform the DOT Physical on me. Instead it was a Medical Assistant performing it. Also, i found out that the CME wasnt even in the clinic when the test was being performed. But yet, when i have completed my DOT physical, everything on the long form was signed by the doctor. Question: Can the clinic still perform DOT physicals for drivers even if the CME is not present?
I am a school bus driver in tx and the district is now checking yes on intrastate only. I usually deliver new trucks nationwide during summer. Can i get a 2 yr dot medical and have 2 dot cards? Or does new one cancel previous one?
@William
Unless you have some condition that restricts you from driving interstate, you should have a medical card that allows you to travel interstate, even if you are not a cdl holder. So go back to the person that did your last examination and have them change it to interstate and not intra-state only.
if my DOT expired can I still operate a vehicle if I am on private property?
@Pete
I suppose, as long as a DOT officer stays off your property.
But you do want to make sure that the state is not going to downgrade your license just because you do not have a valid medical card. The states have started downgrading CDL’s to class D or fully suspending licenses due to an invalid medical certificate.
Will taking hydroco (norco) 10-325mg taken for knee replacement surgery pain relief prohibit me from from using my cdl as long as taking this prescribed medication .my guess it would be prohibited
@Steve
Just the medication alone is a disqualifier.
And you don’t give any other information regarding the knee surgery, so I can only guess that the knee replacement occurred recently. If that is so, then you are not qualified as medically fit for duty, so driving is out of the question there too.
I have been taking methadone for several years and I got hired as a school bus driver. I got a note from my doc that I was ok to drive. A couple years later I got in a accident which wasn’t my fault. I went to the workmanship comp doctor and she turned me in and had my medical card revoked. She said there will be an investigation. What happens now?
Hey my husband’s medical examination card has expired so we renewed it, how do we go about reinstatING his license?
@Cortnee
You’ll need to contact your local drivers license department.
Each state treats this process differently, and what you’ll need to do depends where you are in their downgrade process. It may be as simple as updating his self-certification and medical card information.
My husband went to get his dot physical he had a high blood pressure reading for the first time ever 186/78. so he has to come back to the examiner in 3 weeks with normal readings from his primary physicians if he comes back with normal readings but the examiner checks him that day and his blood pressure goes high again from being nervous or the the whitecoat snydrom can the examiner disqualify him from his medical card he has never had a blood pressure problem ever. just going to see this doctor made it rise.also if you are disqualified when can you apply again for a medical card he is vary worried about this can you please respnd back we live in ohio his blood pressure had always been way below 140/90
@Martha
FMCSA wants a blood pressure of 140/90 or lower. If the blood pressure is say 155/94, then he should get a one year card and must get his pressure below the 140/90 before the next examination. If the blood pressure is at the same point, this time, as it was on the first reading then the CME will disqualify until blood pressures are within the normal 140/90 or better. You can re-test as soon as the bp is within the normal limit, there isn’t a time frame.
if i currently have a job not requiring my cdl and i let my med card expire can i get a new med card and use my cdl again or do i have to take the whole test over again. im in nh
I was recently sent a letter from the DMV stating that my license are now downgraded because of my medical card was expired for the past 2 months but my medical card doesn’t expire until Oct of 2017…what can I do to get this corrected in the state of texas
@Johnny
Sounds like Texas DMV doesn’t have a copy of your latest medical card on file. You need to check with your local DMV and make sure your self-certification and medical card information is up to date. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure DMV has this latest information.
I was injured in new hampshire but live in new york my medical card expired while i was under medical care can i get a waiver in order to prevent a down grade of my cdl
@Bill
This is a question for your local drivers license department.
I have a question regarding medical cards. As many drivers I was diagnosed with sleep apnea my medical card expired and I needed to get a new one this happened in between my initial sleep study and getting my machine. The sleep Dr wrote a note to the examining Dr to give me a three month card while we got the cpap set up and going. The examination Dr refuses to give me a card without30 days of data from the machine. He says it’s illegal for him to give me a temporary card. This seems like the exact reason there are temporary cards . I can’t not work for thirty days. The information I can find is on both sides I would like to know how to proceed or if I’m just going to have to go a month without pay.
@Lacy
Once there is a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea, the CME has to have a thirty day reading before he can proceed. That is a FMCSA thing. Your CME is not willing to risk his license for a rule that should be up-held. So it looks like you are in the waiting period for right now.
Can a company force you to not use your doctor for sleep study and force you to use a company 850 miles away that flies in a nurse to do a sleep study in a hotel room where you are not properly monitored? The company I did work for forced everyone including drivers who were under care of a doctor to take test and everyone was prescribed a apap. One driver was even terminated because he had documentation from his doctor that he had a sleep study done and did not require apap but company said that only their medical company opinion mattered not his personal doctor.
@Randy
Well it looks like you made one decision already in that you don’t appear to work there anymore. Any company can request anything that is company policy and you have the right to refuse. Your situation sounds like a scam, but that is based on very limited information.
You could have requested a copy of the company policy.
To update medical card with DMV in Maine can I email it or fax it to them ?
Can I get physical in another state ?
@jeff
Yes, DOT physical is valid no matter which state you get it, as long as you use an NRCME certified examiner.
See Maine CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements for Maine.
can you drive a dot regulated vehicle at work on the day of the expiration date?
@chintok
Yes, your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date.
Can you have an Optometrist do you eye exam and a DOT physician do the physical exam for you medical examination report?
@Tiffany
Yes you can.
I can not read. I went in for a DOT physical and told them that I could not read and someone would have to help me fill out my form. The CME said that if I could not read they would not give me the physical. Is this right?
@Greg
According to the FMCSA you need to be able to read and write and understand english. But not sure why someone couldn’t help you out.
I currently work for a county department in Ks. My understanding is that I am not required to carry a current DOT medical card. If I’m with out a current card and change jobs, is my CDL still Valid? Or do I have to start from scratch and retake all required test?
@Dan
This is one for your state drivers license department, not a fed issue. Some states don’t require a medical card, but not sure which states this occurs in. In most states a valid medical card is required for a valid CDL, but confirm this with your state DLD.
IF YOUR MEDICAL CARD EXPIRES WHILE YOU ARE OUT ON A MEDICAL LEAVE. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO DRIVE CLASS A AGAIN? I READ THEY DOWN GRADE YOUR CDL. DO I JUST NEED TO PASS A DOT PHYSICAL AND RECERTIFY. OR DO I HAVE TO TAKE CLASS A TEST AND GET NEW LICENSE?
@RJG
If you are out on medical leave and want to return to driving, all you should have to do is have a valid medical card. So go get a new medical examination and you should be ready to drive.
have been off work for broken foot. my medical card will expire a week before im cleared to go back to work. what can I do to not let it expire and have my class A cdl downgraded.
@RJG
You will need to talk with your local drivers license department. You would not pass the medical examination, so you need to find out what the state wants you to do.
Can a physical examiner decline a 2 year card over body mass index and say you need sleep test
@Rick
There are no rules about BMI and sleep apnea screening.
For more information and to better understand this contentious issue see our articles on Sleep Apnea.
I lost my dot card and call to the doctor and the clinic do not have recor of it? What can I do in this situation? It was done 5 months ago.
Thanks
@Frank
Not sure why they would say that. By law they are to keep a copy of your medical records for a period of three years at minimum. That’s the law.
If I have a CDL, but don’t have a medical card, can I still drive non-commercial vehicles while I am in the process of getting the medical card? Thanks in advance.
@Nathan
Each state is different so you would need to check with your local drivers license department to confirm or deny your question. Most states today want a valid medical certificate to maintain a valid CDL.
If there is a driver out on Workmen’s comp and his physical is about to expire-and he will not pass now -is there any exemption so his license is not downgraded because he could not update his MVR with a new medical expiration date? Will he need to get a new license as well as physical?
@Linda
This one you need to check with your local drivers license department. Most states have an exception for the rule.
If failed dot durg test can I sitll get a cdl?
@Carl
Maybe, once you can pass a DOT drug screen and if someone will hire you. Drug screens are for the company and most companies today want a drug free work place. And especially in the driving community, since driving and drugs don’t work well together.
sorry guy u might have 2 take a drug treatment progrme. after that u might find a company. its the insurance company that stops most company from taking u on. u might have to waite 3-5 yrs. if ur company has health insurance. go 2 rehab. they cant fire u. u will get a weekly udap. but u will have a job. gov. considers addiction a deases. good luck. gods speed.
I have never driven commercially and my “Possible” Employer sent me for a DOT Physical. I was at first denied by the physician until I provided a note from my personal physician on a medication he prescribed.
I have been taking a single Xanax pill every morning for 27 yrs. I worked as a Maintenance Electrician involving climbing, extremely dangerous machinery, 80 ft. high lifts, operated cranes, etc. and drove 60 miles per day just for work. No accidents and 1 speeding ticket in the last 15 years. My wife and I ride a Harley Dresser. I just retired after 41 yrs of employment.
My doctor was willing to attest to the fact that I have had no side effects and that it would not impair my driving ability.
The next day the DOT Physician called me and told me she contacted her Director and he said Xanax was Prohibited and that the medical card she issued me was void.
My doctor says that I would have possibly serious consequences going off of this medicine after such a long time.
The Employer said they would wait for the 45 days the DOT Physical would be good for.
Do I have any options? This is for a Class C w/ Passenger. I have a permit now.
@Leonard
Some CME that does not understand the FMCSA and your states variances is making a huge mistake. It looks like you are being examined as a class A interstate driver, when you are not.
So get a medical release form from your doctor and go get a second opinion when your medical card is about to expire. Explain that you are a class c and that you have been on these medications for years. Also have your doctor do the same thing on the medical release form. That should do the trick for you.
1) I need an Interstate Class C with Passenger. (For Transit Bus)
2) I have never had and do not have a DOT Medical Card (They issued me one and then called and said it was Voided due to the Director reversing the DOT Physicians decision).
3) The Company that “will” hire me is the one sending me to this Hospital for the DOT physical. I was not given a choice of where I take the physical.
4) The 45 days, is how long the physical that I took is good for before I have to take another one if I can’t resolve the “Xanax” issue.
5) This is in the state of Iowa.
The Physician that was going to approve my physical with my personal doctors approval had her decision reversed by her director whom I never met.
I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but if this “director” is having a “Zero Tolerance” on the use of Xanax, it appears I don’t have any options, even tho the DOT Physician said it was only a recommendation and not a law concerning the use of Xanax. I think this “Director” is just trying to cover his — and not really concerned about whats right.
@Leonard
All you can do is explain/show all this information to the company you want to hire on with and see if they are willing to be reasonable and let you get your DOT physical through another doctor who understands how to evaluate a Class C driver and apply the guidelines appropriately.
It is the company’s prerogative of they insist on using a specific doctor, so they may lose you as a good hire.
Is there a higher authority in the DOT that could or would give a clear guideline to the Nurse Practitioner whom is denying me any chance of proving my ability to drive. Everything I have read about the use of prescribed Xanax, hinges on length of use and proven track record of no side effects. I would think there should be a government agency that I could contact to get this settled. Thanks for all you input.
@Leonard
Unfortunately the FMCSA pulled the guidelines 27 months ago and all of the new CME’s are having to go on what they were taught in the CME class. And the FMCSA is not monitoring what is being taught in these classes. Your best bet is to go and get a second opinion from another CME. Take your doctors release form with you and explain your situation. Also have your doctor explain in the medical release form the reasoning for the medications and the present length of time that you have been using the meds. Good Luck
I am asking mostly for a fellow worker. Do we as Non-cdl drivers (have to get med card) have to follow the BMI test and sleep apnea rules. We sllep in hotels at nite in location we work.
Thank you for any info. And if possible post link to rules.
@Craig
If you are driving a truck that has company information on it and is being used for commerce, then you need a medical card. Since there were no new rules or regulations regarding bmi or sleep apnea, then if someone starts down that path, (neck measurements and bmi) it may be time to get up and walk out.
I have recently gained employment with a Co., and had a PA DOT physical and ‘non-cdl” drug screen, which I passed, and now have a DOT medical card, but it states, “non-cdl” The Co now wants me to obtain my CDL. Will PennDot accept my current DOT medical card for my permit, or will I have to take another DOT exam? And will that exam include a more extensive drug screen or just a more extensive medical exam?
@Chris
In most cases the DOT examination should be sufficient. See if you can get the original medical examiner to make you a new medical card stating that you could have a CDL. It’s just to have the right box checked for the DLD.
We have drivers that require medical certification, but not a full CDL license. Should these individuals be included or excluded from the Random Drug Pool?
@Cory
Commercial drivers are required to be in a drug testing pool, but most companies that only require a medical card to operate their vehicles are not in a random drug pool screening. So it would be up to the HR or safety director to make that final decision.
Thank you for the response. When you reference commercial drivers are you referring to drivers with a CDL or drivers that drive a commercial motor vehicle in excess of 10,001 lbs but not requiring a CDL to operate. Our drivers requiring medical certification only are not part of the random pool.
A new question arose today: If a person only needs a medical certification card, should they have a federally regulated drug screen as well or should it be a “quick screen” option?
@Cory
That could fall into the company policy. The only disadvantage is that a quick test can not be retested on the same urine sample. The reason for the split is to confirm, for the driver and the company, that a positive test that is in error should be retested with the same urine sample. It’s more expensive, but covers everybody’s behind.
I know that there are exemptions given on situations here is my situation I have 20/20 vision in left eye corrected and 20/50 in right eye corrected. (added) I forgot to mention I do have good peripheral vision both up and down and side vision
Does that totally eliminate me from trying to get a CDL license
@Lonnie
You will need a vision waiver to drive OTR according to the FMCSA.
That may be different if you are driving intra-state only, because it may fall under state laws and not fed. law. You are not out of the picture, but will have a few more hoops to dive through if you want to drive interstate.
Do you need to carry the original copy of your medical card or will a copy of it be fine?
@Lynn
Original is best but a copy will do. If the DOT officer needs to, he will confirm the validity of the medical card with the CME.
if a driver has no valid medical card can he still drive his truck for personal use?
@Vicki
What truck? What class license? No information to go on here.
If a DOT Doctor qualifies you, can a DMV employee override the Doctor and not renew your medical certificate?
@Scott
More data needed to understand the situation. There may be more pieces to the process if it’s not a straightforward medical certification but requires a waiver from the state or federal.
If a Driver were to get pulled over and did not possess a DOT Medical Card, in the state of Texas who would be responsible for the ticket? The employee driving the company vehicle or the company itself?
@Jackie
This is an employee/company matter.
One of our Utility Lineman’s CDL Physical Medical cards will expire before he is able to obtain and complete some tests that are restricting his ability to renew his CDL Physical at this time.
Is there a Grace period …..say 30 days……after the CDL Physical expires without taking any other tests for qualification. His CDL License will not expire for another year.
@Linda
Don’t know of any state that offers a grace period. FMCSA states that the medical certificate becomes invalid at mid-night on the date of expiration.
That sucks! My card expires tonight 11/21/15 Saturday and can’t get a med exam til Monday
Is it possible to get a waiver if I’m epileptic and on medication. I’ve not had a seizure or any seizure activity in several years.
@Kelley
It may be possible. You would need to check with the FMCSA to determine the steps that you will need to go through for the waiver.
are doctors required to report a medical condition that would temporarily stop a cmv driver from driving until said condition is fixed. if so who do they report this to
@Chris
When you have a condition that would prevent you from qualifying for your medical certificate, then you are listed on the FMCSA data-base as temporarily disqualified. No conditions are listed, you and the CME know what needs to be done and then you take your situation to your primary healthcare provider. Once the situation is resolved, then you re-take the medical examination and if you pass you are given a medical certificate.
Is my company entitled to a copy of my medical examination report?
@Greg
Most companies have a policy that requires a copy. You just want to know that they have a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect your medical records. By law, all they really need is a copy of your medical certificate.
Question: School bus drivers in Texas (class B) – What is the maximum period of certification allowed? Is it One Year, or is it Two Years? (I have received conflicting information at this time, and desire to have clarification, that is in black & white). Thank you in advance.
@Ronny
Federal requirements: With no conditions that would hold your medical card to one year, then it would be good for two years max.
If you have conditions, like HBP or diabetes or sleep apnea, then you would be good for a max of one year.
On the my medical examination report, it is checked that I meet standards for 1 year, but periodic evaluation is required. On the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the NO box is checked for CDL. Does this mean I cannot obtain a CDL?
@Bart
You can obtain a CDL. The CDL box puts some states off. Like you can’t check the CDL box if the driver does not have a CDL, but in some states if the driver does not presently have a CDL and is planning on getting one, then the CDL yes box must be checked. Go figure.
I would explain to the CME what your intention is and have him mark the correct box for you. It seems that the main point is that the examination of the driver was at the CDL level and the driver is medically fit for duty as a commercial motor vehicle operator.
On my long form of my dot physical I have class b license but the class d box was checked I went where I had the dot physical and asked about it she scratched it out and checked the b box and said that was fine I asked about there copy she told me that once it got in resigery it would show a class but so it didn’t matter Wat was on the paper is that correct
I’m driving a 16″ straight truck with gmv 14500 lb in New Jersey. so I want to know if I need to carry a DOT medical card, and if I need it, where Can I get it… Or what kind of cards I need to get. Thank you.
@Oscar
Make sure of this with your state drivers license department, but if I’m not mistaken, any vehicle over 10,001 pounds and is being used for commerce requires a valid medical card. If you for sure need one, then first check DOTPhysicaldoctor.com and see if there is someone near you that does driver friendly™ DOT examinations. If there is no one close to you, then check with the FMCSA-National Registry and see if there is some one near you. They should know what paper work you will need, just ask. Good Luck.
If a company pays to have an employee get his/her CDL are they allowed to garnish his/her wages if he/she quits within six months of getting the CDL?
@Mark
This website is focused on questions regarding the DOT physical and commercial driver medical certification.
Yours is a legal question, and you’ll most likely find the answer in any documents you signed with the company.
Was given a 3 month medical card due to sleep apnea. After 3 months, do I need to go to same Dr. to get new card or can another national registered DOT cme suffice ?
@Roy
You can go to any CME on the registry that you like.
If a company paid for driver to get DOT card, if driver quits can the company take back the DOT card?
Thanks!
@Alison
I don’t believe so. The card was issued to the driver and is of no value to anyone else.
Where or how do I report a clinic / doc performing DOT physicals with out being registered? They are giving out a invalid NR number and can not be located by name, address or zip code?
@Dee
Best to contact FMCSA/National Registry directly. Email: fmcsamedical@dot.gov Telephone: 202-366-4001
I have a Colorado class A and my medical card is going to expire soon. I don’t currently drive commercial and I don’t know if I ever will again. So after that medical card expires will my CDL still be valid as a regular drivers license, or will it be suspended until I downgrade the license? Also, when it comes time to renew my license next birthday, can I do so without a medical card and still keep the CDL as long as I’m not driving commercially?
Thank you
@Jimmy
Each state treats this process differently. You’ll need to contact your state/local drivers license department to find out what they may allow you to do. Some states will allow you to self-certify “Excepted”, to keep your CDL without a medical card, as long as you are not driving commercially.
I am a cancer patient who has gone through 30 chemo treatments so far which has resulted in intense peripheral neuropathy in both feet and hands. I have been told it could be permanent. Is this a disqualifying condition? My medical expires next month and want a heads up. Thanks.
@Rick
This condition is going to work as a disqualification as a driver.
You could look into intra-state only, once you are done with your treatments and you have fully healed.
For right now, you could ask your local Drivers License Department to suspend or downgrade your CDL to a standard driver’s license, while you get well. Once that has happened, you’ll know where you stand and what you can and cannot do. Finish the treatments and get healed up, then see where you are and go from there.
I work though aTemp to Hire Class A Driver Staffing company and have been working at a company though them that wants to hire me. My med card does not expirer for another 6 months an my question is, if i would fail their new company’s prehire dot physical, does that mean my valid card would be no good, or should i wait until card bout to expire then hire on, ive been working at the same company for 6 months and had to already meet all the requirements for me to even temp for them, so could i lose both driving jobs although im already quilified an i couldn’t work though the temp company in which i passed the test and was issued?
@ Scott
If you take a new DOT physical and fail, then your old card is no longer valid. So if you can, wait until you are about to expire and then take the new physical. That should give you time enough to address any issues you are concerned about.
I just found out that my husband lied on his long form and told the medical examiner that he wasn’t diabetic and on no meds. This greatly concerns me because he is not compliant with his meds and has had several accidents this year, which he had down graded to non moving violations. What is the penalty for lying on your physical form? And whom should I report this to if he fails to start taking care of himself?
@Alicia
So let me get this straight, your husband lied on a federal form, (that he signed as the complete truth) does not take care of his condition and puts himself and everyone around him at risk and you want to know who to tell, if he does not take better care of himself??? Did I get this right?
Call the CME who did his DOT examination.
Call the company he works for.
You know about this and are sitting on a serious safety issue and could be held as an accomplice should he manage to kill someone.
Do I have to send a copy of my medical card to the state or do the Docs due this after the exam?
Our trucks do not require CDL license.
@Dan
It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure your state DLD has a copy of your current medical card.
Some doctors will fax a copy to the DLD as a courtesy service for the driver.
But the responsibility is the driver’s. So send a copy yourself unless you’re sure the doctor did that for you.
Do you know exactly where to send a copy of Medical card after you have received it for the State of Kansas. And are there any forms that have to be sent with your medical card?
@Cristy
See Kansas CDL and DOT Medical Card Requirements.
Does a Connecticut CDL driver have to submit both a self certified medical and a certified medical certificate to the DMV to be compliant? And is the self certified medical due to the classification of the driver?
@Rachel
You’ll need to check with your local drivers license department to answer this question.
My medical certificate is gonna expire soon and I’m out of the country .. Cannot come back on time to renew my medical certificate to save my commercial license …. What are the options? Detail pls
can a person on total disability still obtain MEDICAL CARD TO DRIVE
@ Vern
I believe this has been answered before you.
I am 2000 miles from and my card runs out in three days. The physician says I need a note from my doctor and my doctor won’t write o e cause I haven’t seen him in a long while. Are there any exceptions. When a driver is away from ho.e and needs to get back to see his doctor.
@ t
Not that I am aware of. Most all CME’s are going to want to see what your primary doctor has to say about your condition. (even I have no idea what is going on with you.) Some states are a little kinder then others regarding lateness of your medical card. But in reality, your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date.
I am curious if Kentucky requires the driver to carry a medical card in a vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs but under 26,001 lbs… INTRAstate. I found INTERstate drivers must carry the card, but cannot verify whether or not an INTRAstate driver needs to.
Thank you!
@ Patrick
Most states want you to carry your medical card at all times, especially while driving a commercial vehicle.
as an employer am I required to keep expired medical certificate’s on file when the driver obtains a new one.
@Thomas
Not positive, but I don’t think so.
Once you have a new medical certificate in hand it does not make sense to maintain the old one. The CME must maintain the drivers medical certificate for three years or more, but not the employer, unless there is some HIPPA policy for keeping records longer.
If someone is already diabetes exempted and soon needs to fax in annual vision evaluation checklist, is the vision exam anytime during that 12 months valid. I know when initially applying for exemption it has a time frame but wanted to check on annual exam time frame once a person is exempted.
@Lelynn
The CME will accept a valid eye examination, but he may still want to do a brief visual acuity examination at the time of the medical examination. The closer you can get the examination to the date of the medical exam, the better. Waiting for a year may be stretching it a bit.
I am being told that since the company paid for my dot exam (as a part of orientation) they will not give me the long form. The clinic they sent me to packed everything in a sealed envelope and they are refusing to give me a copy of my own long form. I looked up the regs:
FMCSR 391.43 sub-part g:
(g) Upon completion of the medical examination required by this subpart:
(1) The medical examiner must date and sign the Medical Examination Report and provide his or her full name, office address, and telephone number on the Report.
(2) If the medical examiner finds that the person examined is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with § 391.41(b), he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who requests it.
Is anyone else having this problem?
@Terrence
You are not the first, and won’t be the last. You received the medical certificate when your got your medical card, but you want the long form. By law the examiner has to provide you with a full copy of your medical long form. These are a part of your medical records and the examiner has to keep them on file for no less that three years. Now he may charge you a copying fee or something like that, but he has to provide a copy to you.
The doctor said i need a sleep study done, will the at home sleep study be sufficient? I can not find any information on an at home sleep study and DOT regulations.
@Devon
Why did the doctor say you needed a sleep study? There are a lot of criteria that must be met before sending someone for a sleep study. See our articles on Sleep Apnea.
And to my knowledge there isn’t any qualified CME that is going to accept a home study without a sleep specialist overseeing the test and the test results.
My medical card expired. How long do I have to renew it?
@Jeff
You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
Each state is different in the time-frame they take to downgrade your CDL.
I received a letter from the department of transportation and knew I needed my physical for my Class A. I thought I needed the physical by May 20th but I received my drivers license without CDL and then looked back at paperwork and saw that it was May 2nd. Can I contest this so I don’t have to redo all of my training?
Can i still use my own doctor for my dot physical
@Douglas
Starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers must have the DOT physical completed by a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
I am curious to know if a major corporation is required to handle the whens and where’s to a DOT physical or if it is solely on a driver to remember that they have a DOT physical due… My brother, is a driver for a major company, and they are constantly changing trucks based on routes in which they have to drive their supply to. originally from another state, we moved where we are now, he transferred between DC’s in the company, in which the old DC would remind him, that he had so many days to get driver physical done, the new DC did not remind him and has gotten very upset at him because DOT physical has lapsed, by this causing a suspension in his DOT CDL. while trying to transfer from one state to the other. Now he has 10 days to get it fixed or the company will fire him, so I ask, Is it the company’s responsibility to make sure that he gets the physical or is it his own? I can understand if he was an owner/operator that it would be his fault, but under a big corporation I would believe that it would be the corporate jurisdiction to make sure that he gets his physical ( North Carolina)
@James
You need to start with ‘what is the company policy?’ Most companies do not keep that type of record and some do.
That being said, the company also has to have an updated drivers record on file or they are finable for not doing so.
Ultimately it is the driver’s responsibility to keep and maintain his medical card current.
How soon can I renew my DOT physical? It is 9 months before it will expire, but I will be out of the country when it does. Can I renew now?
@Ernest
You can redo your medical card any time you want to.
The most important thing is to keep it current on file with your state drivers license department.
I have a valid DOT card that will expire next year (03/2016). When I got hired on to a job back in November 2014, they required me to take another DOT physical. I just received a letter from the DPS stating they downgraded by license because my DOT card expired. The one that expired was from the job not the one I currently have. The DPS states that the one from the job supersedes the one that will not expire until next year. Can they do that?
@gholmes
Each time a DOT medical card is issued, then the last one becomes invalid. Most of the time when this occurs it is because of injury or illness that took the driver from behind the wheel and he was seen as ‘unfit for duty’. Each time a new card is issued it is usually because the driver has returned for a new DOT examination to be deemed ‘fit for duty’ again. Your last medical card supersedes anything before. If you have a valid medical card from 11-14 and it is good to 11-16, then just make sure that your DPS has a valid copy so they can re-enstate your license.
I was pulled over today and hit with a fine for not having a medical card. I definetly have one, just couldn’t seem to find it. He tried to look me up and still no luck. Can I get this dropped by showing proof that I do have a medical card and that it was valid at the time the ticket was issued?
@Brian
Not real sure about it. You will need to check with the department that wrote you the ticket, once you can prove your innocence.
If you work for a company and drive their pick up truck do you need a medical examiners certificate if the truck’s weight is less than 10,000 lbs.?
@Michelle
Depends on the state. In some states any vehicle that is being used for commerce needs to have a driver with a valid medical card. That is not the same thing as a CDL.
So your best bet is to check with your state DLD to get the most appropriate answer. (and a lot of DOT is looking at the trucks capability of weight hauling, not what it actually hauls.)
I FAILED THE BP CHECK AND WAS ISSUED A 3 MO.CERTIFICATE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD BP MEDS PRESCRIBED AND MY BP IS NOW NORMAL. DO I HAVE TO PAY THE DOT PHYSICAL FEE ALL OVER AGAIN TO GET MY 1 YEAR CERT? OR DOES THE DO JUST NEED TO TAKE MY BP,LOOK AT THE DOCUMENTS AND SIGN OFF WITHOUT ME PAYING THE EXAM FEE($125.00) AGAIN?..THANK YOU..
@Ron
(In CAPS is like YELLING and also difficult to read)
Each office is different, some will just get the reading and issue the one year card. It does take time and people power to make it all happen, some offices charge a smaller fee for updating your card. You’ll have to check with the office that did the examination.
Am I, as an employer, required to have a copy of the DOT long form in the state of California before I allow a driver to start driving?
@Tammy
By law you have to have a copy of the drivers medical certificate.
If you have a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect the drivers personal medical records and it is the company policy to have a copy of the long form, then that’s the companies policy.
Once you have a medical certificate in hand, you may want to confirm that it is valid, by calling the examiners office and confirming the medical card’s validity.
My medical card experied in may 6, 2015, can they suspend my driver license. How many days do I have to renew it after that. How many days do I have to take it to the Texas department on transportation?
@Karla
Once your medical card expires, yopur state drivers license department can downgrade your license.
Each state’s process is different. You’ll need to contact your state DLD about your status.
I currently have a Pennsylvania Cdl. Ive been in the process of moving to West Virginia. I just got issued a new 2 year medical card showing my new West Virginia address but under my PA Cdl #. When i switch to a WV Cdl what do i have to do to have my medical card show the new WV cdl# but no change of address?
@Dude
Just ask the the DOT examiners office to change your medical card: change drivers license information from one state to the other.
They may charge a few bucks for the time and all, but it shouldn’t be a big issue.
my husband went to take dot physical and drug screen to get a dot med card for class a license he passed everything with flying colors until doctor asked him to hold arms out well he failed him because he says he had tremors and said he needed to go to a neurologist and be cleared and when asked for referral to do so he flat out refuses to submit a referral and my husband has a slight shake but its nerves due to a traumatic childhood and its a occasional occurance not often at all and its very light when it does happen and it mainly only happens when hes really anxious “eg: doctor staring at him” what should we do in your opinion is it feasable in your opinion to get a different doctor to do a new one and is this something that that the doctor should in fact disqualify him for he is 47yrs old and no medical history and no alcohol /drug use and never has had any health problem except for common cold/ flu. any advice would greatly be appreciated
@Tonica
The slight tremors may have set the CME off, but it is not a disqualifier.
Get a medical release form from his primary doctor explain the situation and you should be good to go.
If that does not get it done, then you may be dealing with someone who is over-reading their position. If in fact this is not a real concern and does not effect the driver’s ability to operate a CMV safely, then have another examination done somewhere else, but start with the primary doctors medical release form.
I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal and have been prescribed it by my doctor .is the use of this drug disqualifying for interstate driving even tho it’s for medical reasons which do not disqualify me from driving?
@Alex
Well, if you can convince the fed that it’s OK then best of luck to you. Until you get part done, the FMCSA / DOT says that it is a drug that is an instant disqualifier for any commercial driver doing interstate driving. Pretty much end of subject.
My medical certification expires in a week. I failed the dot examination and was temporarily disqualified due to a knee injury. I should be ok in 2 to 3 weeks and given a clearance by the orthopedist; but what should I do in the meantime to keep from having my CDL downgraded.(State of Texas)thanks
@Thomas
Check with your state Drivers License Department. They have to take into consideration that you are unable to do your job due to the injury and you must be medically fit for duty to get a medical card that will pass. Take a note from your doctor to support your claim.
Do I need to take a Drug Test to keep my CDL valid even though I have not been selected to take one? I have not received a random drug screen for almost a year.
@DC
No, your employer will set that up for you. It is not something you need to do for yourself.
We live in ohio. Is there a certain A1C level required to operate a commercial vehicle?
@Brenda
Our focus on this website is Federal regulations. FMCSA has a set of regulations and each state has their own rules and regulations.
This sounds like a question for your state Drivers License Department.
Good evening,
Quoting” Until January 30th 2012 you will be required to carry a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate/card while operating a commercial motor vehicle and your carrier will be required to maintain copy in your driver qualification file. After January 30 2014 you will no longer be required to carry. After January 30,2014 you will no longer be required to carry a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate/card and your motor carrier will no longer be required to maintain a copy in the driver qualification file. This Information will be maintained on your driving record. ”
I am looking for information regarding Medical certification. Has this rule been enforced yet? Also Is a state by state case. I am hearing different stories. A student asked me if they need to still carry there medical card with them in the CMV, even though they have self certified. According to out text book it states yes and to be honest it is not very clear in the FMCSA Book. As I had tried to find the information. I am hoping you could help me answer the question or at least point me in the right direction.
Thank you very much
@Jennifer
The goal posts for the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) keep moving.
See this article Hold Onto Your Medical Card Paper Copy for more information.
My husband would like to know if he has to take a physical if he will only be driving in the state of Ohio, he has self certified catagory3?
@Nancy
Our scope of information on this website is aimed at Federal regulations.
Each state has their own regulations for Intrastate drivers.
Category 3: Non-Excepted Intrastate is subject to Ohio state driver qualification requirements. You’ll need to check with your local Drivers License Department to find out if he needs a medical card.
My ? is I have went and got my physical done. was given a 90 day Card and ask to have my hearing tested from a hearing institute got hearing aids and they programed them to get me back to work and released me to go back. the company witch is schneider national says the letter that was given by hearing doctor is not good enough but the doctor that gave me physical ok it.. now im stuck without a job. can I go to another company to work or get another physical with this 90 day card cause they also ask me to get my blood pressure checked by MD it was 140/96 or do I need clear everything thru this Doctor that gave me exam before I can drive again.
@Donald
Get your blood pressure under control, and have your hearing aid in when you retest for the DOT and you will be just fine.
Get medical release form(s) from your doctor(s) for the hearing aids and the blood pressure medications.
my home sleep study results are I have a mild form of sleep apnea doc says treatable with a mouth piece to move my lower jaw forward , but now hes telling me that I have to get a cpac for dot is that accurate information
@Gary
Not really. The mouth piece may do the trick, but you will need to be using the unit for a period of time before you would know that it’s working and not interfering with your sleep patterns. After the waiting period, then you need to have your doctor fill out a medical release form stating that the device is working as expected. Toughest part is most CME don’t have enough information to make a determination regarding proper compliance with the device. Your doctors explanation and his medical release done for you will be a huge help answering most of the CME’s questions right up front.
My class B medical card for the state of California is due to be updated by March 15 2015. Am I still required to get the medical card updated even though I am presently unemployed? I have an appointment to do so but it can’t be done until April 4th, 2015 with my doctor. Will I be penalized for not having it done by the due date? Please reply. Thank you.
Hello,
Sleep study shows `17.9, doctor does not want to sign off ..he is now wanting in lab study. What are the <20 AHI for untreated, ( dont this mean i do not need a cpap)? No crashes ,,,no sleepiness during day. What should i do? I told them i dont have a problem with sleepy day. Go to work 6am home at 5pm in my bed. Please help ..Thanks
@Sam
Have to wonder what triggered the CME to warrant a sleep study?
If it was just BMI and neck size, then you may want to ask some serious questions. BMI and neck size are the easiest to do and the least effective forms of diagnosis. There are about 8 criteria that should be met before a sleep study is requested. If the CME will not answer the questions about his determining factors, then you might want to consider going somewhere else for you examination next time.
What are the 8?. This is what i was told, male, >50, neck>17,BMI is 29.7,BP meds, throws me in to sleep study..Get to sleep dr and he tells me after looking in mouth,bp,weight and height with a finger reading of 96…that he did not think i have it..but we must prove it to DOT.
@Sam
He does not need to prove anything to the DOT.
The CME is saying he has questions, and the medical doctor who does these tests is saying you don’t have sleep apnea.
Just get the medical doctor to write in on a medical release form that he feels the test is unwarranted and go from there.
The CME is trying to cover his behind and the medical doctor that does sleep studies is the expert here, so get the medical release and if CME is unsatisfied, go elsewhere for your physical.
Sleep apnea screening is a much misunderstood issue in the world of DOT medical certification. To better understand the issues, for both drivers and doctors, read this set of articles on our blog, about Sleep Apnea Issues.
this was my point with the sleep study, the doctor did not mark it as medical…so the sleep machine place said CAN NOT RUN THUR INSURANCE SINCE DOCTOR DID NOT MARK IT MEDICAL. Had to pay for it out of pocket. The Sleep doctor and CME are owned by the hospital which is all same gang. This has been a mess and very stressful event in my life. That is why i went for second CME check 40 days after my first and dealing with NIGHTMARE. Almost makes a good driver want to leave this job.
What documents does an employer need from a physician after a CDL employee returns from an appointment (reguardless of the reason for appointment)
@LR
If it was for some minor illness, then you need a doctor’s release to return to work.
If the illness was sufficient enough to take the driver from behind the wheel, then he needs a new DOT medical card and updated DOT examination.
Is there an exemption for vision that doesn’t conform to the regulations ? And how do I get this form?
@Bob
Here is the link for the FMCSA website to get the Federal vision waiver information.
Check with your state DLD for information about intrastate exemptions.
My employer in the hazardous waste business wants me to get a pre-employment DOT Physical for a Transportation Manager position. I do not have a CDL and have no intention of driving or obtaining a CDL. I do not see the need for me to have a DOT Physical as I am not in a truck and do not plan to be involved with any hazardous material. Why do they want me to get a DOT Physical? and will this subject me to the same random alcohol/drug screening as my drivers?
@Matt
Check with your HR department to get the best answer to this question. It may just be the company policy.
I am currently dependent on insulan, I am a Type 1 diebetic in California. Later this month I am going on a 24 hour monitoring system by Dexcom with a wireless Omnipod pump that delivers the insulan. With this system in place, no more needles, would I need an exemption to obtain Commercial drivers licence? This new system will inform me 24 hours a day with alarms if sugar count even starts to drop or go to high. This is like having a perfect working pancreas. Hope somebody can offer some insight. I work for a company that is pushing me to get my Commercial Driver license if I want to promote.
@Robert
More then likely you will still need the diabetes waiver.
It’s not about how the insulin is administered, it’s about the insulin. Check with California DLD to make a final determination.
In Montana if my medical card has expired by 5 days does it automatically mean that I have to retake my cdl test I’ll renew my medical card asap I have not been driving
@ Jane
Most likely you just need to get a fresh copy of your medical to the state DLD. 5 days is not a big thing and you don’t live in a state like California, which could be a major problem.
Can someone under 21 with an intrastate CDL operate solely within the confines of a state other than the state of his CDL? Is he limited to operating only within the state of his CDL or is it just that he can’t cross from one state to another?
@Drew
Can’t speak for every state, but suspect that the under age cdl is limited to your state only. Check with your state drivers license department.
Do you lose your CDL license if you are “temporarily disqualified” for a minor injury?
@Beth
No. You must complete a new medical examination following any illness or injury that takes you from behind the wheel. So once you are completely healed and there are no restrictions or limitations, you should be good to go.
I work for the state of Ohio (department of Rehabilitation and Correction. I am sometimes asked to drive a class b dump truck. I have a Class a CDL, but my medical card had expired. If I do not drive out of the state of Ohio for a class B vehicle. Do I need to renew my medical card.
Joe
@joe
Each state is a bit different. In Utah you have to have a valid medical card to have a class A or B license. Operating any vehicle that requires a commercial driver license requires a valid medical card. You could check with your state DLD and see what the rules are in your state.
What is the employer’s responsibility when printing MVR’s and the medical certification is not listed on the form by the state? Will state’s be fined if they are not consistent with adding the certification to the MVR? Will employer’s be notified when the state makes a decision to suspend someone’s license if they have not submitted a new certificate by the expiration date?
If you are going for an “intrastate” class B commercial license physical in California, does the examine have to be performed by a CME on the registry ? I have not been able to find any information that clarifies this.
@Dave
As far as I understand it, any commercial driver has to have their medical examination done by a CME. But check with your state DLD to confirm this statement.
I took a pre – employment drug test and passed it, would I still have to take another drug test during DOT exam???
@Adrian
Drug screens are used to hire. DOT requires a urine test to evaluate proper kidney function, not drug testing.
My physician only granted me a 2 month medical card to do a sleep study. Can’t even get an appointment with in that time and I am being told 2 weeks for results. Shouldn’t I have been given 3 months?
@Gerald
Unless there is specific reasoning as to why they are requesting a sleep study, then you may be being taken advantage of.
There are no new rulings regarding sleep apnea and the CME is not the person to make that determination. So unless there is a real concern regarding your sleep, go somewhere else for your DOT examination.
For more information on this issue, read the Sleep Apnea articles on our blog.
What drugs are required to be testef for by the fmsca and dot ? Is it a 5,7 or 9 panel test?
@Bill
Five panel.
My physical runs out in a couple of days, if i dont get it in to the state by the due date, 20th, what happens. Do i just get it in asap after the due date? Will i get fined ? Etc? Ill be waiting on your answer. Thanks
@Danny
Each state is different.You’ll need to check with your state. Just get your paperwork filed with the state as soon as you can. There is probably some length of grace period for filing.
However… there is no grace period for driving a CMV with an expired medical card. Your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. DO NOT drive on an expired medical card.
Question – I am a Non-CDL driver in the state of Washington who has to get a DOT physical every 2 years. The form I was given by my employer has a drug screen box and a DOT physical box. Both boxes are checked. When I asked what the deal was I was told a drug screen is a DOT requirement. This is the first time in 10 years that I’ve worked for this company other than Pre-Employment that I’ve been told I need a drug screen. I’m just wondering if there were any changes to Washington’s laws in particular. I’m having a hard time finding an answer to this question so if you can point me in the right direction that would be great. Been all over WSDOT and WA DOL websites with no luck. Thank you for your time and I apologize for the long post.
@Matt
Your employer can request a drug screen, if he is paying for it, but it is not a mandatory test for the DOT physical exam.
Is it legal in all states for the EMPLOYER to have a copy of the long form?
@Debbie
If it is company policy and the company can supply you with a HIIPA compliance policy, then they can ask for a copy of the long form.
In reality, all they need is a copy of the medical certificate.
Thanks!
What are the DOT regulation for Michigan? I’m type 2 taking pills. My a1c is 9.4 It used to be 10. It dropped in one month. I was extended to 3 months before that. I need to go back and get extended for nine months. Will I’ll be able to get that?
@Mike
It sounds like the main question is aimed at your state. Just check with your state DLD to see what their rulings on your issue are. Each state is different, and we answer mostly federal DOT’s and the FMCSA rulings.
I wondering if a CME @ one of these emergency care places has the right to make you undergo a sleep apnea test even though we do not travel long distances ( generally no more than 25 miles out and back , most days just in town ) Our trucks have no sleepers on them , all day cab trucks in our fleet . We normally don’t work over 10 hours a day . My high blood pressure is under control through my personal doctor which is checked every 3-4 months at his office He said he would only give me a 90 day card until I get that done . He also said something about renewal was 30 days at a time . Sure sounds flakey to me , like they are just trying to make more money for return visits because my company pays for our physicals and has our emergency treatment through them . Several of us have had problems even with our old company doctor . All of them see this as money machine to get you back in the office again so can ring their cash register again . Trust me there is still abuse in the new system with these crooked medical outfits that specialize in drug tests and workman’s comp. cases . If it quacks like a duck , it must be a duck , right ?
@Dennis
The short answer is, NO they cannot just arbitrarily screen for sleep apnea testing. Sleep apnea screening is a much misunderstood issue in the world of DOT medical certification.
See our blog articles on Sleep Apnea to better understand what is happening, and where you stand.
I have a valid medical card which expires 3 /16. Got a new job and employer required a dot physical. I took it and was issued another card however it was only for 1 yr due to elevated blood pressure. It expires 8/15. Old card is one registered with dmv. Do I need to register new card with dmv?
@Dan
Old card is registered with the DMV and the new card is registered with the FMCSA. Right now that is not a major issue.
If the rulings go through in January of 2015 where the two systems are linked, it may be a problem, later down the line.
Your best bet is get the BP under control so it doesn’t become an issue for your medical card.
Once you had the second physical for a new med card, the first one becomes null & void. You should self-certify the second Med card with your state.
I am presently on workers comp, and about to endure back surgery. my medical card is going to expire in 1 week. do I have to get it renewed, or do I wait to take the exam?
@Glen
You will need to wait until you are fit to drive again.
Even if you passed the test right now, if you are going to be out from behind the wheel for any medical reason, then you need a new medical examination to go back to driving.
@Glen
Heal up first and then take the DOT examination. Otherwise you are going to have to take two examinations before returning to driving. Good Luck
is peripheral neuropathy a immediate disqualification on a DOT physical?
@Kurt
It could be if it interferes with your ability to operate a CMV safely.
If it does not interfere, then get a medical release form completed by your primary doctor and take it with you when you go for your DOT physical. Good Luck.
thanks for the quick reply, and i appreciate the help.
Ok so. I have a question. I currently have a 2 year medical certification. Was issued 5 months ago. I was evaluated for everything like normal and now sleep apnea. I passed all obviously since I got two years. I went to oreintation for a new company that required a new medical cert. I passed all conditions but because my bmi is over sleep apnea thresholds but nothing else the examiner is requiring a sleep study. Does this negate my old cert? Them saying I only get a 3 month certification? Or is it still valid? I am wondering because I personally think it is absurd to assume a driver has sleep apnea due too size alone in one persons opinion. I was just cleared 5 months ago and since have actually lost weight. Not significant but 18 pounds.
I do want to say I am not looking to “shop” around. I’m just wondering is it possible the old opinion is still viable. I mean this is such a wide open field of opinions right now that’s one reason the gov put a halt to fmsca to putting rules in place about such an openly interpreted area as sleep apnea laws without proper studies
@Good Trucker
Your old card is still valid.
And there are no regulations to determine sleep study testing. See our blog posts on Sleep Apnea for more information.
So unless this is a company policy and they are paying for it, you might want to reconsider the company.
I want to know what the legal limit of Blood sugar test is and still be able to drive a class A tractor Trailer. I want an actual number not it’s got to be in the normal range answer.
@Michael
There are no hard set numbers for your condition.
You need a medical release form completed by your endocrinologist stating that your condition in stable and under control.
The medical examiner is looking for a confirmation that you are being treated and that the doctor’s treatment is safe, adequate and effective.
Your endocrinologist can give you specific numbers if you need them, but in most cases all they have is a range for normal, since everyone is different.
When taking my Pa DOT physical my blood glucose was 147. The doctor wants an A1C done. At my last physical my A1C was 8.8 .I was told then below 10 was Penn DOT requirement. This time I’m told it is below 9. What is it?
@Gary
It sounds like Penn has its own rules and regulations, so check with your state Drivers License Department and see what they say.
What is the maximum A1C reading and still qualify for a PA DOT medical card
@Gary
Diabetes must be under control, and you should have a medical release form completed by your primary physician. This will help answer any questions the medical examiner will have. Also the DOT physical exam will test for sugar in your urine.
Is it illegal for my employer to withhold my dot physical long form if I request it from them
@Rod
Don’t request it from them. Just look on your medical certificate for the medical examiner’s phone number and call the doctor’s office that did the exam to begin with. They can fax you a copy.
Do Government drivers who cross state lines for transporting medical patients to dr, visits need medical certificates? Vans are reimbursed through 5311 FTA program. Do any vans 16 passenger, or up to 15 passenger need DOT numbers to cross state lines? We have both sized vans.
@Jane
This is more of a state related question, so check with the driver license departments of the states you are driving through.
If a doctor places a card on MEDICAL HOLD pending an experts medical opinion – can I seek a seconded opinion from a more knowledge Doctor certified in DOT exams, and can that seconded opinion Doctor reinstate my privileges, if he strongly disagrees with the 1st doctors assessment? What would I need to do – to do this?
@Allen
Everything depends on why the medical examiner put you on a medical hold until further assessment is completed. There is not enough information here to answer the question.
The medical hold; was in regard to a medication prescribed by an internal medicine physician and a board certified psychiatrist since 2003; with numerous DOT physical’s taken without a medical hold in regards to the medication for ADHD. Since it was clear that the physician performing the DOT physical lacked the clinical education in regards to the medication and its application for ADHD. Is it permissible to seek out a DOT physician, who is educated in the understanding of the medical condition and medication utilized? So the question is “May a person who discovers that the DOT doctor performing the physical is not qualified to make the determination” seek another physician certified under DOT to issue a medical certification based upon their superior knowledge of the condition. Yes, I found another doctor that was willing to do it because of their superior knowledge.
I was in a Motorcycle accident 1 year ago. In that accident I had a Traumatic Brain injury. Since that accident 1 year ago I have had no seizures and I am on no medication. I ride my motorcycle 3 to 4 days a week. I drive 100 miles round trip there and back to work. I used my pickup and pulled my motorcycle trailer to New Hampshire and back for bike week. I used my pickup and pulled my Corvette to Carlisle Pa and back. I have had no physical problems. My Boss rides motorcycles with me and also rides the same distance to work. The question is can I be released to drive? I drive a oil/gasoline tanker.
@Jim
Make sure you have your medical release form completed by your neurologist and take it with you when you get your medical for DOT done.
In most cases you are required to wait for one year post accident, so you should be good to go.
WONDERING IF WE HAVE TO LEGALLY GIVE A COPY OF THE LONG FORM PHYSICAL TO THE CDL HOLDER WHEN HE TERMINATES EMPLOYMENT EVEN IF OUR COMPANY PAYS FOR THE D.O.T. PHYSICAL?
@Carla
Your past employee should have received a copy of his long form when he had the examination originally.
But if all you have to do is give him a copy, then why not?
Can anyone to me if you can get a cdl physical if your doing dialious.
DR. HAS CLEARED ME TO DRIVE.
@Dee
I am assuming you mean dialysis?
You will be restricted to traveling intra-state only, if your state allows you to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
You cannot drive interstate as a CMV operator.
I have a class D license..do i need a medical card from a state certified doctor also?
@Steve
Depends on your state regulations.
A place to start would be to understand What Self-Certification Means –
Depends on the type of commercial driving you do.
Depends on your State regulations, which you can check with your local drivers license department.
hello doc,
a fellow driver quit his OTR position for health reasons. Upon searching for local employment, he had a DOT physical and was NOT hired, but given a 1 month card due to blood pressure. Is there such a thing as a 1 month card? Physical was done in WI. Also, I understand everything to ultimately fall onto the “driver’s responsibility” but in the above docs/questions it is not clear on who exactly updates the state/gov’t of health changes (in this case a degrade of cert). Do ME, or the new registered ME’s, update the state or is this all on the driver? thanks!
@Hobart
1 month card was to push the driver to get his blood pressure under control. Once under control, the examiner will increase the card expiration date out to possibly one year, if all is well.
Secondly, the medical examiner is responsible for getting the information to the FMCSA. The driver is responsible to get it to the state and to their employer.
thanks for a quick reply doc, have a safe holiday weekend!
a lot of wonderful information here. great site, great work.
@Hobart
Thank you for your appreciation. We’re all taking a break this weekend. You too, have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Does a driver with a CDL license have to have a valid medical card if they are driving a vehicle that is under commercial weight(small truck or van) that would not normally require a CDL license?
@Rob
If the driver has a class A license interstate he must maintain a valid medical card to keep his class A, no matter what he is driving.
It’s not the vehicle, it’s the CDL license class and type of commercial driving, that determines the requirement for a DOT medical card. This may differ from state to state for intrastate drivers.
Two follow ups. Would that include personal vehicle? What if the driver had a Class B license?
1. The medical card requirement is determined by the type (interstate vs intrastate) of commercial driving you do.
2. Interstate – you need a medical card.
Intrastate – check with your state/local DLD for class requirements.
Our expertise and advice is focused on the medical issues related to commercial driving.
Contact your drivers license department for licensing related questions.
I was denied a job because I told them I have omitted to take for migraines. Do migraine headaches disquiet you for a CDL ?
@Debra
Not if the condition can be treated successfully.
It’s when your condition interferes with your ability to safely operate a CMV, that you will be disqualified. If your condition is under control, then get a medical release form completed by your primary doctor and take it to the DOT examination.
You might also try the HR department of the company. With proper documentation, you may be hireable.
If you’re 50 year of age. How often you have to renew your dl51?
@George
If you are asking about California medical certification, then you redo the DL51 long form each time you have a medical examination to renew your DOT medical card. Age has nothing to do with it. The expiration date on your card will tell you when you need to renew.
how much time do you get to have after your dot physical to get to your dmv?how long is the period of time given?
@Bruce
Technically, you need to get your new DOT card information to DMV by midnight of the date that your previous medical card expires. Each of the states is trying to play catch-up, so some states are behind and are allowing a little time before it all hits the system. In the future, once the systems are set up you should allow a few weeks for processing, so get your new information in early.
If you have sleep apnea, what are the required hours of use for a CPAP, and other CPAP requirements of use are required by law.
@Paul
It is a percent of time used, like 80% of your time spent sleeping.
So check with your primary care provider for what his best recommendations are for you.
If a driver has a false med card, will the dot suspense their license without informing that driver first
@Del
I hope so. Most drivers are unaware that DOT as well as Highway Patrol are calling to confirm medical cards. So if he is stopped for any reason, he may be shutdown right then and his CDL may be in jeopardy.
How long do we have before our new employee has to get an MEC and can they drive during this period.
@Roxanne
The moment you hire a driver he should have a MEC. There is no grace period.
As long as he is not driving a vehicle that is being used for commerce then he can drive on a basic drivers license. But a commercial vehicle has no exceptions, and no grace period.
Yes I went for physical close to 30days ago and they one I got is good till 2016 but dr wouldn’t give it to me because I was on mild pain meds have been for couple yrs is my old physical still good or how does that work?I’m off meds now fixn to go back for physical for same job is she allowed todo this over mild pain meds n new laws?thanks
@Ronnie
Basically it boils down to the side effects of the meds. If you are off the meds and there are no residual effects, then you should be just fine. And yes, she can do this, because she sees you as a risk to yourself and the public at large.
The CDL box on my DOT card is marked no. Does this prevent me from getting a CDL or do I need to get my card updated?
@John
If you didn’t have a CDL at the time of your examination and now you do have a CDL, I would check with the medical examiner and have him make a new card with the CDL box marked. It makes for less confusion with the DOT guys.
Can your Employer not accept a valid medical because they require you to go only to their Doctor.
@Eugene
Rights vs company policy? If the policy was there before you hired on, then I would go with policy, especially if they are paying for your new DOT medical.
Yes. If company policy stipulates that employees are required to only obtain physicals from company approved physicians, then it is a condition of employment, and you are required to comply.
While getting a DOT Physical, I was told I wasn’t in compliance with my OSA.
While at home and getting in compliance I applied at a defferent company. At this time I am in compliance with OSA. But this medical examiner wants be to get a release sign by the doctor and go to family doctor also and get a release sign for the diabetes I have.
Am I disqualified to drive if I go elsewhere and pass a physical with just my compliance for OSA.
@Merritt
With the new FMCSA requirements for the DOT examiners, the answer should be NO.
With your present conditions, I would just have your primary healthcare provider fill out the medical release form for both your OSA and your diabetes.
Then, with the forms in hand, go get your DOT exam. The examiner now has all the information he needs to complete your DOT examination.
The disqualification would be that you gave incomplete and misleading information on the DOT long form and you lose your medical card completely. Not real sure that it’s worth it.
Is there a way for the DOT to verify if an individual should have a card? I work with a fellow who was denied by two different facilities to get one ( he has a pacemaker and a device in his back for pain, as well as diabetes) he self paid another facility and was issued a 2 year card. I verified with the facility it is good till 9/25/2015. When he filled out the long form he indicated nothing was wrong and he only takes vitamins.
It seems very unsafe for facilities that issue DOT Med Cards that do not check information with at least a primary doctor to verify if the party seeking the Medical Card is using false information to do so.
@Linda
Basically what happens is the driver is required to fill out his long form. It states on the bottom of the long form that he signs, that all the information is true and any mis-information or falsification makes the medical card invalid.
It is not up to the DOT examiner to confirm or deny that a driver has told the truth. However, the medical examiner should have observed indications during the physical examination, that there’s more going on here than the driver stated in the Health History, and question the driver. Most likely this was the case in the facilities that disqualified him.
If he were to tell the truth and get his medical release filled out by his primary healthcare provider, then he may qualify for a one year card. If your driver has lied on his medical form, then what else will he lie about? He is placing himself, your business, and the public at risk at this point.
This is less likely to occur with the new Certified Medical Examiner requirements, since May 21, 2014, and the online data capture that CMEs are required to make for the DOT physical exams they conduct.
I live in south Texas along the border. A company from Mexico who drives across the border into Texas asked me to perform a DOT physicals on their drivers who have identification for Mexico only. They do not have valid U.S licenses. Nor live here. Are we able to complete this exam and issue medical cards.
Lisa
@Lisa
It raises questions for sure.
But the medical certificate is ONLY a statement, from the examiner, that the individual is medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle, not permission to operate a CMV. No valid license, is still against the law to operate a CMV in the good ole USA.
YOU STATE THAT THE ORIGINAL FORM NEEDS TO BE ON FILE FRO 3 YRS BUT WE ARE CURRENTLY ELECTRONIC MED RECORDS SO WE JUST SCAN THEM INTO THE COMPUTER AND THEN THE PT. GETS THE ORIGINAL IS THAT OK?
@Michelle
I will assume that there is a digital backup routinely. If that is the case, I believe you would be fine, as long as you can still access those records if asked for a copy or verification by a driver, company, or law enforcement.
Can a driver take Neurontin and drive a motor vehicle under DOT FMCSA
@Denise
This one will really depend on the reasons you take Neurontin.
If you are using it for seizure control, then the answer is no, until you get an exemption.
If it’s for restless legs, then make sure you bring a note from your primary care provider indicating your medication usage.
My a1c level is a 8.9 can a obtain a dot a physical
@Willie
It really depends on what you’re doing to control, and how you’re controlling your condition, as to whether you could pass your medical exam.
I understand the the regulations for Vision on a DOT physical are 20/40. However I have have 20/20 vision in my right eye and 20/20 vision in both eyes together but have 20/50 in my left eye. Could i get a waiver to cover the other 10 on the left eye since I can see perfect with them together??
@ Christian
The ruling with FMCSA and the DOT states that you must be no less than 20/40 in each eye. So to answer your question, yes you can get awaiver for your vision. I would check with FMCSA and find out what the process is to get the waiver. I have quite a few driver that have gone throught the process. They say it just takes a little time, but the process was not too bad.
The medical examiner who gave me my physical wrote “INTRASTATE ONLY” on my dot medical card because i was not 21 at the time. I was going to turn 21 in a month. Before that, they refused to give me a physical on the grounds that I was not 21 however the trucking school I was enrolled in explained to them that I in fact could get a physical exam under 21. The problem is now that the self certify law is in place I cannot certify interstate now that Im 21 and legally able to do so. The medical examiner is refusing to replace the card without a new physical which is going to cost an extra 95 dollars on top of the 95 Ive already paid. The card doesnt expire til 12/17/2015. Is this legal? I’ve never heard of them writing intrastate only and refusing to simply update the fact that Im 21 now I feel it was illegal to ever write intrastate only in the first place. I have no restricting medical conditions and nothing has changed in the last 2 months
Because you were not 21 at the time of the physical, you were not eligible to receive an interstate medical card. The physician is under no obligation to change your intrastate medical card to interstate, and quite frankly, it would be foolish of him to do that without having you undergo a current medical examination. It’s unfortunate that you were just shy of 21 when you took your physical, but that’s just the way life goes sometimes. My advice: Spend the $95 on a new physical, and get a new valid interstate medical card. Look at it as an investment in your future.
If you are a company with employees who need a DOT physical, do you need to send a copy to dmv or fmcsa or dot or do you just keep a copy on file
@CT
As a company, I believe, all you need to do is keep a copy of the medical certificate on file. As a company, if you are audited by DOT then you must have a medical certificate on file for each driver required to have a medical certificate.
Just remember that each driver needs to send a copy of their medical certificate to their home state DMV to update their driver’s license record.
Can a potential employer make me pay for a pre-employment medical examination under any conditions?
@Max
More questions than answers here.
If your employer is requesting a basic medical examination, then I do not believe he has any right to request such a thing.
If your employer is requesting a valid medical examination for your valid medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle — Then he has the right to request a copy of your medical certificate, not your medical records, unless he has a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect your medical records privacy.
The medical certificate may be a part of the hiring process. But a medical examination for a job???
How long to I have to keep copies of my drivers physicals?
@Bev
Depends whether driver, company, or medical examiner.
See more info on this page, question: What do I do with the medical certificate and long form?
For the driver or company, I would keep it until I have a new one to replace it.
I lost my dot physical card and the doctor claims not to have a copy either what should I do?
@Shane
Looks like you don’t have any option other than to get another physical done and get a new card.
P.S. The doctor is supposed to keep records on file for at least 3 years, so they should have it. But this may become a hassle that’s not worth pursuing.
Does a physician have a duty to report a condition like hypoglycemia to authorities if the CDL driver has a currently valid certification?
@Kelly
If a driver suffers with a condition like hypoglycemia, then the driver may be a danger to himself and the public at large.
Hypoglycemia is a progressive condition and can cause the driver to become unresponsive while driving.
So a doctor who diagnoses such a condition should be pulling the medical certificate, until the driver has this condition evaluated and ultimately under control. Once the condition is stable and under control then he can return to normal work duties with a new medical certificate.
It isn’t about the medical certificate, it’s about safety and the health of the driver.
Question – Can a company force to use a specific place for the DOT physicals just because they worked out a deal to save 12.00 on exam per person. The driver still pays, does not get paid back. He has been using one for numerous years and where he works is saying it’s company policy but was never told to drivers when it came about.
@Leah
Any company can establish a working relationship with another company. And if it is your company’s policy for all drivers to go to one specific company, then that’s the policy.
Ask the company, “If I get my physical done somewhere else, will it still be accepted?”
If not, then it’s a strict policy, and you don’t get around it.
There is no regulation that supports or condemns this practice.
If a company pays for a DOT physical and the driver leaves the company can the clinic that issued the physical legally refuse to give the driver a copy. (the clinic claiming that the company that paid for it can maintain control over it)
@Billy
It’s a touchy area.
We’ve seen this issue before and the rights of the doctor/patient confidentiality area are really the question.
You should have been issued a copy of your long form and your medical certificate, all at the same time.
If you lost the long form and you need a copy, you should be able to request a copy from the examiner’s office, or from the company you just left. If that does not work, you may be able to sign a release of information form from your primary healthcare provider and get a copy from him via the records release. Otherwise you may just need to get a new physical and medical certificate.
Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs.
Do you have any references to the information regarding DOT medical cards being valid nationwide with the exception of California? I’d like to find the supporting FMCSA documentation.
Thank you,
Shannon
@Shannon
The best supporting documentation is the FMCSA medical frequently asked questions.
Particularly:
3. Is the certification limited to current employment or job duties?
21. Who can serve as a Medical Examiner and perform DOT physical exams?
55. Can carriers set their own standards for CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce?
Dr. Kenn Seals of Chiro Stop in Utah, has been certifying drivers, across the nation, for DOT medical cards for 10 years, with no problems.
He has also spoken with the main contact person at California DMV — CA drivers may get their medical card from any certified medical examiner across the country as long as the correct CA documentation (DL 51) is used.
We hope this information helps.
Trucker Docs