Things To Prepare For Your Appointment
- Make sure to continue taking your prescribed medications as usual.
- Wear loose clothing for the physical exam.
- Don’t use the restroom just before your appointment. You will need to give a small urine sample for a kidney screen. This is not for a drug test.
Things You Must Bring To Your Appointment
- Your valid driver’s license and /or other photo ID.
- Eye glasses or contact lenses, if applicable. If you recently had an eye exam it would be helpful, but not necessary, to bring that exam report with you.
- A working hearing aid, if applicable.
- List of medications, and the name and contact information of the prescribing doctor.
- Medical release opinion letter (get template) from your primary doctor or specialist for any medical conditions being treated, or recent illness, injury, or surgery.
- Current FMCSA Waiver or Exemption Certificate or Skills Performance Evaluation if applicable.
What To Expect During The Examination
The doctor will review your health history with you.
Conduct a thorough physical examination.
Run a urine screen (dip-stick test) for urine specific gravity, urine protein, urine blood, and urine sugar, to check for the onset of possible disqualifying medical conditions.
How Long Is A DOT Medical Card Good For?
- 2 years – If you meet all the FMCSA DOT Regulations for Commercial Driver Fitness.
- A limited time, usually 1 year or 6 months, if periodic monitoring is required for certain medical conditions.
- A limited time, usually a 1 to 3 month window, if you have a recently diagnosed condition that you are working with your primary care doctor to get under control.
- Disqualified. A medical condition or medication may cause your medical card to be disqualified until the disqualifying conditions are rectified.
Put In A Nutshell
Help the DOT doctor help you. Come prepared to your DOT Physical exam appointment. Bring everything you need.
Then it’ll just be a matter of checking through each item on the Medical Examination Report and you should be done and set with your new DOT Medical Card in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Thanks to Trucker Docs expert panel doctor, Dr. Kenn Seals, for contributing to this article. You can find Dr. Seals at Chiro Stop in Salt Lake City, UT.Other Questions About the DOT Physical
Do I need to bring the DOT Physical form with me?
No. The DOT doctor will have the forms that are needed.
• The Medical Examination Report MCSA-5875 (Long Form).
• The Medical Examiner’s Certificate MCSA-5876 (DOT Card)
To save time, some DOT physical offices will make the Driver Information and Health History section of the Medical Examination Report available before your appointment, so you can complete it before the exam.
Do I have to get naked for a DOT physical?
No, you do not have to get naked. You may need to loosen or remove your shirt so the examiner can listen to heart sounds and do an abdominal check.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
No, drug testing is not part of a DOT physical exam.
Be aware that if you have been sent by your company for a DOT physical, they may request – in addition – that a drug screen is done. The drug test is an additional cost.
What is the DOT physical urine test used for?
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
What if I conceal a conditional or disqualifying medical condition?
On the first page of the Medical Examination Report you must certify that your responses are complete and true. Making a false statement for concealing a medical condition may invalidate the examination and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
I usually get high BP only when this DOT physical is due!! What can I do? “
Here are some tips to manage your blood pressure and have it measure as low as possible during the exam.
For any other questions go to our forum for Frequently Asked Questions.
Hello I just got a notice in the mail that I didnt renew my US DOT Medical Examiners Certificate and has expired. Do I lose the license entirely or if I make an appointment to get a medical exam and physical and send it to them I will get it back? Thanks
@ Daniel J J
Most likely, do get it done ASAP and get a copy to your local DLD, now.
I have a son that is getting a job and is 17 years old. Is he able to get a health card so he can pull trailers? Or is there a minimum age. He will not have a CDL and will not leave the state. I live in Minnesota
@ Lucas
Because you will not have a cdl, you will be under your states guidelines and regulations, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for the best answer.
Is there a “grace period” if a DOT physical is past due in North Fakota?
@ John
Not that we are aware of, but check with your local DLD for confirmation.
Do dot doctors ask for your medical history or have access to it
@ Matt
They ask, the intake form ask, and he has access to a data base.
Do they make u pee twice? Drug screen , then physical urine test. Or I can just pee once and they will use the pee for both tests or does it depend on the policies and practices of the organization conducting the exam.
@ Justin
Drug screening is not a part of the DOT/FMCSA physical examination process. Since drug screening is usually done separately, it will be what the policy and practices of the organization are.
So I took my DOT physical exam and I gave the urine sample for you know the protein and high blood pressure and all that bullshit so then after my physical they wanted me to take a the drug test so I couldn’t P so they marked it down as a fuck in positive because I couldn’t because I just Peed to get the sample for my proteins you know it’s it’s freaking bullshit you know the people down there basically cost me a job because they couldn’t take my urine and use it twice and it has a person supposed to P in a 20 minute window and then pee again
@ Mike P
You have the right to wait up to 4 hours before being denied as a fail to perform/refusal. A 20 minute window is not enough time to acquire additional urine for a drug screen. Go complain.
If I have been diagnosed with copd/asthma and have it well controlled with the medication I have been described with can I still getting a passing dot physical exam?
@ David N
The CME will have questions and will, most likely, be looking for supporting medical documentation. If everything check out and the rest of the examination is within normal limits, you have a good chance of passing.
I take no medication and I haven’t seen a doctor in many years other than to get a physical in 2020 will this be an issue. Thank you in advance
@ Delvi
Should not be an issue at all.
My has has recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Will he fail a DOT medical examine for this?
@ Lori
For a class A driver. He will need to be on a cpap for at lease 30 days with a report/readout demonstrating a 70% compliance, before he will pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
I having trouble with getting a dot certificate,I explained to the doctor that I no longer drive an 18 wheeler, I’ll be driving my van and when my cdl’s expire in December, I will only need a class C license to work for this company, but this is the only time I need the certificate, he won’t give it to me unless I have a stress test. I will no run any numbers on my 3/4 ton van will be hauling under 10,000 lbs. What can I do to get certified?
@ Tom K Tx,
Best to down grade now. If you still hold a class A license, then the CME must maintain his obligations as a certified examiner.
Im about to go for my dot physical and I am worried that I will be denied due to having THC on my system. Will I be denied for that reason?
@ Nate
You are going to be ask in the patient intake form about use of illegal drugs. That question needs to be answered correctly and may deny you the DOT/FMCSA examination. Also, you will not pass the employers drug screen testing.
Question..so do they make u pee twice ..? For urine? Drug screen , then physical urine test..or all just in 1 cup 1 time
@ Mikey
DOT/FMCSA only want a urine sample to determine blood, protein, and sugar. One cup, one pee. Drug screening, requested by the company, is a separate issue all together. one cup, one pee.
I just applied for my very first CDL medical certification and was denied because my personal physician reported that I have neuropathy which I have never heard of. I looked it up and have never reported the symptoms to my doctor. Is neuropathy that is a firm disqualification?
@ Andy S
You just need a note from your PCP that you do not suffer from any neuropathy. Then redo the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
Hi I pass all on my examination then the Dr. says to me my neck is 17 in and she thinks I need to have a sleep test this is crazy. So she would not sign card. This test is to much money I have never had a sleep problem what is this about a neck size in Md
@ Linda L
Go get a second opinion. Some facilities and CME’s have a vested interest with sleep study groups. Or they over-read the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and make their decisions based on their interpretation. There is NO guideline/regulation requirements for sleep studies based solely on neck size or BMI.
Allow insulin for diabetic for truck driver? Can get wavier form for insulin so can going trick driver? I been trucker since 10 years. I can’t live without trucking life.. thank you god bless you
What is the highest your a1c can be for type 2 diabetes to get a card
@ Kurt
A1c should be in the 5.7 to 6.0 levels. Above 6.0 you start spilling sugar into the urine and will be denied until you bring it under control.
Are you able to use the VA for a physical? Is it acceptable?
@ Paul M
If the VA has a federally certified DOT medical examiner, then use the VA. For a class A cdl, it must be done by a registered CME.
Where do I turn in the paperwork after the physical?
@ Wayne F
Your federal paper work was turned in by the examiner. You will need to get a copy to your states drivers license department.
I take Seroquel and Xanax for depression and panic attacks will this disqualify me from getting my medical card
@ Lgj
You will need medical documentation for the condition, as well as, a medical release from your prescribing physicians.
if you were elliptic 20 years ago and haven’t taken medication in 20 yrs, not been seen by a doctor for them will you still need to be release by a neurologist?
@ Bf w
Most likely. The FMCSA guidelines are fairly strict on this issue. A release form from a neurologist would be a big help in the CME’s decision making process.
I had to do a dot physical for a non cdl driving position, but because I had a perscription for oxy but do not take it they refuse to pass me on my physical. Even though I passed my drug test. What do I need to do to get Dot approved ?
@ T Lee
You will have to find a CME who understands the differences between Federal FMCSA Dot physicals and your states variances.
Currently I am looking to go to school for class A cdl long haul. Been diagnosed with PTSD from a past turmoil but been diagnosed with bipolar disorder that is being controlled by medication. Have my doctor statement about this situation, but still afraid that I won’t get my medical card. What do I need to do
@ Alondra
Your medications are going to raise questions and will require supporting medical documentation and a sign medical release form from your prescribing physician.
Can I complete the medical and physical at the same approved doctors office?
@ James
For FMCSA they are one and the same.
Hi I got a medical card before I started school there was an issue of the medication I was taking and I had to have a doctor say it’s safe for me to take this medication while I am driving a truck problem is I no longer see that doctor I’m no longer on his care so that doctor would not sign off on it meantime I started school so the school decided to send me for another physical I listed the current medication that I had gotten filled on January 15th that prescription Runs Out February 15th it was my mistake for putting it on the paperwork I thought I had to list everything that I had gotten feels even though I wasn’t taking it so now I’m at a standstill that doctor says the same thing I can’t give me a clear medical card until I get an okay from the doctor saying it’s okay to take the medication so now it’s February the 19th and I’m wondering should I go and try to get a medical card now because now the prescription has ran out and I do not have refills I would really like to start back to school but they say I have to get my medical card straightened out first
@ Candy B
You could either go for the new examination or try to find a new medical doctor that will sign you off.
I have neourpathy in my leggs and I lost my leg below knee. I’m suppose to be drive 3/4 commerical truck across stateline with livestock (empty). My doctor told me he would pass me on DOT and the company doctor didnt do that, my employer is getting upset with me because this is dragging out!!!
Know what should I do???
@ Scott
The DOT examiner is using the FMCSA guidelines and you fall under the states regulations. You are not an OTR driver and should not be evaluated as one. Explain to the examiner that you drive as a non OTR driver and have the information from the state licensing department that supports the states guidelines vs the FMCSA. The examiner should know the FMCSA AND the states requirements/guidelines.
Hello, I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure both controlled by medication, would like to know if either would disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
@Brian
You’ll need a medical release form from you treating physician. Insulin dependent is a disqualified for interstate drivers.
I had Cartledge replaced in my right knee six weeks ago had six injections once a week for six week I have a knee brace on for know and a walking cane for some support until the strength is back I do stairs can climb in/out of the truck is their any regulation that says the use of a cane is prohibited with a class A CDL I was told it’s a safe issue for my dot physical
@Craig
It is a safety issue. You should be fully recovered before you go back for your next DOT physical.
I had a hair test done the doctor call 2weeks later say I tested positive for. Marijuana and I never smoke the drug in my life can anyone explain.thanks.therefore I was terminated.its quite obvious it’s wrongful termination.
@ Charles
You can request a retest if there is any questions about the results.
Wait, what?! Hair test?! What is this? I never read anything about a hair test? Is that a new drug test?
@ Samantha
Hair testing for drug use has been around for quite a while, but too expensive for most companies. It does have the capability to determine drug usage with in the past year.
Yeah me too. This is misleading. All they state on here is a urine test but a hair follicle test can go back 1 yr and more. I stopped smoking marijauna 5 months ago and now that will hinder me. Like what we did a year ago matters. People do change. As long as it isn’t present anymore is what matters. But no they want to beat you for it… well this sucks and I’m out
@ Marcus
Hair follicle drug testing is not a part of the DOT/FMCSA examination. Drug testing that is requested by the employer is a separate issue and is up to the request of the employer and is at their expense.
Or hire a lawyer and sue. My father in law had the same exact issue with a drug test. Never used or consumed marijuana a day in his life. He hired a lawyer, cashed out nice in the end!!
Thank You for this site. Its very helpful and answers a lot of my questions. I do have 1 question which is I have a North Carolina CDL, can I take my required medical physical in New York ? Thanks Again
@Marlon
Yes, you can get your DOT physical done in any state provided you have it done by a certified medical examiner.
In Ga, why would one need a DOT Medical Card if they do not have a CDL?
In most states, you’d require a DOT Medical Card to drive a tow truck or any other larger vehicle under 26.000 lbs.
Are there any doctor’s out there that will give you a DOT physical that won’t require the sleep apnea test? I currently go to a nurse practitioner and she does not think I have sleep apnea at all. Unfortunately she does not give DOT physical’s. I do not have a CDL, I need the DOT card to drive public transportation with a regular driver’s license. The DOT physical I got through a company paid health clinic said I need a sleep apnea test because my BMI is over 35. The sleep apnea test facility just called and they want $700 up front of which I do not have. Seems like a total rip off because I do not even have it and have never shown any signs of it. Is there any way around this ordeal?
@Laraine
You do not fall into the class A, over-the-road driver, category. So explain to the CME doing the examination what your job is. Unless you meet about 8 different things in your physical that point to possible sleep apnea, not counting bmi and neck measurements, you should not have to have a sleep study done.
Do some looking around to find a CME that understands the difference between drivers and have them do your examination.
I have had a class A CDL while working for municipal government. We have always been exempt.
When does the new regulation requiring a Medical Card start and how was the notification sent?
I found out PennDot was also exempt and is now a requirement. Were CDL holders notified of the change?
@Edward
DOTPhysicalDoctors is focused on questions that are medically related for obtaining a medical card. In particular for federal regulations in regards to requirements.
Your questions are drivers license related. You’ll need to ask these question of PennDot, so contact your local drivers license department.
Hallo, it’s possible to do dot medical phisical in Washington with Illinois CDL?
@Andrew
Yes.
Really helpful post. Many people don’t have a clear idea about dot physical preparation. This will help them for sure. Thanks.
Can you get a medical card with only a permit even if you are over 21?
@Kris
Most states require a medical certificate before you can get your permit, so I would say the answer is yes.
Wanted to know what are the actual steps when going in to take your Dot exam… Do you give your urine first ? Or you do the examination which one? I need step by step in order please… Thank you!!
What consists of a DOT physical eyes, hearing,???????? Please….thank you
@Tony
Get our FREE DOT Physical Guidebook and you’ll have all the information you’re looking for.
Hello when I give a urine sample for the dot medical card what are they looking for?
@Bill
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Have not previously had CDL. Have bad vision in only one eye, about 20/200 at best, in regard to driving a full size van for medical supply oxygen company. Does DOT allow for vision exemption on CDL C for hazmat and tanker? Not easily finding helpful doctor to answer that question. Glasses will not correct vision. Not ever for purpose of driving semi trailer. Denver, CO
@Nathan
A class C license does not fall under FMCSA regulations. You need to check with your state DLD to determine the direction you need to go. Each stae is different and you should be able to drive with your states vision waiver.
I am on medical leave for an broken foot, my medical card has expired, can I still take the DOT exam and pass?
@Malissa
No. If you are unable to fully return to work as a CMV operator, then you would not pass the examination.
Just talk with your state Driver’s License Department to explain your present situation and when you’re all healed, then go an get you DOT examination. You should not have any problems.
If my husband has kidney disease can he still get his medical card. He is not on dialysis. I was told by Fmcsa that he can still drive a truck but the doctor who did his physical is refusing to give him his medical card. We live in Pa. His card expires in 10 days.
@Tracy
Get a medical release form completed by your primary doctor stating your hubby’s conditions and where he is in the scheme of things.
That should answer most of the questions that any CME will have. Then go somewhere different for the examination. The first doctor is not fully understanding what the FMCSA is saying.
CME for DOT certification is there one in Delaware????
@Dfry
Sorry DOTPhysicalDOCTORS doesn’t have a CME in Delaware.
Best to Google “dot physical Delaware”.
What If I am taking prescribed medication for anxiety? My doctor has me on some for now. The Army is very stressful. I don’t think I will have a problem when I get out of the Army. I retire soon.
Hi I need a list of DOT Doctor near to me Zip Code 10031 to sent my CDL student’s Driver to get the medical exam
@John
DOT physical exam locations in New York. We’re adding more as we grow our list of driver friendly™ doctors.
@ Personal Struggle
Get an appointment, bring a smiling face, a way to pay, a need to pee, and picture ID.