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You are here: Home / Ask Trucker Docs / Blood Pressure Tips during the DOT Physical Exam

Blood Pressure Tips during the DOT Physical Exam

April 20, 2015 By Trucker Docs™ 84 Comments

A professional driver asks Trucker Docs™…

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.

Each of these factors may affect your blood pressure reading a number of points:

  • Nicotine/Caffeine.  Nicotine and caffeine both raise your blood pressure temporarily. It’s best to refrain from smoking, chew, coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks a few hours before the examination. Replace caffeinated drinks with water to stay hydrated.
  • Tired.  Tired, weary, stressed? Your blood pressure is likely to go up. Get rested before the examination and leave plenty of time to get to your appointment. Get to your appointment early so you have time to sit and relax.
  • Temperature.  Blood pressure tends to increase when you are cold. If you’re at the doctor’s office and the room temperature is “chilly” to you, be aware that your blood pressure readings may be higher than expected. Dress to stay warm.
  • Glass of water.  Drink a full glass of water before you get to your appointment. This will help calm your body as well as prepare you to give a urine sample.
  • Full Bladder.  Your blood pressure is lower when your bladder is empty. Ask the doctor to perform the urine test prior to the physical exam.
  • Emotional State.  Stress or anxiety can cause large increases in blood pressure. If you are thinking about something that causes you to tense up or become stressed whilst having your blood pressure taken, the levels could significantly increase. While your blood pressure is being taken, be quiet and think about something far away that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
  • Talking.  If you are talking to the examiner while having your blood pressure taken, studies have shown that your systolic blood pressure measurement may increase 10 to 15mmHg. Be comfortable talking beforehand, especially if you’re chatting about something that makes you feel happy or relaxed, like a sport or hobby, or a vacation. Then be quiet during the blood pressure reading.
  • Restricted Breathing.  Holding your breath because you are nervous will raise your blood pressure. Breathe slowly and deeply like the doctor tells you to when listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Breathing slowly and evenly will help your body to relax.
  • Arm/Back/Feet Unsupported.  When having your blood pressure measured, you should always be seated in a comfortable chair, legs uncrossed, with your back and arm supported. If your back is not supported, your diastolic blood pressure measurement may be increased by 6 mmHg. Crossing your legs has shown to raise your systolic blood pressure by 2 to 8 mmHg. The positioning of your upper arm below your heart level will also result in higher measurements, whereas positioning your upper arm above your heart level will give you lower measurements. These differences can increase/decrease your systolic blood pressure 2mmHg for every inch above/below your heart level.
  • Blood Pressure Cuff Used Over Clothing.  Studies have shown that clothing can impact a systolic blood pressure from 10 to 50 mmHg. When having your blood pressure measured, the cuff should always be placed directly on your arm.

Bonus tip:

  • Get Your Spine Aligned!  Pain or physical discomfort tends to raise blood pressure. Several studies have shown that chiropractic adjustment will lower blood pressure after the correction is delivered.
Thanks to Trucker Docs™ expert panel doctor Michael Impaglia, DC for contributing this article. You can get your DOT physical with Dr. Michael Impaglia in Buffalo, Depew, NY.

 

DOTDoc-nutshellPut In A Nutshell

The doctor is on your side so let him/her take care of the examination!
The best thing you can do is go to a happy place far away and breathe slowly, and deeply, and evenly, in and out. It does help.

 

Filed Under: Ask Trucker Docs, Medical Conditions

About Trucker Docs™

TRUCKER DOCS™ is a dynamic panel of DOT Certified Doctors helping Commercial Drivers through the DOT Physical jungle.
 
 
We are DOT certified medical examiners, and we're around to answer questions - especially those tough ones related to a driver's personal circumstances - that no-one else is answering.

Please leave a QUESTION or COMMENT below.

Comments

  1. Donald says

    July 27, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    Can you still drive a truck if the physical is not complete do to waiting to get a compliance report on the CPAP device!?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      August 2, 2020 at 12:48 pm

      @ Donald
      Do you have a valid medical card? If not, then the answer is no. If the CME registered your card as pending, then your old card has been suspended and waiting for further information. If the CME has not registered your new medical card, then you are still operating on the old card. You will need to check with your examiner on this issue.

      Reply
  2. Eric says

    April 6, 2020 at 11:12 pm

    So with all the covid-19 going on right now. All the dmv locations are closed in my state of Illinois. I got a letter in the mail Saturday saying they was suspending my cdl due to not submitting my medical card. But I DO CURRENTLY HAVE A VALID one. I just cant get to a facility to have it submitted. The secretary of state police told me today that I am basically up a creek until the facilities open. Is this true, Their has to be something I can do to get this submitted instead of sitting at home not making any money until they open back up on May the 1st if we are lucky. All suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated at this point!!

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 10, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      @ Eric
      Check online to see if there is more than one way to get the information to the state. And the DOT?FMCSA has granted an extension, so check with your state DLD to confirm the length of the extension in your state.

      Reply
  3. Melinda says

    February 7, 2020 at 12:39 am

    My step dad in Chicago just took his 2 year exam at a DOT office ( one of many in the city) paid $178 out of pocket. His card was already one day expired. He has no known health issues. He said this location was so unprofessional it frustrated him. His hearing test was the training nurse being told to blow and whisper in his ear with a piece of paper covering his ear. They took his weigh 3 times and by the time they took his BP he was sweating and pissed. His BP was 150/90. He explained he don’t hv High BP. He was then told because of his neck size and waste measurements with the BP test he is required to take a sleep apnea test. He was given a card for only 3 months. He told the dr he don’t see a need for a sleep apne bc he don’t have problems sleeping, he doesn’t snore and he can’t afford a sleep study. His exam was a sham. My question is do he have to follow up with me this doctor in 3 months or can he go to another Certified doctor for a legit exam?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 9, 2020 at 10:10 am

      @ Melinda
      Use the 3 month card for a couple months and then go elsewhere for another examination/second opinion.

      Reply
  4. David says

    March 5, 2019 at 3:31 am

    Just went to do my 2yr DOT physical recertification and the CME said I could only renew for 1 yr due to taking Seroquel and trazadone which I’ve been taking for over 5 years. I also take Gabapentin. Had to get the extra documentation needed to pass. But now I only get it for 1yr and not 2 yrs as I have always gotten in the past. Confused…has DOT changed there term rule or did the CME make a mistake?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 18, 2019 at 9:31 pm

      @ David
      The DOT/FMCSA is getting more strict and the examiners are at greater risk if something goes wrong. Examiners have the right to limit the length of a card due to any medical condition. Your examiner wants to keep a closer eye on your situation, we guess. No mistakes, just their judgement call.

      Reply
    • Clint says

      September 1, 2019 at 11:39 am

      Can CDL drivers use OTC lidocaine patches?

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        September 3, 2019 at 7:05 pm

        @ Clint
        Is should raise questions by the CME. He may request further information. If the patches are not interfering with your ability to perform your job discerption, then there should be no issues.

        Reply
  5. Lee says

    July 24, 2018 at 9:05 am

    Hello, I want to start my trucking carrier and want to look into some companies to gt my CDL, My question is I had a heart attack back in January, would this prevent me from passing a DOT exam? or would I need something from my cardiologist to clear me?

    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      July 29, 2018 at 9:06 pm

      @ Lee
      You will need documentation from your cardiologist. Medical release forms and a working prognosis with recent test results.

      Reply
  6. Jose M Jr. says

    May 7, 2018 at 7:35 am

    I had a class b license ..i had 2 dirty urine samples with 2 different companies within a couple of years apart….i didn’t think i wanted to drive anymore..i recently let the license expire……can i try for a class a having second thoughts

    Reply
    • Mario A G says

      June 26, 2018 at 10:58 pm

      You can but you have to answer questions regarding to past drug positive testing when applying to carriers

      Reply
    • Cheez says

      May 10, 2019 at 11:59 pm

      If its something you really want to do then go for it no matter yiur pass. Pray on it. My DAC is so jacked up but i work for a great company and started taking trucking more serious and a opportunity presented itself and I haven’t took it for granted yet good luck

      Reply
  7. Jennifer B says

    April 24, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    I’ve been a driver for 25 yrs. In recent years, my issue has been passing with my BP. Again, hopeful that I’ll pass that, I wonder if I must divulge recently having been diagnosed with possibly Fibromyalgia? If not, must I divulge that I take a muscle relaxer, if I only take it when I’m not driving commercially?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 29, 2018 at 10:52 am

      @ Jennifer B
      The fibromyalgia may not be a big issue, but the pain medications will be. Get a medical release form from your prescribing doctor explaining your situation. The CME needs to have all the available information to make a final determination. Leaving out pertinent information puts you and the CME at risk of losing your licenses.

      Reply
  8. randy s says

    April 2, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    I had tia mild stroke January 29,2018 treated and held overnight for observation neurologist cleared me to go back to work with no restrictions, but when I went to renew my health card dr. said no driving for one year. I have class a cdl. what is up?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 8, 2018 at 3:23 pm

      @ Randy S
      FMCSA is strict on this due to re-occurance of another stroke. You may want to check into intra-state only driving during your wait period. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm.

      Reply
  9. JB W says

    March 10, 2018 at 7:43 pm

    I live in Texas and my dot medical card expire on 03/19/2017 but i do not get paid until the 21st. can they give me a grace period for a few day, or what is the penalty if i wait those 2 days?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 25, 2018 at 7:49 pm

      @ JB W
      Check with your states drivers license department for the best answer.

      Reply
      • Gerald says

        September 9, 2019 at 3:05 am

        Per Federal Law, you may not drive a commercial vehicle while your card has expired. You can operate non commercial vehicles. Usually, companies will accommodate situations as yours with non diving jobs or your approved leave

        Reply
  10. Robert G C says

    February 19, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    I had cardiac stents in march 2005.I don’t have any problems with them and even went to Iraq in 2007 until 2010.I had my re-certification recently and the dr said I need a stress test.I was given a 3 month medical card.My insurance won’t pay and the dr told me the cost is between $2000 and $3000.Is the stress test a new requirement?He said all my vital signs were normal.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 26, 2018 at 6:43 pm

      @ Robert G C
      Heart conditions that fall in certain categories would require a new stress test every two years. FMCSA passed those guidelines some years ago.

      Reply
  11. GPautz says

    November 29, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    my husband went to for his medical exam to renew his medical card. He did not pass the BP test….they waited a few minutes and retook it and it was 140/90…so he was happy…..but the doctor said it had to be constant so he did not pass him. Is that right?
    They gave him a prescription for BP and an extension on the card.
    They also went on and took a blood sample, which is not in the requirements, correct?

    Reply
    • Jason says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:16 pm

      I know this is old….. honestly he should have walked out… told him he was discontinuing the exam. Once you are on blood pressure medication, you can only get 1 year cards. He was exhibiting “white coat syndrome”….. a common thing where people are nervous, and their blood pressure is high. You are paying them for the exam….. They are working for you. Yes, they have to follow the regulations. Sounds like you went to a regular doctor…. who wanted to sell you on a prescription, and follow up. I had my exam done at a chiropractor. He was very thorough (any doctor has to go through medical school) but he was just doing his job with the DOT physical, no more, no less. The only “upsell” was he did recommend I see a regular doctor once a year.

      Reply
      • Antonio says

        July 7, 2019 at 5:17 pm

        So u can have chiropractic do exams for physical d.o.t

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          July 14, 2019 at 8:13 pm

          @ Antonio
          If the Chiropractor is on the national registry, then yes he is qualified to perform the DOT medical certification examination.

          Reply
  12. Diane N. says

    September 26, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    I took my DOT physical yesterday, my heart rate was too high so they gave me a medical card good for 1 month. I have to go on blood pressure meds then within this month i have to go back to be rechecked. Do i wait until i get a new card before i take my CDL permit test, or can i take it now?

    Reply
    • Mario A G says

      June 26, 2018 at 11:16 pm

      You can but you have to answer questions regarding to past drug positive testing when applying to carriers

      Reply
    • Makenson says

      September 29, 2018 at 3:26 am

      I’m from Florida can I have have my medical card in Georgia or any other state

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        October 2, 2018 at 7:54 pm

        @ Makenson
        Yes.

        Reply
  13. Richard L says

    August 28, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    I just took my DOT physical here in California. BP was 141/88 and I was failed. I also used my CPAP machine for 68% of the time according to the print out I used my CPAP machine for 68% of the time. 70% is required. So I failed that too. I was told there are no longer 90 day extensions on Cpap compliances so I can’t drive for 7 days and after 7 days must show that I used the machine more then 70% in those 7 days and then I can drive for 30 days and show the report again and if passed I get a 1 year authorization to drive. When did the NO 90 day license extension take effect,? Does it also apply to borderline high blood pressure?

    Reply
  14. Joe B says

    May 10, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    Is acceptable to lay down or recline for bp test during physical?

    Reply
  15. Glen says

    March 31, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Do the medical examiners check your medical/prescription history on a database? or do they just go by written form filled out by driver?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 1, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      @Glen
      They can check the data base.

      Reply
  16. mike says

    February 7, 2017 at 7:44 am

    I was given a one year medical card due to alittle high blood pressure can I get a two year card next time if it is good.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 7, 2017 at 5:59 pm

      @Mike
      Possibly, if you are not taking any type of blood pressure medication or have not been on any medications before.
      The new FMCSA forms ask if you have ‘ever’ had, so if it was a one time high and no meds, then you could be OK.
      Best bet is to watch your lifestyle and see if you can get it down by yourself. Check your blood pressure every couple of weeks, and have a real doctor check it, not one of the free automatic ones.
      If everything is going fine then you should be good. If after a six month period your pressure is still a bit high, then check with your doctor about how to get it down further. If placed on meds, then the medical card will only be good for one year at the time. Good Luck

      Reply
  17. Allen says

    January 12, 2017 at 3:12 am

    Can a company require that you are only able to use a certain CME?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 13, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      @Allen
      All depends on the company policy. But in reality you have the right to go to any CME that is on the national registry.

      Reply
      • Don M says

        December 20, 2017 at 11:49 pm

        I would think that if the company is requiring and paying for the physical, then they probably are within their rights to select the place in which you will go. I have had this happen a few times and just followed the orders from the company as it was a pre-employment physical, and they were indeed picking up the tab.

        Reply
    • Jason says

      June 19, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      Here’s the thing….. if your company says you have to go to a certain examiner, then you do. If you think you will have an issue there, NOTHING says that you can’t pay for your own exam, and choose your own examiner. The cost is not all that much, I had it done for $70. Then you show up to your company doctor,,,, you get the exam….. doesn’t matter if they pass or fail, you already have your DOT card. If they fail you and your company won’t employ you, you have a CDL and a DOT card…… there are 500 companies hiring.

      Reply
      • Trucker Docs™ says

        June 23, 2019 at 7:49 pm

        @ Jason
        Be aware, if the last examiner fails the driver and reports it to the FMCSA registry, then the last card reported is the one on file.

        Reply
  18. Michael C says

    October 17, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    On November 3rd 2015 I had a high blood pressure reading during my DOT physical for the first time in thirty years. I was given a three month card and told to see my personal physician. He instructed me to monitor BP for two weeks. Upon completion and getting great results on a cholesterol test I was told I did not need blood pressure medicine. Two months later I went back for DOT physical and passed with a second reading of 138/88 but was only given a one year card. What do my readings have to be this time to pass? I still do not take blood pressure medicine and have readings at home between 120/80 to 145/95.I will be 53 Nov.23

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 18, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      @Michael
      Blood pressure reading at the time of examination need to be 140/90 or less. If you are not taking any medications then you could qualify for a two year card. If there is a history of high blood pressure in the past, then the CME may hold you to a one year card. He really only wants to monitor your situation before signing off on a two year card. All of this is based on everything else being within normal limits.

      Reply
      • Steve says

        April 28, 2017 at 5:52 am

        I took my physical in February. They used a machine that kept repumping and gave a slightly eleven ed pressure. I requested a manual pressure test which produced a reading of 140/90. The doctor failed me and issued a 90 day certificate because she said it had to be less than 140/90! My physician has increased my med but I am panicking servery and I am afraid. What is next?

        Reply
        • Trucker Docs™ says

          May 1, 2017 at 11:09 am

          @Steve
          FMCSA guidelines require a 140/90 or better. As long as you are at those levels, you will be fine. You do want your pressures down below the guidelines recommended, and your card will be good for one year at the time. The three month card was for you to have your doctor reassess your meds and get your pressure below the cut-off.

          Reply
  19. Ann says

    September 28, 2016 at 10:38 am

    If your Medical card expired is there a grace period

    Reply
  20. Daniel says

    September 26, 2016 at 10:40 am

    I’m a first time cdl applicant and I take clonazepam for social anxiety is that going to affect my obtaining a medical? Is that something that I need a release form for before I take my first physical? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 5, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      @Daniel
      Yes, get a medical release form from your doctors. The CME needs as much information as possible to make the final determination. If the condition is controlled and has been for some time, you may be OK. But make sure you can provide supporting documentation.

      Reply
  21. theo says

    September 13, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    recently due 2 high blood pressure reading i was given a 3 month card, now its back time 2 take the physical again and im on new meds to help control my blood pressure is it possible 2 get another 3 month card if my blood pressure is still at a high reading?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 13, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      @Theo
      No. You get a one-time 3-month card to get your blood pressure under control.
      The CME may take it under consideration if it looks like the new medication is helping, but that’s only a ‘maybe’.

      Reply
  22. mike says

    August 10, 2016 at 11:48 pm

    while pilots have a limit of 155/95 most are one year tckets

    Reply
  23. Talmadge says

    June 13, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Do you have to get your dot physical in your home state?

    Reply
  24. Tammy S says

    April 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    My husband has kidney stones and when he went for his DOT exam blood showed in the urine and he was given a 3 month certificate and told he had to go see his doctor and be cleared and would have to have a new exam performed when he returns to the medical examiner. Does that sound right?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      April 18, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      @Tammy
      With the new DOT physical starting in two days, these may become the new standard. The CME cannot use the old medical examination forms as of 4-20-16. So he may request a new medical certificate examination in a couple of months.
      Blood in urine: Follow-up with your primary is normal and the CME is just making sure that all is well before putting a driver back in the seat.

      Reply
  25. Joe says

    March 24, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Is glipezide considered insulin, I take 2.5mg one per day and my last A1C was 5.9

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      March 25, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      @ Joe
      Injectable insulin is what the FMCSA is looking at. Oral diabetes medications are fully acceptable, yet will limit your medical card to one year at the time due to diabetes condition. Also make sure you have a medical release form from your treating doctor with your last reports. It helps the CME understand where you are and what your status is.

      Reply
  26. ronald s says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    my step son took 1 loritab in oct 2015.in jan this year a drog test by hair.the drug showed up and he failed the test.will this test show up on his dac report?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      February 13, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      @Ronald
      It may, your best bet is to check his record and confirm it. Most times the information only goes to the employer and must be acted upon by them. But check his record to confirm or deny that that is the case.

      Reply
  27. Betty says

    January 26, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    My husband had a TIA 3/2010. The only thing affected was his peripheral vision. He went and got a complete exam within a week following his in-patient stay and the Ophthalmologist signed off that he completely passed the field eye exams and released him back to work. He also takes high blood pressure medication and has for over 20 years. He always passed his DOT physical every year with his blood pressure. In 2014 they said the DOT regulations had changed and he was no longer qualified to a CDL license for 5 years following his stroke. Mind you he had been driving all that time until 2014. The DOT doctor now needed a letter from his Neurologist. His neurologist wouldn’t see him because he wasn’t sick and he released him back to work in 2010. Now it is 2016. He wants to go back over the road and get his CDL license back. What does he need to do to get his CDL license back? And what are the current regulations?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 28, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      @Betty
      Depending on where the TIA was, his waiting period was to be for one year to five years. (Not a new ruling-its always been there)
      In the majority of cases it’s a one year wait. Not because of the TIA, but for the fact that most cases of seizure occur within the first year time frame.
      You could go get a second opinion from another examiner. And it’s best that you get a medical release form from the neurologist stating that the driver has had no issues with his past condition and is fully release to return to work.

      Reply
  28. William says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    I had dot physical 1-21-2016 my blood pressure was 135/81 which is good and has been under control for years by using low dosage blood pressure med. but I was told by the Dr. that I couldn’t have two year certification but a one year. This is the first time this has happen my blood pressure always been under control and have always had a two year certification, what has changed. the Dr said this is the way it has been.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 21, 2016 at 11:43 pm

      @William
      FMCSA has it that anyone on medication for the control of high blood pressure can only be certified for one year at the time.
      Whomever was doing your medical certification before simply did not know the regs.

      Reply
  29. darnell h says

    January 20, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    i have Restless Leg syndrome and a dot doc. wants me to take a sleep and wake study,because of the meds i take,which i only take at nite, but my regular doctor will let me come back to work. what do i have to do

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 20, 2016 at 11:43 pm

      @Darnell
      Really not enough information here to try to answer a question. Restless leg syndrome is only one possible symptom of sleep apnea. Try getting a note/medical release form from your doctor with an explanation of the medications that you are taking.

      Reply
  30. henry says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:42 am

    i went through a neck surgey 2 years ago an a lower back surgey a year ago will that effect me my dot phyiscal

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      January 13, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      @Henry
      As long as you can perform the duties of a CMV operator then there is no issue.

      Reply
  31. Brenda says

    December 15, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    Hello. I am asking on behalf of my boyfriend, he has had his CDL for over 20 years and after failing at his extented physical die to his high blood pressure he could lose his CDL. He went to his PCP a month before and his blood pressure was fine. However the first appointment he had with the physical he failed and the doctor gave him an extension and again he also failed, but on the form its due to expire in January of 2016. Now can he go back to have his physical done a third time or has it already cpsted him his CDL?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      @Brenda
      The blood pressure must be below 140/90. If it was higher than that on the first physical reading and he was not on blood pressure medication, he could have received a one year card to get his blood pressure under control. Now if he was given an extension to get it under control and failed again, then he must get his blood pressure under the 140/90. So until he can pass a blood pressure reading below these numbers, whether with or without medications, he will not be able to pass as fit for duty according to the FMCSA.

      Reply
  32. Preston says

    December 2, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    Can your weight alone be a factor for being denied a medical card for a CDL in Texas?

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      December 3, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      @Preston
      No, there is no weight restrictions via FMCSA. It usually has to do with other issues that are connected to excessive weight. And there may be a company policy restriction.

      Reply
  33. JULIAN TRUJILLO says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    i was baker act on a suspicious of alcohol intoxication and perceived suicidal ideation . i looking for psychiatrist to get the medical release and was told by the dr doing the certification that i was take out for one year until i could apply for new card . is this tue . thank you

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      November 6, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      @Julian
      Pretty much. If you can support that things are doing fine and your medical doctor will sign a medical release form, then maybe, but don’t count on it. FMCSA has a pretty strict set of guidelines on this one.

      Reply
  34. Cindy Smith says

    October 27, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    I am wanting to apply to trucker school to obtain my CDL. I have been taking hydrocodone for Fibromyalgia for 10 plus years, will this be a problem. I do have a physician order for it.

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 27, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      @Cindy
      You will need to make sure that you have a medical release form from your prescribing doctor explaining your condition and the need for the medications that you are taking. If the CME understands your doctor release then you may get a valid medical card. You will test positive on the drug screen and you will need to have a copy of your prescription available at all times. Let the CME know what and why you are taking the medication, because it will be a big question before you ever get started.

      Reply
  35. Rick Dubey says

    October 21, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    I am having an issue getting a response regarding whether I passed or failed a sleep apnea test for my DOT physical. Everytime I call the location that had given me the test, they either don’t call me back or no one answers. Since starting this process(I have not been able to work) this process took 3 times bringing the machine home, they were unable to get a reading then I went to the clinic facilitating test to have an observed test done , this was originally only supposed to take 2 weeks and it is now going on 6 weeks since being on the road.
    Will you please advise, I can not get intouch with anyone. I am currently seeing my Primary Doctor who was helping me and now his hands are tied.
    I am at a loss, any advise/suggestions,

    -Rick Dubey(Wisconsin OTR driver)

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      October 27, 2015 at 12:35 pm

      @Rick
      It sounds like you pick a crap company to do your testing.
      Unfortunately, you need the sleep study information in hand before any CME can issue a new medical card. If there is a parent company to the one you use, then call the main office and request some action. Also let the better business bureau know about the sad service you have received and what it has cost you in time and money.

      Reply
  36. Kevin says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I’ve been a diabetic for 6years,at one time I was only taking metformin which is a pill.Later in the years I inquire about insulin.Will that disqualify me to pass a Dot physical taking insulin?KG

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      September 4, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      @Kevin
      You will need to go through the DOT to acquire a Diabetes waiver to drive interstate. You are not disqualified, but you will have to carry the waiver at all times and your medical card will only be for a year at a time.

      Reply
  37. Ken says

    August 24, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    I have been driving tractor-trailers since 1981 in all 48 and 6 trips up and back on the Alcan Highway. I have never had an accident and only two speeding tickets, 25 something years ago. I am 51 and I have never been denied a medical card.
    I went for my physical, I stepped on the scale to be weighted and it said 305 lbs. I told the lady that I did not weigh that much, she said “it is what it is”. After a respectable protest I reweighed on another scale and it read 275 lbs., that’s correct. She then checked my blood pressure and she said it was 168/97 with an attitude. My BP has never been that high, and I don’t think it was.
    I have disc issues in my back and have to take Lortab 10/325, I don’t take them while I driving if I don’t have to but my prescription is for three a day. I have been taking them for 10 years because that it the best balance for pain and not being a vegetable. She said DOT will not allow me to drive while taking Narcotic’s even though it states in the Regs. all you need is a prescribing doctors letter. She also said the prescribing doctor had to be DOT certified, if that was the case I wouldn’t have been there.
    I quit smoking years ago and told her that, she explained to me because I had smoked I might have asthma/COPD so I will be required to take a Pulmonary Function test that their office will be more than happy to do for a small fee.
    I was given a Temporarily Disqualified for High PB and Narcotic use. Everything I suggested was stopped short with “The DOT will not do that”, I think the doctors are not following the guidelines and doing what they think should be done.
    Do I have to go back to the same doctor or can I go to another doctor. I don’t think I’m getting a fair deal.
    Thanks, for any guidance your could give. KB

    Reply
    • Trucker Docs™ says

      August 25, 2015 at 12:51 pm

      @Ken
      You can go to any nationally registered certified medical examiner you want.
      If you are taking medications for your back pain, make sure you have a medical release form completed by your prescribing doctor explaining your situation and need for the medications that you are taking. It is going to cause questions and all the CME is looking for is safety issues. So make sure you doctor explains your needs and how you are presently using the medications that you have been on for the past ten years.

      Reply
  38. Charlotte Eddington says

    June 22, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Drinking a full glass of water is a great idea. I get nervous for lots of things, and I think that water would definitely help calm me down and lower my blood pressure. I also specifically like your comment about talking about something calming or enjoyable. If I talk about something besides a test, before a test, then I’m more likely to do better on that exam. Thanks for your tips.

    Reply
  39. Jonathan says

    April 22, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    Thanks for the tips!!! I find this site a great resource for CdL drivers. We are being discriminated against because of a few bad apples. I am a bus driver, and would never be able to do what cross country truck drivers do. They deserve all the respect in the world. When it comes the medical exam, one can absolutely understand they want drivers of larger vehicles in good health. But it seems like everyone has to be twig size in order to pass. Why us? Of course a CMV is larger and more damage could be done, but why are regular drivers not having to deal with this? Don’t we see more accidents involving normal vehicles, cars, SUVs, etc….? And this sleep apnea this is bs. Sorry for this long rant, my physical was last week and was an awful experience. How can a “doctor”, which who I had was not all, an “assistant” go by 2 standards alone and make you pay this ridiculous amount of money for something you don’t need just to give you your med cert? He doesn’t know you, your health history, etc.. Ugh

    Reply

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