Worried about getting your DOT Medical Certificate?
Anxious about the DOT Physical Examination?
Concerned about the appointment? Will you pass or fail?
Will you need to go back for further evaluation?
Stressed about conditions like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and what this means for your future as a commercial driver?
Not sure where to find a DOT doctor?
(New Federal regulations state that after May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a National Registry Certified Medical Examiner)
Here’s What You Need To Know:
When you know the rules you’ll be able to get your DOT Medical Certificate with as few hassles as possible.
How to be on the “same page” as the doctor, and relate the demands of your job to the physical examination.
Everything you need to bring to your appointment so you can get it done right, first time.
What to expect so there are “no surprises” during the DOT Physical Examination.
What additional information to bring if you have/had a medical condition that has restrictions.
How to go about getting the required information from your primary care physician, if necessary.
Understand the Medical Certificate qualification periods, and where you fit in.
What about waivers and exemptions.
Where to go if you still need more answers.
Find a Certified Medical Examiner that’s convenient for you.
What Drivers Are Saying…
Allen & Rita, OTR drivers, WA.
As a team driving for Landstar we found this booklet a great help to prepare for our DOT physicals.
We definitely recommend this booklet to any driver, especially new drivers who have not had a DOT physical yet!
It helped to know what to expect and what we needed to bring with us.
•••
Know Before You Go!
Eliminate The Hassles!
Don’t go to your DOT Physical Exam before you’ve read this guidebook. Prepare for everything we’ve outlined! Then it’ll just be a matter of you and a Certified Medical Examiner getting together at the appointment and checking through each item on the Medical Examination Report (Long Form).
Get It Done Right, First Time!
Have everything you need for the appointment! When you and the Medical Examiner are “on the same page”, and you have everything you need to meet all the standards and requirements, you should be done with the DOT Physical Examination and set with your Medical Certificate in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Grab a Complimentary Copy (A $15 value, free)
Know Before You Go!
MO. class E chauffeur license. is the physical the only testing necessary?
sorry …. Is it the only thing necessary to obtain a medical card?
@Joe
I do not know for sure. I have not seen a class E chauffeur licence.
You’ll need to check with your local state DMV for that answer.
I believe that the old E licence was turned into what is now the class A. If that is the case, then all you will need is to do the physical for the medical certificate. But check for sure with your state DMV.
do you have to pass drug test
@ Chuck
At some time in your life, YES. But, during a DOT examination, you are required to pee in a cup to rule out blood, protein and sugar, for proper healthy kidney function.
I had my CDL many years ago, but let my class A license expire to follow another career path.
Now retired and looking to get back into driving again.
Issue is I had L4-L5 vertebrae fused in an operation in 2006. Since the operation I have had no issues.
Does this operation disqualify me from passing the medical screen?
@Mike
No, the surgery was done to allow you to return to work.
The DOT examiner needs to know about the surgery, but it is not a limiting factor. If you have limitations or restrictions, then there may be some limitations via the DOT examiner, but highly unlikely.
Is there a new federal guideline surrounding BMI for CDL drivers when it comes to their annual physical
@Bob
There are currently no set specifics on BMI measurement in the DOT regulations.
See FAQ at this link for similar questions that may shed more light on this often misunderstood issue.
My brother in law, who has cdl, recently had a fall and broke his neck. After surgery he has zero mobility; up, down, side to side, circular, nothing, forever. If he is cleared to drive by his physician to drive, can he pass a DOT physical in his condition?
@Sarah
A CMV driver’s job description would have him with some cervical ranges of motion – it is part of his over-all job. Most primary care physicians have no idea of what is required by the DOT or FMCSA regarding the driver and what his job entails. I do not think he would be able to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely and that puts himself and everyone around him at risk. So, no, he would not pass a DOT physical in his condition.
My fiance is a diabetic and he controls it through pills but they say that his sugar levels are showing up too high in his urine test, what should he do?
@Brandi
There should never be a sugar spill-over into urine. This is showing that his sugar is not being controlled with oral medication and diet.
He should be addressing this with a visit to his primary healthcare provider to see what is the next step and get re-educated as to how to truly control this issue. If he doesn’t, it will cost him everything in the end.
Have Flordia CDL , can I take a dot physical in California ? Would it be good for Flordia CDL?
@Jerry
The answer to your question is “Yes” AND… be careful! Be sure that the long form and medical certificate used for your examination is the standard FMCSA form.
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
However, California uses their own form for CA CDLs, which is different from the form all the other states use.
For more information, see our FAQ on FMCSA regulations.
I am looking to help our CDL guys to see the understanding of what the Engery Drinks can do to you plus the understanding that this can cause you to not be able to get a passing physical. If you have anything that would help please provide anything thanks.
@Lori
This question falls outside of our area of focus so we do not have an informed response to provide.
Thank you for checking in with us.