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!
We are so confused. I have spent hours with FMCSA and DOT in Ohio.
This is for a CLASS B only licence. (for local dump truck driving ONLY)
When we originally researched before we got into a 100k business loan and got a 60k dump truck we were under the assumption that for OHIO if you are intAstate and not leaving state lines for category 3 self certify you do not have to have a DOT medical card on file. Ohio still states you dont have to have it on file. But the wording sounds like you need it just doesn’t have to be filed with Ohio. Can anyone clarify this for me. The wording from everywhere is so different and there is no SOLID straight forward answered from either place.
The issue is my boyfriend although only 35 has a defibrillator from a issue when playing basketball in college. Although great now he still has it in place out of precautionary reasons. FMCSA it looks like this is an auto fail but if ohio doesn’t require it for intAstate driving can he still obtain his Ohio restricted to in state cdl class B?
So anyone from Ohio.
Can we obtain our CLASS B restricted intrAstate ONLY licence without a DOT medical card or with a failed medical card due to having a defibrillator?
@ SuperStressed B
DOT/FMCSA medical certification was and is established for class A over the road, long haul drivers. As we understand it, each state has a set of guidelines and requirements/regulations governing intra-state only drivers from class A down to standard auto license.
In our state, they do not require a medical card be on file with the state, like a class A driver, but if stopped by a DOT officer, he may want to see a medical certification card.
In most states a medical card is required for ANY vehicle that is used for commerce (to make money for someone). The medical examiner should know both the federal DOT/FMCSA regulations and his states regulations. In most cases the states regs are more lenient than federal DOT/FMCSA. Your state drivers license department (DLD) should be able to provide those requirements for you. In many of the states a defibrillator is not a disqualifier for a lesser class cdl, like a class B. So, your best answer is going to come from your states DLD, since this is not a federal DOT/FMCSA medical certification.
After I renewed my DOT medical card last year I have learn that I have cervical spinal stenosis. My doctors prescribe tramadol. When I went to renew my DOT medical card last week. The examiner told me I couldn’t be prescribe this to hold my medical card. Is this true , in NC ? Even my doctor said if taken at night , it wouldn’t cause any issue to drive my school bus. There isn’t any other medication that helps. I have drove for 21 years now. Would hate to give it up Thank you !
@ Brenda
For a class A cdl, under DOT/FMCSA, the standards are more strict. If you are carrying a lesser class cdl, then you fall under your states guidelines and variances, not federal. Check with your local drivers license department for guidance. And make sure your medical examiner knows your cdl class and understands the difference between state and federal DOT/FMCSA regulations.
Juan V.
Hello I have my CLD and Diabetes type II, Itake metformina, I know I had my sugar a little bit high, and they suspended mi California Driver License, but I want to know how high or how low can be to get my CDL release from my primary doctor? thank You.
@ Juan V
That will be best answered by your local drivers license department, since your cdl is a state issued document.
I’m a resident in Illinois and I have type 2 diabetes under control. Do I need my A1C report to renew my Medical examiners certificate?
@ Gary K
Yes, and if you are a class A cdl holder, there is a new form you will need from your doctor.
I have been recently diagnosed with acute kidneys, on dyalasis 2 times a week. Will the Dr. fail me if I went for a CDL physical?
@ Rob P
It will depend on the class cdl you are going for.
I am in Louisiana and recently had to have back surgery due to a work related injury. Is it possible for me to loose my medical card and license due to being under drs care for my back injury at this point or when my medical card come due in February 2024?
@ Jacques f
You need to contact your local drivers license department (DLD) and inform them of your situation. They should have a process in place for you.
Does the urinalysis test for marijuana? If so does the results get reported to your employer? Say you fail the exam, does your employer get told why you failed?
@ Matt R
Drug testing is done by request of the employer, not part of the DOT medical card certification process. If you fail the drug test, then the employer already knows, pretty much, why you failed.
I recently had both my knees replaced in early March and early April. My physical expires 5/23/23. I am currently weeding myself off of pain meds which I have prescriptions for. I walk with a cane about 50% of the time. My question is three fold. #1) will I pass a DOT drug test with me being on prescribed meds? #2) I can’t remember the physical requirements in the actual physical. I can walk slowly, I can bend over and touch the floor. What else will I need to do to pass the physical requirement? And #3) since my current physical card expires is less than 2 weeks, is it possible to get an extension for 30-60 days till I am off my meds and can walk better? I live in Az. Thanks for any help with my questions, I appreciate it.
@ Jim L
For a class A cdl you will need a full release from your physician to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. There is no extension. If there is a question with a drug screen, which is not part of your DOT medical cert examination, all you will need is a copy of the prescription.
If your Med Card expires and you do not make the grace period, what needs to be done to renew Med Card?
@ Dallas S
Just go get a new medical card and get it into your state DLD as soon as possible.
I am a certified medical examiner, and one of the leads has informed me that a driver’s license is not necessary for DOT physical. I was also informed that an international driver’s license is valid, but none of this makes any valid sense to me. Is any of this correct?? It is my understanding that applicant for a DOT physical needs a valid U.S. state driver’s license or a valid out of state DL would be ok as well if taking DOT physical in different state, correct?? ANy recent changes in state of Arizona perhaps??
@ Karem C
As far as we know, there has been no changes. A valid state drivers license or valid international license is required, even to complete the intake forms and medical card.
It is the same requirement explained in a different way. There are several gates that an applicant has to get through to be able to drive under DOT standards. One of those gates is to get a medical clearance by completing a DOT physical. If you look at it from an accommodations standpoints, having a license does not add or detract any value to the Physical itself. so now the license is lumped in with the application process because it is such an integral Necessity that it creates its own gate. That makes having the Class A Drivers license a Go/No requirement.
My husband had a DOT Exam 3/2023 by a PA who is NOT A PRACTICING Doctor! Failed him because he had defibrillator she said is a federal law! Never asked if he was a Intera State driver. She failed him asap! His cardiologist said his heart is great and he’s on meds doing good. My husband has no other medical problems. We had his cardiologist watch him every 6 months. What does he have to do? We turned in his medical and have not heard anything from the DMW. California is our state.
Thank You!
Upset!
@ Teri
If your hubby is an intra-state only driver, then take the fail test results to your local DLD. They will be the ones who will issue his restrictions/card. Too many examiners are not aware that the states guidelines are different than DOT/FMCSA. Make it a point when getting a medical certification to explain he is an intra-state only driver. In one of our states, you could fail the DOT/FMCSA medical cert exam and then be given a card by the state for intra-state only.
If the CDL driver is driving a vehicle less than 26,001 GVWR or hauling an exempt commodity you are right. Idaho adopted the FMCSRs for regulated commodities in excess of 26,000 GVWR in the IDAPA rules. Here is what the FMCSA guidance on defibrillators says…The advisory criteria for 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4) indicates that coronary artery bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation are remedial procedures and thus, not medically disqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are disqualifying due to risk of syncope.
If the driver has an actual implantable defibrillator installed, that appears to be disqualifying for a medical card and would relegate the driver to less than 26,001 GVW Intrastate or an exempt commodity is over 26,000 GVWR. I would contact FMCSA directly to see if there is some kind of SPE (skills performance evaluation) certificate for his condition. Obviously don’t take this as legal advice, I’ve just been around for a day or two.
@ Colin
You are correct, nice work. I might add that DOT/FMCSA regulations and guidelines were developed and established for class A cdl, interstate drivers predominately. Each state has either adopted FMCSR for themselves and have made modifications to meet the states guidelines. Not all states adapted FMCSR’s regulations..
What can I do about renewing my physical when I’m out of country for several months
I used a Cpap machine until they recalled the brand I used. I recorded it as I was required. I stopped using it as no one offered or supplied a different one. My Doctor told me to just keep using it. I haven’t used it for the entire year and my physical is due Oct. 4. I finally received a new one about a month ago, but you need to show that you used it at least 70% of the time. What do I do now? Thanks, Keith K.
@ Keith K
You take a record of use since you started using the new unit and explain your situation to the CME. The CME will take your information into consideration and act accordingly.
Need to know about sleep apnea numbers for cdl physical
You need to provide a printed report from your cpap machine showing that you have used it for at least 4hrs/day for at least 70% of the time for the last 90 days leading up to your physical. Most machines will compute this report automatically and allow you to print it at home via Bluetooth. Phone apps for your brand of machine will help make this process even easier, just fyi. Good luck!
First of all , I live in VA. My DOT medical card expired in July 2022. Is there any extension or how long do I have to get it renewed.
@ Debra H
DOT/FMCSA grace period extension until the end of August, so you have time to get it done now.
is there a temporary renewal card I can request. My drs appointment is a week after my medical examiners card expires Can someone give some advice!!!!!!! I cant get appointment sooner.
@ Lloyd B
DOT/FMCSA has extended the grace period until the end of August, so there is time. Just get the medical certification examination done and get a copy to your states drivers license department as soon as you finish.
I just went to renew my Illinois DOT physical exam at a CVS minute clinic. (First time I used them.) First, upon checking-in she wasn’t sure if she wanted to take me for a dot physical because I am 6 1/2 months pregnant. I didn’t understand why that would stop her, but nonetheless made me wait until she phoned several managers. She got no reply but gave me my physical which I passed with flying colors. Not a single mark against me. She gave me my medical card, however, restricted my renewal to be rechecked in one year rather than two. When I asked why, she had said “only fair cause you’re pregnant.” I said “to me that’s sort of unfair and sort of discriminative if I don’t have anything wrong.” She got immediately defensive. I said, “I’m just trying to figure out why you think I need to be checked again is there something you found wrong?” She admitted, “no…but a lot can happen in the last three months of pregnancy.” She then informed me that these decisions were on her discretion and she did not have to answer me any further. The forms and papers she showed me show no other reason for the year restriction renewal other than “current pregnancy.” This is why I don’t get a two-year certificate. When I inquired her why I would have to come back in a year -9 months after pregnancy? She again claimed because in the last three months of my pregnancy many things could happen to me, she named several unfortunate things… I said, “many things could happen to anybody in their future, but this would mean the state would want to view any woman after having a child then. This is not a medical problem you need to review. This would cause me and extra exam and extra charge for no reason other than having a baby.” She stated that have a medical condition and we won’t be discussing it further and walked away.
I feel I was discriminated due to my pregnancy. I have to take an extra test and pay the extra $120 again in one year when there’s nothing wrong with me and definitely won’t be pregnant a year from now. I feel as soon as she realize she had done something wrong she defensively wanted out of the conversation rather than fixing the obvious error. I have gone through all of Illinois state statutes medical requirements… Am I wrong here? You cannot restrict a woman from her two-year certificate just because she’s pregnant, especially if she has passed all tests .. right??
@ SadSarah
You are correct and the CME is correct in that she has the discretion on the final decision making process. Next year, go somewhere else for your DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.