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!
Hi,
I’m a driver for UPS, I have Kidney Disease and are they are at 20%. Its to the point where I may have to go for dialysis soon. My doctor told me to start getting things in order to start the process of getting on transplant list. My concern is will I loose my CDL license if I start dialysis and can you continue to drive?
I`ve been there for 25 years and hear stories that they can give you the boot at anytime.
Any information is helpful.
@No Name
From a federal position, you will be disqualified. From a state position, you may be able to continue.
Check with your state drivers license department on this for confirmation.
Also check with UPS, because you may be classified as “interstate” for UPS.
It isn’t that you lose your CDL, it’s the loss of your medical certificate that will have the biggest effect.
I have a belly button hernia does it disqualify me for dot physical have had it for three yes and have passed before with it.
@Nick
As long as it does not interfere with your ability to operate a CMV safely, then you are good to go.
I had open heart surgery in October of 2012. At that time I had a defibulater put in. I recently took a dot physical to obtain a medical card. They told me I would not be able to pass with a defibulater. I need this for my job, how do i get an exemption? I will not be driving any vehicle with air brakes.
@Sonny
You only need to explain to the examiner that you are not a class A driver.
Each state has a guideline that may allow you to drive with a defib unit.
But for class A it is a disqualifier.
You’re not a class A and a medical release form should be what you need from your cardiologist. No waiver is needed, unless the state requires it.
I have Dialated Cardiomyopathy with this cause me to fail the DOT physical. I am taking medications prescibed from the doctor for this.
@Kerry
All depends on how far along the condition has progressed. If in the later stages you will not be able to pass the DOT examination. Early phases and you may be good for awhile. Make sure you bring a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and its present prognosis. This will help the examiner make the best decision.
Can blood in urine cause you not to get a health card
@Myron
It will raise questions and may require a follow-up after your doctor determines the reasoning behind the blood in the urine.
Yes I just went for my DOT physcial and was giving a 3 month extended license for a 140/93. When I go to my regular physician it’s 130/86 area. Can I get a waiver from my regular doctor and just get a year extension even if I don’t have a blood pressure problem.
Plus too the company I drive for stays within the NY state lines do I still need a DOT card even if I stay with in state. Because I know some people who do same kind of driving and aren’t required a DOT card. Is it a company thing for cheaper insurance?
@Donald
In any state that you drive a vehicle that is used for commerce, you need a medical card, even for intra-state driving. So To make doubly sure I would check with your local drivers license department and ask the same question. There may be some variability from state to state.
@Donald
It’s not the way the FMCSA would have it. So it’s doubtful that this will work for the CME. Make sure that the examiner takes multiple reading during your examination. All you need to do is relax and get a decent reading, maybe even rest a bit before you go in.
Other tips see this article: Blood Pressure Tips During The DOT Physical Exam
No you must pass during the physical….period!
I take metaphormin for diet help will that fail a dot physical
@Dan
No, but it will reduce your physical to one year. If it is being used for diet only, make sure you bring a note from your doctor explaining the medications use and that it is not for diabetes.
My friend was treated for hep c 9years ago and was a dot driver at the time and was always recertified. Now they are gaining new employment and are wondering will this condition disqualify them? And if so is there any recourse?
@TP
This should not be an issue, unless there are other symptoms that limit his ability to perform his duties as a commercial motor vehicle operator.