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!
I had my right ankle fused and I’m on oxycodone and morphine sulfate for pain. I have been taken them for 5 years and have no problem with getting drousy or any other side affects. Does this disqualify me for a medical card?
@Dave
You will need a medical release from your prescribing doctor explaining your situation and condition. With that information in hand, you may be able to get a medical certificate, but it will require good documentation.
I am a type 1 diabetic with an insulin pump. I am very well regulated. It’s been 15 years since diagnosis and I have never passed out or needed another person’s assistance with my diabetes. I am young and in shape. I have been told 100 different things from doctor’s offices while going through this process. Anyone have first hand experience passing a DOT physical as a Type 1 diabetic?
@Andrew
FMCSA / DOT will need to issue you a diabetes / insulin waiver, before you would be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle inter-state.
Or check with your local drivers license department regarding an intra-state only CDL.
I applied for a Federal Vision Waiver on 06/12/2016 the process is similar… I was granted a waiver for interstate license on 10/11/2016, it has to post for thirty days for public comment {whatever that is } on 11/11/2016 I should get in the mail my waiver which I take to the DMV and self certify.
In your case the process is lengthy and drawn-out , mine four months .. It sux but Ive been driving a commercial vehicle for 34 years. My pay has suffered because I cant drive out of the state of Georgia till I self certify. You have to do everything they require to the letter, or ya don’t get one……. Then after two years I have to go through the same process again…..
How dis this work out for you. I’m a fellow diabetic and I am trying to get my medical card and just don’t know what to do.
Had a heart attack 11 years ago and since then my injection Factor has gone down from 45 to 30 in the past 11 years I take a stress test every year I would like to know that being my injection factor is 30 will I be able to get a physical done this year
@Mike
FMCSA wants a LVEF of 40% or better. Less will not pass the FMCSA guideline requirements.
I am a 58 years old, 3.5 years ago I had a massive heart attack and triple bypass surgery. I was already a diabetic taking oral meds. After the surgery my Dr. put me on insulin which I am at a hundred units a day. Now I have been tagged with CAD, Diabetes, Depression, Insomnia and Animic. I drove OTR for over 30 years. Would it do me any good to try and get a Health Card?
@Mike
Very highly unlikely!
I have chronic hepatitis B. Will it disqualify me from getting a dot card?
@David
As long as you are able to perform the duties of a CMV operator and you have a medical release form from your primary doctor, you should be in good shape, if all else is within normal limits.
I have 4 bulging discs in my back and have light ptsd (i am able to keep it under control) i don’t take any medications for the pain in my back or for my ptsd. I have passed every DOT physical no problem and have told each and every doctor my passed(all happened in the military)I just recently took a partial physical and they wouldn’t let me to finish it because of my pass.is this considered discrimination and if so who and where do i need to go or is she able to do this with no repercussions. I found out she’s been sued before and when i checked her on the ama website she doesn’t come up and she doesn’t come up on the registered nurses registry I’m trying to see if i could get a second opinion or not or am i going too run into the sane problems?…my current medical card doesn’t expire till next April 2017 Can i still drive with that one?or will i have to get another physical? I’ve been driving since i got out of the army in 2012 and I’m va disabled at 60%.she asked for proof from my primary care saying i don’t have road rage due to my ptsd is she allowed to ask for this and is this An automatic disqualifier for my med card?
@Andy
Well first things first. Is she actually on the FMCSA national registry. If not you can go somewhere else.
CME’s are supposed to take in all available information and use it to make their final decision. That means they should have requested additional information from your doctors before making a final call on you.
I am on dialises some time it is hard to us the bathroom will this be a problem for my dot card
Trying to renew med card using same facility for several years, new person is sending me for unnecessary testing. Each one is done, then when results are normal, sends me for another more expensive test. Can I leave that facility at this point and go to my PCP without a problem? I have never had a problem before and nothing has changed, in fact in better health now than 2 years ago. I accidently checked the wrong box when filling out papers, she didn’t ask me any questions, just keeps coming up with more hoops to jump thru.
@Dennis
You will need to go to an examiner that is on the national registry. If your doctor is on that list, then use him, if not then go some where else for a second opinion.
I have had a CDL since 1989, and in 2013 I was diagnosed with CHF, and put on 3.125mg Carvedilol and 5mg Lisinopril. I was released to return to work a year later. In the 2 1/2 years since I have improved greatly and would like to return to driving. I have to renew my Med certification, while still on the medicine, am I going to have any problems?
@Stan
With proper documentation, a medical release form from your doctor with an explanation of the medications and a your most recent EKG, you should be in good shape for the CME.
Your medical card will be limited to one year at the time due to your condition medications.