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!
My friend has worked for a company for several years, they now want him to obtain a CDL. The company does not drug test and he feels that there will be no drug screening in going through the steps to obtain a CDL. I argue that I cant believe that there wouldn’t be a drug screening. does anyone know for sure if there is a drug screening or if it varies from state to state? we are in Wisconsin.
@Bob
It varies state to state, and company to company.
They don’t drug screen for a DOT Physical. They do random drug screenings.
Not true they did me and just got denied
Dang really? was it a DOT Drug Testing or from the Employer?
State of Massachusetts drug test on DOT physical . Also they do random drug testing as well
easiest answer is DON’T DO DRUGS DAMN IT!
I have been legally blind in my right eye since birth, when I was hired for my job I had no issue obtaining a DOT medical card, the 2 years passed and I was able to renew it. Another 2 years have came up but this time I am unable to get a certified medical examiner to even look at me once I mention my right eyes vision before the screening.
I have been cleared to drive from my optometrist for the last 16 years and have been cleared from my optometrist to operate my work vehicle.
For work I drive a sprinter van that is just over 10000# Monday through Friday from 5:30am to 3:30pm on city streets.
What can I do to renew my card so I can retain my job and won’t have any issues in the future.
@Jason
The medical examiner needs to understand that you are not a class A driver and you fall under state variance, not under FMCSA regulations. You should be evaluated for the type of driving you do.
Our company requires all employees to have a DOT card regardless if they have a CDL or not. I know that the CDL employees have to have the Medical Certificate on the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). Do the NON CDL employees with DOT cards have to be submitted for the MVR?
@Pamela
Each state treats this process differently, so you’ll need to check with your state local drivers license department as to their requirement.
I just had a physical and I put down that I had a meniscus removed. The medical examiner said I had to get documents proving I was cleared. I called the doctor I went to and I had restrictions not to lift 20 pounds and can’t squat for long periods of time. Plus it said I can’t drive for more than 8 hours. Will I fail. I’ve even worked for this company before. I’ve had 5 dot physicals since my surgery and passed. I also was cleared by a vocational specialist to get funding for my license. Thanks
@Eric
The CME is posing questions because you would not fall into a class A interstate driver overall qualifications without supporting documentation. With supporting documentation you may be okay.
I can’t do a normal comment so I am trying to do it this way maybe I can get help. I passed my dot phy. I got paperwork and passed the permit test. I have to wait 3weeks for permit paperwork. I never got a card ppl talk about. How do I get this dot card? Yes I have papers but thats it. (Kentucky)
@ Trey
Just go back and ask the examiner for a copy of your card.
Will recurrent thunderclap headaches disqualify me for a DOT medical card?
@TP
As a class A driver, Yes.
Hello. I’m 42 and in the midst of a possible career change to OTR driving. I’ve never had a cdl before. I’ve been a type2 diabetic for several years using metformin and diet to keep my A1c in check. I also was prescribed a low dose blood pressure pill to protect my kidneys. What I need to know is simply, will this cause me to fail the DOT physical or is their hope for me?
@Thomas
If all else is fine and you have a medical release form from your doctor regarding your controlled diabetes, you should be good for a one year medical card.
I was on suboxone for 2 years and stopped taking it three weeks ago. I did take clonidine to help with the taper and sleep meds also for my taper. I have a document from my doctor stating that I have stopped all meds and there is no chance of any being left in my system and am in perfect fitness for duty. I am also well past the 7 half lives rule and take 0 medications. According to Fmcsa I should be good to get my CDL?
@Tom
Lots will depend on the reasoning for being on Suboxone. Make sure you have a recent medical release form from your doctor when you go for your DOT examination. He will need as much supporting documentation as possible before he can make his final decision.
Has sleep apnea testing been added to the dot physical requirements based on BMI and neck circumference?
@Mike
Neck and BMI measurements can be used, but there are additional health issues that should be looked at. Neck and BMI measurements are the laziest way to go. The CME should be looking for more information on health issues before recommending sleep apnea screening.
For more information on this contentious issue see our articles on Sleep Apnea Screening http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/category/sleep-apnea/.