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 recently hired a warehouse worker who was supposed to get a drivers medical card so that he could drive company vehicles and trucks. When he went to take the physical for the card he was told that he could not get it because he was only 19 years old. Is this correct? Is there an age restriction on getting a driver’s medical card. I am in Pennsylvania. I would appreciate any help
@Eric
I do not believe there is an age limit on acquiring a medical card.
I will only assume the examiner was indicating that your driver can not acquire an interstate CDL at the age of 19.
Federal law permits persons between 18 and 21 years of age to obtain a CDL to drive within state boundaries.
I would check with your state on this regulation.
I’ am a Miami Dade County Transit bus operator I had a defibrillator put In 2005 I been driven with It for 8 years with no problem the dade county doctor Dr. Ken Kaplan Of Mount Zion Occupation Health and my Cardiology Dr Hurwit of Adventure hospital did not have no problem as long as I EKG, Stress test ultrasound and be able to perform my job function that was the requirement for Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Hurwit I was clear to work I was clear to work In 2011 Are we DADE COUNT TRANSIT Exemption from the Dot law are I’m able to operator the bus In Miami dade county transit ? This Is Important
@Jeannie
I will begin with an assumption that you are not a class A driver or you only operate within the state of Florida.
By FMCSA rules and regulations, as a interstate (over the road) driver, you would not pass due to the defibrillator.
As an in-state driver, you fall under a different set of rules based on your state and limited to intra-state activity.
You have been cleared and done good follow-up with your care and your doctors have kept you on the road and working with the right documentation.
So unless you are about to change careers, you should check with Florida DMV to confirm that you, as a MTA driver, are still good to operate the bus.
I don’t believe there are any new changes in regards to your circumstances.
Can you get your CDL for driving bus in WI, if you have to use oxygen at night?
@Brian
Your best bet here is to check with your state DMV to answer that question.
CDL drivers can use a CPAP machine, so I’m not real sure of the question, it’s a little vague.
For more information see our FAQ on breathing.
I am starting a new job as a Indiana state certified driver instructor at a licensed truck driving school. Do I require a DOT medical examination anymore and will my self certification status be if I don’t cross state lines.
@Bill
See Indiana CDL and DOT medical card requirements.
Your new employer should also be able to confirm this.
I recently started driving and was required to get a DOT physical in March 2014. Is this physical and physical card going to be accepted after the May 21 deadline?
@TK
Yes, your medical card is valid until the expiration date on the card – even if the card was issued by a medical examiner who is not certified and on the National Registry by the May 21 deadline.
Recently had back fusion surgery at L4/L5. Another driver told me that he read somewhere on a Fmcsa site that that was a disqualifier for cdl. I can’t find anything that states either way.
@Cyril
Your surgery is not a disqualifier.
Once you are cleared to return to work, you will need to have a new medical examination completed by a DOT medical examiner. Make sure you bring any useful information for the examiner regarding your condition and any limitations. Other than that you should be good to go.
I have a rx for Xanax. I have CDL, using this rx and was told I could not use this medication and pass my dot physical? Home office in another state has no problem with me bring in this rx. Not sure if I can use the medication or not?
@Vwel
As long as you have a prescription from your primary healthcare provider and a note from him indicating your need and safe usage of this medication, then there should be no problem.
See also our FAQs on medications.