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’m 48…6’8ish @450lbs.. I’ve had my CDL for 10 years… No sleep Apnea, No accidents and/or Violations. I drive a truck rarely, as my job requires me to have a current medical card & CDL. My medical card expired and I need to get it renewed. California is super stupid on DOT and a lot of doctors have turned me away- because they don’t want to get sued, for what reason..? No clue. Are ALL physicians going to turn me away? Because I’m built like a football player?
@ Chris
450 lbs. is a really big football player, even at 6’8ish. But if you can perform the duties required by the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations, then there is no reason for a denial for the examination. Your size and weight are going to be questioned, but any registered CME should perform the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. And if they won’t, ask why. They should answer your question
my dot medical expire january 16 2021, i plan to have cataract surgery the first part of january. that might take it past the 16th of the month. is there a grace period to obtaining my new medical exam?
@ randy h
The best thing would be to wait unless fully released to return to work and then go for your new medical certification examination. Your state should have a slight grace period, given your circumstances. Check with your local DLD to confirm.
MY HUSBAND HAS A DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATED LAST SEPTEMBER HAS BEEN DOING GREAT. TIME FOR HIS MEDICAL CARD TO BE DONE. BY MARCH BUT CURRENT COMPANY WON’T LET HIM DRIVE UNTIL IT’S DONE NOW.. HIS CARDIOLOGIST KEEPS SAYING BECAUSE HE HAS IT THAT HE ISN’T A LOUD TO BE DRIVING SEMI’S. WHEN WAS THE LAW UPDATED LAST ON THIS IN OHIO. CAN’T FIND ANYTHING.
@ debbie p
DOT/FMCSA has had this in effect for years. If your husband is driving class A interstate, then the medical examiner will have questions. He will also request supporting medical documentation.
hello,
I have a couple of questions with renewing my medical card this October. I’ve been on anxiety medication for the past year being diagnosed with severe anxiety. Then the Pandemic hits and I’m out of work and having severe Anxiety. Will this stop me from getting my medical card renewed? 2nd, My Psych suggested getting a Marijuana Medical card. Well, stupid me gets the card and I’ve read nothing but horror after horror. I haven’t used the card, have no plans on using it.. I’m wondering, Will the Examiner know I have the medical card without disclosing this to him?
@ kennykay
Your meds and your are going to be questioned and it sounds like your condition is not responding as expected. Be prepared to provide medical documentation from your Psych along with a medical release form. If you have not consumed any cannabis then the likelihood of him/her knowing of the card is irrelevant.
Do they need to check your private area, can you refuse ?
@ Matt
It is a part of the DOT/FMCSA medical examination for cdl holders. It should be same sex evaluation for hernias.
For years the only problem i have is that i get nervous soon as i step foot in the doctors office my bp goes up .. Until i leave the place .. Is there a way i can take my bp without being there ?
@ Adam M
For DOT/FMCSA medical examination reporting for a class A driver, unfortunately, the answer is no.
Does Pa. still allow you to keep your CDL active without getting the physical if you are not currently driving? If so how do i go about that?
Can a type 1 diabetic obtain a DOT card
@ Jared
It is possible with proper medical documentation supporting your condition is well under control..
Do you know what the ejection fraction needs to be in order to meet the DOT guidelines after a heart attack? I know that normal is 50-75; however, is there a standard? Thank you!
@ Sona H
FMCSA wants greater than or equal to 40% LVEF.
I recently completed my NC D.O.T. Physical Examination but I do not know the address to send the exam to in order to obtain my D.O.T. Medical Card. I am in the State of NC Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
@ Michael
The DOT examiner should have given you the medical card at the completion of the examination.