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!
As of May 2014 did they pass the guideline where no one that has ever had an enlarged heart can never have a CDL license?? My husband has had it all his life and has been driving truck for 15 years and never had a problem performing the requirements of his job…but because of this supposed new law his CDL doc. won’t pass him??
@Jamie
This is straight from FMCSA handbook:
“If you note an enlarged heart in a driver, you should not certify the driver until evaluation by a cardiovascular specialist who understands the functions and demands of commercial driving to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.”
So I would have his cardiologist fill out his medical release form and take it back to your examiner and request the examiner re-evaluate his standing.
I just had 2cervical spine fusions does this disqualify me from driving
@Charles
Not in and of itself, no.
You will need to fully recover and be able to fully return to work before you will be able to get a new medical card though.
Good Luck
I have a torn ACL in my left knee but I can walk fine and it’s not noticeable… will this disqualify me?
@Richard
No, as long as you can perform the duties required of a commercial motor vehicle operator then you shouldn’t have any problems.
I have type 2 diabetes and I was wondering if I can still drive if I would be placed as a type 1 that has to take insulin? My vision test is good and no high blood pressure. I do work out dailing and I try my hardest to stay away from sugar!
@Bradley
Type II is not a problem if your condition is stable.
If they take you to insulin, you would be disqualified until you got an insulin waiver from the FMCSA.
Or if they believe that you have to have an injectable, then ask about using a medication like Bietta.
I went in for dot at end of June and my pulse was 100 bpm iam 450lbs and the doctor wants me to have a skills performance evaluation but they can’t tell me where I can go take it anyone know if they do SPE from what I have read that test is for ppl who have a limb missing thanks
@Mike
I would check with your state DMV, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
I am trying to get a warehouse job. I need a DOT certificate. The doctor told my not to bother even taking the physical because I am a type 2 diabetic. Also as a precaution I take an anti-seizure medicine because I had a seizure once that may have been related to my diabetes a few years ago. I now wear an insulin pump and take my medicine and everything is under control. Do I even have a shot at getting a DOT Certificate for this warehouse job?
@Jerry
What your doctor is using as a guide is for class A long haul commercial drivers.
It sounds like you just need a medical card to operate something less. With proper documentation and knowing what your state requires, you may not have any problems.
Further research on your part will answer your question. Start with your state requirements for a medical cards based on your present license class and go from there.
Good Luck.
I recently accepted an offer from trugreenand will be driving one of their trucks. I passed a pre employment drug screen and now have to take a DOT physical. Why would I have to take two drug tests?
@Jason
There is no drug testing done during a DOT examination.
The urine test done during the DOT is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
I have been given a 3 month temporary medical card for high blood pressure but on my vison test the lady put down 20/40 in my left eye, 20/30 in both eyes and 20/50 in my right eye. Should I be disqualified or no?
@Brandon
DOT requires 20/40 at the very least – And that is in both eyes together and each eye individually.
If she wrote it down as 20/50 uncorrected and better then 20/40 corrected. No problems.
If corrected and still at 20/50, you would be disqualified as an interstate driver.
See also FAQ – Vision