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!
Will suboxone disqualify me from getting a courier ((DOT) job with FedEx?
@Tommy
Make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining the need for the meds you are taking. In general suboxone is a disqualifier, unless the doctor can explain why you take it and for how long you have been on those meds. Also explain to the CME the type of work you will be doing.
Do u need a A1c test in wv or just a urin test?
@Wendell
All depends on what you are looking for.
I currently have digestive issues that require me to cook all my own food. I basically have to cook everything down into a soup in order to be able to digest it, and I have difficulty digesting carbs and fats. Can I pass the physical with this? (Yes, I am aware this sounds like a hassle on the road, but I always just put everything in an ice chest and that works out fine.) It doesn’t affect my energy levels or ability to function in any way.
@Daniel
It sounds like you have everything under control, and should not have any problems passing the examination. Just make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and medication usage and you should be OK.
I have have been driving commercial vehicles since 2005. I have a class A CDL with tankers, doubles and triples and HAZMAT endorsements. In Feb 2015, I was injured on the job with a herniated disk between L5/S1 and 2 bulging disks between L3/L4 and L4/L5. Due to this injury, I now have degenerative disk disease as well as numbness/weakness in my left leg and 50% or less range of motion. My job requires me to lift 100 lbs from the ground, over my head, so I know that is out of the question but am i able to pass a DOT Physical? I am unable to sit or stand in the same position for any longer then an hour. I realize this may be a dumb question, but my workers comp doctor has released me for work, saying i have reached MMI, leaving me with permanent impairment rating of 7%. Since i haven’t been able to work since Feb of 2015, i cant really afford to take a DOT physical and fail, leaving me where i’m already at.
Thanks for you help…
@Dan
Based on your description of your condition and symptoms, you would not be able to pass an interstate DOT medical examination.
You might check with your local drivers license department and see what your state variances might be and see if you could possibly drive intra-state only.
My husband passed everything on his DOT exam but his blood pressure was over 140 and was given a 3 month card. He’s always passed before and was given a letter to give to his PCP and get checked out and return with comment from PCP with 3 readings. The letter says a medical card would be given if the readings are in good range. My husband has passed with PCP, no meds was given, changed his diet and loss 20 lbs. He’s schedule an appointment with DOT examiner. Does he have to take exam again to get card or the examiner just extend card, since his PCP sign off.
@Trina
Unfortunately the new FMCSA form system does not allow a medical card/examination to be extended.
This means that the examiner has to start a new Medical Examination Report MCSA-5875 from scratch.
Reporting the results of the “new examination” into the FMCSA online database, supersedes previous reports.
Your husband can go back to the original examining office, and you may be able to get them to do the “new examination” without charge or at a reduced charge, but this will still entail extra work for them.
Otherwise your husband may go to any medical examiner for a new physical exam.
But the system now forces it to be a “new examination.”
When a physician asks you to stand on your tip toes during a CDL physical, what is he looking for?
@Christine
Neurological input to the lower extremities. It’s a test for proper nerve conduction into the feet and lower extremities.
Is it stand?or walk on your on your tip toes which one is required ?
@Jim
Walk on heels and toes.
(Driving in TN) I am blind in my left eye, and will be driving a vehicle under 10,000 lbs. I have to get a DOT exam and a F-endorsement on my drivers license. My question is, will I pass the exam?
@Michael
If everything else is considered ‘fit for duty’, then all you will need is a vision waiver after you complete the intra-state only medical certificate examination.
If I have an A1c of 9.1 can I be failed for my medical card renewal for another year?
@Will
If you are spilling sugar into your urine during the DOT examination, you will be given a very short card, maybe, to get your medical condition under control. If it is high on the urine test then you will be disqualified until you have your condition under control.
What if you take glipazide which cause sugar in your urine?
@John
Then bring in your last A1c with you along with your medical release form from your prescribing doctor. The CME needs to have all of the available information to make the best possible decision in your case.
I am looking to get a DOT physical this week for a job delivering box trucks all over the U.S., but had a question first. I have a hernia, prostate infection, and diverticulitis which has turned into a fistula perforating my bladder. My blood pressure typically runs high as well, around 160/95. I am on medication for the prostate and divertic, which is supposed to keep pain at bay. I still get shooting pain a couple times a day in my under carriage if you know what I mean which I take ibuprofen to get rid of, more recently I have been getting really cold and weak once or twice a day. My urologist said I need surgery to repair the hernia, and surgery to take out the infected part of my colon from the divertic. I had a DOT physical in 2014 before all of these medical isssues, and bp was too high. They let me lay down with the lights off for 10 minutes, took it again, and JUST passed with 140. Will any of these medical problems prevent me from passing my DOT physical excluding the high bp?
@Chris
You do not qualify to pass a DOT medical certification. You must be determined as ‘fit for duty’ and right now you don’t qualify.
Go get the things done to get your health back and then go for the examination.
I am working on getting my CDL for the first time. I went to get a DOT physical and the Dr I went to seemed more interested in rushing me out the door and taking my money. He took my blood pressure immediately after I walked in the door while i was standing. My arm raised above my heart. He would not take my blood pressure again and did not even finish the physical. If i decided to got to another examiner for a second opinion and more importantly a complete physical would this be considered Dr shopping.
@Casey.
No, you have the right to a second opinion.
You also have the right to have a properly done examination, and if you have a problem with the first doctor you could file a complaint with the FMCSA / National Registry.
Hello Casey:
I too am planning my DOT physical soon this week as of 5/24/16. I am here in Denver, Co., and curious where you are and if I may, the Doctors name and location so I don’t get sent or see him/her. I think you get my email address, so please let me know soon.
Thanks,
Jim
I have my DOT Physical coming up on April 26, 2016 from my own Dr. I checked the National Registry and he is not on there. Would that make my physical and medical card invalid?
@Jose
Your medical card is not valid unless your physical is done by an examiner certified, and on the National Registry.
Hi, I had an A-Fib issue almost 4 years back at 48yrs.old, my heart function was very low at the time, injection Fraction of 25. I must have been in A-Fib for a while and not known it, as I never had any symptoms other than a cold which I had for over a month. I had a cardio-aversion (shock) and it brought me back into normal rythm, and on Medication Beta Blocker for Heart Rate Control,Blood Thinner and Lisinoprol not for Hypertension (I have never had High Blood pressure) but to make the heart muscle not have to work so hard while I recovered. That lasted about 18 months,until I woke up one morning realized I was back in A-Fib again.After another Aversion it was decided that I would be a good candidate for an Oblation, done 2 years ago in June and since have not had another A-Fib episode. My heart is back functioning at normal capacity and I’m since off all the Meds that I was on previously except for the beta blocker which I still take daily for said Rate control and I am in Good health now. I have gone for multiple DOT exams at the same place in the past 2 years, And I went for my current Exam yesterday. I understood why I was on the 1 year rotation before, but the Physicians Assist. indicated previously that I would be back on a 2 year schedule once I was off the lisinopril which I no Longer take. I passed the Exam but he left me on a 1 year schedule, when I questioned him why he indicated on the long form it was due to Hypertension. I again question this and was told that the Beta Blocker (Metoprolol) I am taking is also used for Blood Pressure issues. I again told him I didn’t have High blood pressure and that if he needed to speak to my Cardiologist I would arrange it. I was told that If I could provide a Letter from my Cardiologist stating that it was not for Blood pressure and if I could come off the meds, he would again put me on a 2 year schedule. I Called my Cardio Dr. and spoke to the Nurse who confirmed eveything I have mentioned above,she indicated to me that she would call the DOT Examiner and explain the situation. She called and explained that it was as above,not for Hypertension. He now changed his reasoning and said that Chronic A-Fib is grounds for an annual exam instead of bi-annual and not the Hypertension as he indicated on the long form. I disagree with this and if I knew where to appeal it I would, it seems like he’s trying to prove point and is changing his story to cover his Ass. I will NOT return to that examiner again,as for all I know it could be to Generate revenue (Thats what it appears to be). I have a Vision problem which requires a Waiver that I need to get an exam for everytime I have to renew my DOT Exam card which costs money @ $50 copay, the DOT exam as well in the neighborhood of $95 alone, Plus I have to go to the RMV to for my Vision Waiver and it cost me time off from work to do that. Its not like it’s a 1 stop and done thing. It costs me close to $400 dollars a year for the DOT Exam card and Waiver (not to mention the cost of the CDL) thus the reasoning for wanting a 2 year rotation. I guess my question is this, is there anywhere that I can appeal this or am I S.O.L.? It does not seem like he’s been truthful… is there Merit to what he’s saying and if so why would he change his reasoning? Sorry for the book I left here… and Thanks for the help.
@Alby
The a-fib is the cause of the one year medical certificate, minus everything else. That is a FMCSA guideline recommendation.
If the condition is now no longer an issue then you need a medical release form stating what your situation is and you need to get that release from your cardiologist and prescribing doctor.
As far appeal, you can try to find the area of the FMCSA website where you can enter into conflict with the examiner. All we can say about this approach is ‘good luck finding it’, but it does exist.
Called for random dot drug test was going thru medical problems could not urination went to doctor same day he examine me an he gave me medication for urinal problem three days later called for another random felt better gave them urine and it came back negative since I coulDon’t urinat on my first time the m.r.o said it was a refusal I showed him doctors note saying that I had medical problems that’s why I could not urination and I showed him the medication I start taking and he still said it was a refusal lost job and I have to waste money on a drug treatment is there an appeal that I can file ? Or a grievances please help
@Raul
You might want to talk with a labor attorney on this one. Not giving a sample when requested is considered a refusal according to the FMCSA, so you would need to set the record straight, but not sure which avenue to point you in other than legal advice.
Its up to an emmployer and an MRO if there was one
had a heart attack in dec 2013 had 2 stems put in have under went stress test 2015 may the echo test in dec 2015 ready to renew my medical card the heart doc said no problem the mea clinic said I need another stress test is that correct for the state of Mississippi a test every year ????
@Jerell
Stress test every two years and a medical release form from your doctor should be what you need. Try getting a second opinion from another CME doctor.
A ETT every year for the first five years than every otger year with ckearanxe from your cardiologist
The company I work for has a straight truck under 26,000 gross and no air brakes on it. only 2 axles.
What are the requirements/ I know I can drive it with a regular drivers license. ( this truck would be the same size as a large uhaul truck)
Is a dot medical card required? what other requirements? thank you
@ steven
Check with your state for confirmation, but most states want a valid medical certificate for any vehicle that is being used for commerce.
I am cross-eyed which makes it difficult to pass an eye exam, but I do see really quite well. In fact, being crossed-eyed allows me to multi-task effectively while driving, such as readings signs and sending text messages and emails. Do you think I will have any issues passing a physical?
@ Jay K
Really, WOW.
Hi,
I’m a driver for UPS, I have Kidney Disease and are they are at 20%. Its to the point where I may have to go for dialysis soon. My doctor told me to start getting things in order to start the process of getting on transplant list. My concern is will I loose my CDL license if I start dialysis and can you continue to drive?
I`ve been there for 25 years and hear stories that they can give you the boot at anytime.
Any information is helpful.
@No Name
From a federal position, you will be disqualified. From a state position, you may be able to continue.
Check with your state drivers license department on this for confirmation.
Also check with UPS, because you may be classified as “interstate” for UPS.
It isn’t that you lose your CDL, it’s the loss of your medical certificate that will have the biggest effect.
I have a belly button hernia does it disqualify me for dot physical have had it for three yes and have passed before with it.
@Nick
As long as it does not interfere with your ability to operate a CMV safely, then you are good to go.
I had open heart surgery in October of 2012. At that time I had a defibulater put in. I recently took a dot physical to obtain a medical card. They told me I would not be able to pass with a defibulater. I need this for my job, how do i get an exemption? I will not be driving any vehicle with air brakes.
@Sonny
You only need to explain to the examiner that you are not a class A driver.
Each state has a guideline that may allow you to drive with a defib unit.
But for class A it is a disqualifier.
You’re not a class A and a medical release form should be what you need from your cardiologist. No waiver is needed, unless the state requires it.
I have Dialated Cardiomyopathy with this cause me to fail the DOT physical. I am taking medications prescibed from the doctor for this.
@Kerry
All depends on how far along the condition has progressed. If in the later stages you will not be able to pass the DOT examination. Early phases and you may be good for awhile. Make sure you bring a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and its present prognosis. This will help the examiner make the best decision.