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 have arthritis in my left knee and it locks up when I walk or after I sit for a while and it is painful for.a few minutes afterwards, does this mean I can’t have a CDL.
@Steve
If you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you are good to go.
If you cannot perform the duties, then you may want to downgrade to an intra-state driver.
I am interested in getting my CDL but I donated one of my kidneys to my brother who was in renal failure. Will having only one kidney disqualify me from passing my physical?
@Luke
No, as long as there are no residual issues.
Get a medical release form completed by your primary explaining what the situation is, and you shouldn’t have any major problems.
Hi I have been recently considered permanently disabled do to loosing my ability to speak clearly because of the lose of my tongue to oral cancer I currently have a class a cdl in the state of Pennsylvania and a valid dot physical card that expires in February of 2015 I was an owner operator and would like to keep my cal valid if possible so I can at least drive my truck to shows since I previously put a ton of work in it dressing it up would I be able to take another physical and retain my license if so what do I need to do any info would be greatly appreciated again thank you for any help you can give me
@Jeremy
Get your doctors to complete your medical release form before you go for the examination. This will answer most of the questions that the DOT examiner will have.
You will need to be able to communicate with the examiners. You may take someone to speak for you, but also consider how you will communicate while out on the road. Your issue will cause lots of questions, so be prepared. Good Luck
I have a pacemaker and doctors note says it was used to control neurocardiogenic syncope, will this disqualify my cdl license.
@Gregg
You should not have any issues. Make sure you have your medical doctor complete your medical release form before you go for your DOT examination. Your card should be good for a one year at the time re-certification.
Was told examiner will not sign off on Med card due to migraine headaches I had over 1 years ago. I guess he spoke to my primary care Dr. and was told i lose vision when get a headache which is not true. Can I go to another facility and get another exam? I just won’t mention that i used to get headaches.
@David
Be truthful first, lying or misleading on the DOT form can cost you your commercial medical card.
So, have your primary doctor fill out your medical release form for you before you go for your DOT examination. That should be all you need.
i was wandering how we go about applying for a insulin waiver i have been driving for 25 years and my type 2 diabetes may be requiring me to get on some stronger medication and i have to be able to drive to feed my family thanks
@Brian
Get information directly from FMCSA at this link – Diabetes Exemption Application.
I went to CARENOW in Grapevine Texas. They disqualified me for a DOT Medical Card do to my BMI being “44” saying that I had to have a Sleep Study done. After giving me this information which upset me, they took my blood pressure which was 142/94. I have never been diagnosed by my Primary Care Provider for high blood pressure. I was worked up about the BMI issue. They told me that if I did the study and went back to my Primary Care Provider for the blood pressure, they will give me a 3 month card but not until then. My Card expired on 10/02/2014 and my employer is threatening me with termination if I dont get a card soon.
@Michael
Somebody put you between a rock and a hard place. There is no regulation regarding BMI and sleep apnea.
So what to do next is go somewhere else to get your medical card. Blood pressures need to be below 140 /90, that’s a regulation.
i had a previous history of sleep apnea . after losing 47 pounds ihad another sleep study which stated ; 1mild sleep apnea overall.2moderate obstructive sleep apnea-mainly supine position related.(even though i never sleep on my back).3 NO osa in left lateral position(which is the side i always sleep on anyway).Am I going to have to wear a cpap device for the rest of my carreer even though I don’t need it.The company doc gave me a 90 day license and said i have to come back with a 90 day cpap proof of compliance(smart card). please help me out. my device is broken and i can’t get an appointment for a new one until nov. 23.
@Stephen
If your primary doctor feels that the CPAP is no longer needed, then get him to complete your medical release form for you and take it with you when you go back for your DOT physical.
If you have a choice, you may consider going someplace else for your DOT exam. Good Luck