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Q&A
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam to get your medical card, does not include a drug test. This does not mean that any Company you want to work for, will not request a pre-employment drug test — they most likely will. But the DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test.
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
The 5 Panel drug test analyzes urine for the following drugs:
- Marijuana (THC metabolite)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (including heroin)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
The DOT drug screen is looking for illegal or non-prescription drugs. Yet, sometimes normal prescription medications can trip a positive test.
If the urinalysis is positive for one or more of the drugs on the 5 panel drug test, then the driver will be contacted in person by the Medical Review Officer. The MRO will interview the driver to determine if there is an alternative medical explanation for the drugs found in the urine specimen. If the driver provides appropriate documentation from a prescribing physician, a confirmation test with a split sample is performed for each identified drug. Confirmation ensures that over-the-counter medications or preparations are not reported as positive results. If the MRO determines that it is a legitimate medical use of the prohibited drug, the drug test result is reported as negative to the employer. Otherwise the drug test will be reported as positive.
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
The urine test 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.
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. Protein in the urine may indicate kidney disease. The medical examiner will make a decision based on the amount of protein in the urine. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Yes, it is an indicator of the onset of diabetes or already a diabetic that does not have the condition under control. The driver would be disqualified until the condition is under control, either with medications or diet.
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. If the medical examiner believes that the blood in the urine may indicate a condition that affects the ability of the commercial driver to safely, the driver may be referred to a primary care physician or specialist for further evaluation. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
Depending on the risk posed by the condition and treatment, the medical examiner may require documentation from your doctor. To assist in the preparation of the documentation, you can get more information here, courtesy of Trucker Docs. Even though your prescribing physician may be of the opinion that your condition and treatment is safe to drive, the decision to certify still rests with the medical examiner.
If you have non-insulin treated diabetes the medical examiner will check that your diabetes is adequately controlled. If it is controlled, you will get a time-limited certification and most likely need to re-certify annually.
If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you will be disqualified for inter-state driving. You may be able to drive intra-state.
The DOT does have a few, very stable insulin dependent drivers testing on insulin waivers, but you would have to check with the FMCSA on this issue.
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
Without a DOT Diabetes exemption waiver the answer is No, not for interstate driving, even if your condition is stable.
You may be able to drive intra-state. Each state has its own rules.
What are the requirements for blood sugar limits? I just found a job driving school bus. I am a diabetic, non-insulin dependent. When I took the test my blood sugar was 350, but in the past few days I’ve gotten it down to about 170. I have never had a low or high blood sugar blackout. Will I have to get an exemption?
The medical examiner needs to see your blood sugar levels below 120. That is the level for blood sugar spillover into the urine. The concern is not whether you have ever had a blood sugar blackout, it’s – Could you have a blood sugar blackout while driving a bus full of little people? Safety first for you, the driver, and for the public at large.
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
The Metformin is to control your blood sugar as a borderline diabetic. It will limit your DOT medical certificate to one year at a time.
I’m a CDL driver. I had to start insulin for my diabetes. My medical card expires in a month. Will the doctor know I’m taking insulin when he does my tests?
It does not matter whether he knows or not. On the DOT medical examination form that you fill out, it will ask if you are a diabetic and also how you control the condition. So you are the one who is going to tell him about the insulin.
Your examining doctor should ask quite a few questions regarding your insulin usage to help determine your options.
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Any habit forming drug; methadone; anti-seizure medication, is disqualifying.
The medical examiner will review every medication – prescription, non-prescription, and supplement to determine if its use will adversely affect the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. The medical examiner may require documentation from your prescribing physician. In this case the medical examiner may, but is not required to grant you a medical card.
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
No. Marijuana is a disqualifier, even if you have a prescription.
A CMV driver cannot be qualified if on Methadone. There are exceptions to the rule regarding other drugs prescribed by a physician, but this does NOT apply to Methadone.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Nitroglycerine use is not disqualifying. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your Cardiologist to make sure that your angina condition is stable.
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
These three drugs are going to be a red flag for any examiner. You should bring with you a letter from your prescribing physician, explaining the need for the medications and their possible side effects. All three are listed with side effects of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, and should not be used while driving or using machinery. You are going to have to explain to the medical examiner why and how much if any of these medications you are taking and the basic circumstances for their needs.
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
One of the best ways for a driver to answer a question about whether a medication may be a disqualifier or not, is to read about the side effects of that medication.
Lets take a look at some of the side effects of Xanax which include: “Drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, talkativeness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, increased salivation, changes in sex drive or ability, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite, weight changes, difficulty urinating, and joint pain. Some other side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: shortness of breath, seizures, seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating), severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, depression, memory problems, confusion, problems with speech, unusual changes in behavior or mood, thinking about harming or killing yourself or trying to do so, and problems with coordination or balance.”
As you can see, some of these issues can be unsafe for you and the public. It will cause any medical examiner to question your reaction to this medication. Talk with your prescribing doctor and ask questions with regards to driving while using any medication.
I take Prozac for anxiety and I no longer have anxiety attacks. Will this be a problem for my DOT physical?
If the anxiety disorder is controlled with the medication, then there is no real problem. Just make sure you inform the medical examiner about your condition and the medications you are taking for it.
I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. I don’t have them often but I do take Lorazepam for them on a PRN basis. Can this disqualify me from driving a school bus?
The side effects of the medication could be a disqualifier from driving a bus. I would bring a note from your physician stating how long and how often you use this medication.
A bus-load of kids could be stressful and may trigger your need to medicate. So the medical examiner would be concerned about the side effects of the medication. The big concern here is for your safety and the safety of the children.
I want to keep my CDL but I have anxiety and need to get on some medication. I don’t want to lose my license. What anti-anxiety medication in okay to take and still be safe to drive?
Talk with your MD and explain that you are a commercial OTR driver. That way the doctor can work out which, out of dozens of medications, will work best and not interfere with your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Most of the anxiety meds do not run positive for drug testing. They usually have side-effects that cause drowsiness and that is the main problem. So give the provider as much information as possible and go from there.
You will need to get documentation from your MD stating that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Yes, you may still drive. You will need to get documentation from your treating physician as to when the condition started, what was the diagnosis, what has the treatment consisted of, what medication are you on, and is the condition stable. All of these things are to help the medical examiner determine whether you are medically fit to operate a CMV safely.
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
The use of Provigil needs careful supervision. Drivers being prescribed Provigil should not be qualified until they have been monitored closely for at least 6 weeks while taking Provigil. The medical examiner will require documentation from your treating physician stating that the treatment is effective, and that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
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Hi
My DOT needs to be renewed. I have a class B license and drive a bus. I am currently taking Bupropion to quit smoking and Trazadone for help sleeping also Mirazapine for depression. Is this going to cause problems getting my DOT medical card renewed?
Thanks for your help.
@Lisa
You want to make sure you take medical releases from your prescribing doctors explaining your need for these meds and how you are handling there effects, if any. Then it falls to the CME to make the best decision, so provide what he needs before he asks for it.
Thank you very much. I have been on all meds since Feb. But will make sure l get the form filled out by my Dr.
Lisa
can I take Melatonin and still keep my DOT card or will Melatonin come up in routine DOT physical?
@Robert
You should not have problems with this over the counter supplement.
I have been prescribed OxyContin/Percocet through a pain management facility since 2009 for lower back trauma suffered as a law enforcement officer. I recently retired from law enforcement in December of 2015 after 25yrs of service, and am now looking to start a second career. My condition is completely regulated and monitored through my prescriber. My PCP recently drafted a letter listing my meds, the rerasons why I’m prescribed these meds, and described the fact that I’m completely functional and that I do not experience any adverse effects from these medications because of the length of time that I’ve been under this type of treatment.
The letter also gives statistical information in regards to the ability to safely function while operating a motor vehicle while being prescribed this medication. This is to compare drivers that are not under going this type of treatment. Does this type of information that I have available, supporting the use of this medication, influence my attempt at acquiring a DOT?
@Rick
Your meds list is going to cause a lot of questions and with proper documentation, which you have already, you may be OK.
You might also be looking at intra-state only due to injuries and pain meds.
Take all available information with you at the time of the examination, it will be of great help in the CME decision making process.
My name is Dawn, I’m disabled and I’m on Social Security. On 12-20-2011 I was hurt at work. I’m on Hydrocodone 7.5/325 and I’m also Taking Tramodol 50mgs. Because of these meds, I also take high blood pressure meds, meds for my thyroid. Please tell me that these meds are ok to drive a truck, or be a bus driver for the schools.
No one should trust you behind the wheel of a truck and especially a school bus filled with children!! Are you nuts that your lack of common sense really just made you ask that question? Keep people on the roads safe by keeping your unsafe medicated disabled ass home for Christ sake!! If you really had to ask them the answer should be NO!!!
Ms Francine,. I just had to say the response you wrote to Dawn R was so rude! There is are tactful ways to express yourself and your parents definitely didn’t teach you right. Sounds like you just stepped off the Jerry Springer show.
Francine….. I’m new to the search on prescription meds and which ones disqualify you from a driving job, I just read your response to Linda, and I’m shocked you could have such a response…… I hope you never know or have to endure going through surgery, and health problems that keep you from working and especially being disabled!!! Try living on 700.00 a month after you’ve had several neck and failed back surgeries as I have and you’ve tried to live without medicines but the pain alone will make you insane so at least we disabled are trying to function even if it’s enough to make our bills and eat!! I hope nothing like the way of life we try to get through ever happens to you.
@Dawn
I don’t think you would be able to pass the DOT examination and I’m not sure anyone wants their children riding along with a potential safety issue. The list of medications that you are taking will raise serious questions with any CME and would require a tremendous amount of supportive information.
Don’t take meds while at work I take vicodin 10mg and ambein when I get off work at night bottle Cleary state take in morning after workthey put on my dot form when I’m susposed to take my meds
Is naltrexone prescribed by a doctor a banned substance
@Dan
It will depend completely on the reasoning for the prescribed medication. For drugs and alcohol withdrawal it will need to go through a waiting period and a medical release form from your prescribing doctor.
Got a prescription back in October for my teeth and I only take it when they are bothering me. Can this stop me from getting my DOT certificate
@Juanita
Is it a pain medication, or a anti-inflammatory, or a antibiotic or what? Not enough information to answer your question.
I have basically the same question. I was prescribed 10/325 oxycodone back in January for a tooth extraction. I had a few left and I took one this Friday afternoon. I take a pre-employment drug test today. I have conflicted info. I’ve NEVER tested positive for a drug screen and have driven for over 20yrs
@Barbara
The DOT drug screen may pop positive, but if you have a valid prescription then the MRO should call you and ask for a copy of the script. Without a valid script and positive may cause some serious questions.
I take Gabapentin 3x a day for neuropathy, I also have a waiver for an anti-seizure drug that requires me to take the DOT physical once a year. My question is how many waivers am I allowed, and is Gabapentin a disqualifier?
@Michele
You need a FMCSA seizure medication waiver. With that in hand you may be qualified, otherwise you are not considered medically fit for the safe operation of a cmv.
just fail dot medical certification where is it posted that I failed and what can I do its a medication issue
@Leanne
Not much to go on here. What meds and for what conditions? On meds – you need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor to give to the DOT physical examiner.
The failed DOT exam is reported to the Federal database.
I applied for a position as a transport driver for the railroad in April this year, the DOT Dr disqualified me due to some medicines I’m taken, but the person I applied with gave me no information as to the medical release form. I’m still on the same medicines but am now living in Texas and when I was disqualified I was in Louisiana. I now have the opportunity to apply for another transport position, will my prior disqualification in Louisiana keep me from the position in Texas since it’s a national database.
@Eva
Have no idea what meds you are taking, so…
All you should need is a medical release form from your prescribing doctor. Since you have been taking the medication for some time now, the doctor will have a better picture as to how you would react to the medications, if any. A lot will have to do with the reasoning behind taking any medication, but the medical release will be a huge help.
Database will have one thing on it, but is not used to determine medical fitness for duty status. Only the CME does that for you.
I take Lithium and Geodon for bi-polar. I’ve been functioning well and steady on this treatment for a year. A friend drives a garbage truck for a private sanitation company. I feel this would be a perfect job for me. I love to drive, have a clean driving record, enjoy physical work, the pay is real good, they have good medical insurance. I worry that I will have difficulty getting my cdl because I take medication. Is it possible to get my cdl if I can prove that I am an alert and consientious driver while I am taking medication?
@Violet
You will want to check with your local drivers license department for some answers here. You may not need a full class A CDL to drive a garbage truck, maybe just a class B or if the weight is not in excess of 26001 pounds, you may not be required to get a cdl at all. That’s for the local DLD to guide you on.
As far as the medical certificate is concerned, you want a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and your medication usage.
Class A, your medications will raise questions, but a lesser class and within the state may go for state variances and the medical certificate examination is not as rigid. Good Luck