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Q&A
Who can I go to, to get my DOT medical card?
Can I go to my own doctor to get my DOT physical or do I have to use my company doctor?
What’s the difference between a DOT Doctor and a Medical Examiner?
How long does it take to get my medical certificate?
What’s involved in a DOT physical?
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
When I do my DOT physical do I have to get completely naked?
Who pays for the DOT Physical Examination? Me. Company. Insurance?
If I don’t have medical insurance can I still get a DOT physical?
How much does a DOT physical exam cost without insurance?
Why do I have to have a urine test for a DOT physical?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical form?
How long is the DOT medical card good for?
How many 3-month DOT medical cards can you have?
Is there a difference between a DOT physical card and a DOT medical certificate?
How do overweight truck drivers pass the DOT physical?
What if I’m disqualified – may I request another DOT physical?
What if I don’t disclose a medical condition when I go through the DOT physical exam?
Who can I go to, to get my DOT medical card?
Interstate drivers: CMV drivers who drive interstate, must get Federal medical certificates from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified. (Find a registered CME)
Intrastate drivers: Each individual State makes the determination as to whether or not intrastate drivers must be examined by a certified ME listed on the National Registry. To avoid hassles it’s our recommendation that you find a registered CME.
Can I go to my own doctor to get my DOT physical or do I have to use my company doctor?
This will depend on the company policy. Your company may require you to use their company doctor for your DOT physical exam. If this is not a requirement, you may go to any medical examiner who is certified on the FMCSA National Registry.
What’s the difference between a DOT Doctor and a Medical Examiner?
There is no difference, these terms are used interchangeably. The terms Medical Examiner, Certified Medical Examiner, and CME are now being used since the federal regulation came into force on May 21, 2014. Drivers will not be able to go to just any healthcare provider for your DOT physical. You must go to a Certified Medical Examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
How long does it take to get my medical certificate?
It should take 30-45 minutes to go through the physical examination. Provided there are no medical concerns the medical examiner will be able to certify you and issue your medical certificate.
If the medical examiner has concerns about a potential, current or past medical condition you may be required to see a specialist for additional medical tests or get documentation from your treating physician. In this case the medical examiner will not be able to complete the DOT physical exam until these requirements have been fully met.
Be Prepared! Find out what you should know before you get to your DOT physical appointment.
What’s involved in a DOT physical?
The DOT physical exam is considered a “Medical Fitness for Duty” exam for the demands of the job required of any commercial driver, not just the driver’s current job duties. The medical examiner’s role is to determine if a CMV driver’s health meets FMCSA standards.
The examining doctor has these two questions foremost in mind when conducting the physical exam:
- Can the driver safely meet the physical and mental demands of the job today, and for the period for which the medical card will be issued?
- Does the driver have any past or current medical conditions, which may impact the ability to meet the demands of the job now or in the future?
The DOT physical is an extensive medical examination to determine if you are qualified to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The best way to understand the DOT Physical Examination is to relate the medical requirements to the demands of your job as a commercial driver. The full extent of these are explained in Trucker Docs™ special guidebook to getting your medical certificate.
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
Any condition that would cause a loss of ability to control, operate, or drive a commercial vehicle safely – loss or impairment of limbs, poor visual or auditory acuity, insulin-controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory disfunction, epilepsy, mental disorder, use of certain drugs, alcoholism.
The DOT physical is an extensive examination. The full extent is explained in Trucker Docs’ special guidebook. Any disease, disorder, injury, or medication could cause you to fail if they present a risk to public safety.
When I do my DOT physical do I have to get completely naked?
No. There is no reason to get naked. Loose clothing will suffice for the examining physician to be able to complete all aspects of the DOT physical exam.
Who pays for the DOT Physical Examination? Me, my employer, my insurance?
There is no set answer here.
Sometimes the driver pays.
Some companies will pay for it, some will not. So check with your company because some require that you use their company doctor.
Some insurance companies treat this exam as preventative health care and will not reimburse for it. Sometimes the driver will pay, and may submit the receipt to their insurance for reimbursement, if the insurance will pay.
If I don’t have medical insurance can I still get a DOT physical?
Yes. You do not need medical insurance to get a DOT Physical.
How much does a DOT physical exam cost without insurance?
Currently we’ve seen DOT physicals charged anywhere between $50 and $300. The new FMCSA Medical Examination Forms (2016) and reporting system have increased administrative work and time for medical examiners, and costs for the DOT physical exam are rising accordingly.
Why do I have to have a urine test for a 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.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical form?
Yes. As well as receiving your medical certificate you should also get a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report). The medical examiner is required to keep a copy of these documents for three years. If you need a copy you should contact the medical examiner. Contact information is on your medical card.
How long is the DOT medical card good for?
A DOT medical card is valid for two years if you have no restrictions. A history of high blood pressure, taking high blood pressure medications, a sleep disorder, and taking oral medications for diabetes can restrict the medical card to one year or less, depending on how frequently the condition needs monitoring.
How many 3-month DOT medical cards can you have?
One only. You should have the condition, which caused the restriction, under control by the end of the 3-month window.
With the typical 3-month medical card, you needed to do something to bring some physical condition under control. If you did that, and you go back to see your last DOT examiner, he can issue you a new medical card for typically one year. If you didn’t fix the issue, he can choose not to extend the card. So get the condition taken care of and don’t have to worry about short term medical cards.
Is there a difference between a DOT physical card and a DOT medical certificate?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical certificate when referring to the medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam.
I lost my medical card. How do I go about getting another one? Do I have to do the DOT physical again?
No you do not have to do the physical exam again. The medical examiner is required to keep a copy of the exam documents for three years. If you need a replacement medical card you should contact the medical examiner.
How do overweight truck drivers pass the DOT physical?
Being overweight is not a restriction to passing the DOT physical exam. It is the medical conditions that being overweight eventually leads to, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease, that may affect your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. That is what the DOT Physical exam will determine – whether you have any of these restrictive medical conditions. Getting healthy and staying healthy is your best guarantee for your life and your livelihood.
Does the DOT physical require a driver to be completely healthy… does that include sexually transmitted diseases?
No. An STD will not affect a DOT examination.
What if I’m disqualified – may I request another DOT physical?
This really depends on why you were disqualified.
Doc shopping used to be what folks did, but that is changing with DOT and FMCSA. If all medical examiners are following the guidelines and regulations, then it would not matter where you go, you would still be disqualified if the same situation exists.
If the disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, then discuss the concerning condition with the medical examiner, and ask for options that may help you to be reconsidered for certification.
Second opinion: A driver always has the option of getting a second opinion. If the qualification restrictions or disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, you should find a different clinic to get a second opinion. The new examination decision supersedes the previous examination.
What if I don’t disclose a medical condition when I go through the DOT physical exam?
When you complete the health history section on the long form you must certify that your responses are complete and true. Making a false statement for concealing a disqualifying condition may invalidate the examination and any medical certificate issued, based on it.
What about “shopping” for a DOT doctor who will be “lenient” on the qualifiers for DOT medical certification?
Some drivers used to do “shopping around”. Starting 2016, the FMCSA reporting system with the National Registry will have the capability to flag multiple exams, identify missing or false information reported by the driver in the Driver Health History section of the MER Form, MCSA-5875, and make a determination to void the driver’s MEC, Form MCSA-5876, if appropriate.
It isn’t an issue of lenience. It’s an issue of whether you, as a driver, are safe and medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle. It’s about safety for you and the public at large. Do what you need to do to be medically fit to pass the DOT examination and don’t worry about finding a lenient DOT doctor.
Second opinion: A driver always has the option of getting a second opinion. If the qualification restrictions or disqualification seems unreasonable, and you feel you are truly fit enough to safely drive a CMV, you should find a different clinic to get a second opinion. The new examination decision supersedes the previous examination.
Certified medical examiners are now required to understand the role of a commercial driver. The doctor who understands the lifestyle and job challenges of a driver, should really want to help you alleviate conditions that could potentially threaten not only your livelihood, but also your life, and possibly the lives of others if a catastrophic event could occur. So if you need a second opinion, look for a medical examiner who considers the big picture of fit for duty rather than one who does a checklist exam.
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Can you pass a dot physical with a drop foot
@Clarence
All depends on the severity of the situation. FMCSA is looking at issues such as yours through the eyes of any possible safety issues. If you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you should be OK. Make sure you have a medical release form from your primary doctor explaining your condition and possible prognosis. All the information is useful for the CME to make his final decision.
Does having hepatitis C have to be reportied on your DOT medical exam. Will this condition affect you in being approved for your DOT card
@Bob
Should not be an issue for the DOT examination. So unless you have some symptomatic issues, you should be fine.
I have an Indiana chauffeurs license. I drive a ford 450 flat bed truck. We only operate in Indiana. We have dot numbers on the truck. We only transport our goods which are not hazardous. Do I need to have dot physicals? Every year or every other year I get re certified. But I have just found out by a couple of drivers that they do not go for their phyiscals. We are all intrastate drivers and drive trucks less than 26,000#s.
@Chris
You need to confirm this issue with your local drivers license department. Most states require that any driver operating a vehicle that has DOT numbers on it is requires to have a valid medical certificate to operate the vehicle. And because you grandfathered in under a chauffeurs license, this only means that you now have a CDL of some sort now. Get your best answer from your local drivers license department. You will fall under the states variances not federal.
Thank you! I will check.
If you are taking thyroid medication (Levothyroxine 150mcg) and are in Truck Driving School…… to get your CDL. Will a TSH lab result of 6 (normal .5 to 5 – or even .5 to 2.5) will that disqualify you from becoming a driver?
@Debbie
As long as the medications or the conditions do not cause any safety issues, you should be good. Make sure you have a valid medical release form from your doctor indicating your medications and what his working prognosis is. All of this information helps the CME make his final decision. As far as the levels, you will need to keep a close watch on your medications and maintain your situation to the very best that you can. Driving commercially is not an easy job and requires that you be as personally responsible for your health and overall well being. Good Luck.
Hello. I know what the common response is to my condition. Especially cause it says I disqualify in the FMCSA. However, there are exceptions to every rule. I have been exempt in the past when getting a DOT Physical, but not driving for awhile, and now a little older, I’m due for another DOT Physical in order to apply for a trucking job. My concern?
I have Type 1 Diabetes. Although Diagnosed in 2002, keeping it under control, I still passed a DOT Physical in 2008, and drove OTR for a carrier for 6 months. Only reason I left than, they did not let me get the promised home time. After leaving, though applying for other opportunities, none working out, I gave up trucking for the time. My CDL and my Medical Certification expired, and CDL privileges suspended cause I did not renew my MCE properly in time. Summer 2016, I started with a Motorcoach Carrier to be a CDL B with P operator. I went to get DOT physical, and shared my info about DIabetes on the form, I had no blood nor protein in my urine, only slight rise in sugars in urine, and a Blood Glucose check shared my BS was 150 (in that general area, i don’t remember exact). I talked with the doctor, he asked questions about how i control my spikes, drops, symptoms how I feel, etc. He had general idea I keep under good control. I asked what disqualifies a Diabetic and why so strict on FMCSA, he said something along lines of “if it’s not controlled, which show in the tests, it means your more likely to have mishaps unexpectedly”. He PASSED my MCE, clearing my DOT Physical for my CD, though I needed a DOT Physical in 6 months. However, due to prior issues with CDL when I didn’t renew, having to pay suspension fee on my CDL, the Motorcoach carrier did not continue with training me, and I did not finish getting CDL.
Now, about 6 months or more later, in early 2017, I’m trying to apply for Truck Driver job, going with local company training to get my CDL, i need my CLP and DOT Medical Exam done in advance. Knowing I have Diabetes, I know the roadblocks ahead of me. Hoping to reduce ANY potential Complications… I wanna know what can I do in advance to ensure I have a successful DOT physical. See my Doctor? Get a Medical Release Opinion completed? How to best keep my Proteins from my urine? Honestly though, my sugars go as high as 300, I still don’t feel as if it would effect my ability to operate a CMV. I take a Basal insulin that is 24 acting, Lantus. This keeps a steady supply of insulin in my body. When my sugars spike, the steady Lantus reduces the effects on the body by continuing to allow the sugar to be used, even though high. The only worry I have, if I go without food for 4 hours, or more, I could slowly start to drop in BS. I know this, so I would keep OJ and candy within arms reach of driver seat. I can recognize my BS drops, and I know when my sugars gets around 90 or so, where I still have control of everything, even perception, and would have time to get my vehicle, tractor trailer, off in a safe stop, in order to put my sugars in check, eat a meal, balance with dose of insulin, and be on my way! With properly schedule runs, I would always allow time to make sure I get my sugars in control when I feel they are beginning to fall out of.
Further, at the moment, I’m only managing with syringe doses of two kinds of insulin. I have my spikes at time, and I have my lows at times, but for most part, I have it under control! I’ve experienced trucking as diabetic already, and know I can handle the demands. I’ve passed a DOT Physical twice already. However, moving forward, I plan to get my Diabetes under better control with CGM (Constant Glucose Monitoring) sugar checks and Insulin Pump Therapy (OMNIPOD, Tubeless, Wireless, Insulin pump Therapy) and with these combined, I will know when sugars startt moving out of range without checking, and will be able to deliver insulin with touch of buttons, and have what ever food/snack in reach while driving… I will be able to operate the vehicle as if I wasn’t even Diabetic!
What must I do to ensure I can pass my DOT Physical and get my MCE? Will a Medical Release Opinion from my own Doctor be enough? Will records from my sugar readings be needed? Records of my Insullin Doses provide idea of my control? I want to drive trucks, it’s always been my passion, and I know I’ve done so in the past, even though I was diabetic.
Thank you for your time.
@Dman
Basically it boils down to this.
As a driver requesting to drive class A over the road / interstate, you would have to have a diabetes waiver from the FMCSA before you would be allowed to drive CMV.
That being said, you could check with your local drivers license department and see what your states variances are regarding you driving commercially as an intra-state only driver. That puts you in a better position since you are now dealing with the states variances and not the DOT/FMCSA regulations.
You will still need to support your situation and findings with documentation from your doctor, so a medical release form is needed here. And the best thing you will do for yourself is learn to get this condition under control and maintained. Good Luck
I am a health care provider. A family friend asked me a question which is out of my field of expertise but I said I would look into it for him. His story is that about 15 years ago he was told he had Hepatitis C and that treatment may not provide a cure and could be expensive. He had no symptoms and said his understanding was that it was sexually transmitted disease and therefore his thinking was it was a sexually transmitted disease that both his wife and he had contracted. Turned out her previous fiance had Hepatitis C also. Anyway, he has been a truck driver for greater than 15 years and never mentioned this on his prior exams as he didn’t think it applied due to thinking it was “sexually transmitted”. In 2015 he was treated after seeing commercials on TV and therefore going back to see the Dr. He was successfully treated and told me he is cured with normal liver functions. His question to me was: “Is this a problem for renewing his DOT license if he gets a medical release from his Dr. and will it be a problem that he never reported it due to his medical ignorance? Could this cause him to be disqualified at the time of renewal due to not realizing it was an infectious disease and therefore not reporting/mentioning it on prior renewal forms? Will he need to do anything different when it is time for him to retake his DOT exam?”
@Concerned
No, he should not have any issues. If possible have his medical doctor complete a medical release form explaining the situation. That will help the CME in his decision making process.
Do I need take another dot medical exam?
injured my neck in a fall, doctor will release me in a week.
@Richard
New examination needed before returning to driving. Make sure you have a copy of the doctors release form in hand before going for your next DOT examination.
I have two work injuries. One resulted with a SCS (spinal cord stimulator), for the low back pain being implanted. The doctor is now planning on freezing the nerve which is causing the pain. The second is an injury to the right knee and thigh area up into the right hip. Putting full weight on the knee and leg show signs of weakness. The doctor has placed me on permanent light duty due to the knee injury. Based upon my job requirements, the restrictions mean I cannot drive for my current carrier.
I am due to renew my DOT card in the next few weeks and I am wondering if I should even attempt to get the physical if these issues will dis-qualify me.
@Brian
You are not going to pass a DOT medical certification examination.
So check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say about putting your CDL on hold or into suspension until you are ready to return to work. You might also check with your local DLD and see what restrictions they may have with you driving intra-state only, once you are ready to return to work. Good Luck.
Hello…I have recently been diagnosed with a balance issue, and I am wondering if that will disqualify me from getting my DOT card. Lamotrigine 100 mg is what the doctor has prescribed. Also I have been on clonazepam .5 twice a day for about 6 years…will that be an issue. I suffer from bad anxiety and I did not disclose that medication on previous exams…will that get me in trouble? I also have had back surgery, and have a hard time performing at the level I need to in my job because of this. Doctor recently told me I have arthritis in my hips from the 25 years of doing the job on the road. I have been inside for past year, and bids are coming up for jobs again. I am worried I will lose my job, but I think I can stay inside from driving if I fail my DOT. Any advice would be appreciated Thank you..
@John
With your present conditions and prescriptions, you could not qualify as an interstate CDL driver. You might look into local, intra-state only, but don’t get your hopes up too high. The medication and your conditions are going to cause a lot of questions, so be prepared if you head in that direction. Good Luck