IF you have a question that doesn’t seem to fit into any other Category, then this is the FAQ page to check.
Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
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.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I was given a 1 year physical because I am on gemfibrozil, a cholesterol medicine. I have been on it since 1998 and never been denied a 2 year physical card. Has something changed?
@ Greg
No changes. If that is the only reasoning given for the one year card, then get a second opinion next time from another examiner.
I took the the physical. In March 2019 was told I passed but the waiting period because I was in the hospital for blood clots in my lungs . I should come back after I pass my family dr’s blood test and physical . I did and got a written signed letter from the dr. Went back now the dot nurse said I have to take take another physical from them . Because I didn’t get my card they want me to do it again it’s been about 55 days ?? I have to pay again ???
@ Theodore A SR
FMCSA requires a new examination be done each time. According to FMCSA, things may have changes in those 55 days. New Examination.
I recently had a DOT physical done. I was given1 year on my medical card because a month prior to getting a DOT physical I had been taking an anti depressant for 1 month given to me by my doctor who happen to be my new doctor. She gave me the prescription on my first visit. By the follow up visit a month later I had completely stopped taken the anti depressant as I didn’t feel I needed it. I had never been on an anti depressant before. The DOT doctor noted it on my form as I was upfront. The trucking company I was going to be driving for sent a standard short form asking for clarification. My doctor noted the medications on the form, gave me a copy and approved me to drive. The trucking company sent another form. This time another doctor in the same office who I had never seen nor met disapproved my form and refused to give me a copy and I was turned down by the trucking company. By this time I had already quit my regular job of 16 years and was preparing to go work for this new trucking company. So this doctor who I never met tells me I should be taking the medication. Then I told her I didn’t need the medications and that I was out of work because of all this with no money to pay my mortgage, car payment and bills. she told me to go get badger care. I am wondering is there a way to get a second opinion, Get a new DOT physical, get a new permit and DOT physical out of state. running out of options. I had my heart on becoming a truck driver. what can I do?
@ Ken
Go get a second opinion else where.
If a truck driver has a open workers comp case because of a back injury, can he renew his DOT medical card?
@ David
No, the injuries would restrict the passing of a new medical certification examination.
Do I need to have taken the written test to get a permit before having the medical exam done?
@ Kasey
No. Anyone can go for the DOT medical certification examination.
I was told today that I need an A1C under 7.0 to get any CDL at all. I called the clinic that the school I’m planning on using referred me to. This information doesn’t square with what the FMSCA says or what the state I’m in says either. It just sounds fishy. What are the 2019 DOT reg on Non Insulin dependent T2DM?
@ Alice W
CDL’s are state issued and have nothing to do with the FMCSA. Check with your states DLD for clarification. Unclear as to who gave you this information.
My last DOT physical a “Occupational Medicine” Doctor my company made me use disqualified my CDL because I am on the medication Suboxone, which is not a disqualifying medication.
She requested that I provide a note and research from my doctor stating that I am fit to drive and not a risk.
I have done that. In all my years driving I have never had a wreck in my personal vehicle or in a Commercial Vehicle while on this medication.
I sent her the information she requested and she denied me again. I have been on this medicine for years while driving and in my career have never had any problems with safety.
I am 20/20 vision, perfect weight, perfect hearing, no diabetes or any other problems. I’ve never had an accident yet she insists I am a safety risk. I have been driving a CMV for 6 years without incident on this medicine.
After she told me I was unable to drive safely and took my CDL and livelihood away she proceeded to tell me I could do a appeal process. Her decision is completely unreasonable and is based on her personal feelings towards me as opposed to the general safety of my driving ability.
She told me I could appeal her decision but could not give me any information regarding how to go about it or what to do. Is there a way I can have her decision appealed? How would I go about it?
My company will not let me get a second opinion. They will only let me use her and she is extremely biased. She told me she always denies people on Suboxone and has never passed one in her entire career.
My CDL is my livelihood. Is there anything I can do to get my job back?
@ Jessie C
# 1. She cannot take your cdl away from you, medical card qualifications yes, but not your cdl.
Your medications are going to raise questions anywhere you go for a DOT medical certification examination. Take all the medical documentation, that you have, regarding your situation and the length of time you have been on these meds. A medical release form from your prescribing doctor too.
so what happened?did you pass or is she still discriminating against you and suboxen,yet they’ll let the real drug addicts do whatever they want, when someone on suboxen trying to do things the right way these clowns put the stigma on you,ridiculous.
If you put your not hiv positive but you are will you still pass the dot exam
@ James
If you lie on the intake forms, what else will you lie about? Unless there is reason to question any other physical conditions requiring medical documentation, then you may pass.
As far as the exam is concerned, if we wear glasses,must we bring them, or is it only necessary for them to know that you can have 20/40 with glasses. I need to buy new ones(stolen) , but didn’t know if it was necessary before the test. Also, do they check your prostate or testicles, is it necessary?
@ Henry
Bring your glasses for the examination. DOT/FMCSA does require that the CME question you and examine you for inguinal hernias
I have a driver that needs his DOT physical done in two weeks, he was in a car accident cannot pass physical what can he do to not lose his license because of this?
@ Sandra
He won’t lose his license due to his present situation. You may need to speak with the local drivers license department to determine their process.