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Q&A
What are the blood pressure requirements to pass the DOT physical?
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have hypertension?
What if I’m on blood pressure medication?
What if I don’t normally have high blood pressure, but I have “white coat syndrome”?
What are the blood pressure requirements to pass the DOT physical?
Here are the medical guidelines according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Note that employers are allowed to impose more stringent medical requirements.
- A driver with a BP of less than 140 / 90 may be medically certified to drive for a two-year period.
- A driver with a BP of 140 – 159 systolic and /or a BP of 90-99 diastolic, has stage 1 hypertension, and may be medically certified to drive for a one-year period. Certification examinations should be done annually thereafter and should be at or less than 140/90.
- A driver with a a BP of 160-179 systolic and/or a BP of 100-109 diastolic, has stage 2 hypertension, and is a candidate for antihypertensive drug therapy. The driver is given a one-time certification of three months to reduce his or her blood pressure to less than or equal to 140/90. Provided treatment is well tolerated and the driver demonstrates a BP value of 140/90 or less, he or she may be re-certified for one year from the date of the initial exam. The driver is certified annually thereafter.
- A driver with a BP at or greater than 180 systolic and / or 110 diastolic has stage 3 hypertension and is disqualified. The driver may not be qualified, even temporarily, until blood pressure is reduced to equal to or less than 140/90 and treatment is well tolerated. The driver may be certified for 6 months and biannually (every 6 months) thereafter if at recheck BP is equal to or less than 140/90.
Drivers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease require treatment if their blood pressure rises above 130/80, since they already have a high risk of heart disease.
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have hypertension?
See blood pressure requirements for stages of hypertension. The medical examiner may require clearance from your treating physician before you can be considered for certification.
What if I’m on blood pressure medication?
Taking blood pressure medications will reduce your DOT medical certificate to one year. Your blood pressure must be controlled and be below 140 / 90 at the time of your DOT examination.
Also, it is very helpful, if you have a note from your treating physician that states that your condition is being treated and that the treatment has been shown to be effective, safe and your condition is stable. This information helps the DOT examiner determine if you are medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the designated time frame of your DOT medical certificate.
What if I don’t normally have high blood pressure, but I have “white coat syndrome”?
First off, we understand that this is a very real concern for some drivers. If you have “white coat syndrome”, tell the examiner, and ask to have multiple BP’s taken. He should be taking 2-3 readings anyhow, especially if you say so up front.
Look for certified medical examiners on this website. Each medical examiner here has a page describing their office and services. Find one who you would feel comfortable with. This should help reduce your “white coat syndrome”.
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At my first exam for renewal I was issued a 3 month extension for high BP. I was put on BP meds. At my second exam it was still too high and was given another 3 month extension, so my doctor made a med adjustment to bring it down more. Will this second 3 month extension allow me to hold onto my CDL until I qualify for the renewal within the next 3 months?
@ Christopher G
Yes.
My Bp was 140/90 and given a 2 year cert, is that correct?
@ Brad G
FMCSA guidelines state 140/90 or below is passing. The CME has the choice at this point. Is this normal for this driver? Or not? 1 or 2 years?
I was told my blood pressure had to be 120 over 80 and not above 80 or I would not pass the DOT physical is that correct?
@ Betsy
Not so for FMCSA. 120 over 80 to 140 over 90 are considered normal. Approaching the 140/90 mark is a good indicator for high blood pressure, you would like to keep your pressure is the 120’s over low 80’s.
Hi, I had received a temporary three month Dot medical card. It expires in a couple of days. I went for an annual check up on a different mater, and was told my blood pressure was 180/90 today. I’m very nervous I will be disqualified. Will I loose my job on the spot?
@ Regina
In most cases you are going to be medically disqualified until you get your blood pressure under control. As for your job, you need to talk with the HR department of your company.
Will I loose my job, if I am disqualified for the second time of my dot medical card
@ Regina
You have to ask the company this question. Each company has different policies, so check with your company’s Human Resources department.
wellllll YEAH you’ll lose your job-if your required to have a DOT Physical/Medical Card and cant pass it ie: get a card your disqualified ie: no longer have a valid Class A (requiring a Medical Card) so yeah if your job requires it then…bad news!
I’m in antibiotics for a infection and my BP is fluctuating between 135/80 and 140/80 is this a cause for concern at dot physical?
@ Jason 2
There will be questions regarding the extent of infection and your prognosis. A note from your primary about the bp fluctuations would be helpful also.
Initial Medical Examination resulted in a 3 month card being issued. Went back at the 3 months, was eligible for the one year card. ME gave new card with an expiration of 1 year from the original exam date but only gave a new card (form 5876), did not complete a new long form (form 5875). Is the ME required to complete a new long form or can they just issue a new card to the original long form?
@ Mindi
A lot depends on the issues which warranted the first 3 month card. Also, most examiners would do a full new DOT examination.
If you were asked to come back in 3 months then something such as blood pressure was not within limits. At your initial visit the completed exam was done, but you did were not qualified due to “something”. Once you followed up your results were evidently within limits and you then qualified. A completed exam is not to be done again at all follow ups. The additional info will be viewed and your certificate will reflect the date of your exam, not your follow up.
ON SEPT 7 2018,HAD DOT EXAM, BP WAS145/90, WAS GIVEN A 90 DAY CARD, ON DEC 5 2018 DOT EXAM BP WAS 140/92, DOCTOR DISQUALIFIED ME, ON DEC 18 2018, BP WAS 130/80, I WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 90 DAY CARD. WHEN I ASKED DOT DOCTOR WHY WASNT GIVEN A 1 YEAR CARD? HER REPLY WAS THAT SHE WASNT SATISFIED WITH THE WAY MY PERSONAL PHYCIAN IS TREATING MY HYPERTENTION.I TAKE BP MEDICINE EVERYDAY,HAD MY DOCTOR WRITE A NOTE EXPLAINING THAT HES BEEN TREATING ME FOR HYPERTENTION.THIS. WHAT GIVES HER THE RIGHT TO QUESTION MY PERSONAL DOCTORS TREATMENT PLAN? I PASSED DOT REQUIREMENTS FOR BP AND WAS ONLY GIVEN A 90 DAY CARD. WHY WASNT I GIVEN A 1 YEAR CARD?
@ Jim
Registered CME’s have the right to continue a basic monitoring process for cdl drivers, especially when there has been a change like yours. They do not have the right to questions your doctors treatment plan, only monitor. That being said, they have the right to limit the card to 90 days until they are happy with the findings. Then you’ll get the one year card.
ok thank you, jim
Guessing you went to a Doc in the Box…Mine Questioned my Cardiologist Letter…so the Nurse Practitioner is Smarter then my Cardiologist??? Feel that these Doc in the Boxes are only giving 3-6 month cards now and no more…my BP That day was 128/86…and she want to give me a 3 month card…Went to my Other DOT doctor and Passed…We should be able to Pick our Doctors..as long as their DOT CERTIFIDE. and stop using these nurse practitioner and doctors tgat can only get a job at a Doc in the Box
Hi Doc,
On Friday my BP for a required physical by my employer was 186/94… then 10 minutes later it was 156/94. I was forced to do this with a year left on my current physical because I had a high spike in my BP prior to it. I’m on meds and the doctors through testing determined my hypertension is weight based. Everything looked good per the doctors yet the new physician who did my DOT only gave me a 3 month certificatcation. Am I correct in believing I should have received a 1 year and not a 3 month? What are the newest guidelines per FMCSA regarding hypertension and what we’re allowed on time on our medical cards?
Thank You
Ken H
@ Kenneth H
The CME is correct, your blood pressure is not completely under control. They issued you a 3 month card to give you time to get your BP below 140/90. That’s a long standing FMCSA guideline.
Hi Doc-
Getting on a bus tomorrow to go to a CDL school, and am worried about the blood pressure reading.
When Im being “good”, my blood pressure is pretty normal on medication. I take Indipamide 1.25mg and Almdipimine 10MG. My concern is that the Amlidipine will disqualify me to to the side effects of “dizziness, use caution when operating a motor vehicle” even though I have never experienced any of these side effects. Do I have a reason to be concerned?
Thanks so much.
@ Mary
With proper documentation and a medical release form from your doctor indicating the length of time on your present medication regime, you may be OK’ed for a one year certificate.
Can I still driver wow being on dialysis
@ Colby G
Not as a class A driver.
Can I get back the 2 year certification again if my BP is normal from the Stage I hypertension without taking medication?
@ Eric
FMCSA reads it like this: is or has there been a history of high blood pressure. With your doctor’s note of compliance and a healthy life style, it may be possible. But give it some time.
I went to renew my dot fed med card 2.5 months ago. I get a little nervous when i’m there which causes my blood pressure to go up. I was given a 3 month temp card and a form for my doctor to fill out to evaluate my bp. I went back to the dot place for a follow up on my bp. the lady at the counter said the I had to do my physical all over again. she stated that was the new dot rule any body that gets a 3 month card has to do another physical again. Is this true or is she just confused about the rules.
@ Mark
FMCSA has requested and required that a new physical be performed to make a valid determination regarding the drivers fitness for duty.
If I fail a second D.O.T medical exam for HBP what happens to my Class A license
@ Brian V
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a valid class A license. But you should have enough time to get with your doctor and get your BP under control.
I just started hemodialysis. MY dot certificate expires in November. Does being on dialysis disqualify me for getting my certificate renewed?
@ Brooke
Your DOT medical card became in-valid the moment you started hemodialysis. Once you are released to return to full normal work duty you will need a new DOT medical certificate. Make sure you bring a medical release form from your doctor and your latest test results.
I took my dot physical and was told i have high blood pressure. Was given a one year card. But felt they got me nervous asking all these questions. I went to my doctor and he said my blood presure was normal. Will i always have a one year cert. From now on
I have anxiety and have had for the last two years. I have been getting my DOT physical at the same location for two years. I went to get my recent DOT physical and the doctor said they needed a letter from my primary care doctor stating that I’m compliant with treatment and not abusing medicine. Is this something that sounds to be correct?
@ Patricia A
It is correct, the examiner is requesting additional information to aid in his decision making process.
I have had my CDL for 3 years now. I have been issued a one year certification due to my blood pressure being controlled by medications. However, my last DOT exam I was issued a 2 year certification even when I disclosed my medication AND the fact that I have been issued a card for less than 2 years on the form. Will I run into a legal ramification with this or is it simply up to the discretion of the examining doctor?
@ Kimberly J K
Your examiner does not understand the FMCSA regulations and as you stated should have issued a one year card only. This was not your error. We recommend that you continue with the one year re-examination and make sure you find an examiner that understands the FMCSA guidelines.
I suffer from chronic pain for which there is no viable cure or treatment other than medications that would prevent me from passing the drug screen testing. My PCP says although I am being treated for high blood pressure he believes that 90% of my problem of the higher BP is due to the chronic pain and 10% to being overweight. He’s found no evidence of heart disease. I’m already on a one year schedule for physicals. My PCP is not DOT certified. How do I continue to qualify?
@ Terry A
You should continue with the process that you have been using. Apparently you have continued to qualify for a one year card, so keep doing what you have been doing.
For the past three one year certificates I have submitted a letter from ENT for CPAP compliance and another letter from my Internal Medicine Doctor certifying “no diagnosis of hypertension” with weeks worth of BP readings averaging 130/70. I have “white coat” and always read high like 150 to 175 for Systolic. Diastolic always lower than 80. I have still been given a one year. This time I got a 3 month even with the repeated proof and documentation. I don’t trust anyone any more. Thought Medical Registry imposed some level of standardization but different facilities still apply disparate standards in dealing with special situations.
I am a combat veteran and when I don’t trust people or the system my anxiety and stress rockets up. My job is on the at every exam. Never know what to expect…..
did you notice you never get an ansaw when your bp goes up and down for mood change because this whole physical is a scam. i want to know how many drivers had accidents back before you was required to take a physical what about driving cars you have more cars on the road then trucks why take a mans lively hood away because of high bp do we live in a free country or not try makeing people who drive cars have to take physicals i dont think that would work out for them to well. i used to be very athletic in my younger years I ran 5 miles a day my bp went up and down 130/90- 140/80 some times 145/90 I am now 60yrs old and my bp is still the same depending on my mood so depending on my mood i should loose my cdl and starve my family because of my mood that day its ridiculous i watched a man loose his work and was scared to death he was not going to pay his bills he cried like a baby he didnt know how to explain to his wife they may be evicted if he cant get his med card soon I payed his rent for him until he got it its so hard to watch this beautiful country go down this way but if the country had an emergency they would suspend that rule in a minute the hypocrites
I have never taken medications for HBP. I went and got a 90 day because my BP was high. I am seeing my DR to try and get it under control. What happens if I can not get it under control with in the 90 day window? It has me very concerned because I can not afford to lose my job. Can I get another extension while I work on it with my doctor, if I show I am working on getting it regulated? Thanks
@Chriss
It may be possible, but don’t count on it. Most cases the CME wants to see it under control before giving you a new medical card.
Sorry. Could not find a good place to stic” this question in here. I was put on bp meds a few years back and given the 1 year cert. I have not taken any meds for bp or anyother now in two years, i have my diet and bp all under control, yet the concentra nurse tells me its virtuallt impossible to go back to a 2 year cert and will not tell me the process to doing so. Of course they want that annual dollar for my physical but i want my 2 year cert back. How do i go about doing that. Our company only uses a certain facility so my options are null so far as going to a different examiner.
4got to give u my numbers. Just got through with a long walk and doing excersises. tested half hour and my bp was 110/73 pulse 71 on right arm and 111/73 pulse 71 on left arm. so my bp is well under control.
@ William
Sorry to say but the nurse is pretty much correct. FMCSA has set a guideline that indicates once on bp meds monitor yearly.
Blood pressure is a scam, the numbers are created AND lowered by big pharma companies because it’s a huge money maker. I’ve had the same BP my whole life, it’s always 140-150 over 85-95, I run and eat healthy, I’m not over weight at all. I don’t drink or smoke. I was put on Lisinipril because of the ridiculous DOT requirement, and it didn’t even make a difference, just made me really tired. Some people just have higher BP than others, the whole “silent killer” is a bunch of bull. My friend eats fast food everyday, never works out and has a gut from drinking beer every night, his BP is 120/70, so it’s all bullshit
You are absolutely correct!
You are correct. There is plenty of disagreement in the medical “profession” about that, so just because the ones who claim BP (taken in a stressful situation like a job-threatening hostile exam) has to be exactly under 140-90 for everyone then we are forced to “submit.” This FMCSA system is unethical. If they have a question about your BP they should then direct you to get an opinion from a real doctor and have that determine whether you pass or not.
I been on HP meds for three yrs and been getting a 1yr card when I went to get my physical done it was 133/90 and the doc side I was good for 2 yrs and I said I was on HPMeds and he said it under control and good for a 2 yr card is this right or should I have gotten a 1 yr card
@ Doug
FMCSA guidelines recommend a one year card for individuals on high blood pressure medications. You should have received a one year card.
Had much the same here. However I have been off my bp medication 5 months
I went back to receiving a 2 year card.
The Dr said since i was off the med , and stable i could go back to a 2yr card. Is this correct
@ Robert
It is up to the CME’s discretion, but in most cases you would need a medical release form from your primary doctor stating that he removed you from the prescription and the CME may hold you to a one year card to continue monitoring your bp. FMCSA writes it vaguely as “ever been on bp meds”.
I think the medical card is a scam. Trying to push Bp med just fmcsa has a low stand guidelines.
If I had a 3 month certification because of blood pressure but thought it was 6 months so haven’t seen physician yet and went back to get tested and haven’t improved/got worse would I get disqualified? Even if I’m scheduled to see my physician in the next upcoming days because of the misunderstanding
@ JJ
Your medical card became invalid three months ago. You only get one 90 day card and then, if no improvement, you are disqualified until bp is in the correct range.
just went and took DOT physical. The nurse went and took my BP over top of my hooded sweatshirt and said it was 152/90. Was sat in a room for 5 mins DR walked in and I explained how she took my BP and he re-took BP with cuff on my skin like your supposed to and got a 136/86. Why did he only give me a 6 month card????!!!!!
I received a 30 day temporary DOT medical card can I go and try to get recertified somewhere else this was due to a blood pressure reading that was too high or do I have to go back to the same ?
@Dave
You can goes else where for a second opinion. Multiple blood pressure readings should be taken during the DOT examination, if there is any questions. But you need to have your blood pressure under control, it is one of the silent killers.
Once they’ve threatened your retirement, livelihood and ability to survive and have a home (basically equivalent to waving a loaded gun in your face) by telling you the BP is 140/90, how do you think that affects the subsequent BP tests? This “physical” is a travesty and someone needs to protect innocent people from this abuse of power.
Someone needs to force the FMCSA to permit us to submit proof of low blood pressure from a reputable medical professional. It is immoral to have someone’s life depending on one or two or even three BP measurements during an exam in a hostile environment. And, furthermore, it is KNOWN by the medical profession that the diastolic reading is often inaccurate. If they’re going to use their measurements over those done over time by other practitioners, then they should be forced to prove the accuracy of the instruments they use and it should be done with a digital bp monitor where human error or deliberate malice cannot determine the outcome!
I am a retired truck driver and I had nothing but trouble with my BP I was on BP meds. I hated every dot phy I took for my last 20 years of driving. So after I retired and got out of the truck. I lost 35 lbs it took a year. Before my wait lost my BP was 165/95 without meds now after weight loss my BP is 125/ 80 and no meds and I am 70 years old. So drivers lose weight and I know it’s hard with working the hours you guy do.
A friend just called asking if the FMCSA was going to lower the BP requirements to 135/80 AND have a new BMI rule that no driver can have a BMI above 35. Any new rule making we should be aware about?
On Monday the American medical association reduced BP readings from 140/90 to 130/80 adding millions more people to so called high BP sufferers. Does this change the DOT regulations about BP for the DOT Physical?
I have white coat my blood pressure goes up when I think I can loose my job I know so many with this problem and now you lower it to 130 over 80 you people have no ideal how many school bus drivers will be off the road we just want to some day be able to retire but we need insurance and be able to pay bills your not helping us you are destroying lives
Exactly
I have been a full time OTR Professional driver for 32 years. In 2005 diagnosed with hypotension. Started with BP medicine and have never been denied a medical card with a constant BP of 130/70.
Ten days ago had my physical and medical card updated by a clinical Dr arranged by the company. He gave me a two year card.
My company is saying it should be a one year card.
Can the DR revolk (cancell) the current card before getting me a corrected card?
Steve I’m in same boat but your company is right. Below is the rule…
A driver with a BP of 140 – 159 systolic and /or a BP of 90-99 diastolic, has stage 1 hypertension, and may be medically certified to drive for a one-year period. Certification examinations should be done annually thereafter and should be at or less than 140/90
He probably won’t. That makes him look untrustworthy. . Like he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He could become unregistered.At that point, everyone that he passed would have to do their physical over again. I’ve seen it done.
BP was 160/90, and they gave me 30 day period to come back for DOT retest. Just started BP meds….Can I take more than one test during that period ? What if I fail next one in 2 weeks ?
Q: Is there an option for those of us with naturally HBP and high Cholesterol? I can eat a box of donuts and not gain a pound. I can still run a triathlon or 10K… I don’t get it. My arteries are clean, all the way up into the carotid and that’s after an MR angiography.
My BP is normally high. After a trip to a special testing office for my CDL physical, it was high by about 50 points on each side. I am otherwise in good health and shape. No gut, etc…. So the doctor gave me a 30 day certificate to get my permit, but I missed the timing mark. My BP is now down to the borderline- below if I go all Zen-like before the test.
Having had HBP all of my life, I still don’t understand why people like us, also with naturally high cholesterol, THIN (especially by today’s GMO, Walmart-life-style induced “era of girth”), have to be under the same standards as those with average body chemistry.
I failed my first Dot physical due to high BP. The DOT Doctor sent a form with me to take to my doctor. He said when my BP is under control, that my Doctor should fax the form saying my BP is good. The DOT Doctor said he was putting my Medcial card on hold for 45 days. My BP is good now since taking medication. It’s been good for 2weeks. My Doctor is faxing the form from the DOT Doctor with my BP being good now do I still have to wait the 45 days to get my card.
@Mary
The medical examiner would like to see your BP stable for 30 days before issuing a medical card.
You have 45 days to change a “determination pending” to an actual medical certificate. If you show back up at the DOT examiner more than 45 days after the first exam they MUST do a complete new exam.
My husband has normal BP but his heart rate ranges 37-51. Will he pass a DOT physical?
@Autumn
Depends on body type and medical fitness or issues. It will be up to the CME to make the final determination.
I have high blood pressure and I take 3 medications to control said problem. I was told the other day at my DOT Physical that due to the number of medications that I take for my blood pressure requires me to do a sleep study test. The doctor stated that the rules changed 2 months ago.
I can not find this change any where. Is this true or only this doctors opinion.
Please help me
@Cheryl
There has always been a mulitude of issues that could warrant a sleep study. To our knowledge, there were no new rule changes with the FMCSA and the examiner can request a study if he feels that there is a question of risk. You could go for a second opinion elsewhere.
My blood pressure was 140/80, The Dr. Would only give me a 3 months med card. I’ve never had any issue before. Why is that?
@Ron
140/90 is the cut off, but we suspect that with a BP of 140/80 that the examiner is wanting to make sure that you can get your blood pressure down, with or without medications. Thus the three month card. The CME is just trying to cover their behind. A blood pressure of 140/90 or below, without medications, should pass, but you really want to have a BP closer to 120/80.
140/80 is low for me! I’m half asleep when it drops that low.
This is bs he was in the guidelines this is all a scam if you are in the guidelines you should receive your card they send you in at the worst time of day to do your physical do it in the morning or early afternoon not after someone gets off of work what a scam as my doctor has told me blood pressure rises during the day stress work eating what a big scam another way to pick on drivers
Just went to my own Doctor and failed due to high blood pressure. I have been diagnosed with White Coat Syndrome. Even after relaxing, it remained high. The issue with me is not the fear of doctors but the fear of failing and not having a job. It’s the YOU HAVE TO PASS mentality that gets me. Took my blood pressure 2 hours after leaving the office with my 3 mo certification and it was 133/79. When are regulators really going to acknowledge this problem and come up with an alternative testing method??
I have same problem i run at about 134over around 77 pulse perfect go to renew i can go up to 150 or higher cant figure it out go to my doc im fine called dot no help dont care
@Dennis & Ryan
Here are some tips to manage your blood pressure and have it measure as low as possible during the exam. These can help you to get a ‘normal’ reading.
When I suspect white coat syndrome and the patient cannot get their blood pressure down after several readings, I will send them to their primary care doc to have their blood pressure taken. I have the doctor then fax me the results and if it’s under 140/90, I certify the driver.
A lot of times, it’s not so much “white coat syndrome” as it is “you-have-to-pass-this-test-because-your-lively-hood-depends-on-it syndrome” as Ryan described, and as soon as they leave my office, their no drops to normal.
I will typically take quite a few blood pressure readings if necessary. If I really needs to, I’ll put the patient in a quiet dark room with relaxing music and a glass of water to sip on to calm them down.
That doesn’t work they tried that with me. Instead of going down it was going up more.
I am in the same Boat! My BP is fine at home but the minute I go to the Company Doc it goes out the roof! And I am going this back this monday.This whole certified Doc thing is a load of crap.How can a DOT certified doc know more than my family doc and cardiologist both of which I have been seeing over ten years and both say I am fine.What happened to electronic sharing of medical records? Why can’t the DOT just get our history electronically from our docs? That would just make too much sense,now wouldn’t it! But then the money would stop for Dot Docs and they wouldn’t want that too happen!!!
Why does dot say if you have had stents put in you have to have a stress test when you’re heart doc says no i think your heart doc should know more about that than those people
@ Dwayne
You’ll need to take that one up with the FMCSA portion of the DOT.
I think there should be not DOT physicals. This way the dot examiner can’t play dr. Trying to say or do fmcsa rules is unfair. I don’t need a medical dot tell if I can or can’t drive. Due to there lack of knowing the driver medical history. The driver and primary care k owe more than them!!!
What length of time do you have to submit a recirtification from the Dot exam to the MVD if not driving? Ex.. I took my dot Monday planning on going back to work friday,swinging by MVD prior to working on Friday…is this acceptable?
@Scott
Depends! Depends if your previous medical card has expired and how long ago. Depends on the state, each state treats the downgrade process differently.
Just get to MVD and work it out with them. If your previous medical card had not expired you will be okay.
we had a driver fail his DOT physical for high blood pressure and he does not want medicine so we will not let him drive our commercial vehicles but should/can we permit him to drive our non commercial units such as a cargo van/ pick-up?
@Mike
In most states, not sure which state you are in, any vehicle that has the name of the company on it has to have a driver with a valid medical card. Not a cdl, but a medical card. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm.
Went last year got physical my blood pressure was 155 /90 got a year physical. Have go here in a couple months what does my blood pressure have to be get a one year physical. Not on any blood pressure medication. Have white coat syndrome got to my doctor blood always fine. What should I do.
@Tony
140/90 or less is the magic number. Anything lower is a plus. You should have your blood pressure lower and see if you can bypass the white coat syndrome http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/blood-pressure-tips-during-the-dot-physical-exam/. The CME is looking for safety related conditions and is not trying to put you out of work. So relax, take your chill pill, find your Yoda moment and have them take a few readings if you are right on the border. But it is better if the BP is a bit closer to normal, say 130/84.
Hello. I have High blood pressure. I get recertified every year because of it. I went today and my BP was 140/82, and thought I was good for a 1 year card. The doctor took it again and was 150/90. I got a 3 month pass. Should I have received my 1 year card with the initial reading or no?
@Corey
You got a one time three month medical card because you are taking a medication and your blood pressure was above FMCSA guidelines. And if your blood pressure is not below 140/90 at the next examination, in 3 months, you could be disqualified until you do get it below FMCSA requirements.
I was told by a doctor that they can give out more than one 3 month DOT card for a driver back to back but can’t locate that on the federal site. Is this true?
@Aimee
It depends what medical issue the 3 month card was issued to correct.
I have high blood pressure which is controlled with medication. My normal daily readings are usually in the 130s/80s as long as I take my medications. Will I still pass for a 2 year with my history of high blood pressure or will I just get the 1 year?
@Amanda
Yes – one year, because you are maintaining your blood pressure with meds.
So if start taking bp meds, it’s possible I can get a new medical card.
@ Armetheus V J
If you start bp medication right now, you will need to be on them for at least thirty days before you can take a new medical examination and you will need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor.
At my 1st medical card re issuing after 2 year initial card, my BP was taken 3 times, 152/102 – 150/107 & reportedly (though I did not see it personally) 180/110 in that order. I have never been on BP medication but the DOT certifier said I was disqualified. Now, unless I’m misreading DOT regulations, I should have been given a 3 month card with the expectation that I (and my PCP) get it under 140/90 within that period, correct?
@Steve
The 180/110 would be the disqualifier, and the lower numbers put you in a stage 2 hypertension category.
But ultimately it falls to the CME’S level of comfort and decision making as to whether he feels that there is a potential safety issue brewing. He can read the guidelines and interpret them as he sees fit.
Have someone check your blood pressure now that you are away from the clinic, a real blood pressure check not the freebies at WallyWorld.
If the pressures are below 140/90 then you may try another facility for a second opinion. But there is no FMCSA requirements to give you a three month card, only a recommendation via the guideline.
I’m hoping that someone can help with a rather confusing situation. I am a truck driver and have stage 1. hypertension. I take med.s and have been recertifying for my DOT physical every year for several years with readings around 140-150/80s .
Took my physical last week and reading was 144/80 and Dr. would only certify for 3 mo.s. My company doesn’t even understand this. I guess my question is—if I go back within 3 mo.s to re-test and my readings are still 144/80 am I going to be disqualified. Given these readings and the circumstances, this seems like a gray area? Thx..
@Ron
FMCSA has set the standard at 140/90. You can get a one time three month medical certification. After that, if your readings are greater than 140/90 you will be disqualified until you do get a reading of 140/90 or lower. That is FMCSA guideline.
is there a time limit on when you have to have a reading of 140/90 should you still me high on the 2nd attempt after you were issued a 3 months card.
@ jf
The limit is the three month card. You get only one 3-month card to get your blood pressure under control so you really want to work at getting your blood pressure down within the 3 months.
Newbie question- My hubs took a DOT physical a few days ago in preparation for school (lets use 2/28 for example purposes). He got a three month card due to blood pressure being too high. We are working with his PCP to get the blood pressure under control. We are getting conflicting information on when he can go back and get retested. Understanding that when he does retest, the one year card will be valid from the date of the original test (2/28 in this example). At what point can he go retest?
@Riley
After a 30 + day period on the medications to make sure that there are no side effects and the blood pressure must be below 140 / 90.
Being given a one year card due to 140/90 bp. Can I get a 2 year next time? Or is a 1 year always going to stick? I really believe that white coat syndrome. I take it at home constantly. 132/83. 129/82. But when I get to the exam it goes up. The doctor told me no matter what it is, after a 1 year is issued. They all will be 1 year. True? Great informative site by the way
@Dokar
140/90 is at the very top of the acceptable levels, not sure why you only got a one year card. Unless the CME feels that this is an issue that you will not take seriously. Yes you do need to get it down below 140 / 90 and keep it there during the examination. You can also ask for more than one reading. If you do not take medications and you get your BP down to a more normal range, then there is not a FMCSA regulation that states you cannot go back to a two year card, but it is up to the CME to make the final call. The single most important thing you need to do is as much physical activity as you can during the day. I know, easier said than done, and the only person who can help keep you healthy is you. So make some type of simple plan that you can adhere to. Good Luck
Went today and got another 1 year. But nice to know i can get a 2 year still. Even showed the doctor a video i had taken in full duration with my amron machine getting a 127/ 71 reading that morning. She asked to bring the machine in next time. Maybe next time i will just go else where. Knowing a 2 year is within reach. Thank you for your reply. Great board
question: Had one of my drivers go 2 weeks ago to the Little Clinic to renew DOT physical. BP
was too high so was denied and told to see his Dr. Driver had been on new BP meds since this. Today he goes back to Little Clinic and Dr. gave him a 3 month medical card. BP still a little high 135/100 — Driver leaves with 3 month card and is getting in car when Dr. called him and told him to come back inside — when he did, she took his card and said he has to wait 2 months from the original denial (2 weeks ago) to attempt to get a new physical. I’ve never heard this before. Anyone else had this issue or know if this is a true statement from the Dr.?
@TinaB
140 / 90 is the highest that a blood pressure can be for a driver to get a valid medical card once on medications. FMCSA recommends that a driver be on medications for at least 30 days to make sure that they will not have any side effects and has the blood pressure under control. Not sure why one you would get a one time three month card and then try to cancel it before he gets out of the parking lot. So unless the doctor cancelled the three month card off the NRCME registry, then he may still have a valid medical card. Check with your local drivers license department to confirm or deny the existence of the medical certificate. If the card has been cancelled, then you should be in a thirty days waiting period from the original beginning date of the medications.
Had my treadmill stress test. All of my vitals were fine except i was only able to get my heart rate up to 75%. Can I still get certified?
@Cliff
If your cardiologist feels comfortable with the final results and will sign off on a medical release form, then you should be OK on this issue. So have a copy of your medical release form and a copy of your latest stress in hand when you go for the DOT examination and you should be in good shape.
A driver with a diagnosis of hypertension on treatment should have at least an annual certification.
A CMV driver with a Blood pressure (BP) 140/90 may be certified for 2 years.
First time BP elevated:
Stage 1 – BP 140-159/90-99 Certification Period 1 year
Stage 2 – BP 160-179/100-109 Certification Period 3 months as one time certification. Within the 3 months, if the blood pressure is below 140/90, the driver may receive 1 year certification.
Stage 3 – BP Reading >180/110 Disqualified. When the blood pressure is less than 140/90, the driver can be certified at 6 month intervals.
Now that’s straight from the FMCSA website, Now why aren’t those guidelines followed by consentra ? Because i know for a fact that they are not, Does consentras medical examiners make up their own rules because i thought they had to abide by FMCSA guidelines.
@Keys357
Maybe they just follow the money trail, not the FMCSA guidelines.
2 year ago I went for my physical and forgot to mention my BP medicine and got a two year card I am due now to re cert and I’m afraid when I write it down I’m going to get in trouble for not writing it down last time. I may be worrying for nothing but I don’t know
@John
You are not going to get into any trouble, just tell the truth and have a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and you should be OK. You will receive a one year card due to the medications, but you’ll be back on track.
Thank you
I am both the carrier and the driver.
Some time ago I was prescribed BP medicine. Wanting to get off the medicine I started an exercise program and a plant based diet. I dropped about 30 lbs and now my BP runs about 125/70. So although I have an active prescription for BP meds, I haven’t taken them for months. I still check my BP daily and if my BP goes up, I address the problem. For instance with my workout routine I started a new supplement in the morning and that afternoon my BP was about 20 points higher on both numbers. I didn’t take the supplement the next day and BP was back to normal. By checking my BP daily I can usually pinpoint why it may have risen, and in every case so far it’s been from supplements I took to improve my workout results. Which I believe is why it went up the first time, I used to drink several red bulls, and Monster energy drinks a day.
So…considering that, do I have to list the BP meds that I don’t currently take, or have taken for months?
@Steven
If you want to fix the medical certificate side of this issue, you need a note from your prescribing doctor explaining that he has taken you off of the BP meds. With that release form in hand you should be OK. No CME is going to act differently until the doctors note is in your file. You can stop taking the medication, but without the doctors release, it will all stay the same. Talk to your prescribing doctor and have him write the note that says you no longer needs the BP medication. Good Luck
My blood pressure was 150/88 and I was denied medical card Why??
@Al
Unless there are other circumstances here, you should have received a short card to get your BP under control.
My dad took ncdot physical today and blood pressure was high. Was told come back in week to have retest. Can he see another doctor before then? He is on medication for high blood pressure should he have got 3 months?
@Carolinagurl
Yes, he can go somewhere else for a second opinion and it is up to the CME to determine how long a card they want to pass out. High blood pressure and on medication limits the driver to begin with, but if it has been an issue in the past, then the CME is trying to work with him. He can only get one three month card in his career, after the one time 3 month card, he would be disqualified until he has it under control.
I went to get my new physical and blood pressure was way high. He gave me a 45 day pending determination, while I work with my primary to get it under control. Can I drive on this or not? Doctor wasn’t sure.
@Adam
Yes, you can continue to drive provided your current medical card has not expired.
If your medical card is expired you cannot drive…
And it would have been a better choice for the CME to have given you a new, short medical card to get your situation under control.
In fact, ‘pending’ determination should be used only to collect additional information, not to get a medical condition under control.
“Pending” is recorded online with FMCSA as just that – pending – which means you have not yet been issued a new medical card, because the CME is waiting for additional information, and you have only 45 days to get that determination completed.
Now that you are in pending status, you must get back to that CME withing 45 days to get a new medical card, or else the FMCSA will automatically disqualify you.
So if my dad has gotten a 90 day medical card and takes BP meds and doesn’t pass his exam because of high BP, he is disqualified until he can show it’s under control, correct? How do you go about showing it’s under control if he’s not driving anymore and all of his tests at his primary care physician have been fine but only his high tests have been for the DOT BP test?
@Lisa
See our article Blood Pressure Tips during the DOT Physical Exam.
I mean administratively. Like what is the course of action that he has to go about if he gets disqualified and has to recertify. I understand he has to show that his BP is at or under 140/90 but can this be through his primary care physician or does it have to be the DOT physician, does he have to wait a certain amount of days before he can recertify. Like what does he have to do after disqualification and to be able to drive again other than showing his BP is at or below where it is supposed to be.
@Lisa
He must be recertified by a certified medical examiner, not the pcp. His BP must be within guidelines in the CME’s office.
When giving urine to test at the time of the physical, is the DOT physician checking to see if you’re on blood pressure medicine?
@Cortez
Well if your blood pressure is being controlled with medications, then you just answer the question on the federal form.
If your blood pressure is not being controlled then you have an issue that needs to be put under control.
Either way, just be truthful on the federal form, its not worth lying and possibly losing your cdl over.
He has a total of 90 days to see his PCP and get this under control. He then must return to a DOT physician, give the names of his meds and have a B/P under 140/90. At that time, he will be given the rest of his 1 year certificate. the 90 days is included.
is a dot medical exam complete without blood pressure reading?
@Randy
NO, definitely not.
My BP was 142/86 during my DOT exam. I was told to see a doctor to get BP under control. Do I need to return to same DOT ME or can I see a different DOT doctor closer to my home?
@REJ
You can go to any certified medical examiner. Just make sure your blood pressure is under control because you will not get a second short medical card to get your BP under control at that time.
Hello I have a 133/96 bp and at times It has gone up to 145/96. I am taking medication. My question Is this too much of a swing in bp for the medical exam. I monitor my b.p 4 times a week and this is my high to low range that I seem to have right now.
@Robert
FMCSA will clear you with a BP reading of 140/90 or less. With your numbers above the 90 mark, then you will be disqualified until you can get it under control. Check with your prescribing doctor and have him dial this medication in to a lower number, remember 140/90 or less.
Hello, I just got a 3 month extension on my Medical Card because my BP was 157/85….
after reading your article here, I should’ve been given a 1 year card. I’m going in to see my Family Dr in a little over 30 days to get checked again, 1st Dr said if I failed any part of that one I was done driving..
I guess my question is, is there anything that I can do to rectify the wrongly given 3 month extension?
Thanks
@Chuck
If you are not taking blood pressure medication at this time and this was your first time having high blood pressure readings, then the CME is just holding your feet to the fire to get this condition under control.
If you are taking blood pressure medication at the time of the examination, then the CME is cutting you as much slack as they can for you to get your condition under control.
Either way the CME can and does have the final say in this situation, regarding the DOT examination. And really the best thing you can do is to get the condition under control as quickly as possible.
The same thing just happened to me. Please can someone help me.
I broke my right shoulder twice. My blood pressure in my left arm is fine but my right arm is to high. Is there anything I can do about this.
@James
Yes, tell the examiner about it and always have them take your blood pressure using your left arm.
Can you please explain when does one year certificate start? From the initial time I was issued a three month card? Or the second visit I was able to bring bp down with med towards the end of that three month period? Hope I made the question clear. Thanks.
@John
With the new FMCSA forms, the one year starts at the date of the last examination.
my A1C is 10.8. the examiner told me that if its over 10% the cannot issue me a card. i explained to her that i believe 10%-12% is allowed, and that i should qualify for a 3 month card, time enough to get my diabetes under 10%. she disagreed saying she never heard of that allowance. am i correct or is the doc?
@KA
In this case the CME is correct. If the CME wants to be helpful, then they could issue a short term medical card to give you time to get the condition under control, but that is totally up to the examiner’s discretion.
I have high blood pressure, controlled by medication. To top it off, I have white coat hypertension. I was given a 3 month card that expires this week. With the new regulations, I was told if I got a note from my doctor and brought it to the medical examiner I could get a 45 day extension if my bp is still high. Is that true?
@Erin
If that is what your DOT medical examiner said, then he may do so. It would fall under his/her person discretion and how he wants to use the FMCSA guidelines to help you without taking you out of driving until you get it under control. Be aware it is up to the examiner, not a FMCSA thing.
I just had my DOT physical done and my BP was 140/90, there standards for that is 1 year cert. but the CME gave me a 3 month card. Is it up to the CME or do they have to follow the guidelines.
@Juan
140/90 is the cut off, but it appears that the CME is holding your feet to the fire to get it under control.
The CME has the final discretion on the length of the card. If you are not taking blood pressure medication he could do one year or less. If you are taking medication for your blood pressure, then he can give you a one time three month card. Either way it need to be below 140/90.
Hello my name is Glenn and I was issued a three month dot card witch I need for the new job I’m to start. But I’m on medication. But the day of the test my old job called and said that I would have to pay for a motor. I got angry and my pressure went up. I explained y my pressure was up and he said get your pressure down. And gave me the 3 month permit. When I left and got home my pressure was fine. But I need the job. I go to my Doctor and my pressure is undercontrole. Can I a medical release from my Doctor to the dot physican to get my permit for the job. I have two weeks to get the job. Or what else can I Do
@Glenn
You have a valid three month card, so use it for now.
You are welcome to go get a second opinion regarding your blood pressure with another CME, but a note from your personal physician is not going to make any difference at this point.
Blood pressure under control without medications should clear you for a two year card, if all else is within normal limits.
I was scheduled for DOT Physical and my yearly Physical all on the same day. My yearly physical was done in the morning. My Blood pressure was 141/91 and we talked about ways to reduce it. I also was given a mild medication. My DOT physican my BP was much higher and they failed me. I have an appointment with my Family Dr. on Tuesday for a recheck. If he files out the form that I was given and sends it back in will this help me with keeping my CDL Medical Card.
@John
Once you have been on your new blood pressure medication for thirty days and your primary doctor fills out the medical release form you should be good for a one year at the time medical certificate.
Thank You for that answer. My problem is that my card expires in a few days. So I guess I can not drive for at least 30 days. I will lose my job if that is the case. I have been with this company for many years and if I can not drive you don’t have a job. What else can be done? Do they give you a temp medical card.
@John
You can try to explain to the CME what your situation is and he may work with you doing a 90 day card to get your condition under control. Then once under control you would then go to a one year card when you renew.
I used to take a pill to reduce my blood pressure but I quit smoking 10 years ago and I no longer have to take medication for blood pressure anymore and my numbers are good can I get certified by doctor for 2 years .
@Michael
You might want to get a note from your old prescribing doctor stating that you no longer need the medication to control your blood pressure. That information will then allow you to go to a two year card, if all is is within normal limits.
Is there blood oxygen level requirement ?
Example- 97%
Is there a minimum % to pass
@Doug
Why is someone asking this question, unless there is an underlying condition that is not mentioned here? More information please.
If my blood oxygen level is 94 would I pass? They get this reading when they take your pulse reading
@Doug
You would be right on the borderline, but should be fine for the DOT examination, as long as all else is within normal limits.
If you are type 2 diabetic and pass your eye exam and have no glucose in your urine during the exam is it true you must present a yearly eye exam and HGA1C to pass?
@Scott
You need a medical release form from your doctor each time you have a DOT medical examination. An A1c in hand is always a plus when going in for the examination. The eye examination for the medical certificate can be performed by the CME, but an examination by your eye doctor is also a huge plus up front.
I tried that and they would not except my eye doctors exam. Even though he’s an opthamologist what is not CDL certified
Also forgot to mention that my blood pressure was well under the limits back in September 2015 but still gave me the 1-year card because of the blood pressure medication that was originally meant to cure the kidney stones
I have been on the lowest dosage of Hydrochlorothiazide for probably 20-plus years now which is a blood pressure medication. i have been in a truck since 1989 and have never had a health card that was for less than 2 years approval until september of 2015. The thing is in my early 20’s i had a long history of kidney stones. I quit counting after around 20 episodes of them. FINALLY found a doctor that could cure me of them and yes you want believe it but it was this dirt cheap blood pressure medication. I have never had high blood pressure even before i was on this medication. now all of a sudden they want let me have a 2-year card. what can i do to get a 2-year card? Can i get a doctors statement that that medication was prescribed for kidney stones instead of high blood pressure and get the 2-year approval? Or am i s–t out of luck?
@Shane
Get a doctors statement from him explaining the purpose of the medications that he has prescribed for you. With proper documentation you should be OK.
So if i get that statement your saying i might be able to get it for 2 years?
@Shane
That is a maybe based on how the CME wants to interpret the regs and guidelines. Good Luck
If my blood pressure is fine will my heart rate effect my exam.
@Andy
If it falls in the range of 60 to 90 bpm, you should be fine.
so my son that is 19 years old wants to get his CDL. His normal heart rate is the 40’s. He has no signs or symptoms of anything. Cardiologist says he is fine just has low heart rate. BP is normal. No he is not a runner with low heart rate. Would he still be able to pass the medical portion to get a CDL?
@Connie
He should be able to pass the DOT medical examination with no problems. If that is his normal pulse rate, then there should be no issues. You may want to have his primary doctor send a note with him explain that this is a normal bpm for him.
I went for my dot test they only gave me 3 months because of my bp went to my doctor and my bp was fine want can I do
@Israel
Make sure your BP stays fine, and within 3 months go back for a new DOT physical.
See this article on keeping your BP down at your DOT physical exam.
Question: I had my Re-certification today, The doctor refused to give me a 2 year card claiming hypertension. I had 2 blood pressures taken, 1- upon immediate entrance to the exam room,2- after a 10 min(approx) rest. the 1st was 149/99 the 2nd was 110/70. upon consulting with 2 friends(RN) I was informed for a proper BP a 5-10 min rest is considered an operating guideline. Should I have been awarded a 2 yr card or is there a justification for his opinion.
@Kirk
Are you taking any medications to maintain your blood pressure? If not, then you should have received a two year card, if all else was within normal limits.
I am over 65 (10-10-50), when I passed my last physical (2-10-16) my BP was:138/80….but I only got a 1 year certification due to “age”. Two questions:1) can’t I get a 2 year cert. any longer?…..2) when and if my BP jumps up into the stage 1 level,at my age will I still get a 1 year cert.?
@Bretton
Don’t understand why you would have been given a one year card if everything else was in the normal range.
If everything was normal as well you should have received a two year card.
There is nothing in the FMCSA regarding age and restrictions to card length. So there must have been something else going on.
As far a BP moving into stage one, you should still receive a one year card, as long as you have it under control.
I received a 1 year card last year due to my HBP treatment (low dose lisinipril)
Since then, I have not seen my primary care physician and have not been compliant with the medication due to a loss of health insurance for some time.
BP has tested within normal range recently however.
Will CME require proof of treatment from a physician even if my BP tests o.k. during exam? How should I fill out long form since I have not been compliant with treatment?
Thank You!
@Glenn
If you just stopped taking your medications and the doctor did not take you off of them, then you need a medical release form from the doctor stating that you no longer need to take your BP meds. That will allow the CME to go back to a two year medical certificate, if everything is in the normal range. Otherwise you are still on a one year card, even with normal BP. Your last medical card is in the FMCSA database and without proper documentation or falsifying your examination it will trigger some attention. Too easy to get the medical release form.
Can a DOT medical examiner make me wait for 30 days to retake my physical for high BP?
@John
No.
I am on blood pressure medicine for many years. Last year I failed bp exam got the 90 day card, got letter from my doctor went back and passed. I am due soon for retest. If I fail again can I get another 90 days again? If not how long before I can retest so that I can work? My numbers are just over the 140/90 mark
@Scott
You only get one 90 day card to get your bp under control. If you fail this next time you will be disqualified until you have it under control. That’s a FMCSA reg.
I had a stent put in 10 years ago. Have no problems do I have to get a stress test every 2 years
@Frank
If a heart attack prompted the stent, then yes you have to get a stress test every 2 years, and you want to have a medical release form filled out by your cardiologist.
I am currently on high blood pressure medication and went to a CME to take my exam and got a 3 month certificate. So then I went to my PCP and got retested 3 weeks later because he is a CME as well and passed. Is that okay? Is the 1 year certificate that I got the second time valid? I am allowed a second opinion. Right?
@R. Brown
All is good here. You are allowed a second opinion. The latest medical examination/certificate is the one which counts.
If high blood pressure is so bad, why do athletes all have high blood pressure, some as high as 400/200 while working out? In other counties a BP below 140/90 is considered bad because it limits the oxygen and nutrients delivered to your body. It is a proven fact(anyone with google can find these 15 yr. studies that appear in JAMA) that people on BP meds have a death rate that is double to people who took NO meds, and this study was on people who HAVE heart disease! Yet FMCSA says 140/90 or no cdl. Wonder why? They claim public safety? really? they compare drivers who drive 3,4,5 MILLION MILES! to people who average 1200 miles a year and say cdl drivers have more accidents, duh? how stupid are they? Break it down to accidents per mile driven to get an accurate number and you find out cdl drivers are 100’s of times safer the non-cdl drivers. Just something to think about when the Government wants to take your livelihood because you don’t want to take there pills. Maybe it’s time for a class action lawsuit to stop this madness.
Hey Farmer…
You are so right!
We have allowed OUR government to get OUT OF CONTROL!
I just stumbled on this site to double check the out of control LAWS!
I am expecting to be required to take an EKG, the same as airline pilots.
Airline pilots in”perfect health” still die of heart attacks.
Just for the record… If you need to keep your BP down add beets to your diet. I ran into this problem a few years back. Did some research. I’m an old man. My BP is lower than a 16 year old athelete. BEETS, Just so you know.
Now should we talk about Guns? SMILE!
WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS NO TRUE CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE VERY PEOPLE THEY PRETEND TO SWEAR TO PROTECT!
Very sad……….
What is a “Federal Variance”, and how do I obtain one? At my medical exam in February, 2016 my BP was found to be elevated. My doctor, who also happens to be the CME, issued a 90 day certificate and prescribed BP medication. 30 days later he re-examined, found BP within range, and issued a 1yr certificate. I dutifully submitted both certificates to NJMVC, the first in February, the second in March. NJMVC responded and is now requiring the aforementioned variance. Any suggestions? Thank you.
@David
It is the top box on the medical examination and drivers determination forms done by your examiner. Go back and talk with the CME that did the examination and have them correct the issue.
Thanks Doc! Great site, BTW. I wish I had found it sooner.
I went yesterday to renew my med card.
The doc wrote on the long form I was morbidly obese, and given a 3 month card and a phone number for bariatric treatment.
Every other aspect of the exam passed with flying colors… vision 20/15 hearing passed and blood pressure 126/70.
I am on medication for blood pressure.
Was a 3 month card a fair decision?
I was told if I lost my job, “I could just find another”
@William
Go get a second opinion. It appears that someone has an in with a weight clinic.
And one year medical card for your BP medication would be correct.
I went in for a dot also for a new job. I got a 3 month medical card. I passed everyhing with flying colors. No high blood pressure nothing. But doctor told me I was obese and checked my neck it was 18 inches. He wrote on my long form I am obese and has sytoms of following asleep. I had my medical card updated every 2 years for 15 years now all of a sudden because im overweight i have problems. The job acting funny now what should I do. This is discrimatination.
@Roxy
Well since there were no new rule or guidelines put forth from the FMCSA, you are dealing with an examiner that may be over-reading the guidelines. You could try for a second opinion, somewhere else.
15 months ago I got a one year for high bp [152]. went back 3 months ago and got a 90 day for high blood pressure. went back this week and my bp was 146/ 86. dr said if everything else was ok he would pass me. everything else was fine. I told him I had white coat and he seemed to know that already. he said the 140/90 was just a guideline now and the d.o.t was leaving it up to the dr. in close cases. he gave me a 2 yr . just wanted to share this with other white coaters
Some doctors will be lenient and others will not. Last year I went in for a physical and my blood pressure was 152/78 and I got put on a three month card.
After I drove for three months I took time off of trucking and I’ve lost 25 lbs. Hopefully next time I go in for a physical my blood pressure will be okay. I will not be going back to that same doctor, however.
I got a question. I went to apply at a new job while currently employed with a job already. My DOT physical doesn’t expire in a year from now. When I went to do a DOT physical for my new job, I failed it with high blood pressure . But my current one is still good for a year. Am i still eligible to drive a CMV or go re-test. The new doctor said he already submitted my failed DOT physical to the state and wasn’t very helpful on what to do next.
@Nate
Your most recent DOT examination is the one that is in effect. It cancelled the one before that.
If you don’t pass the dot blood pressure, but you know for sure it’s due to white coat hypertension, is there any other test to clear the issue and get the medical card ?? I heard there is some type of 24hr monitor.
@Alex
Nothing that we are aware of for such an issue. You can check with your CME is see what they have to say about it. All CME’s know this can be an issue, so they usually have some kind of solution for the problem.
Also see our article Blood Pressure Tips During The DOT Physical Exam
I got a 90 day card for high blood pressure which expires april 19, 2016 . if I do not pass in april am I banned from driving for good? will my license be downgraded to a class d immediately or do I still have time to get my blood pressure under control so I won’t have to take the cdl tests over[ written and or driving tests] thanks
@Dave
Part of this question will depend on where your blood pressure is at the time of your re-examination. 140/90 is FMCSA guidelines and a bp of 160/100 or less might get a one year from the original date to get you bp under control. If you do not have a valid medical certificate, then you are not supposed to drive a CMV. The whole downgrading process is a state to state thing and you would need to check with your local drivers license department for the answer.
I have to get a physical today I’m on bp meds I checked my bp and it was 145/88 will I still get a 1 yr physical?
@ Charlie
No, 140/90 is the cut off. You may get a one time 90 day card to get it under control. After that you would be disqualifies until you get your bp controlled.
Can you please explain how a driver with 141/91 blood pressure can be prevented from driving but 139/89 is perfectly ok. What imminent danger does the former driver incur by driving? Please point out the clinical evidence that 2 points in blood pressure can have an adverse affect on one’s ability to drive safely. Isn’t this just an arbitrary decision that does serious harm to people just trying to make a living while not making the roads any safer?
@ Stu
FMCSA.
FAA medical guidelines for pilots:
While aviation medical examiners may defer lower values, the FAA disqualifies pilots with a systolic (higher number) blood pressure at or above 155 or a diastolic (lower number) pressure at or above 95.
Hmmm….
@ Stu
Yea, go figure?
I’m sorry that you are not taking this seriously. My point is that the 140/90 standard will have zero affect on road safety and many hard working drivers could lose their livelihood.
Maybe we should be applying the same DOT BP standards on physicians?
@ stu
Your point is well taken and in most cases you are absolutely correct. You need to take this issue up with the FMCSA. They are the ones who made this ruling and they will be the ones to change it, not the CME’s.
What is considered to low a blood pressure to pass a dot physical
@ Mike
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, etc.
There is a great Seattle Times article from 2005 showing how the scandalous insurance companies paid for the results of the new guidelines and suddenly half the world’s population was deemed hypertensive or pre-hypertensive and their drug sales boomed, increasing billions of dollars.
Great points Stu and Trucker doc.
Maybe as citizens and voters we should start checking all our elected officials BPs. After all they are driving the most important bus … Our country.
BEETS!!!!!
My husband failed his blood pressure test two years ago and was given a 3 month card. He then passed. The next year he also passed. He goes for his dot exam Monday and his BP is all over the map. Ranging from 130/80 to 157/97. My question is if he doesn’t pass the BP will he get another 3 month card? Or is he disqualified for good?
@Maria
Not for good, just get the BP under control. If he is on blood pressure medication he must have it below 140/90. If it is not there then he may receive a one time 3 month medical card to get it under control. Once he has been given such a card, he must have his blood pressure below 140/90 or will be medically unfit for duty until he does get it under control.
My question is this I had a stroke in 2013 I got out of the hospital and I had my health card in a couple of months. My doctor signed my health card twice and I have been driving this whole time but I had to renew it in August 2016 and she wouldn’t renew because she said now I have to go see a neurologist and I just didn’t know did the law change somewhere where after three years clear health that now I have to start over.
@Eddie
Sounds like whom ever signed your medical card in 2013 did not know the federal rules and you got by with it. Now with the new CME’s having to uphold the rules, you did not fall through the cracks.
Following a stroke, you will need to have a neurologist complete a medical release form for you stating that you are ready to drive and that there are no restrictions due to the stroke. Normally there is a one year waiting period following a stroke and you are way past that, so you just need the medical release form from your neurologist and you should be good to go for another year. Your medical cards will be good for one year at the time from this point on.
My question is this.. I am trying to get my initial cdl. I’m physically pretty fit but I have HBP and am already on meds for it. If I’m on meds, and I go do the physical and I come in at say 141/91 would I be able to get a 1 year certification or would that be 3 month?
@Brian
Generally speaking you should get a one year medical card to get your BP below the 140/90 mark. This is a one time thing and any time after that you would not get a card until you have it below 140/90.
You should be talking with your doctor to see if you can get it lower before going for the medical certificate. You card will be for one year at the time due to the progressive nature of the high blood pressure.
The language concerning blood pressure is a little confusing to me. At one point it states a driver with a B/P below 140 over 90 can get a two year card. In another sentence it is stated if you take B/P medication you can only get a one year card. I regularly test out in the low 120’s over the mid 70’s. But I do take B/P med. Can I still get a two year card? Thank you for the clarification.
@Michael
Blood pressure that is being held to normal with medications are given one year medical certificates. This is following the FMCSA guidelines for any progressive conditions.
If my blood pressure is 134 over 94 is that a pass to get 2 year or what
@Gary
Blood pressure needs to be 140/90 or lower for a two year card.
Your blood pressure numbers would limit you to a one year card.
My sister has been driving for nearly 30 years and just suffered a stroke. She hhas vertigo, double vision, high blood pressure, deaf in one ear, and her sugar is high. Common sense says come off the road, but she can’t hear that now. Granted she might get things back, in time, but what are the legal restrictions once a person has suffered all of these issues? Does she lose the CDL for life? Does she have to have 3-6 months clear and good numbers? Please help us out to help her think clearly about her future.
Thanks
TB is her state.
@Vera
Right off the bat she will be in a one year waiting period just from the stroke and depending on what level of the brain the stroke effected, she may be out for a 5 year waiting period. Right now all of the other symptoms take a back seat to the stroke. She should check with the state drivers license department to see if she will be able to keep her CDL until she is ready to retest for the DOT medical certificate. That way she may not lose her cdl, just have it put into suspension for now.
I had a DOT exam on 1/26 and was given a 3 month DOT Card because my BP was 148/100. I have an appointment with my cardiologist on 1/29 and have started taking my blood pressure medicine again already I had been on BP medicine and was taken off of it this summer. I am bringing the Medical Release Form to the cardiologist. My question is, do I have to wait until the 3 month card expires or can I go back to the examining doctor whenever to get a one year card. When I was previously treated, my BP dropped significantly in a short period of time. I know I have to be 140/90 or better for the one year card.
@Erik
You can redo the test anytime you like within the three month period, but make sure that your numbers are going to get you through first.
We had a driver issued a part 1 of 2 DOT CARD (good for 3 months) with a physical exam completed at this time. The driver went back (after 3 months) and received part 2 of his DOT Card which is good for more 9 months without any exam being done to receive part 2. Is this a valid DOT Card and acceptable without out a physical exam being completed to receive part 2 of his DOT Card?
@Jane
Your driver must have had to complete some portion of the examination or provided additional information to the CME at the time. So if that is correct, then the new card is valid.
The NP at the clinic my employer uses for DOT physicals stated that they cannot take multiple BP readings. A “one time” reading a that reading will be used. Is this true?
@CM in GA
That is outright BS. The FMCSA guides state specifically that a multiple reading is just fine.
Why can an airline transport pilot receive a class 1 medical with blood pressure as high as 155/95 who is wrong dot or the faa ?
I’m a type 2 diabetic. Went for my Dot physical in November of 2015. I received a 3 month card because my A1c was 8.3%. I’ve tried to find where it states at a certain level you only get a 3 month card. All I’ve been able to find is 7-10% should get you a year card. Any thoughts on this? Is there anywhere that states what is acceptable and what is not!! Thank you.
@Michael
FMCSA simply wants your diabetes under control, with no sugar spill-over in your urine. A medical release form from your doctor stating that your condition is under control and a list of your medications should suffice. A1c’s are usually needed when the diabetes medications are binding with your sugar and you are expelling them through your urine. So I would get a second opinion at another facility, with the doctor’s release form in hand.
I normally have low blood pressure, i.e. <100/70. I am physically fit, 5'11" and weigh 170. I am not on any medications for any condition. In the weeks leading up to my DOT physical, I begin worrying and get anxious. I am not afraid of the exam, I guess I am anxious of the ramifications if something is wrong. When I get my exam, my blood pressure reads high which is above the requirements. I don't want to lose my job!! If I go to my doctor, he will put me on blood pressure meds, which I do not need because my blood pressure is normally quite low. Any suggestions?
@Scott
Sit back, relax, do a little easy deep breathing. Most CME’s will take a few readings for blood pressure and help you get it down if it is a little high due to white coat syndrome. Don’t eat too much, stay away from the caffeine and smokes, if you smoke. If your blood pressure is normally in the numbers you mentioned, then you should not have any problems. Make sure that the examiner uses a blood pressure cuff and not an electronic cuff. The electronics need to be calibrate and most people do not do this often enough.
For more suggestions see: Blood Pressure Tips During the DOT Physical Exam
I, too, suffer from “White Coat Syndrome”.
I am 65 and for the first time my BP is 144/88. Usually it is around 125/80.
I took the exam today and was given a cert for 12 months.
My question is this, will all my future certs be for 12 months assuming my BP falls under 140/90 during subsequent exams?
My exam today was 140 bucks, so will I be shelling out that amount ever year from now on?
@Robert
If you can get your bp below 140/90 without the use of medications, then you may be able to return to a two year card, if all else is good. If you must go on medication to maintain your blood pressure below the 140/90, then your cards will always be for one year at the time.
I have a aortic aneurysm, I just Had a MRI, Im trying to find out if I can still drive cdl in connecticut. I cant find anything on ct.gov. I did find some info on fmcsa.dot.gov.
under their recomendations I can still Drive. CT is much tougher on a lot of things. can you direct me to the ct regulations?
Thank you.
@Rick
What you will need to do is to contact the local drivers license department and ask them. FMCSA has one set of rules and regulations, but every state has their own guidelines, and this sounds like a state question.
I’m curious , if my blood pressure is a little high for the first time , will i be given a year or 3 months , I’m not in any meds.starting a new job and they require a new physical. Also if only given a 1 year or 3 months I guess that will over ride my current physical which is still good for 1.5 years.
@Brian
New cards over-ride the old card. If your blood pressure is between 140 and 160 on the top and 90 to 100 on the bottom, you will probably receive a one year card to get your blood pressure under control.
My husband has a current two year dot card. He started a new job and had to go for a dot exam. At his last exam when he received his two year card his blood pressure was 135/79. He had just lost his job of 20 years and was beyond stressed out as well as he suffers from white coat syndrome. When he went for the new exam his blood pressure was 150/80 he told the Dr. it is not normally high and he would not listen he only did the one reading and told my husband he only qualified for a 3 month card. My question is he is not on any blood pressure medicines and does not normally have high blood pressure so shouldn’t he have received a one year card. The doctor doing the exam is a chiropractor and seemed unsure of the rules he went and printed some information off the computer and insisted he only qualified for a 3 month card. Am I misunderstanding the information. Also if he does not agree with this doctor can he seek a second opinion from another examiner and does he have to tell that examiner about the three month card or can he just let the examiner form their own opinion on if he should have a one year card if the reading is still high.
@steve
Without taking any medications, your hubby should have received a one year card to let things settle down. You can seek a second opinion and have another examination done in a few months. That should give everybody a chance to get things back to normal. The three month card was already input to the FMCSA data-base, so it does not matter if there are any questions with the next exam. Simply explain the situation and go from there.
I am a certified medical examiner but have some confusion on the certification period for drivers with controlled hypertension on medication. Do they get a one year certificate or two?
@Kimberly
On medication and a medical release form from their primary, as long as the pressure is below 140/90, they would get a one year card if all else is within normal limits.
Can a person with a controlled blood pressure but has a stage 4 kidney disease still drive a commercial truck.. both cases are being treated by doctors..
@ Andrew
It will depend on the degree of limitations. Controlled blood pressure is not the issue, it will be the kidney disease. If you have a medical release form from your doctor and he can explain how your condition is progressing, then you may gat a short window card. But it would be unlikely that you would pass the DOT examination without a doctors release. Your condition is a progressive one and would be seen as a safety issue.
I had high blood pressure when going to first exam for med certificate so got 3 month extension. I went to my primary care physician, have meds and my blood pressure has gone down to 148/108 – but not yet there. My primary has adjusted my meds and I expect to have bp below the 140/90 very soon. Do I go get another medical or do I have to go through the written and driving testing all over again? Thanks.
Sue
@Sue
Just the medical certificate portion of the examination should be all you need, once the bp is below 140/90. Be aware that your medical card will be good for one year at the time while you are on bp medication.
Are heart transplant recipients possibly eligible for a medical certificate?
@Kelly
Possibly. You will need plenty of information and doctors releases to start with. From there you will need reports from your cardiologist and stress test results. That should be enough to get you started with. Then when you see the CME he may request further information. Good Luck
If you fail your dot physical is your current medical card any good
@William
Nope.
I failed my CDL physical from high BP 146/86 and was issued a 3 month extension. I am working with my PCP to get it lowered. I was already on 2 BP meds and my PCP has given me 1 additional medication. I haven’t returned to have BP checked at the place the denied me medical card yet and I have 2 questions. I realize if I don’t pass I don’t get another 3 month extension, but am I able to have the Medical Examiner check me multiple times while I am working with my PCP to get it lowered before my 3 month extension expires? The next question is IF I don’t pass, will I ever get to try again or is that it for my driving career?
@Birdman
You can have your BP checked as often as you like by any one you want, just make sure they know what they are doing.
And if you fail now you can still retake the physical exam at a later date, once your BP is under control.
Be aware that once your medical card expires, your state may downgrade your CDL. If this is going to occur, check with your local driver’s license department about the process for getting your CDL reinstated.
i am on BP meds, what if my BP is above 140/90 will I still be able to be qualified for 6 or 3 months till my doc can get my meds adjusted?
@Chris
If you are on blood pressure medication, you may get one three month card to get your medications dialed in. You will not get a second three month card. So from this point on you want your BP below 140/90.
So in the three months if I get my BP under control will I be able to go back to a one year card? Thanks doc
@Chris
Once you get your BP under control, then you would get a one year card from the date of the examination.
What if someone who is on BP meds has a reading over 160/100? Is there a cut-off reading for the 3 month certificate? Say 165/110?
@Justin
All depends on BP reading and CME findings. 140/90 is the cut off. If you are above those numbers for the very first time, then you may be issued a one time three month card. After that you are disqualified until you can get your numbers under the 140/90 and there are no more three month card after the first one.
I drove a truck OTR for 13 years and 7 years ago i had two heart attacks. they had went in and put in 3 stents in my heart. my cardiologist had me on about 10 different medications mainly for high blood pressure and colesterol. i didn’t like the thought of having to take so many medications because some of them were to counter the side effects of the other and so on and so forth. i felt like i was walking around in a fog all the time. i no longer use that doctor and i took matters into my own hands. i exercised and dieted and lost nearly 50 lbs and i no longer take any medication except the daily aspirin and my blood pressure is below the guidelines. my question is since everything is within the guide lines do i still need the medical release form and if so who can i get it from since i no longer use that pill pushing doctor? can i go to my primary doctor and get it or do i need to go to a cardiologist? The reason i’m asking is that my cdl’s had expired about a month of my second heart attack and i’m considering going back to driving again. i just need to know what i need to do to in order to get them back as far as my medical situation.
@Chris
You will need to have a medical release form filled out by your primary doctor, explaining that you no longer need the medications that your were originally prescribed. Since you had a heart attack, 2 in a short time frame, you will need a copy of your last stress test, as long as it is within the past two years. With all this information in hand, you should be able to return to driving. Good Luck
I have a history of high blood pressure and I am currently on BP medication. When I went for my re-certification,my BP was 148/77. I was given 3 months and was told by the doctor to visit my PCP and get my BP under control before my 3 months expires. What happens if my BP is still above 140/90 when I return in 3 months? Do lose my certificate or do I get another 3 months?
@Tony
If you were on blood pressure medication when you took the last DOT examination, then you just got your only, one time, 3 months card to get your BP under control. If you don’t get it under control, you do not get another 3 months to continue trying. You would be disqualified until it is under 140/90.
In December 2014 new Blood Pressure Guidelines were published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) and they now say that individuals over age 60 are not considered to have high Blood Pressure in the pressure is 150/90 or lower.
To whom can I write to or contact at the Department of Transportation and ask if they will implement these guidelines for CDL Drivers who are over 60 who have blood pressure readings that fall in the 140/90 to 150/90 range?
Thank you.
@David
Well I would start with the DOT and the FMCSA Advisory board. Just Google “FMCSA advisory board” and go from there.
I recently went to a clinic for chest pain. They transported me to a hospital for three days, and was told they were going to put a stent in.Fortunately they did not have to put a stent in but I was prescribed two blood pressure meds and a cholesterol med.I am supposed to be starting a new job pulling tanker hazmat freight. Will these medications keep me from pulling Hazmat?
@Kurt
You don’t give much information regarding what medications. But as a general statement, most of the HBP medications are well within the parameters of the DOT that would allow you to drive.
Your medical card needs to be redone since the trip to the hospital and you will need a medical release form filled out by your primary doctor. The CME will want to make sure you are doing OK on the medication.
Medical cards with medications for HBP will be limited to one year.
Male, 61. Has diabetes, insulin shot daily. Not over the road driver..mechanic, drives vehicles in and out of shop. Failed DOT physical in N.C. Works in Virginia. Can he get some kind of waiver to drive truck in and out of shop onto parking lot.
@Teresa
He should qualify for intra-state only and be able to do the job you are describing without any thing other that a medical release from his primary doctor and if the state needs it, an insulin waiver for intra-state only.
My understanding is that driver licenses of whatever class are only required to drive on the public highways, and are not required to drive solely on private property such as described. Ditto with construction and farm equipment which only cross public highways occasionally. Laws vary from state to state — I would research the laws of your state online, and print out a copy for the mechanic.
sometimes this bp problem is bs. I am close to 60 years old, I workout 4 or 5 days a week, I am very lean and I am in very good condition. I have checked my blood pressure many times and I have a monitor I check it all the time . went to get cdl med. and blood pressure was about 160 over 90 two times go home and check over the next 3 or 4 days and never over 128/65. the only way to get a true and honest reading is with a abpm monitor, I have never had high bp except at the doctors office and the monitoring system they use was invented in 1896. The only fare way is 24 hr.abpm monitoring if you are suppected to have white coat system.
@Ed
FMCSA sets the guidelines at 140/90 or less.
I know plenty of drivers that have white coat syndrome and you’re right, it’s a pain. Try to find a doctor that you are comfortable with and see if he will take multiple reading throughout the examination. Your pressure should naturally reduce as you get more comfortable around them. Otherwise, try your idea, it sounds good to me, and see if your CME will accept the readings. Good Luck.
I think this big deal with a few blood pressure points is being blown way out of proportion. There are people whose b.p. is high whom lead good productive lives the only reason for this b.p. is aging. We all can’t be below 140/90 this is utterly ridiculous. All these cdl persons out of a job as hard as times are. # THE ESTABLISHMENT needs to get real. I don’t know could be I just hav’ent heard of a cdl driver losing control of his vehicle because his b.p. was high. On the other hand I have heard of people being prescribed bad batches of drugs that were meant to help them and having; shall we say adverse reactions causing and having accidents.
There is no point in working in government if you can’t make people miserable. Many in the public sector excel in this art form. This thread is only one such manifestation.
I have kideny failure and am on dialysis receiving treatment 3x a week at a set time. My blood pressure is in the stage 2 hypertension range with medication and I can get a note from the physician that has been with me for 10 yrs to explain there is no danger in me driving. Will I be able to get medical clearance to get my CDL? Thanks for your time.
@Cory
Given your situation, be prepared to answer a lot of questions.
Start with a medical release form from your primary doctor.
Second, consider driving intra-state only. This will allow you to drive and still be able to maintain yourself.
Be aware that you will have to have your blood pressure under 140 / 90 and a medical release form from your blood pressure doctor also. Good luck.
i went to get my physical cpl days ago my blood pressure was a cpl points hi 142/84 they cked twice and failed me no 90 day card 1 ye etc told me to see my doc get my blood pressure readjusted and have him fill out form to ok me to work he adjusted meds but refuses to fill form out can i retake my physical elsewhere i have 11 days before my present card expires
@Roger
Yes you can go elsewhere, just make sure that your blood pressure is under control.
If you are already on medications for HBP then your BP must be below 140 / 90. And you still need to have your medical doctor complete your medical release form for you. He may not understand that all that is being ask of him is that your medications are effective and safe and that they have your BP under control.
I have type 2diabetes what are my requirements
@Randy
You need to be on your medications and watching your diet to control your sugar. You need a medical release form completed by your primary doctor for your condition and take that with you when you go for the DOT examination. That’s about it.
I check my bp before going to see examiner and it was 125/82….but when the examiner took my bp, it was 142/84. I asked them to retake but they refused.He gave me 1yr card. My question is, can I go to another examiner to check it out there cos all I need is a two card. Another question is, can a company terminate my job if I have just one yr card ?
@Dickson
The CME should have taken at least three reading for your blood pressure, so you should have been given more reading to determine the need for a one or two year card. as far as the company goes, that may be a company policy, but I know of no company which does such a thing.
My brother had an accident in a company vehicle, the driver of the car was injured and had to be taken to the hospital, my brother said the driver of the car was treated and released the same day. My brother took a mandatory drug test and said he also had to re-do his DOT physical which he is having a hard time passing due to high blood pressure. He went to his Dr. a few days ago and said his BP was 150/85, and said the Dr. told him if it was the same the next day he would pass him-of course it wasn’t so he continues to go back to the Dr. at least every other day to have his BP checked. All of this sounds incredibly suspect to me! According to my bro, since he’s had high bp for quiet some time he doesn’t qualify for a 3 month pass.
@Karen
B/P’s have to be below 140/90. And if he is on blood pressure medications already then he has to have the condition under control before he will pass another DOT physical.
I am going to a company cdl school in two weeks so a quick reply would calm me down. Thanks in advance . My bp is all over the place. I recently had alot of dental work. It would vary from 122/75 to 140/85 with no rhyme or reason . I went to the doctor’s and it was 174/??. I went to get some meds. as a prophylactic so I would be good on the bp. I smoke. She gave me 20 mg of lisinopril. Do I need to tell the m.e. that I am on this and if I didnt would he know? I need this job. I’m homeless and desperate.
@Brian
First and foremost, lying or leaving out vital information on a federal form will cost extensively, if caught. Go for a walk before you go in for the physical, it may elevate your heart rate, but should lower your blood pressure. Your numbers are not that far off. If you are taking a blood pressure medication, then tell the CME during the examination and answer the question on the medical form. They should take 3-4 reading. And if you do really need medication, thenyou can go and get the meds. Good Luck
Hello, I have been a school bus driver for ten years and love my job. 2 years ago, I had elevated blood pressure at my DOT physical and the doctor put the fear of losing my livelihood into me so I developed “white coat syndrome” as a result and it has affected me since. My numbers are wicked high during the exam. Because of this, I got a three month card the last time even though I explained the above: Situational anxiety. I have had bad reactions to any blood pressure medication I have tried, six different ones, and I don’t mean dry mouth. I am on my third Primary Care physician. My medical card is up in Feb. 2015. If I don’t pass, I will not only loose my job but my home and my car since I am my sole support. I really need some advice here because how can I NOT worry? Thanks, Annie
@Annie
Well the regulations regarding blood pressures are below 140/90.
If you are on medications, it must be below 140/90 or you get a one time 3 month card. When you return it must be below regulation numbers.
Also, the examiner is expected to take a multitude of readings. So if it’s high in the first couple of readings and you explain your concerns, then they should allow you to rest and settle down before taking any more readings.
But no matter what you tell them, the readings have to be 140/90 or below. Try taking a long walk before you blood pressure check. It may raise your pulse rate and lower your blood pressure. It’s worth a try before you go for your next exam. Good Luck
Thank you for your reply.
Update: I did not pass. The doctor would not take into account “White coat hypertension” as a reason for elevated blood pressure at the DOT appointment, even with an explanation letter.
Are you limited as to how many drugs you can take to reduce your blood pressure? I heard that it was a maximum of 3.
@Steven
A completed medical form from your primary may answer the CME’s questions.
FMCSA just wants all the examiners to look closely at each driver and their medications. Your primary can answer many of the questions with the medical release form.
I value reading all of the questions and answers here, but Truckerdocs, too many times I Read your response to some of these facilities, that seem to not being doing things correctly, you tell the person to “go elsewhere”… While that’s a exceptable suggestion, I feel you should incourage them to report these facilities to DOT,or another appropriate place, maybe a medical division of the state…they should be held accountable if they in fact, are NOT operating in the clients best interest, especially when something like this, that effects one employment–most other medical issues DONT effect how we all earn a living, at least not to the point someone can take away your state license over something that MANY people have had, and continued for many years, with no problems…..I wonder why a DRUG test is not involved in a CDL physical to be “qualified “…… .??
@George
You are correct in your position.
When you find the area on the FMCSA’s website to report these abuses, please write back to us so we can give everyone who is having issues with their examiner a place to report it. I know that it is there because I have had drivers use the conflict resolution phase of the FMCSA website. BUT, FMCSA has buried this section so that it is hard to find, because, according to FMCSA, they would be completely overwhelmed with conflicts that they are having with the new CMEs.
As far as drug testing for drivers, every new driver is drug tested before he/she is hired, so not sure what the advantage would be. Pre-employment and random drug testing is the responsibility, and routine, for Companies.
Thanks for your response….I understand that companies do upon hire, and random drug tests, but it just seems to me that since the DOT MEDICAL physical is to determine one’s condition to operate a vehicle safely, a drug test should be included… Seems blood pressure is the biggest thing looked at in these physicals…. But when hired by a company, only drugs are at the top of the list….. We all know if you have an accident, you are tested for drugs….next, they will be slapping a BP cuff on you, and the insurance companies will want to deny coverage based an “elevated BP reading”
So I return to the same place I used last year for my DOT physical…The doctor gave me one year card then because my BP was elevated…. This time, Imy BP was under 140/90, and this time he gives me a 6month card, stating that I am overweight! I was pissed and said that I did not see this on the official site as something a DOT doctor could do….. I returned to read this:
QUOTE:
“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.” UNQUOTE
While that’s all fine and dandy, and I do understand the risks of being overweight, but that paragraph clearly says :
“That is what the DOT Physical exam will determine – whether you have any of these restrictive medical conditions ” WHICH IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY DISEASE”
…I HAVE NONE OF THESE, being overweight CAN lead to these things, but, I DONT HAVE THEM… so, in your opinion, does this doctor have the right? I think he is jumping the gun since I DONT have those conditions, “it CAN EVENTUALLY lead to” I think he’s penalizing me ahead of time, with no merit
I believe this is the perfect example of what I referred to earlier, about these places not always acting correctly with some of us….. If a regular doc talks with you about being overweight, he’s NOT messing with how you earn your living,he will tell you where it EVENTUALLY will lead.. He doesn’t take anything from you…but these docs in some cases, go over the line……..
@George
Very true. Too many of the new CME’s really have no idea of what their role is in the process.
Just try to find a Driver Friendly CME. Their job is to know the rules and regulations, but they are working to keep the drivers in the truck. Good Luck.
When I went for the physical my b p was high but I qualified for the 90 day card. But they told me to try and get it lower then come back. I went back a week later and it was lower but still in the 90 day range. Then they told me I couldn’t get that card because it was only for the first time ever getting a medical card. When I brought up the regulations on my phone and showed them they were wrong they still refused to give me the card and also put me on medical hold. I don’t have medical card so my cdl isn’t any good pm I lost my job along with insurance. I’m in a real bad spot here. No job, no insurance, no licence. I’ve been a driver for 30 years and never came close to losing my licence. Is there any way I can fix this?
@Keith
If you get your blood pressure below 140 / 90 and can keep it there, with thirty days if possible before you try again, then go somewhere else and get a new medical card. Your blood pressure must be below 140/90 with or without medication. Good Luck!
I feel that a medical card should not be required to have a cdl. CME do not know every driver situation or health history. My opinion is that the PCP should be doing the dot that way it’s done correctly. Plus if the driver is at his or her PCP while doing the dot examine It can be corrected and noted plus being monitored as well. Plus treated right away. FMCSA would like to see more PCP become NRME it builds a better relationship plus it makes the driver less nervous. There are PCP who are also on the NRME To do medical examines. This is just my thoughts and opinion.
I have a ? For someone, if you have blood pressure controlled an diabetes control do u have to do a sleep apnea test to keep your cdl
@Harold
As a general statement NO. If there are other indicators, other than BMI or neck measurements, it may be needed, but in general No.
See our articles on Sleep Apnea Screening.
i have a dot medical card till 11-1-15 . my pre hire company wanted me to get a dot exam for them and would not use my current card . the exam came back with i had high blood presure and only gave me a 3 month card . is my card till 11-1- 15 still good to use .thanks jerry
@Gerald
Yes, your 11-1-15 medical card is still good. That’s the one your state Drivers License Department will/should have on file because you are personally responsible to get a copy to them when your last medical card expired.
I had this exact same thing just happen to me today. Im on bp meds and its been controlled for well over a year now. I am consistently at about 125-135/75-85, just recently received a 1 year card. Hiring requirements for my current company that I just began training with included another dot physical. After sitting for 6 hours waiting inline to be examined, I finally got seen and my bp spiked at 150/116. They took a few more readings within about a total of 10 minutes time, and my bp was dropping with each read, it still wasn’t low enough n I received a 3 month card, and was told that the 3 month card trumps my 1 year card. Is this true and/or is my 1 year card still valid? 1 year card is on record at the dmv, will this medical examiner send the 3 month card to my states dmv which would in turn, trump the 1 year card? Thankyou much for any input.
@Sam
You all need to have a completed medical release form in hand before you go for your DOT examinations.
With that release form in hand, you already answer most of the CME questions. The CME is not your primary and does not have anything to go on other than the facts facing him right then and there.
Also DMV is different that FMCSA. One is state and the other is Fed. So on one hand the 3 month card trumps the FMCSA, but, at present, does not trump the state DMV. But if you do the right things first, then there are no hassles.
Thankyou very much for the reply, definately made this abit clearer for me. I’ll talk to my doc about a medical release form. Thanks again
Question:
I got my two year card this February 2014 and and at my yearly family doctor physical my bp was up and I was put on medication in October 2014. So do I have to report this immediately to my DOT work Doctor?
@ Cindy
No, it will come up at the time of your next DOT examination and you will be limited to a one year medical certificate.
Will bee stings raise your BP ? Readings at home were great got stung that evening by 4 wasps and next morning my appointment was at 8:30 . BP was up and the doctor said bee stings would not make any difference so I did not pass . Also it was red and puffy ? Doctor wanted to change to more BP medicine. I said no was I right in this ?
@Eva
I believe you made the best choice. Any time pain is involved, then BP has a tendency to elevate.
One you have healed from the bites, then check your pressure and it should be back to its normal. Good Luck
i am currently on two blood pressure meds. My reading was 150/88. how can I get a 1 year card? I go to my regular DR. and it is controlled by the meds and I have also lost 17 pounds since I started this new job, do I have to get a letter from my DR. or am I out in the world looking for a new job? What is the difference between the recertification and the regular dot exam? Because if I am looking at the numbers correctly it says ( reading of 140-159/90-99 stage 1 / 1 year but recertification is 1 year if less then 140/90, or a 3 month if 141/159/91-99. why is there a difference to these numbers ?
@Curt
1. If you are taking blood pressure medication, your blood pressure must be below 140/ 90, no questions asked, and you get a one year card, period.
2. If you are taking blood pressure medication and your blood pressure is above 140 /90 then you get a 3 month card and you MUST have your blood pressure below 140 /90 before you can get the rest of the one year card.
3. You are reading into the FMCSA’s rules and regulations what you want them to say, not what they really say. So by understanding the rules, then you must have your blood pressure under 140 /90 and all you get is a one year medical card and you will need to bring a copy of your medical release form completed by your primary doctor.
I am on bp medicine and control it well and my reading was high the first time due to being nervous . I got a 3 month card . The next time my reading was 138/ 85 . I was not passed and told by the doctor that until a couple more reading and appointments he would not give me my cdl . This seems wrong after reading the rules also I was told it didn’t count if its not an appointment just a walk in. I can not find that in any of the rules ?
Thanks
@Eva
You are correct, it is B.S. Go somewhere else when it’s time to get your next appointment.
Thank you so much, do I need to wait 30 days before using a different doctor as my appointment falls 30 days short ?
@Eva
The thirty day thing is the FMCSA’s attempt to stop the “doc shopping” thing.
But if you disagree with the first CME and you go else where, after a short period, then you should not have a problem.
I am amused by the stop “doc shopping”… Stop what? Since these docs only do DOT, shouldn’t all results be the same? And if not, shouldn’t the lime light be on the DOCTORS and the traing/GUIDELINES they follow? Seems to me to be fair, the agency that oversees these doctors should be sending a “scout” into several different places to see for themselves what differences/discrepancy may be there, then CLEAN IT UP…… again… This messes with people earning their living,and as far as I see, many people end up out of work,or have additional costs that burden the average worker, all over what “might happen”….. Let’s face it…all kinds of drivers out there are MORE of a risk, but that goes unchecked …….
I have two questions plz
1-I work for a city as a cdl driver we are not required to have a dot medical card or physical …I’m trying to get another job that does require a medical card/physical if for some reason I fail the physical will that stop me from being able to drive at my current job ??
2-if I take blood pressure medicine for high BP and it’s under control will this make me fail on my physical?
@Brenda
Every single state that I know of has to have a medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle, so I’m not sure about your not needing a medical card.
If you live in some state that does not require such a thing then your first question is basically self answering.
Your second question is, if taking blood pressure medication, your pressure must be below 140 / 90, and your medical card will be good for one year at the time.
If it is above 140/90 and not under control then you will need to get it controlled as soon as possible. Usually that means a 90 day card to work with your primary physician and get it under control.
The dot dr said because I take 2 or more medicines that I have to go for a sleep study test. I had a letter from my Dr saying my hypertension and diabetes were under control. Why would this be?
@Jerry
It is a bit of a guideline, not a ruling.
I would have your doctor check you out to determine if you need a sleep study. If not, then take a note from your primary doctor back to the examiner. If the examiner is still stuck on the sleep study, then go somewhere else to get your medical card.
For more information, and to better understand this sleep apnea issue, see our blog posts on Sleep Apnea.
I failed for high bp went back and my numbers were better but he switched meds. Went back before my 3 month period and was high again. He said let’s go back to the previous med and failed me. Can I go to another DOT examiner?
@Linda
After a 30 day wait, then you can go elsewhere.
FMCSA is trying to stop the “doc shopping.”
There have been some issues with the new CME’s not fully understanding their roles, so FMCSA stated that once you have gone to a doctor and, for what-ever -reason you are having problems, wait 30 days and go elsewhere.
I have type two diabetes that I control with Diet and exercise, without meds my sugar runs about 150 to 170. However I have started checking my blood pressure lately at those self service ones at Pharmacists and it is running around 125 to 135 over 90 to 96. It varies a bit but that is the range. Will either of these affect me for getting a two year or one year card.
@Robert
Both will effect your DOT medical certificate. BP must be below 140/90 and your diabetes must also be under control.
And even with both controlled, you may be limited to a one year medical certificate.
Both of these conditions are progressive in nature and should be monitored closely, thus the one year card.
I have my pressure down to the low 120’s over mid 80’s. My sugar which I am controlling completely by diet is around 170. I don’t mind getting a one year card. Will I pass for a one year card with these readings.
@Robert
Yes. You will not have any difficulty with these numbers.
I had a BP reading of 165/102 and was given a 3 month card. I was referred to a cardiologist and 2 days later my BP was still high (146/91) but not as high as at my DOT exam. Since then I have lost 15 lbs, and started walking. My blood pressure has improved, but if it is still high (146/91) can I be given another 3 month card until I can get it to the less than or equal to requirement of 140/90?
@Scott
That falls into the examiner’s realm and he may or may not.
But a blood pressure in the 140’s/90’s range should allow you a one year card, unless you are already on high blood pressure meds. If you are on meds then the answer is usually no, until you get it under control.
Hi,
I went to the doctor to have a physical done for a new driving job. My blood pressure was a little up, but still would qualify me for a 1 year card. He looked at my history (this is MedExpress, NOT my family doctor) and found I was there back in September of 2013. I was sick as a dog, and felt as though i got hit by a truck… My blood pressure was obviously higher at that point because I was sick. That visit in September of 2013 was NOT for a DOT physical. Soon afterwards, I went to my family doctor and was put on Lisinopril, and then in November of 2013, I passed a DOT Physical for work, and was granted a one year card.
The new job requires me to have a new physical, and he didn’t even take that prior DOT (after the sick visit) physical under consideration in the least, and instead used that sick visit to not issue me a card. I do not believe that is correct, since I am on medication and it IS in fact controlled, even though he says it is running wild. I do not think he has any idea what he is doing…
I took several readings today, and these were the numbers…I used a Home machine, which gave pretty much the same readings I got at the my doctors yesterday. She also felt he should have issued a 1 year card because it is controlled
8/19/2014
1PM – 138/76 pulse 80
7pm – 131/82 pulse 78
I feel he should have issued me a 1 year card. Am I correct?
What would you suggest?
@Shawn
If the information you have provided is true, then you should have received a one year medical card.
Have your primary doctor complete a medical release form for you and take it back to the examiner and get your card. Good Luck.
My initial BP that the Doctor wrote on my 649-F form was 144/94, after 3 seperate tests over a 3 week period my average was about 130/85. He would only issue me a 3 month certificate. Why cant he issue a 1 year cert. On the form649-F Item 5. it states for “Recerification” one time cert for 3 months, but in the definitions 391.41(b)(6) it indicates that a 1 year cert should be issued ? What is the difference ?
@CM Liston
You are correct. If the examiner has a multiple reading of 140/90 and below, then he should issue a one year card.
If you are recently on blood pressure medication, he may want to monitor for the three months first, before issuing a card for the remaining nine months.
My BP was 140/95 and I was issued a 3 month card well above what it normally is can I ever go back to a two year card if I can get it under control with diet and exercise or am I stuck going every year?
@Adam
If you get it under control without meds, and you can demonstrate over time that it’s under control, then yes you can go back to a 2-year card.
But please be aware that this is usually a progressive condition and your examiner may want to keep an eye on you for a while.
That’s the best way to go – to get a health challenge under control. Good plan. Good luck.
I WAS DENIED A MEDICAL CARD BECAUSE MY BP WAS 150/100.. DOT REGULATION SAY THAT I CAN GET A 3 MONTH CARD BUT THE DOCTOR DENIED ME ANYWAY. WHAT CAN I DO OR WHO DO I CALL TO REPORT THIS FAULTY ACTION AGAINST ME?
@Herman
More questions than answers, on this one.
A BP of 150/100 with no history of high blood pressure, is three months to get it under control, the first time.
BP of 150/100 and on BP meds, a one-time three month card to get it below 140/90.
150/100 and on BP meds and not under control, no card until below 140/90.
Now if you feel that you have been wrongly denied, then check with FMCSA and find the conflict resolution committee on the FMCSA website. Good Luck.
I have been a driver for years, I take B/P Medicine and it is controlled and falls under the guidelines, also I’m a Type 2 Diabetic and take meds., to control along with diet. My question is the DOT Doctor gave me a 6 month DOT card saying I have to bring into him a 6 month log of daily checks of both B/P and Sugar. Both are controlled and fall under the guidelines, so is this legal for them to ask for 6 month logs when I go every 3 months to my own Physician for Bloodwork and gave DOT my numbers from my last test which showed under control? I truly feel this is not right, when he has seen its under control. Your response will be very appreciated on these issues.
@Dave
The examiner may have the right, but it’s overkill.
I would get a medical release form filled out by your primary healthcare provider and take it to the DOT examiner. That release lets the DOT doctor know that you follow your primary’s instructions and that there is no need for you to keep this log.
I had a light stroke May 25, 2013 my neurologist has giving me the ok to go back to work. I pass the physical. Do I qualify for a new medical card under the new DOT policy ?
@Tony
As long as you are passed the one year waiting period and your neurologist understands what you will be doing as an OTR driver, then you should have no problems.
Make sure you get a letter from your primary healthcare provider indicating he understands your type of work and what, if any, restriction / limitations you have. The better information you can provide the DOT examiner, the better off you are.
i just flunked a DOT medical exam for a pre hire out of state although i have a current valid Dot card good for 20 more months from my home state.. this is the only part of the exam i failed….will the dot find out i flunked a pre hire exam and render my current 2 year card thats 4 months old invalid?
@Mike
You did not specify what part of the DOT examination you failed and the details of the condition that failed you.
I am also not sure why you would have had to have a new medical card if the one you have now is still very valid.
So fill me on on what is going on and I will try to answer any of your questions.
When I did my DOT physical yesterday, I noticed something about controlling BP with two or more medications, and that somehow that was unacceptable, that your BP has to be controlled with just 1 medication. I do take one medication, but it has two medicines in it (Lotrel). What if any are the rules concerning the type/amount of medication you can take to control BP, and where would one find out if a certain medication is acceptable?
Thanks
@Brian
Really your best bet is to have your primary healthcare provider fill out the medical release form and take it in with you to the DOT examination.
There are many OTR drivers that take the same medication and it is not a problem.
As far as finding a list of meds…, no such thing.
That is information your primary doctor and the DOT examiner should know, as well as what other effects these medications can have. And the two or more medications really only become problematic when they are not working anyway.
I have white coat syndrome every time I step into a doctor’s office. Waiting and taking more than one reading in the office does not help. At home I am below 120/80 but in the doctor’s office it goes above 140/90. I am on blood pressure medicine and still have the problem. How can I pass the CDL Physical?
@Rose
It may help to get an official note from your primary care physician stating the normalcy of your blood pressure controlled by medication.
This information together with the understanding of white coat syndrome, plus more than one blood pressure reading, ** may ** be taken under consideration by the DOT examiner.
I failed my dot physical because I could only get one good blood pressure reading out of three. I never had to have three before and other drivers have said the same. I had the physical done at a CVS Minute Clinic in Crystal Lake, Illinois. I had one physical before that at this location and they only did one reading. Do I have to have three good readings?
Thanks,
Kirk
@Kirk
One good reading is all you should need. At present the recommendation for multiple readings is a guideline not a rule.
My 3 month card is up April 2nd. I am seeing a Dr now and she says she may not have my blood pressure down under DOT spec’s by April 2nd. Can I get another 3 month card or should I wait until she has it under control to retake exam?
@Mike
You can’t get another 3 month card. You’ll have to wait until you have your blood pressure under control.
Is a blood draw required for a DOT physical?
@ Lyn
No, there is no blood drawn during a DOT medical examination.
I AM ON BP MEDICINE FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS BP IS 120/80 DO I STILL HAVE TO GET A PHYSICAL EVERY YEAR OR IS THERE A FORM THAT MY DOCTOR CAN FILL OUT SO I CAN GO BACK TO 2 YEARS
@Robert
If you are taking any type of blood pressure medication, then you are limited to a one year medical certificate by the FMCSA.
There is no special form that gets you back to a two year card, unless you are no longer taking the medications. And even at that, you will need a note from your primary healthcare provider stating that he has taken you off your blood pressure medications.
Can doctors tell if im on bp medicine during dot physical if i dont tell them?
@shawn
Just be aware that this is a federal form and if you choose to lie to the DOT examiner and it comes to light that you lied on the form, then you lose your license.
My bp reading for cdl medical recert on 09232013 was 146/102. PA stated I am at risk to black out. I have not once experienced even moments of dizziness. She declined my renewal.
I do not nor do I have expectations of operating any type of commercial vehicle within next 12 months. I am in process of correcting my health status. I am overweight. PA said I do not qualify for a 3 month permit. While I have no plans to utilize my cdl within the next year I don’t want to throw the expense of 3,000.00 down the tubes either. I am not an unhealthy heavy person. My only medical issues 2 date were 2 tooth extractions.. I honestly felt the PA was for lack of a better term power tripping. She herself appears 2 be heavier than me, so is her opinion/interpretation suspect?
She adv me 2 seek help at a sleep clinic. I do not suffer ant type of disorder. I don’t snore or have issues sleeping, waking, etc. She would not hear me. She was insistent the test indicates I am at risk. I’m more at risk getting shot by a kook. Do I have any options or accept my cdl will expire?
@Justin
Well, a blood pressure of 146 / 102 would qualify you for a 3 month medical card only. Not really sure what other issues this PA may have had.
I would check with your state and see their regulations for intrastate self-certification. Information on state regulations is available by state via the state pages on our website.
Some states, e.g. Florida, do not allow exemption from medical certification requirements, but do allow you to downgrade to a non-commercial license for a time, and then upgrade later back to a commercial license, without additional testing.
Since you do not expect to drive a CMV within the next 12 months, use the time to correct your health issues so you can medically qualify and upgrade back to a CDL.
Hope this helps. Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs.
Because your diastolic number (the bottom number) was 102 on a recertification exam, you do not qualify for even a 3 month certificate the number ranges are 140-159/90-99. So the PA in this case was correct, I won’t speak to the power tripping aspect you mentioned, but she followed the guidelines. They are located for all of public to see, there is no secret to them at:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm.
As for sleeping issues, when people don’t get adequate sleep, it has a large effect on blood pressure. Most people are unaware of how effective their sleeping is. Most of us don’t think we snore either-women included.
The thing that people can control the most for their health is what they put in their mouths.
Good Luck!
According to the Medical Advisory Criteria for Evaluation Under 49CFRPart391.41 at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm
“A blood pressure of 160-179 systolic and/or 100-109 diastolic is considered Stage 2 hypertension, and the driver is not necessarily unqualified during evaluation and institution of treatment. The driver is given a one time certification of three months to reduce his or her blood pressure to less than or equal to 140/90. A blood pressure in this range is an absolute indication for antihypertensive drug therapy. Provided treatment is well tolerated and the driver demonstrates a BP value of 140/90 or less, he or she may be certified for one year from the date of the initial exam. The driver is certified annually thereafter. “