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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
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Your comments are also welcome.
Do I need a dot physical if I am a mechanic and only test drive a truck within 25 miles of the shop I work for
@Andrew
Yes.
If my Dot license expired will it cause me to get 2 points In MD
Long story short, over the summer I trained as a bus driver. They paid for the DOT exam. While waiting for the summer to end, I decided I would rather drive am 18 wheeler than a bunch of children. I went up to the Via Christi clinic that it was done at to request my long form and they told me they couldn’t since it is property of the school bus company.
I live in Kansas, so I’m not sire if that makes a difference or not but, from what I’ve seen the clinic is supposed to give it if I request since it is MY medical records.
Any answers you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
@Brandon
Correct, it is your medical record and they should have given you a copy of your long form and medical certificate.
If they still refuse to give it to me, what should I do then?
@Brandon
If it is the company policy there’s not much you can do.
You should have received a copy when you had your physical done. Don’t know what else to tell you.
Make sure you get all the documentation next time you have a physical.
Apparently, occupational health is different and since it was paid for by the company they own the rights. Figure I’d update this as I go with new information and status.
This happened to me and all I did was call the trucking company that sent me for the exam and asked if I could get a copy of the long form. They called the Medical exam office and gave them permission. I was able to get it with no problems.
If you bought it it’s yours, If they bought it it’s there’s … I pay for all my exams now
I live in Missouri and took my class A CDL permit test and passed. I called to set up my DOT Physical on my own and wanted to know how long does it take to get the Medical Card so when I go to the license bureau to get my permit I can have it on file at the same time or does the paperwork from passing the Physical count? I was trying to get thos out of the way before attending driving school because it is a lot cheaper if I do it on my own.
Thank You
@Shawn
Yes, it should count. Take your paperwork / medical card to your local drivers license department to keep on file with your CDL.
As a child I had seizures and was on medication. I went off the medication at age 10. I have not had a seizure since the age of four. I am now 22 years old. I went for my medical exam and passed. Recently I was put on some medication and my primary doctor needed to sign that this would not affect me getting a CDL. He signed the form and I gave it to the medical examiner. Apparently the medication I was recently put on is also used to treat seizures. I was not put on this medication to treat seizures, it is for something else. I have a letter from the doctor stating this medication is not being used to treat seizures. However because I have a history of seizures from my childhood and now take seizure meds, the medical examiner denied my med card. I have been seizure free since the age of four and off seizure meds that were being used to actually treat my seizures since the age of ten. I have documentation of all of this also. Shouldn’t I be able to obtain my med card in this case? Thank You
@Maverick
Yes, with proper documentation from your doctor, and the medical examiner understanding these conditions, you should be able to pass a medical examination, all things considered.
I am a school bus driver in new jersey. I had to stop driving for now because of back pain. My medical examiners certificate has expired. DMV downgraded me to class D. When my back is healed (about 6 months), can I get my class B with air brakes and PS endorsements back without taking written and road test again.
@Robert
You’ll need to ask your local drivers license department for their answer.
hey if i don’t report my new dot physical to dmv because i got it for 3 months. and my old one is good for 2 years will my new job find out about it
@Gabriel
A new DOT exam overrides any previous exam, and it is updated in the FMCSA database, which is linked to your local DLD.
I had a required for my work a DMV/DOT exam, done on July 10th, did not pass re: Hypertension,
(the facility did not give me any documentation, just said you flunked…..I am currently on BP meds, and see my Dr regularly, went to my Dr. on July 20th, he signed a medical clearance stating I was cleared for performing the essentials functions of my required duties, thus listing those. Dr. also stated i am being treated and the treatment has been shown to be effective and stable. The DOT examiner stated, that Dr.s clearance didn’t matter..it was DOT’s exam that counted…..Now, my deadline for my renewal was up July 28th….What next?
Thank you
John H
@JH
Yes, it is up to the CME not your doctor to qualify you. On medication your BP must be below 140/90 to qualify for 1 year.
Hello i had a back surgery (scoliosis) when i was 12. Can i still pass the exam or will that be a problem for me?
@Jose
As long as you are fully functional and can carry out the duties of a CMV operator you should be fine.
Do I need to carry my prescription medications bottles with me when I’m driving my personal vehicle? I have a CDL, I live in Maryland.
@Jim
No, unless they are of a narcotic nature.
What is the exact regulation that states that a medical certificate expires at midnight of expiration date? My employer seems convinced that there is a 45 day grace period and I know better, but can’t find the actual regulation to show him.
@Bob
You are absolutely correct! If there’s going to be a problem then the driver suffers a license downgrade, not the boss, and the points go against the driver. It’s the driver’s responsibility to have a current medical card on file with their driver’s license, so make sure you take care of yours.
Ma company workin the state of Connecticut, as per usual the company had us all go to a dr in conn, been to the same place for the third time, new doc this year waited 3 hours failed me! Says I need an apnea test. Never failed. Gave me a 3 months card did that wrong RMV had to get an override! It has taken me 2 weeks to months to see my primary care, referral to Pulmonogist took 8 weeks, sleep study done finally! Passed! But they have 2 weeks to get results to primary and Pulmologist! My card is going to expire on July 19!! I don’t drive I am a Superintendent on a job and it’s a requirement! Why in the hell would DOT give you a time frame that’s impossible to meet? With the medical insurance industry the way it is right now! As soon as I got a referral to pulmonogist I called everywhere in and out of network most of these doctors are taking appointments 4-6 months from now never mind getting tested and the rest!! What do we all do???
Is there a way to get an extension on your physcial
@Philip
No.
What is the CFR number under FMCSA that refer to DOT physicals explaining if a driver receives a physical performed prior to the expiration of their current physical, their old physical is now void and the Company, by law, have to go with the results of the new one.
@Jill
With the new forms and online database with FMCSA, a new exam overrides any previous exam.
I lost my medical certification over 2 years ago due to a back surgery and going through physical therapy. I’m wanting to go back to work. How do I get my certification back? Does the surgeon that did my surgery need to do anything?
@MCH
Get a medical release form from your surgeon with a release to return to work, and any restrictions.
My question is I just got my medical exam in May I got stopped by Pa DOT I have on my license that I need hearing aids to drive my new Medical card States that I don’t need hearing aids to drive anymore does the Medical Card override the older DL
@ Steven P S Sr
We would ask the state drivers license department to issue you a new driver license without the hearing aid requirement. Not sure if FMCSA regulations override a states requirements.
One of my clients said that during their recent DOT Audit, the Special Audit Inspector requested whether or not they had looked up the number of the physical provider on their driver’s medical card to insure he/she was legal and listed on the Federal Registry.
I was unaware that DOT is looking at that, but love the fact they are. What type of verification document is DOT looking for to prove the Employer went through this process?
National registry number on a medical card is how an Auditor can verify if the Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor, etc, has gone through the proper certification required to conduct a DOT physical.
I have a For due but I’m under workman comp.My question is ,is there a grace periodtoget it done if so how long.
@DeAndra
No grace period on expired medical cards. If you have a medical issue, talk directly with your local drivers license department to see what they can do for your license.
If you are placed on Determination Pending, are you required to see the same medical examiner that completed the original exam? What if that examiner is off the day you return?
@Lynn
You have to return to the same medical examiner’s office, because that’s where the “pending” paperwork is that needs to be completed, not necessarily the same examiner.
i need a DOT PHYSICAL EXAM BUT I DONOT DRIVE I NEED IT FOR MY iso fILE CAN I STILL GET ONE WITHOUT A LICENSE
I am currently expecting a child and it’s time to renew my physical and medical dot card to maintain my cdl. Can this interfere with results? Is there around it if not? Anyway to postpone loss of my license until I can pass the test after baby is born. My baby will be born the same month that my testing is due. I’m having surgery for birth. I don’t want to loose my cdl I worked too hard and lost a lot to get them.
@Dominique
Medical certification and cdl license are two totally different things. Just speak with someone at your local drivers license department to explain your situation, which should be apparent, and they should guide you through their process.
I live in AZ BUT I am going to Texas in a few days, if I get a dot exam in Texas would it be valid in AZ.
@Shane
Yes, a DOT exam done by an FMCSA certified medical examiner is valid nationwide.