Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
Does the DOT physical include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam to get your medical card, does not include a drug test. This does not mean that any Company you want to work for, will not request a pre-employment drug test — they most likely will. But the DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test.
What drugs are tested for, if a DOT drug test is requested?
The 5 Panel drug test analyzes urine for the following drugs:
- Marijuana (THC metabolite)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (including heroin)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
What if the DOT drug screen tests positive?
The DOT drug screen is looking for illegal or non-prescription drugs. Yet, sometimes normal prescription medications can trip a positive test.
If the urinalysis is positive for one or more of the drugs on the 5 panel drug test, then the driver will be contacted in person by the Medical Review Officer. The MRO will interview the driver to determine if there is an alternative medical explanation for the drugs found in the urine specimen. If the driver provides appropriate documentation from a prescribing physician, a confirmation test with a split sample is performed for each identified drug. Confirmation ensures that over-the-counter medications or preparations are not reported as positive results. If the MRO determines that it is a legitimate medical use of the prohibited drug, the drug test result is reported as negative to the employer. Otherwise the drug test will be reported as positive.
Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?
The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.
Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. Protein in the urine may indicate kidney disease. The medical examiner will make a decision based on the amount of protein in the urine. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?
Yes, it is an indicator of the onset of diabetes or already a diabetic that does not have the condition under control. The driver would be disqualified until the condition is under control, either with medications or diet.
Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?
No, not necessarily. If the medical examiner believes that the blood in the urine may indicate a condition that affects the ability of the commercial driver to safely, the driver may be referred to a primary care physician or specialist for further evaluation. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.
Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?
Depending on the risk posed by the condition and treatment, the medical examiner may require documentation from your doctor. To assist in the preparation of the documentation, you can get more information here, courtesy of Trucker Docs. Even though your prescribing physician may be of the opinion that your condition and treatment is safe to drive, the decision to certify still rests with the medical examiner.
If you have non-insulin treated diabetes the medical examiner will check that your diabetes is adequately controlled. If it is controlled, you will get a time-limited certification and most likely need to re-certify annually.
If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you will be disqualified for inter-state driving. You may be able to drive intra-state.
The DOT does have a few, very stable insulin dependent drivers testing on insulin waivers, but you would have to check with the FMCSA on this issue.
What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?
Without a DOT Diabetes exemption waiver the answer is No, not for interstate driving, even if your condition is stable.
You may be able to drive intra-state. Each state has its own rules.
What are the requirements for blood sugar limits? I just found a job driving school bus. I am a diabetic, non-insulin dependent. When I took the test my blood sugar was 350, but in the past few days I’ve gotten it down to about 170. I have never had a low or high blood sugar blackout. Will I have to get an exemption?
The medical examiner needs to see your blood sugar levels below 120. That is the level for blood sugar spillover into the urine. The concern is not whether you have ever had a blood sugar blackout, it’s – Could you have a blood sugar blackout while driving a bus full of little people? Safety first for you, the driver, and for the public at large.
My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?
The Metformin is to control your blood sugar as a borderline diabetic. It will limit your DOT medical certificate to one year at a time.
I’m a CDL driver. I had to start insulin for my diabetes. My medical card expires in a month. Will the doctor know I’m taking insulin when he does my tests?
It does not matter whether he knows or not. On the DOT medical examination form that you fill out, it will ask if you are a diabetic and also how you control the condition. So you are the one who is going to tell him about the insulin.
Your examining doctor should ask quite a few questions regarding your insulin usage to help determine your options.
What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?
Any habit forming drug; methadone; anti-seizure medication, is disqualifying.
The medical examiner will review every medication – prescription, non-prescription, and supplement to determine if its use will adversely affect the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. The medical examiner may require documentation from your prescribing physician. In this case the medical examiner may, but is not required to grant you a medical card.
Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?
No. Marijuana is a disqualifier, even if you have a prescription.
A CMV driver cannot be qualified if on Methadone. There are exceptions to the rule regarding other drugs prescribed by a physician, but this does NOT apply to Methadone.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Nitroglycerine use is not disqualifying. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your Cardiologist to make sure that your angina condition is stable.
Can I still drive if I take prescription Paxil, Imitrex, and Zonisamide?
These three drugs are going to be a red flag for any examiner. You should bring with you a letter from your prescribing physician, explaining the need for the medications and their possible side effects. All three are listed with side effects of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, and should not be used while driving or using machinery. You are going to have to explain to the medical examiner why and how much if any of these medications you are taking and the basic circumstances for their needs.
Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job.
One of the best ways for a driver to answer a question about whether a medication may be a disqualifier or not, is to read about the side effects of that medication.
Lets take a look at some of the side effects of Xanax which include: “Drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, talkativeness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, increased salivation, changes in sex drive or ability, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite, weight changes, difficulty urinating, and joint pain. Some other side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: shortness of breath, seizures, seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating), severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, depression, memory problems, confusion, problems with speech, unusual changes in behavior or mood, thinking about harming or killing yourself or trying to do so, and problems with coordination or balance.”
As you can see, some of these issues can be unsafe for you and the public. It will cause any medical examiner to question your reaction to this medication. Talk with your prescribing doctor and ask questions with regards to driving while using any medication.
I take Prozac for anxiety and I no longer have anxiety attacks. Will this be a problem for my DOT physical?
If the anxiety disorder is controlled with the medication, then there is no real problem. Just make sure you inform the medical examiner about your condition and the medications you are taking for it.
I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. I don’t have them often but I do take Lorazepam for them on a PRN basis. Can this disqualify me from driving a school bus?
The side effects of the medication could be a disqualifier from driving a bus. I would bring a note from your physician stating how long and how often you use this medication.
A bus-load of kids could be stressful and may trigger your need to medicate. So the medical examiner would be concerned about the side effects of the medication. The big concern here is for your safety and the safety of the children.
I want to keep my CDL but I have anxiety and need to get on some medication. I don’t want to lose my license. What anti-anxiety medication in okay to take and still be safe to drive?
Talk with your MD and explain that you are a commercial OTR driver. That way the doctor can work out which, out of dozens of medications, will work best and not interfere with your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Most of the anxiety meds do not run positive for drug testing. They usually have side-effects that cause drowsiness and that is the main problem. So give the provider as much information as possible and go from there.
You will need to get documentation from your MD stating that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?
Yes, you may still drive. You will need to get documentation from your treating physician as to when the condition started, what was the diagnosis, what has the treatment consisted of, what medication are you on, and is the condition stable. All of these things are to help the medical examiner determine whether you are medically fit to operate a CMV safely.
Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?
The use of Provigil needs careful supervision. Drivers being prescribed Provigil should not be qualified until they have been monitored closely for at least 6 weeks while taking Provigil. The medical examiner will require documentation from your treating physician stating that the treatment is effective, and that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I have my CDL will DOT still allow me to drive if I get a vivitol shot monthly or is vivitol not allowed? If I get the vivitrol shot and I have my CDL will DOT still allow me to drive or is vivitrol shot not allowed?
@ Tanya
You will need to provide supporting documentation from your substance abuse or prescribing physician. Then the CME will make his decision.
If I was given a 1 year card for anti depressant medication, will the examiner be pulling my medical records to see that I am no longer taking the antidepressant? Or do they go off my word?
@ Josh
They can do either/or both. Best if you can provide documentation from your prescribing physician.
Hello,
I have to take the DOT physical and drug screen but I take methadone, will that disqualify me. It’s a driving position but not cdl just a regular license. I am legally prescribed the medication.
@ Dina
You fall under the states guidelines, not federal regulations. If you have a doctors prescription, that should be presented at the time of the examination. The MRO for the drug screen will need a copy. Confirm with your local drivers license department for their physical requirements and make sure the examiner is holding you to states regs and not federal regulations.
I am seeking to obtain a cdl specifically so that I might work at night. To accommodate my delayed sleep phase and my day working hours, I currently take medication to manage it including ramelteon and trazodone which I do not take when I am able to operate according to my natural cycle. Will these be disqualifying? I take trazodone only as needed and could choose to fully discontinue its use.
Until I am able to operate according to my natural schedule, I would be more hesitant to give up ramelteon, but certainly could if required.
@ Rebecca
Both of these medication are gong to raise questions and will require supporting medical documentation from your prescribing physicians.
I have been taking oxycodone for over 15 years. I’ve had the same doctor the whole time and he knows I have a CDL.. dr. says I’m OK to drive on the medication that I shown no issues. Does
that disqualify me from getting a med card?
@ Duane
It will require medical documentation from your prescribing doctor and then the CME will make his final decision.
I have back pain , I’ve had two back operations and take pain meds prescribed by the doctor can I still pass dot physical.
@ Ron
For a class A cdl, you will have some difficulty. It may require additional supporting medical documentation to aid in the CME’s decision making process.
If I am prescribed gabapentin for back problems and my prescribing doctor refuses to sign the DOT form saying it is okay to take the medicine and drive, what can I do?? I do not need a CDL, just need to pass the physical.
@ Steve
Since you are not a class A cdl holder, or a cdl holder at all, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Check with your local drivers license department regarding your states regulations for a medical certification. Make sure the CME knows the difference between state and federal guidelines. You should not be held to a class A cdl standard.
Thank you for your response. I contacted the BMV and they said I would need to abide by what the DOT is saying. Doesn’t seem right that my physical is the same as a Class A CDL.
So I don’t know what to do last year I am on the same medication which is methadone my dose even went down some they did not pass me and I gave them the proper paperwork why did they not pass me? I am freaking out this is my life I’ve been a mover for 26 years and I have no idea what to do I’ve been on this medication for five and a half years and it seems like it was not a problem until now.
@ matt B
Lots will depend on the class cdl you hold. Class A standards are tighter than lesser class cdl’s. If you are not an A holder, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA.
I am in California and I have my DOT physical exam in 2 days. I am legally prescribed Adderall and take it on a daily basis for necessary reasons. It will definitely show up in my urine and I plan on bringing the proper documentation from my doctor so it doesn’t look suspicious. Is it better to be upfront with the documentation BEFORE I provide the urine sample or do I wait to see if they even test for Adderall in the first place?? Please help I am VERY nervous about this. Thank you!
@ Johan H
The intake form will ask if you are taking any medications and the reasoning behind it. There is no drug screen done with a DOT/FMCSA medical examination. Only urine testing for blood, sugar, and protein. You should have no issues with your meds.
I just had mine today, I take Adderall XR 30mg, and had it listed on the form. Because of that the doc changed my usual 3 year card to a 1 year because of “medication”. I don’t even use my CDL anymore just keep up the med screenings to keep it active so I don’t lose it in case I want it for the future.
If you list it don’t be surprised if you get put on the 1 year.
@ Chris
DOT/FMCSA has never had a three year medical certificate and your medications will/have always prompted a one year card.
Will Baclofen taken for back pain show up any way or form on a DOT drug screening?
@ Bill
Yes, it will show up on a drug screen. If so, the MRO for the testing company will need to see a valid prescription for the meds.
Will duloxetine keep me from getting a truck driving job
@ Shawn
Getting your medical card is going to require some documentation, but should not limit your chances of truck driving.
I’ve been talking with my doctor and she want to move me to Adderall but my job requires I maintain a class A cdl, I’ve seen a lot of contradictory answers. Is a valid prescription and note from my doctor valid or is it a no-go?
@ Jason
With proper documentation, you should be fine.
Why do they take a urine sample at the dot renewal?
@ Jason
Looking for blood, protein, and sugar spillover in your urine. This determines possible underlying conditions.
When going for a DOT renewal what do they test for?
@ Jango
It is the same examination you did for your last DOT/FMCSA medical certification.
why are they asking for urine sample? In addition is it the complete physical again? Testing for mobility again?
@ Jango
Urine is to check for blood, protein, and sugar. Full physical, just like before, mobility and all.
I was prescribed Adderall Xr and have been training to get my cdl with passenger and school bus certification. Will Adderall with a valid prescription disqualify me?
@ Sue
Since you are going for less than a class A cdl, you fall under your states guidelines and variances. Check with your local DLD for clarification.
I’ve been treated for depression and anxiety in the past year. I am currently not taking any medication for either illness, and have been functioning just fine.
I am looking to get a job with Fedex and they require a DOT physical even for their non-CDL trucks.
Will I have any issue even though I am not taking any medications?
@ Ashley
You should have no issues. Just make sure your medical examiner understands the difference between a federal DOT/FMCSA physical (class A cdl), which you are not, and the states guidelines for non-cdl holders medical certification.
My question to you is my doctor has me on Xanax 1 mg to help me relax at night and I’m sure it’s still in my system if I took a urine sample would that disqualify me for driving with a CDL
@ Dennis R
As long as you have a prescription, you’ll be fine.
can I attain a CDL class A license if I am taking Welbutrin 150 xl?
@ Brad W
It will raise questions but with proper documentation you will be fine.
Will suboxone interfere with my dot physical, I have a prescription.
@ Jon
It is going to raise many questions and will require supporting medical documentation.
I take mirapex for restless leg syndrome I have been doing so for 15 years I went to my DOT physical a new facility and the doctor is refusing to recertify me even though I have certificate and letter from physician that it is okay for me to take it I am not experiencing side effects and it is not a controlled substance please help what can I do about this my driving is my life and my job
@ LauraC
Go get a second opinion from someone who understands the regulations and guidelines.
Will the examiner know what medications are prescribed to me? Or if I don’t tell them will they not know? I recently started a meditation but have quite taking it but I still get prescribed it.
@ Kylie
If the CME suspects you have not given him the truth about your medications, then he can find out. Is it worth it?
Can a commercial driver use Latuda?
@ John
With proper medical documentation and a medical release form from your prescribing doctor, you may be OK.
Does prednisone effect passing drug test with cdl
@ Michael
No, and with a valid prescription you would be fine also.