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 am not applying for a truck driving position but I am applying for a position with the postal service and Have a question. I take phentermine 15mg twice daily for obesity which resulted in pre diabetes, I am no longer obese just chunky but my numbers for pre diabetes has not dropped. My doctor has recommended that I continue the 6month course of phentermine, will I be able to pass a pre employment drug test? I have a a valid prescription from my physician. should I stop taking the phentermine ????
@Jessyca
As long as you are not spilling sugar into your urine, then all you need is a medical release from your doctor explaining what is going on. You should be good to go from there.
I’m applying for a truck driver position that doesn’t require a c.d.l. But I still need a D.O.T. physical. This is not a drug test physical, just a regular D.O.T. physical. Does the doctor that’s doing the physical see my medical records? I only ask this question because I’m prescribed percocet & I would rather not mention my medication’s if I don’t have to. My primary doctor knows I’m looking for a driving position because of my back pain. I’ve been handling heavy boxes/cases in the warehouse field for about 15 years,so we thought driving a truck would be better for my back. What should I do? Do they see my medical records if there not performing a drug test?
@Dennis
There really is no reason to hide your properly prescribed medications.
You are going to operating a smaller than CDL truck so only your employer is going to drug test you for pre-hire. So you will have to answer the MRO-medical review officers- question about your meds and if they negatively effect you in any way. Don’t worry about the examination, the CME does not have access to your medical records except for what you provide for him. It’s the pre-hire drug screen that will cause you any questions.
I have a perscription for percocet for a herniated disc in my lower back & I also take lyrica and gabbapentin with perscription for numbness i sometimes get in an area on the topof my left thigh. I am not a diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure. The percocet was perscribed by my primary doctor & the lyrica & gabbapentin was perscribed by my Neorolagist. My question is can I get a D.O.T. card?
@Dennis
It will depend on the class of your license. Class A, you are going to need a medical release form from your doctor explaining your medications and their needs and effects.
Class D and all you need is a medical card to operate a smaller vehicle, then a medical release form and you should be good to go.
In New York State State can I drive a school bus if I have peripheral neuropathy
@Mike
That would best be answered from your local/state drivers license department. Each state is a little different and your local DLD should best answer this question.
can you be cal certified taking suboxone
@Steve
All depends on the reasoning behind the prescription. A doctors medical release form will be a big help to the CME doing the examination. Have your doctor explain why you are taking the medication and what his prognosis is for getting off the medication, if at all possible.
Hi i’m in the same boat. I just went for my d.o.t physical and passed with flying colors but I was honest and and told him I was on suboxone and he automatically disqualified me also did a pre employment drug screen which today notified my employer but the thing that gets me is my employer told me he was going to notify the registry and they were going to take away my CDL.can he even do that?
@Nick
They can’t take your CDL away from you, only your medical certificate. Once you have resolved the medication malfunction, you can renew your medical certificate.
Will Invokana make it so I can’t pass the urine test on dot physical? or can I get a paper from my doctor so I can pass it.?
@Esther
For this medication you will need a medical release form from your doctor and your latest A1c. That helps the CME with his decision making process by having all the information when he starts the examination.
I HAVE TO TAKE LEVOTHROID OR SYNTHROID FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM. I HAVE A CDL AND AM A TRUCK DRIVER. CAN I DRIVE TAKING EITHER OF THESE MEDICATIONS?
@Steve
Make sure you take a medical release form from your prescribing doctor explaining your condition. With the release in hand at the time of the examination, you should not have any issues.
I have had two heart attacks,the first one in 2011 that required a quadruple bypass. the second one June 30th 2015.Here is the list of meds I currently take. Are there any that would be disqualifying, and Im I going to have problems keeping my medical card. thanks
Atorvastatin
Carvedilol
Plavix
Losartan
Nitroglycerin
@Phillip
Following a heart attack you need a healing period before you can sit for your next medical to return to work. Since you have had a second heart attack recently, you will need a stress test every two years and a medical release form completed by your cardiologist before you go for the DOT examination.
Then based on that information, the CME will make his recommendations. Your doctor needs to explain what and why you are on the medications that you take and what the potential safety issues that may arise from their usage. Based on the cardiologist findings and medical release form you will probably be limited to a one year card and a stress test every two years.
I’m taking trazodone 50 mg tab. Will it prevent me from passing my D.O.T physicol?
@Javier
If this medication is controlling your situation, then make sure you take a medical release form from your doctor explaining your needs and the other effects that you may experience while on these meds. With the proper information from your prescribing doctor, the CME can make a better and more informed decision regarding you driving and taking this medication.
Do vitamins and OTR ibuprofen violate DOT regulations? Do you have to have a script for them?
@Cantrell
If any medication, like ibuprofen, or OTC vitamins are being used then you may need an explanation for its use, but what the CME is most concerned about is the possible side effects. Is it safe, are there possible effects that could cause the driver to lose control of the CMV that he is operating, etc? If your doctor recommended a specific OTC medication or vitamin, then a note to the CME would simply help him make a better informed decision.
I was a otr driver for 12 years. In that time i was prescribed celexa 20mg a day. I got out of driving a semi for 5 years and am going back into driving a semi. My docter gave me the celexa for a slight conversation disorder? “Stress i belive”. Am i leagle to still take this medication? I have a d.o.t. drug screen and physical and am not sure what has changed in the past 5 years with medications. Thank you!! Again, celexa 20mg dayley for slight conversion disorder from i.u. medical centers of Indianapolis indiana.. one other question? Will the d.o.t. even test for this drug or will it even show up? Happy 4th of july doc!!
@Rod
Due to this medication’s potential side effects you are going to have to answer some questions. Get your primary prescribing doctor to fill out a medical release form for you. The release will answer most of the questions that a CME is going to have.
As far as drug testing, if you have a prescription and the MRO can get information from your primary, then you should not have any issues.
Happy 4th to All!
Will taking buspirone 10mg twice a day Keep me from getting my DOT card or passing my DOT examination? Thanks
@Herman
This medication will pose many questions for the DOT examiner. Start with a medical release form from your prescribing doctor, explaining your situation and how you have handled the medication. The side-effects and possible other effects may be in question. Also indicate how long you have been on this medication. All this information done before you get the examination will be a huge help before you get started on the DOT medical examination.
my doctor prescribed Norco for back pain will this disquailify me from driving with a cdl don’t plan on taking while driving
@gregg
It’s going to pop positive on a drug scan and will effect your ability to operate a CMV. So, if taken as prescribed and not during driving hours, you may be alright. Make sure you have a copy of your prescription with you for any drug testing.
@Trucker Docs & Gregg, sorry about the book…
Usually Norco is given short term, however it has been prescribed successfully as a long term narcotic in the setting of chronic pain.
I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis for 5+ years, I’m on over a dozen prescription meds including Norco that has been dose stable for 5 years.
I’ve had 3 DOT physicals with 3 different CME’s (all two year) since my diagnosis and fully disclosed all meds.
The last CME was registered and the physical was done after the new regulations. I never knew about the release form until I visited this site today. I did bring my previous long form, done by my family doctor who isn’t getting a cert as he only has 2 patients that need DOT physicals, to my most recent physical. I had no problems.
I take Norco while I’m driving, the only effect it has is pain relief from the joint pain that is always present somewhere. ‘Forever’ pain, even when it isn’t severe can be physically exhausting. I didn’t drive at first, but after so many years at the same dose- 20 to 60 mg a day my side effects are nil.
I’ve never tested positive on a drug test, not even a call back. I asked the drug test place why it never showed up and they said if I’m taking it as prescribed it generally won’t.
So the bottom line is this- be totally honest with all providers and the CME. Don’t drive if you have side effects! Do drive if you don’t! You must be the judge on this. Sometimes the effect of pain on our driving skills is dangerous so know when you need to rest and plan trips accordingly. My long form has a statement written by the doctor- “these medications do not interfere with this driver’s ability to operate a cmv”.
@Gregg, I hope your pain is never chronic. If it is do what you can and stay out of the ‘pain’ clinics. If you love to drive it is one of the best therapies.
I know Suboxone is a testy subject regarding CDL medical exams. I have been taking 2mg Suboxone since 2009 and have a Medical Release Opinion Form filled out by my prescribing doctor. The reason my doctor wrote for prescribing me Suboxone is Opiate Dependency Disorder, which is true, but it doesn’t go into any detail as to why I was prescribed opiates in the first place. Is it pretty much up to the examining officers opinion whether I get cleared or not? I went to a walk in clinic to get the exam done on my own dime first to make sure I could pass, but I did not have the Medical Release Opinion Form yet and they said I could not be cleared while taking Suboxone. With the form filled out, will that make it so I’m able to be cleared?
@Matt
This really depends on the examiner. If the examiner actually understands what the drivers do and what they need, then you may not have any issues, once you have your medical release form completed by your primary prescribing doctor. If you go back to the same place, you won’t pass. It’s because there are guidelines in place that are being mis-read. So get the release and then go for another examination with someone who understands the driving community.
Hi doctor quick question I have a herniated disc in my lower back that causes pain but it normally only affects me at night while I am trying to sleep. My doctor prescribed me Percocet to take at bedtime he gave me clearance and said it won’t affect me driving in the morning at all as long as I get a good night sleep. With his authorization can the doctors on my job stop me from working even with his clearance? I am very careful how I take this and only take it before bed if needed but I am working for the city and I am still on probation and don’t want this to cause me my job. I thank you in advance for your answer.
@Kevin
With proper documentation from your prescribing doctor, you should be able to continue working. You may be drug tested and more than likely your test will be positive. With a prescription from the primary prescribing doctor, your drug test should then be negative via the MRO’s report, but proper documentation is going to be the key here.
If I ask my doctor to prescribe Viagra or Cialis to me, is this disqualifying?
@ Jason
Not that I am aware of. These meds do not disqualify you from anything.
Does anyone know off hand what the average wait time is to get an Insulin Exception approved by DOT. I was scheduled to go to class for a big company, even put in my 2 week notice at my current job but was then told by the recruiter that I would have to get an exception approved by the DOT before I could even start. According to the DOT website, they have up to 6 months to get my approval back. Are you kidding me? My position has already been filled even though I rescinded my resignation less then 24 hrs. after giving it. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
@ Kathy
DOT website says six months, but I have seen them come back a little sooner than that. But I would not hold my breath for it. The FMCSA is just giving themselves a broad window to operate within.
I am a Canadian commercial truck driver and have been prescribed morphine for over twelve years for chronic pain syndrome. I have in the past while on the prescribed meds drove long haul US loads for three different companies all the while complying with and participating in random drug testing. I have been off the road for almost three years(my choice) but have now decided to return to the trucking industry. The first large company I interviewed with has expressed issue with this. In the past when I would provide a urine sample I would receive a call from the MRO who would interview me asking such questions such as are you taking your pain meds as prescribed by your DR. and do they have any effect on your ability to operate a truck etc. This company thinks that I am disqualified from driving US because of it. I believe as a Canadian driver the completion and passing of my Class ABZ commercial drivers medical in Ontario which lists my meds and that they do not effect my ability to drive a truck or bus which is completed and signed by my family Dr. is accepted as a valid medical card, Can you please help clarify this? Also I have been weaning myself off the morphine in small increments for six months, recently my Dr. has prescribed Clonidine to help address the withdrawal effects of this is this an issue? Finally it has been suggested by my Dr. that to help complete the total removal from the morphine use, that I take Suboxone for a short time, is there an issue with this drug.
I would appreciate your input;
Don
@Don
Suboxone will be a big issue, so don’t head in that direction. If your doctor will complete a medical release form for you indicating the needs and usage of your present medications, then the release will explain your long term usage and its effect on you. You have been on this medication for years, all that is needed is a solid explanation to the CME so that he has all the available information to make an intelligent decision.
Don
If it helps, I recently was going to return to trucking also and am on Suboxone and yes it has become and extreme issue I used to take it before when I drove and same as you show my bottle and script and all was good but companies are tightening up now so stay away from suboxone if possible. Yes it would help you but you just trade one addiction for another a lot of times so thats just a little FYI for you
Good Luck Brother
So are you saying that Suboxone, the supposed cure for my 14 year pain med dependency is worse than remaining on the morphine? By the way my situation started with Tylenol with codeine, escalated to straight codeine tablets and then to morphine in increasing prescribed strength as the years went by. All the while I was told by Dr. after Dr. and by several orthopaedic surgeons that as long as I was afflicted with chronic pain that I would never become addicted and Workers Comp seemed to be of the same opinion as they would rather pay for five hundred dollars worth of narcotics every month instead of covering say a third of that amount in physical therapy or chiropractic care which had been helping but not fast enough to satisfy Comp.
Don
@ Don
With proper documentation on the medical release form, you may be OK.
Where my problem came in one when my company has all of a sudden decided they are going to do Hair Follicle testing where they cut hair off and test……it goes back 3 months……..I was trying then my company kept telling me that suboxone is a narcotic and its diqualifying to us so you may not drive on it……so I was basically screwed my driving career down toilet because this companies doctor would not listen to anything positive about it he already had in his mind that it was bad and that you could not drive on it so I was just left out in cold…..he told me to hit the road that no way was I driving for them
Good Luck to you
My son is a trucker. He has a lot of back and neck pain. In the past his doctor has prescribed both flexeril and lortab on and off but he has gotten conflicting information regarding the legality of taking them. The question is simple. Is there a pain medication that is legal to take as long as a doctor has prescribed it?
@Nancy
You need a medical release form completed by your primary prescribing doctor. He will need to explain the need and the usage of the medications that he is prescribing. FMCSA is looking to keep everybody safe. These medications can effect the drivers ability to perform their duties safely. All pain medications are going to have to have a medical release form completed by the primary doctor with a solid explanation for usages.
I am confused and I know the question has been asked about suboxone, I drove a truck back in the 2000s and would fill out my form for DOT physical and put suboxone down but then it would never show up on a drug screen so I would get asked questions by doctor doing physical and show him/her the bottle and get a card. Now they do all kind of testing a friend had hair testing. Did the DOT get stricter now and go farther than just the mandated 5 Panal test they used to do? I was going to go with same company but I cant because Im sure I will probably be failed due to suboxone which I have taken 10 years and funny thing I worked for this company before while taking suboxone this has me all confused…I know it can cause bad side affects for people just starting but being on it this long I feel no affects and I cant take anything else bad and switch around as I have to go monthly to doctor to get it and he drug tests me everytime before he will give me a script So obviously the DOT is tightening up or they are allowing more than the 5 Panal test they used to mandate
@Steven
Companies are tighten the drug testing, not the DOT, at least not yet.
All DOT drug screens look for the same things that they did a few years ago.
Also, if you have a proper prescription from your doctor then there is no need to worry about testing positive. The prescription from your primary doctor will take a positive test and turn it to a properly prescribed medication/negative.
Hi
So it will even turn a suboxone script from a positive to a negative or do you need other info now
@Steven
From a drug testing stand point the properly used prescription with a copy of the prescription and the doctors name should clear you for the drug test.
From a DOT medical examiners stand point you will want to get a medical release form from your prescribing doctor, and be ready to answer a bunch of questions.