PHYSICAL EXAM FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVING

It is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the DOT or NON-DOT physical health exam. Plan for your exam, as it is a part of planning your career longevity. Schedule early before your expiration date. Don't wait until the last minute!

ALL DRIVERS

After booking your appointment online, you will be sent a link (text and email) to fill out all medical health information. You are encouraged to download the DRIVER MOBILE APP for any needed clearance letters.
You are required to complete the online health history form BEFORE you come to your appointment.
If you do not complete your online history before coming, you must reschedule online based on availability.
Bring your current driver's license (or state ID/passport) and medical card/certificate (if you have a current CDL)
If you have no known health conditions or symptoms, there should be no clearances/testing needed to obtain your DOT card. We will screen you and make you aware of any probable health issues.
Be prepared to satisfactorily discuss questions regarding any "YES" or "UNSURE" answers in your medical history.
Know the name of your diagnoses/conditions, and bring a complete list of ALL medications and reasons for use.
Bring a copy of any required annual testing and a clearance letter for any diagnosed condition from your Primary Care Physician or Specialist before certification. Language-specific clearance letters related to your conditions are required.
Additionally, while obtaining testing and clearance information, if you have multiple or extensive health issues, also bring your last medical record from your Primary Care Physician and/or Specialist. to avoid delay in receiving your medical card.
Be advised that a mandatory waiting period after treatment may be required if you have experienced any recent episodes of a condition.
If you have ANY current medical work restrictions, you WILL be disqualified. An exception includes having an SPE (Skilled Performance Evaluation) for loss of limb use.

Download your required clearance letter from

PASS MY PHYSICAL DRIVER APP!

Drivers who require ASSISTIVE DEVICES (such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids)

Bring your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids.
You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test WITH the necessary aids, otherwise, you WILL be disqualified.
The is an exemption available for more significant eye conditions.

Drivers who have VISION CONDITIONS WHICH REDUCES VISIBILITY (such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration) CLEARANCE LETTER or ANNUAL EXAM REQUIRED

Bring your ANNUAL (within the prior year) eye exam or clearance letter. from the optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
The is an exemption available for more significant eye conditions.

Drivers who have HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/HYPERTENSION

Your blood pressure SHOULD be equal to or below 140/90 (includes both numbers) on the day of your exam or you will not qualify for a 1-year DOT card.
If you have recently been given a 3-month card, your blood pressure MUST be equal to or below 140/90, or you WILL be immediately disqualified from driving until your reading is within these parameters.
Both numbers MUST be in range, not just one.
You will be immediately disqualified from (further) driving if your blood pressure is 180/110 or greater.
Highly Suggested: Use your automatic blood pressure unit to self-screen days before your exam to ensure this is an excellent time to be evaluated for your medical card.

Drivers who have DIABETES (with or without insulin)

Your blood sugar should be controlled.
Bring RECENT (within 3 months) results of a Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) lab test if you are poorly controlled, or it can be performed during your exam (additional fee).
If you take insulin, you MUST bring a fully completed and recent (within 45 days) FORM MCSA-5870 with you. Have your PCP fill out and sign the form BEFORE your exam. If you show up for the exam without it, you WILL be disqualified.

Drivers who are OVERWEIGHT/OBESE (with and/or without other disease risk factors)

You will be required to complete an evaluation for sleep apnea within a period of 1 to 3 months after your DOT exam if you have a BMI of 40 or greater, meaning you may only receive a 1 to 3-month medical certificate if you do not bring recent prior written proof of no sleep disturbance. This will allow you time to obtain the required testing and compliance report while allowed to drive short-term.
A sleep apnea study may be needed if you have a BMI of 33 to 39 along with other risk factors. This is based on the current FMCSA risk factors guidelines, which include having risk factors of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, over 50 years of age, neck size, and throat opening/clearance to name a few,

Drivers who have SLEEP APNEA (nighttime sleep disturbance) and/or use a CPAP machine

New CPAP users, bring recent documentation of at least 3 months of complaint use at 70% or greater for 4 hours per night.
Current CPAP users, bring the reading from your machine documenting proper use of the machine.
- At least 90 consecutive days of data before the exam showing use 4 hours per night, and
- Your usage rate MUST be documented at 70% or greater over at least a recent 3-month period.
A letter from your sleep specialist may also be required if surgically corrected with a 3-month symptom-free period.

Drivers who have HEART-RELATED ISSUES (including a stent, heart transplant, valve replacement/transplant, pacemaker, heart/cardiac bypass surgery, or heart attack/MI) CLEARANCE LETTER REQUIRED

At a minimum, bring a RECENT clearance letter from your cardiologist (heart specialist) that outlines your medical history and current medications and indicates you are safe to drive a commercial vehicle.
You may also be required to bring the results of a recent ECHOcardiogram (stress test or ETT), ELECTROcardiogram (ECG or EKG), INR (prothrombin time), or other testing completed within the past 3 to 6 months.
Use of an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) is disqualifying.

Drivers who have suffered other MAJOR CONDITIONS (such as a stroke/TIA, brain tumor, seizure, lung transplant, or significant respiratory condition, excluding asthma) CLEARANCE LETTER REQUIRED

Bring a RECENT clearance letter from your neurologist (brain or nerve specialist) or pulmonologist (lung specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, and current neurologic and psychiatric/mental state (if required).

Drivers who have experienced the PERMANENT LOSS OR DISABILITY OF AN ARM OR LEG

Bring an overview from your orthopedist (bone or muscle specialist) of your injury (such as a medical record or letter) and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury.
You WILL need a Skilled Performance Evaluation to qualify for your DOT card.

Drivers who require the use of BLOOD THINNERS (Coumadin/Warfarin) CLEARANCE LETTER REQUIRED and LABs

Bring a RECENT, monthly INR (blood level result), and a clearance letter from your doctor stating that you are stabilized.

Drivers who have been diagnosed and treated for MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS (severe depression, psychosis, etc.)

CLEARANCE LETTER REQUIRED

Bring a RECENT clearance letter from your doctor regarding your stability and medication management.

Drivers who are taking ANY MEDICATION that may cause sedation/sleepiness, or taking a controlled substance (which includes opioids like tramadol, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication) CLEARANCE LETTER REQUIRED

CERTAIN MEDICATIONS ARE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFYING REGARDLESS OF THE REASON FOR PRESCRIBING.
You WILL require a clearance letter from your treating physician regarding your ability to drive a DOT vehicle while using certain medications safely.

Drivers who have an ALCOHOL OR DRUG PROBLEM

A current diagnosis of alcoholism and marijuana use for ANY reason is disqualifying.
Bring documentation/certificate of a completed Substance Abuse Program (SAP).
Bring a RECENT negative drug test related to the abused substance.

Download your required clearance letter from

PASS MY PHYSICAL DRIVER APP!

Each examination, just like each DRIVER, is unique.

Be prepared, and call ahead or chat for advice if needed.

The above are guidelines only, and not meant to be all-inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the exam.

Additional testing or information may be required from your Doctor or by your DOT Examiner.

To comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical exam. A certified examiner may be a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. The examiner will review your health history and ask you to list the prescribed medications you take on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the following will be perforned:

Observe your general appearance
Take a urine specimen to check your health status
Check your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
Perform vision tests
Examine your eyes, mouth, throat, and ears
Listen to your heart and lungs
Check your spine and extremities for deformities
Perform a neurological and strength exam
Perform a basic hernia check
Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities

Some medical conditions that might delay or disqualify a candidate from passing the physical exam include a history of epilepsy, an untreated recent history of alcoholism, a diabetic condition for which insulin is needed, loss or impairment of a limb that prevents safe driving, implanted heart defibrillator or the use of medications or drugs like methadone, medical or recreational marijuana, amphetamines or narcotics without a physician’s prescription.

Don't wait until the last minute to schedule your exam. We recommend scheduling your online appointment date at least 2 weeks to 1 month before your expiration date. Give yourself a nice buffer period just in case you have a new medical issue (known or unknown) that may delay granting of your medical card. Common examples include issues with high blood pressure, elevated urine/blood sugar levels, or the need for an additional medical procedure or treatment.
Don't rush driving to the exam, or risk getting stuck in traffic - arrive in ample time to calm yourself. We recommend at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. There are seats available in the general foyer.
Don’t drink caffeinated coffee, soda, or tea 24 hours before your exam as this will elevate your blood pressure.
Don’t smoke cigarettes, vape, or the like within 24 hours before your exam as this will elevate your blood pressure.
Avoid most allergy/cold/flu medication the night before and the day of your exam, This may elevate your blood pressure.
Be mindful of your diet on the days leading up to your exam so as not to artificially elevate your readings.
Take your vitamins and supplements as a boost to your health.
Drink plenty of water on the days leading up to your exam to regulate your body systems, flushing excess sugar and salt.
Drink some water prior to arriving for a urinalysis.
Finally, relax by taking deep, slow, and controlled breaths to de-stress. We are here to help you!

Check the “What to bring/expect" tab and call ahead if needed.

Here is a shortened version of FMCSA Rules and Regulations.

(For the full, legal version go to FMCSA 49 CFR Part 391.41)

Physical Qualifications for Drivers:

A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person does not have any of the following conditions which may interfere with the ability to control, operate, and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely:

No loss of a foot, leg hand, or arm.***
No impairment of hand or finger which interferes with power grasping, or no impairment of arm, foot, or leg which interferes with ability. ***
Uncontrolled blood sugar or diabetes.
No current diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or other cardiovascular disease known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
No history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with ability.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
No history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease which interferes with ability.
No history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other similar condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability.
No mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with ability.
Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 or better, field of vision of at least 70 degrees horizontally, and the ability to perceive red, green, and amber.***
Ability to perceive a forced whisper in the better ear at no less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
Does not use a Schedule I drug, amphetamine, narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug likely to interfere with ability.
Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.

*** Federal option available if otherwise qualified. Please call for advice.

IMPORTANT: Before booking an appointment at DOTexamclinic, our Office Policy mandates that you thoroughly read and review each tab on this SERVICES page. We desire that each driver take initiative to become educated as best as possible regarding how your health may immediately impact your ability to drive BEFORE you show to your appointment. This will help eliminate surprises and unnecessary time off work due to a disqualification that you should be aware of. If you show to your appointment without the required medical documentation for your health condition or with a poor, unmanaged health status, you may be immediately disqualified from further driving until the requirements are fulfilled. Please feel free to call our clinic with any of your health concerns or questions BEFORE booking online.

Drivers,

We realize that this may be a lot to review for some. Please understand this is here to give you confidence during your exam, no matter your health status. You will know what is needed, and inform you if driving is feasible for you at this time. If you become a returning client, you will know these basic tools inside and out. You will be able to pass this information on to your colleagues, hopefully becoming (if not already) an advocate for healthy living.

The goal of the DOT / NON-DOT or CDL exam at DOTexamclinic.com is to determine whether a potential driver is physically capable of driving safely at the present time as well as in the foreseeable future. View this information as bonus education, as it can be difficult to know what is required to prep for your exam to maintain your livelihood. We are here to be of assistance as a driver's advocate, arming you with the knowledge along your health journey.

Successfully passing all portions of the DOT Physical Exam for a Commercial Driver's License usually means you only have to take the exam once within a 12 to 24-month timeframe. Although, in some instances, this period might be decreased if unmanaged health problems are present or can potentially arise in the future. At times, a driver's health condition may be disqualifying until the health status is considered medically stable by your doctor and/or until you obtain the proper recent documentation. There are some health conditions, symptoms, and medications that are automatically disqualifying, which means that a driver cannot drive a commercial vehicle with the condition, symptom, and/or medication until any applicable waiting period has elapsed and medical clearance from your doctor is received.

This federally mandated exam is serious, with potentially fatal consequences occurring if health findings or applicable guidelines are overlooked or ignored, which will NOT be the case. The most common health issues do not stop the majority of drivers from driving, but they can pose an issue with the length of your medical card and when you are able to return to work, Thus, completing the exam does not always grant an immediate medical card. Please come with this in mind.

Our motto is "The doctor does not 'pass' you, but rather your health does." Thus, we handle EVERY exam with integrity. If you comply with the information as read, hopefully, your experience at DOTexamclinic will be without stress and a desirable/delightful clinic to acquire your continued right to "own the road!"

In the coming days, we hope to add economical services that help you in your overall health journey and maintenance! Stay tuned and subscribe.

Kindly and With Blessings,

Dr. Samuel

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DOT Exam Clinic

PHYSICAL EXAM FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVING

> Schedule your appointment online. (Not accepting new clients at this time.)

PHYSICAL EXAM FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVING

> Schedule your appointment online.
(Not accepting new clients at this time.)