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What to Bring to Your DOT Physical Exam?
 

All drivers must bring a valid driver's license, most recent or current DOT medical card/certificate, list of all medications AND the corresponding medical clearance from treating provider to drive a CMV.

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To minimize pauses in your determination status

upon examination day: READ BELOW 

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If you are Diabetic:

  • name of current medication, dosage, name of treating provider and their contact information.

  • must bring most recent A1C (HgA1C) results.

  • If you are taking insulin: MCSA 5870 form completed by your treating physician required PRIOR to exam.

    • click HERE for the form or go to fmcsa.dot.gov for more information

    • insulin-treated diabetes is a FMCSA non-discretionary standard.

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If you have High Blood Pressure:

  • name of current medication, dosage, name of treating provider and their contact information. 

  • be mindful of not drinking too much caffeine the day of examination.

  • also be mindful to not smoke a cigarette or chewing tobacco immediately before examination.

  • have you heard of white coat syndrome? please don't let your nerves get the best of you! (we promise that we aren't wearing any literal white coats in our office) 

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If you wear glasses/contacts or hearing aids to drive:

  • you must wear them on the day of your examination.  

  • if you are having any doubts about your vision or hearing, please visit your doctor PRIOR to examination.

    • vision and hearing are both a FMCSA non-discretionary standard.

  • did you know dry eyes can also hinder your exam results? if you suffer from this, be sure to use your lubricating drops before your exam.  

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If you have sleep apnea (OSA):

  • must bring in CPAP compliance report -- the compliance data should not be more than 30 days old and should be for a minimum of 90 days.

  • FMCSA defines compliance as at least 70% of nightly use (4 hours per night).

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If you have heart-related issues:

  • this includes (but not limited to) the use of a stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, heart attack.

  • must bring a clearance letter from your cardiologist (heart specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, and indicates that you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle. 

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If you have suffered a stroke, brain tumor, or have a seizure disorder:

  • bring a clearance letter from your neurologist (brain and nerve specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, current neurologic and psychiatric state -- indicating that you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle 

  • the FMCSA has a non-discretionary standard related to epilepsy. click HERE for more information. 

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If you are taking medication that may cause sedation, sleepiness, or a controlled substance:

  • this includes (but is not limited to) narcotics, anxiety meds, ADHD meds, sleeping pills.

  • must bring a clearance letter from treating provider that outlines the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medications. 

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If you take the blood thinner Warfarin 

(Coumadin/Jantoven):

  • must bring a clearance letter from your doctor outlining your medical history, if they consider you safe to drive a CMV, recent INR (blood level).

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If you have a permanent loss of use of an arm or leg:

  • you may need a Skilled Performance Examination (SPE) in order to qualify for your DOT card. 

    • click HERE for more information or got to fmcsa.dot.gov

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

If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary care provider or specialist physician BEFORE your DOT physical examination. Each physical exam, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. 

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While we understand the importance of your medical card, the expiration date is not our office's responsibility. We must adhere strictly to FMCSA rules and regulations. Please ensure you schedule your DOT exam a few weeks in advance (so that if there are any pauses in your determination status, you have enough time to get it taken care of while still continuing to drive.) 

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