If you’re a first-time driver of a commercial vehicle, there is a lot you need to learn. One of those things being is that it is important to have a DOT medical card. Once you’ve gone through the steps of obtaining the card, then another question begs for an answer, because you realize that you forgot to ask your doctor about this. So, how long does a DOT medical card last?
Typically, a DOT medical card can last for two years. Some doctors provide a medical examiner’s certificate to monitor any uncontrollable health condition. To renew your DOT medical card there is a process to even obtaining the medical card and a reason as to why commercial drivers need one.
Keep reading to learn more about how long a DOT medical card lasts, why you need one, and how to get a card and submit it.
How Long Does a Dot Medical Card Last?
A DOT medical card must stay valid for you to be a legal big rig driver. But how long do they last?
A single DOT medical card is valid for two years before you have to obtain a new one. For those with a high-risk health condition or disability, the doctor that conducted your DOT physical could also provide you with a medical examiner’s certificate which is valid for the same amount of time.
There are reasons as to why you need to have a DOT medical card and a process to obtain one every two years. Keep reading to learn more about why a commercial driver needs a DOT medical card and how to get one from your doctor.
How to Obtain a DOT Medical Card
A DOT (Department of Transportation) medical card is a required piece of documentation for drivers to be allowed to drive commercial vehicles. For the drivers to be on the road, it is important for them to quickly schedule an appointment with a doctor to complete a DOT physical. Some companies can include same-day examinations to get a DOT medical card, while others can take days or weeks.
To obtain a DOT medical card, you will need to complete a required DOT physical examination that is conducted by a suitable doctor.
Not all doctors are qualified to perform the exam, so to determine what doctor is you will need to find a list of doctors on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website that are in your surrounding area that meets the qualifications to perform the examination.
What to Bring to a DOT Physical Exam
Now that you know you must undergo a DOT physical exam before you can get your DOT medical card, you may be wondering what you need to bring.
Here is a list of things you should bring to your DOT physical:
- $125
- Any medications that you may be taking along with the dosages
- Prescription eyeglasses
Basically, you need anything that you deem as important to make the doctor aware of before the examination begins.
What Tests Will I Undergo During the DOT Physical Exam?
During the exam, there are specific requirements that involve the doctor filling out a five-page report.
This report includes:
- An eye examination.
- A hearing test.
- A urine test.
- Their medical history.
- Potentially, a test to check your heart.
If everything checks out and you are deemed healthy, then you are given the DOT medical card. However, also, if your doctor feels like there are certain health issues that can seem like concerns and may need monitoring, then they will ask you to follow up with them before the end of the 24 months to check in on you.
What Can Disqualify Me from a DOT Medical Card?
Some can qualify for a DOT medical card, but some can easily disqualify for it, as well. If you have any sort of health condition or addiction to alcohol, that can potentially interfere with your safe driving (i.e. becoming dizzy, drowsy, or losing consciousness), then you are likely to be disqualified from passing the physical examination.
Other examples of potential disqualification can include:
- Kidney disease.
- Seizure disorder.
- Unstable heart condition.
- Uncontrolled High blood pressure.
- Untreated diabetes.
- Vision and/or hearing loss.
- Substance abuse, including marijuana whether it is medical or not.
As mentioned you could be potentially disqualified for one reason or another, but if you happen to rectify that issue for next time, then you are allowed to reapply for the medical card. And after you’ve received your card, then you can submit it by mail, fax, online, or at your local DMV.
Closing
You now know how long medical DOT cards last while also learning why you would need one, and how to obtain one, as well. When attempting to receive your medical DOT card, it is important to ensure that you are providing the doctor with your correct information to receive your medical DOT card and being completely honest with your doctor.